“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?” – from the play Back To Methuselah by George Bernard Shaw
If George Bernard Shaw hadn’t written the play Back To Methuselah, what would have been Ted Kennedy’s final line in his brother Bobby’s eulogy? I have no idea. But it wouldn’t have likely been “Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream things that never were and ask why not.”
___________________
I saw footage online yesterday of actor Eric Stolz in the lead role of Marty McFly from the 1985 movie “Back to the Future.” Apparently Stolz, unbeknownst to me until yesterday, was originally cast in the role, but was replaced five weeks into shooting because his comedic sensibilities weren’t quite right for the role.
For me “Back to the Future” is an iconic movie. As is Michael J. Fox in the role of Marty McFly. Watching snippets of footage with Eric Stolz in the lead role was odd at best and actually difficult to fully absorb. Michael J. Fox is Marty McFly. It has never occurred to me that it could ever have been anyone else. The footage made me start to wonder though. “Back to the Future” could easily have been something other than what it ultimately became. The principle characters in the story – of the movie itself and how the movie came to be – could easily have been different.
Gutenberg is credited with movable type.
Charles Darwin posited the theory of evolution and natural selection.
The Wright brothers began to fly.
Albert Einstein postulated the theory of relativity.
Steve Jobs orchestrated the development of the iPod.
Are some innovations inevitable?
If Johnny “The Caveman” Johnson hadn’t invented the wheel, would someone else have?
Is a cure for cancer inevitable and history has simply not yet recorded its discoverer?
What innovations are you dreaming up? Will they be the things that never were? Or perhaps might someone formulate the innovation before you and history credits someone else with its invention? Or maybe, just maybe, could you be the person in the right place at the right time when the inevitable occurs? Might not the innovation even occur without you?
Dream of things that never were, but know that the only things that come to dreamers are dreams.
Showing posts with label Big E Toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big E Toys. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Unbag The Innovation
Customers don’t always enjoy innovations, especially when they negatively impact the overall experience of a product or service. You can’t force customers to like (or buy) what you’re selling, no matter how good (or good for you and the planet) it might be.
Frito Lay’s 100% biodegradable packaging for Sun Chips for instance didn’t go over too well it seems. For anyone that’s eaten from a regular size bag of Sun Chips recently, you already know what I’m talking about. The bags are downright noisy. They’ve got more crunch than the actual chips.
Personally, I don’t really mind the crunchy bag. It actually makes the Sun Chips experience slightly more unique than eating other kinds of snack chips. Other chips just seem slightly boring to me now. But then again I’m not trying to eat chips during orchestral concerts, at the library, or during pressure-packed putting situations at the Ryder Cup. I also own a few bowls (normally used for cereal) into which I can pour the chips when it’s absolutely necessary to remain quiet. I know not everyone that buys a $3 bag of Sun Chips can afford to buy a three-pack of reusable plastic bowls from the dollar store.
Apparently enough people complained about the 100% biodegradable bags (or rather apparently stopped buying the product because of the bag and thus revenues declined) that Frito Lay (owned by PepsiCo) decided to return to the old, less noisy, plastic packaging for most Sun Chips varieties.
It’s sort of too bad that something relatively innovative and environmentally friendly couldn’t stay on store shelves. It’s not really surprising though. The color of money trumps green every day. Innovations need to cater to what’s wanted, not necessarily what’s needed.
I’m still waiting for less noisy packaging on my Dentyne Ice gum. The enclosed foil wrapper makes it difficult to be discrete at my kid’s school concerts. Despite the dirty looks I sometimes get at these events I haven’t complained to the manufacturer yet.
Garden Salsa Sun Chips are awesome by the way.
Frito Lay’s 100% biodegradable packaging for Sun Chips for instance didn’t go over too well it seems. For anyone that’s eaten from a regular size bag of Sun Chips recently, you already know what I’m talking about. The bags are downright noisy. They’ve got more crunch than the actual chips.
Personally, I don’t really mind the crunchy bag. It actually makes the Sun Chips experience slightly more unique than eating other kinds of snack chips. Other chips just seem slightly boring to me now. But then again I’m not trying to eat chips during orchestral concerts, at the library, or during pressure-packed putting situations at the Ryder Cup. I also own a few bowls (normally used for cereal) into which I can pour the chips when it’s absolutely necessary to remain quiet. I know not everyone that buys a $3 bag of Sun Chips can afford to buy a three-pack of reusable plastic bowls from the dollar store.
