Virtual Sharing for The Next Killer Idea

There is a proliferation of new websites, tools and blogs (or “blobs” for one) encouraging big idea people to share their ideas freely, either to find a way to bring ones idea to life, or in many cases, to win money or other prizes (flat screen TVs, for example).

The following are example tools or sites looking to capitalize on the minds of many to fish for the next killer idea:

 1. BrightIdea‘s Web Storm Tool

BrightIdea prides itself on “On-Demand Innovation Management”, and it rightly should.  Web Storm is a tool that allows your corporate team to innovate 24/7 by posting, commenting on, and ranking ideas via a blog like tool.  I’ve been using this tool for a few weeks now to generate new ideas and it’s been great to collaborate and share thoughts on ideas with colleagues from around the world.  It’s sparking ideas for my own practice as well.

2. Promoting, and Attracting New, Businesses

Advanta, focused on providing credit lines to small businesses, created the IdeaBlob.  This forum not only provides a lot of value to current Advanta customers via posting business ideas and lending advice, but is an excellent way for Advanta to build its brand as a recognized source to foster new business development (which perpetuates, and collects information on, Advanta’s prospect pipeline).

3. Holding a “Closed” Forum for Idea Generation, and Business Expansion

There’s still reason to have “closed” idea submission forums, especially when you are competing for big prizes.  Take for example Facebook’s recent app building contest for the fbFund - it’s not only for dollars, but inherent marketing via a very large Facebook community.  I haven’t even been thinking about building a Facebook app, but seeing the contest had my mind spinning.

4. Constant Idea Generation and Absorption

For the ultimate idea generators, springspotters will be up your virtual alley in not only being able to submit ideas, but absorb ideas and concepts from over 8000 other “spotters” around the world.  And springspotters is exactly what it is – a forum to spot ideas and concepts that could spring into other ideas half way around the world.  What incents people to participate?  Prizes like iPods and other gadgets.

As you embark on sharing your ideas virtually, or look towards an “On-Demand Innovation” initiative, consider the following before beginning your journey:

• Does your company have a way to harvest its mind share today?
• Is there a process to go from idea generation to launch of product or service?
• How do you keep up and motivate people to continuously share their ideas so to be loyal to your forum as new idea forums pop up every day?
• What reasoning do you have to share, or not share an idea?
• Who in the end owns the idea on these types of forums?

Would love to see your comments!

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