Nancy Thomas, President/CEO at InUnison
Innovation isn’t just for big tech or well-funded startups. For independent business owners, it often comes through small, practical changes that make a real impact.
In a fast-changing world, adaptability is essential. That doesn’t mean overhauling your business. It means staying open to new ideas and being willing to shift when needed.
Independent businesses are already innovating every day by solving problems, serving their communities and finding creative ways to grow.
When we see innovation as part of how we work, not a separate goal, it becomes a powerful tool for resilience and progress. Here are three ways you can reframe innovation into something more concrete and approachable.
Uncertainty creates opportunity
During periods of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed by shifting market conditions, supply chain disruptions or changes in customer behavior. But uncertainty can also be a powerful catalyst for growth. These are the moments that challenge us to pause, reassess what’s working and let go of what’s not. By using this time to rethink your processes, identify inefficiencies and explore untapped ideas, you can uncover new opportunities that may not have been visible in more stable times. Resilience isn’t just about surviving change. It’s about using it to evolve.
Innovation doesn’t have to be complicated
When we hear the word “innovation” it’s tempting to think of high-tech solutions or major investments. But for most small and local businesses, innovation shows up in smaller, more accessible ways. It could mean rearranging your storefront layout to improve customer flow, adjusting your hours to better match foot traffic or using social media in a more intentional way. True innovation starts with a willingness to look at your business through a fresh lens. Often, it’s not about doing more, but really about doing things differently.
Lead with creativity, not fear
In uncertain times, it’s natural to make decisions from a place of fear. But, as someone once said to me, “If you’re not a little bit scared, you’re probably not doing it right.” That fear should be repositioned as butterflies. If you’re scared or have flutters, that could mean you’re simply stretching out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Could creativity mean putting yourself in front of the camera and trying to make social media content with a trending sound? Could it mean imagining an entirely new business concept—just to compare it with what you’re currently doing and spark new ideas for improvement? However you get your creative juices flowing, lean into that and don’t let the fear take over.
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Need more help reframing what it means to innovate? Want to explore what innovation looks like in action? Join us at InnovateLocal on June 25 to hear from renowned innovation leaders Aaron Montgomery and Andy Stefanovich. Their insights will challenge the usual way of thinking and help you see new possibilities for your business. On top of that, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded local businesses, giving you a chance to swap ideas, learn from each other and spark new collaborations.
To register for InnovateLocal, visit our event page.