Apparently enough people complained about the 100% biodegradable bags (or rather apparently stopped buying the product because of the bag and thus revenues declined) that Frito Lay (owned by PepsiCo) decided to return to the old, less noisy, plastic packaging for most Sun Chips varieties.
It’s sort of too bad that something relatively innovative and environmentally friendly couldn’t stay on store shelves. It’s not really surprising though. The color of money trumps green every day. Innovations need to cater to what’s wanted, not necessarily what’s needed.
I’m still waiting for less noisy packaging on my Dentyne Ice gum. The enclosed foil wrapper makes it difficult to be discrete at my kid’s school concerts. Despite the dirty looks I sometimes get at these events I haven’t complained to the manufacturer yet.
Garden Salsa Sun Chips are awesome by the way.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Chance Favors The Connected Mind
I think Louis Pasteur was right. “Chance favors the prepared mind” he said. It does seem a bit oxymoronic, but by and large I think the sentiment is generally accepted. We must prepare ourselves with knowledge, as well as prepare our minds to recognize, acknowledge, and act upon opportunities that arise. Innovation depends on it.
Being prepared is good.
But arguably being connected is even better.
Author Steven Johnson - whose previous books include The Ghost Map and Everything Bad Is Good For You – has adapted Pasteur’s famous quote.
“Chance favors the connected mind.” – Steven Johnson
I don’t normally plug books or products for others (and know that I have nothing to gain by doing so), but I’m making an exception today. Author Steven Johnson has a new book coming out called Where Good Ideas Come From (it’s not due out until October 5). I’ve not been given an advanced copy so I can’t attest to all that is in it. I did happen to see him present at FEI 2010 in May though where he essentially floated many of the ideas and stories put forth in this new book. I thought his stories and ideas concerning innovation interesting, entertaining, and useful.
Instead of attempting at this time to provide my own overview of the book I’ll simply let you watch this animated preview put together by the publisher. It’s pretty good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NugRZGDbPFU
http://www.stevenberlinjohnson.com/2010/09/good-ideas-the-four-minute-version.html
Steven Johnson’s new book may not actually have much effect on your connectedness. I imagine it might help however with your preparedness.
Being prepared is good.
But arguably being connected is even better.
Author Steven Johnson - whose previous books include The Ghost Map and Everything Bad Is Good For You – has adapted Pasteur’s famous quote.
“Chance favors the connected mind.” – Steven Johnson
I don’t normally plug books or products for others (and know that I have nothing to gain by doing so), but I’m making an exception today. Author Steven Johnson has a new book coming out called Where Good Ideas Come From (it’s not due out until October 5). I’ve not been given an advanced copy so I can’t attest to all that is in it. I did happen to see him present at FEI 2010 in May though where he essentially floated many of the ideas and stories put forth in this new book. I thought his stories and ideas concerning innovation interesting, entertaining, and useful.
Instead of attempting at this time to provide my own overview of the book I’ll simply let you watch this animated preview put together by the publisher. It’s pretty good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NugRZGDbPFU
http://www.stevenberlinjohnson.com/2010/09/good-ideas-the-four-minute-version.html
Steven Johnson’s new book may not actually have much effect on your connectedness. I imagine it might help however with your preparedness.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Know Who You Are, And Act Like It
The closing address last week at FEI2010 was presented by Bert Jacobs, CEO (Chief Executive Optimist) for clothing company Life is good®. His presentation was an excellent finish to an outstanding conference. He was entertaining and inspirational. His down-to-earth, decidedly non-corporate style mixed together what I’d describe as a little bit Robert Fulghum, a little bit Confucianism, a little bit Ben & Jerry’s, and a tiny amount of foul-mouthed language for timely humorous effect. Like I said, it was entertaining and inspirational.
Like the clothing sold by Life is good® itself, Bert’s presentation was filled with little life-lesson sayings to help us on our organizational journeys.
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
“Do what you like. Like what you do.”
“Not all who wander are lost.”
…and more.
From the perspective of those of us looking to innovate, the most intriguing saying for me was
“Know who you are, and act like it.”
I think often times, either as individuals or organizations, we find ourselves copying others or mimicking their actions. Taking the lead of others can be simpler and productive. Doing so isn’t necessarily inherently bad. There are certainly valid reasons for choosing this path. From an organizational perspective regarding innovation it might make perfect strategic sense. I don’t think Bert Jacobs is suggesting that taking the lead of others, or copying what they do, is inherently bad either. It becomes problematic however, both for individuals and organizations, if such mimicking defies your own inner nature and perspective. Copying and following others is problematic to the extent that mimicked actions do not represent who you or your organization really are. It’s okay to copy others unless it leads you down a path that goes against your own being.
