Banana Pudding and you – a recipe for success?

Editor's note: WRAL Local Tech Wire has added another feature with the launch of the "Innovation Exchange." Noah Garrett, former executive director of communications for the North Carolina Technology Association, is a creative spirit, from writing music to news stories, who owns and operates NGC Communications. The focus of the Innovation Exchange is just that – creating a Web community through which people can exchange ideas and foster creativity.

Participate in the Exchange. Send ideas and feedback to: noah@thinkngc.com

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – A successful innovator seeks to find a solution when others would throw in the towel. This can be difficult to do. Slow or no progress, stumbling blocks, and naysayers may test the mettle of an innovator. It is important to distinguish between failure and opportunity.

Do you like Banana Pudding? Have you ever tried to make Banana Pudding? While celebrating the Fourth of July last week, I decided try something that I had never done before – make Banana Pudding from scratch. I found a recipe, followed the instructions (an important part of cooking), and created my delicious masterpiece just in time to surprise my wife when she arrived home from work.

Boy was she surprised! It came out great, all except for the meringue. I really messed that up badly, but overall it tasted pretty darn good. And, by attempting to navigate uncharted pudding territory, I found myself exhilarated by the challenge and it got me thinking about trying more new things.

Many of you may or may not know this, but I have written and produced two albums. On the second album, one of my favorite songs on it is called "If it was easy." The hook of the song goes "If it was easy, it wouldn't be fun." Out of all of the songs I have written over the years, this one is my favorite because it's so true. Think about it. The things you accomplish and are most proud of are the ones which you somehow overcame adversity and conquered a difficult challenge through perseverance.

By the looks of the U.S. economy, times are not booming right now. A few companies are doing well, a few not so much, and many are up just slightly from last year. Recently I asked some business colleagues about what they were doing now to grow their business in a time of economic softness, and I heard things like "We're working really hard" or "We're focusing on our main business" or "We come to work every day and work as hard as we can."

That's all fine and good, but what does that really mean? Sometimes the same ol', same ol' works, but for companies looking to make their mark in fragile economic times, trying something new may just lift your business passed your competitors. Honestly, we as business owners and leaders would be really stupid to keep repeating antiquated formulas just because they worked before and we admired the people who carried out them out successfully.

The point here is to be effective. If a tactic isn't working, you need to change it. If you don't, you are just plain ineffective, and probably not accomplishing your goals.

A good friend and mentor gave me a gift about a year ago as I was looking to launch my new business. It was a simple paper weight with this inscription, "Don't be afraid to stick your neck out there." That statement continues to inspire me often as I look at it on my desk when times get a little tough.

The challenge to everyone this week is to try something new. That is completely open to interpretation. It could be anything from trying a new skill or hobby to attempting to make Banana Pudding. I'm certain that there is something you have wanted to do but didn't have the time or the knowledge to try it.

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic. Don't ask why, say, "Why not?"

Please share your achievements as well as setbacks with the Exchange. We're all friends here.