Government farts in the wind-energy industry

While Eskom struggles to meet our increasing energy demand and businesses and homes are subjected to crippling blackouts, it appears that the extended helping hand has curled up and been placed back into the warm pocket… perhaps to continue clinking the change there?

The need to stimulate our renewable energy industry needs no explanation. There is a wealth of literature and evidence of its many advantages. In 2009 when NERSA released the tariffs for independent renewable energy producers, there was much reason to celebrate. South Africa “became first African country to introduce a feed-in tariff for wind energy. Many small and big investors will now be able to contribute to the take-off of the wind industry in the country. Such decentralised investment will enable South Africa to overcome its current energy crisis. It will also help many South African communities to invest in wind farms and generate electricity, new jobs and new income”.

Prior to elections, this hope was supported with bold national and budget speeches telling us about how government will go about stimulating green development, creating jobs and funding mechanisms for green businesses. Now - new developments that hamper the industry gets a mere mention on page 7 of the Cape Times yesterday (outta sight….outta…).

Now, after about R400 million has been invested (by private sector) in the industry based on REFIT, government has turned around and decided that private energy producers will now have to engage in a competitive bidding process in order to sell their electricity to Eskom. This due to legislation apparently being changed and tying Nersa’s hands when it comes to procurement processes. So once again we are stuck with lengthy and costly red-tape that far from stimulating the promised jobs and green development, will only serve to stifle and deter investment in our renewable energy industry.

It’s simply sad how we can go about dilly-dallying and not only slow down our own development and growth, but in fact take a few steps back (kinda the case with most things it seems). And if legislation is now blamed for preventing fixed tariffs with fears of legal battles, then why not change legislation to accommodate it? Why not facilitate independent energy producers by simplifying and speeding up lengthy and costly processes?

We need to raise our voices and support independent energy producers as much we can – we need to talk about and do everything in our power to stimulate our renewable energy industry. As we battle to sort out red-tape and wait for the promised jobs and green development, Eskom not only continues to struggle with electricity generation and distribution, but demands that we all pay more than 60c per unit for our electricity from 1 July 2011.

Stimulating our renewable energy industry is not only government’s work, but needs the support and jolting of private sector and every South African in order to make it work. The options are sitting in the dark and farting in the wind or putting our plentiful sunshine and wind to really great use.



(Pics from: http://is.gd/aaLYi8 ; http://is.gd/nxK1RC)

“Do not promote begging…”

…was a little sign that caught my eye today in Kloof Street. Got me pondering on the change I so often readily give away, sometimes feeling obliged even, thinking it would make a difference in some person’s life. This little sign had me wondering how much of a difference am I really making.

Begging is everywhere in Cape Town. Sometimes, quite frankly, it makes me sick to think that I cannot go anywhere without being pestered by somebody, somewhere for “something please”. At the robot intersections, wherever you park, along a walk, sitting at a café …. I really don’t think I need to elaborate here. Yet all these people continue doing what they do because WE reward it. Are we really helping beggars by just giving as generously as we do? By now they know very well of our generosity or bank on “agh shame” and “Agh voeitog” - quite happy just sitting there and…. waiting for it. No inclination to do anything else whatsoever to help themselves…. why bother anyway… there’s no need to work or make any effort when others so readily do it for you.

I’m not saying stop giving at all. I’m hinting at … there are far better ways to offer your money and assistance to those in need. There are plenty and plenty of NGO’s that often desperately need our assistance… be it money, time or skills. These are organisations, big and small, that are dedicated to helping others …. caring for babies that have been dumped, abused women and children, displaced refugees, helping many from unthinkable circumstances not only get back on their feet, but also offer hope and support for a better future.

Donating to an NGO’s of your choice seems like a far better way of ensuring your donation goes to good use – and bear in mind… it does not exclusively have to be with money. And if giving to some NGO doesn’t quite feel you, consider an extra tip to those people who are actually doing something for themselves…. like waiters, the car wash guys, the petrol attendants, buy a craft from the guy selling at some intersection, heck…even the dude with jokes-for-money etc. These at least are people who show some initiative and are prepared to do something to help themselves other than just sitting on some street corner or robot intersection waiting for “agh shame” to come a long.

Next time you fork out some change at the robot intersection, think about how much you’re really helping that person. With more of us giving in more constructive ways- we might just be able to make that envisioned difference in some person’s life.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gO3nP)

Social Media on the run… addictive?

I don’t know about you, but heck…. I find it difficult to even think of a day without social media in my life. Hmmm… wonder if Shabz is online… or Claire perhaps (calculate time zones and check anyway)…. hey what’s everyone got to say on Twitter…

Probably one of the first things I do when I wake is check emails and Twitter updates on my phone. I have deliberately not added the mobile Facebook application, since I already have GTalk, Yahoo Messenger and Blackberry Messenger…. in addition to two email accounts and oh… an additional Twitter account too. These seem more than enough to keep me occupied and connected whilst on the go.