Life is good® for instance, rather than following more traditional marketing approaches put forth by other successful clothing purveyors, decided its promotional roots lie in “festivals”. Rather than spend their dollars on traditional advertising, they took their message to the people on the street at festivals – pumpkin festivals, music festivals, etc., many of which are used to raise money to help kids with life-threatening illnesses. Life is good® has nothing against the promotional approaches used by more affluent or upscale imaged clothing brands. It’s just that these approaches and their subsequent image are contrary to what Life is good® is all about. You’ve got to remember that Bert and his brother John are two guys that drove around in a beat up van for five years, living off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches hocking t-shirts door-to-door in college dormitories.
Know who you are, and act like it.
Like the clothing sold by Life is good® itself, Bert’s presentation was filled with little life-lesson sayings to help us on our organizational journeys.
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
“Do what you like. Like what you do.”
“Not all who wander are lost.”
…and more.
From the perspective of those of us looking to innovate, the most intriguing saying for me was
“Know who you are, and act like it.”
I think often times, either as individuals or organizations, we find ourselves copying others or mimicking their actions. Taking the lead of others can be simpler and productive. Doing so isn’t necessarily inherently bad. There are certainly valid reasons for choosing this path. From an organizational perspective regarding innovation it might make perfect strategic sense. I don’t think Bert Jacobs is suggesting that taking the lead of others, or copying what they do, is inherently bad either. It becomes problematic however, both for individuals and organizations, if such mimicking defies your own inner nature and perspective. Copying and following others is problematic to the extent that mimicked actions do not represent who you or your organization really are. It’s okay to copy others unless it leads you down a path that goes against your own being.
Life is good® for instance, rather than following more traditional marketing approaches put forth by other successful clothing purveyors, decided its promotional roots lie in “festivals”. Rather than spend their dollars on traditional advertising, they took their message to the people on the street at festivals – pumpkin festivals, music festivals, etc., many of which are used to raise money to help kids with life-threatening illnesses. Life is good® has nothing against the promotional approaches used by more affluent or upscale imaged clothing brands. It’s just that these approaches and their subsequent image are contrary to what Life is good® is all about. You’ve got to remember that Bert and his brother John are two guys that drove around in a beat up van for five years, living off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches hocking t-shirts door-to-door in college dormitories.
Know who you are, and act like it.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Big E Toys Buy One, Give One Charitable Campaign Runs Through May 31
Big E Toys Launches One-for-One Charitable Campaign
“Buy One, Give One” Stumblebum Campaign Will Benefit Toy Industry Foundation Charitable Efforts
PLYMOUTH, MN — April 13, 2010 — Buy One, Give One. The premise is simple. For every Stumblebum® charades game purchased at www.bigetoys.com through May 31, 2010, Big E Toys will give a Stumblebum game to a child in need.
“Philanthropy has always been important aspect of our organizational goals,” says Chip Engdahl, The Big E of Big E Toys. “It’s integral to our overall mission. Our Buy One, Give One campaign is simply an effort to do even more for children in need.”
The Buy One, Give One campaign from Big E Toys will benefit The Toy Bank of The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF). The TIF, in conjunction with its logistical partner Gifts In Kind International, operates The Toy Bank and distributes toys and games on an ongoing basis to children in need throughout the world. Big E Toys has been a proud supporter of The Toy Bank since its inception in 2003 and was recently named a Toy Industry Foundation Power Player because of our ongoing support of their programs.
The Big E Toys Buy One, Give One campaign is a true One-for-One campaign. Consumers don’t pay more for Stumblebum simply because Big E Toys is giving one away. “The Buy One, Give One campaign is a great opportunity for consumers to get a great game like Stumblebum for themselves, but also do some good in the process,” says Mr. Engdahl. “With the help of Stumblebum fans throughout the country, I think we can bring a little more fun and joy to kids in need.”
Buy One, Give One. It’s that simple.
