Sanjay Dalal's Page

What is the name of your business?

InnovationMain.com - Creativity and Innovation Driving Business

What is your website URL?

http://www.innovationmain.com

Where is your business based?

Irvine, California

What is your name? (We prefer your full first and last name but you can use either, or even a nick-name.)

Sanjay Dalal

Describe your business (product, service, quirky things you want to include, etc.)

The mission of Creativity and Innovation Driving Business is to provide uncommon insights, strategy and solutions with proven processes that drive Creativity and Innovation at your business, create real market growth and success for your products and services, and achieve market leadership. We make innovation a sustainable competitive advantage, inspire you to build an innovation factory, effect and manage change and accelerate your business. We have considerable experience and expertise in working with small, growing and established companies, product and marketing departments, innovation teams and entrepreneurs.

Who is your customer?

Vice President of Products, Vice President of Sales, Vice President of Marketing, CEO, President, COO, Product Marketing Director, Product Manager, Marketing Manager, Marketing Director, Business Development Manager, Business Development Director, Sales Manager, Sales Director, Small Business Owner, Entrepreneur

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I began my blog on "Creativity and Innovation Driving Business" in 2006. I have been a product manager and have launched innovative products to market, and grown product line revenue to tens of millions of annual dollars. After I began writing best practices, sharing insights and publishing case studies on my blog, I was amazed to see the need for this information from professionals and faculty all over the world. I created the Innovation Index in December 2006 that correlated Innovation and Business performance. In 2008, I published the first Faculty eBook and Definitive Guide on Creativity and Innovation in Business that is now used by about 300 organizations including University of California, Irvine, Pepsi, EDS, Pfizer, Deloitte, and many more. The idea of launching Innovation and Leadership Strategy, Services and Consulting was a natural extension of all my efforts on Innovation.

How long have you been in business?

Since 2006.

What's been your greatest moment so far? (i.e. Signing your first client, getting the big order, some great PR?)

Getting my first customer for the Innovation eBook and Faculty eBook. This was a huge moment. Then, getting my first customer for the Innovation Bootcamp - engaging online workshops to jumpstart innovations! This was even a greater moment. Finally, getting recognized by peers for the work I am doing on innovation and having them talk about this on their blogs.

What was your biggest mistake?

I expanded the Innovation Index model and launched an innovative investment management business by creating the Innovation Index Fund. Although the fund performed nicely early-on in 2008, when the markets collapsed, the fund lost a lot of money. In hindsight, I could have spent all of 2008 growing the Innovation Consulting business. However, Innovation Index did gain a lot of traction and mindshare from the investment and innovation community, and I made a lot of contacts.

What was your smartest move?

Selling the Innovation and Faculty eBook direct, online through my blog and dedicated websites.

What are your business plans? (i.e. Expansion, franchising, selling for a gazillion dollars?)

I want to expand the Innovation and Leadership Consulting practice considerably in 2009. My plan is to offer Innovation strategy and services to at least six businesses in 2009. I also want to establish the Innovation Bootcamp as recurring online workshops (every month) to help businesses with their innovation and change initiatives. This way, I can help many professionals and businesses become innovators through my online workshops and training seminars.

Are you a member of any OC-based associations, networking groups, etc?

Irvine Chamber of Commerce
Dean's Leadership Circle, UC Irvine, Business School
Rotary Club of Newport-Irvine
Cal State Fullerton, Web 2.0 Advisory Board
Student Site Council, Turtle Rock Elementary School

Are you willing to answer questions about your business from other small business owners?

Yes