About Stumblebum
Stumblebum is a charades game like you’ve never played before. Performers are given physical challenges like “stand on one leg” or “eyes closed” while they act out a short list of words. Get teammates to say the words and you score. If not, your opponent can steal. Designed for ages 8 to adult, each game takes less than half an hour to play and participants are up and playing in just a few minutes. It’s unbelievably simple and fun. Game includes 169 game cards, 2 game dice, a 30-second sand timer, card holder, and game instructions. It’s great for get-togethers of all kinds. “It’s so fun, you may actually fall down laughing!™”
About Big E Toys
Big E Toys is a small toy company specializing in board games. It was started by Chip Engdahl on the simple idea that life should be fun. Products include the games Stumblebum®, Coopetition®, and the card deck Chops®. Big E Toys strives to develop quality games that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of people. For more information, contact Big E Toys at 1.866.411.BIG.E (2443) or visit us at www.bigetoys.com.
About The Toy Industry Foundation
Through programs, partnerships, grantmaking, and public education, the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) works year-round to provide the opportunity to dream, laugh, and learn to children around the world. Learn more at www.toyindustryfoundation.org. The Toy Bank (www.thetoybank.org) a partnership between TIF and Gifts In Kind International, is the first industry-wide program of its kind. Through The Toy Bank, the Foundation’s signature program, charities serving children receive new toys and manufacturers, retailers and distributors of toys are offered the opportunity to make a difference.
Media Contact:
Chip Engdahl
Big E Toys
612-481-6603
chip@bigetoys.com
“Buy One, Give One” Stumblebum Campaign Will Benefit Toy Industry Foundation Charitable Efforts
PLYMOUTH, MN — April 13, 2010 — Buy One, Give One. The premise is simple. For every Stumblebum® charades game purchased at www.bigetoys.com through May 31, 2010, Big E Toys will give a Stumblebum game to a child in need.
“Philanthropy has always been important aspect of our organizational goals,” says Chip Engdahl, The Big E of Big E Toys. “It’s integral to our overall mission. Our Buy One, Give One campaign is simply an effort to do even more for children in need.”
The Buy One, Give One campaign from Big E Toys will benefit The Toy Bank of The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF). The TIF, in conjunction with its logistical partner Gifts In Kind International, operates The Toy Bank and distributes toys and games on an ongoing basis to children in need throughout the world. Big E Toys has been a proud supporter of The Toy Bank since its inception in 2003 and was recently named a Toy Industry Foundation Power Player because of our ongoing support of their programs.
The Big E Toys Buy One, Give One campaign is a true One-for-One campaign. Consumers don’t pay more for Stumblebum simply because Big E Toys is giving one away. “The Buy One, Give One campaign is a great opportunity for consumers to get a great game like Stumblebum for themselves, but also do some good in the process,” says Mr. Engdahl. “With the help of Stumblebum fans throughout the country, I think we can bring a little more fun and joy to kids in need.”
Buy One, Give One. It’s that simple.
About Stumblebum
Stumblebum is a charades game like you’ve never played before. Performers are given physical challenges like “stand on one leg” or “eyes closed” while they act out a short list of words. Get teammates to say the words and you score. If not, your opponent can steal. Designed for ages 8 to adult, each game takes less than half an hour to play and participants are up and playing in just a few minutes. It’s unbelievably simple and fun. Game includes 169 game cards, 2 game dice, a 30-second sand timer, card holder, and game instructions. It’s great for get-togethers of all kinds. “It’s so fun, you may actually fall down laughing!™”
About Big E Toys
Big E Toys is a small toy company specializing in board games. It was started by Chip Engdahl on the simple idea that life should be fun. Products include the games Stumblebum®, Coopetition®, and the card deck Chops®. Big E Toys strives to develop quality games that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of people. For more information, contact Big E Toys at 1.866.411.BIG.E (2443) or visit us at www.bigetoys.com.
About The Toy Industry Foundation
Through programs, partnerships, grantmaking, and public education, the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) works year-round to provide the opportunity to dream, laugh, and learn to children around the world. Learn more at www.toyindustryfoundation.org. The Toy Bank (www.thetoybank.org) a partnership between TIF and Gifts In Kind International, is the first industry-wide program of its kind. Through The Toy Bank, the Foundation’s signature program, charities serving children receive new toys and manufacturers, retailers and distributors of toys are offered the opportunity to make a difference.
Media Contact:
Chip Engdahl
Big E Toys
612-481-6603
chip@bigetoys.com
Friday, January 8, 2010
One-for-One Epiphany
After much contemplation, last weekend it finally occurred to me how I'll be able to effectively reprint Stumblebum while simultaneously implementing the fundamental philanthropic vision of Big E Toys. The journey is now underway. One for One. I am in it.
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