When my phone went in for repairs, I felt officially lost! I promise you…. I’m convinced I had withdrawal symptoms. These 3 weeks truly seemed like the longest 3 weeks of my life. Initially, it was as if I just didn’t know what to do with myself and this built-in inclination to check up on statuses, messages and chats. How could technology do this to me!!! Don’t they realise how much I need it?? How dependant I’ve become on the convenience? No red little flashing light to check?? What now?

The first week was super hard and slowly the realization sunk in that I need to occupy myself in other ways and just live with my little scenario. Ultimately… I think I calmed down a bit. I chilled bit more, read more, didn’t feel the need to check little red light (cos well I couldn’t even if I wanted to). And sitting at the PC is just not the same. Needless to say- happiness returned once my phone got back.

I have the habit of putting my phone on quiet mode – not even silent or vibrate – with the idea that I check up on things when I want to, when convenient for me, particularly when with family and some friends. So the thinking was that I managed my time pretty well when it comes to social media. Well- my 3 weeks of perceived hell certainly proved me wrong and I couldn’t help but think… am I addicted … me?

Make no mistake, obviously I love social media and being connected, yet my 3 week abstinence taught me that I need to strike a healthier balance between time spent online and off.

Love it or hate it- it’s now a part of our daily lives…. learn to deal with it or you may find yourself networking with the 12 steps.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gCqkF)

Guy Fawkes

Remember remember…. the 5th of November. Fireworks, bright colours and sparks… the excitement of watching the spectacle and having fun with friends is how I remember Guy Fawkes.

I grew up in this short little cul-de-sac and we were a bunch of 8 kids that did practically everything together – playing all sorts of outdoor games mostly like hide & seek… cowboys and crooks, king and dodge ball. We built our version of little club houses in our backyards and these served as strategic meeting points where brilliant ideas were concocted of how we could get up to mischief. My brother had bright ambitions of building an underground club house once. Sadly, this mission didn’t get much further than the massive hole we started digging in the backyard…. Daddy of course didn’t think the idea was that bright at all. Anyway- Guy Fawkes was one of the momentous occasions we all looked forward to celebrating.

Weeks before I’d start accumulating my array of fireworks and sparkles and the afternoon of Guy Fawkes , waiting for sunset, just seemed like the looooongest flippin afternoon ever. When sunset fiiiiiinally decided to grace us, it was off to whichever clubhouse was the designated meeting point for the evening. First we’d examine the array of fireworks we had between us- then pick what to fire up first and decide which ones we’d keep for last. And a fun filled evening of bright sparks, colours and games was off. Happy times!!!

The tradition was born of a bit of sad story though. On November 5, Londoners were encouraged to celebrate the king’s escape from being assassinated by Guy Fawkes by lighting bonfires. Guy Fawkes elected to jump from the gallows moments before his official hanging.

These days, I’m just not sure whether celebrating it is such a good thing anymore. I’ve heard stories of people getting injured and killed on this night. And then there’s the big debate, particularly by animal activists, about whether fireworks should be banned altogether.

Irrespective, if you’re considering lighting up this November 5th, be sure to keep it to restricted areas.

(Pic: http://rtfitch.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/fireworks.jpg)

Summer survival kit for Cape Town

Cape Town is an absolutely perfect place to spend your summer. It’s also usually the time of year when tourists flock. To survive it though, you’ll need a few things, particularly if you’re not Capetonian. Here’s my list what you need to survive a summer in Cape Town:

* Sunscreen
* Cozzie & a towel
* Map of theCity… if you not from around here
* Cape Town Phrase book- idioms included!! (vital for CT also if you not Capetonian)
* An open mind – we’re a rather diverse bunch
* Hat, bandanna or umbrella – or you could risk frying your brains
* Braai tongs – you do know that you have to braai right?
* A picnic basket
* Comfy walking shoes- if you’re exploring
* A machete for the jungle area - naaaaaaaa just kidding:-)
* A biiiiiiiiig smile – we’re super friendly here

And now with your survival kit you’re all set for an amazing summer of beach… braai… laughs and simply too many awesome things to see. Happy times here we come!

(Pic: http://is.gd/gAisI)

How to make a signature mousse – that’s foolproof

My personal recommendation…. and an all time favourite. You simply cannot go wrong. It’s extremely easy to make and a guaranteed hit. Chocoholics – you might wanna save this somewhere.

What you’ll need:
• A 200g slab of milk chocolate (dark = my personal preference)
• 24 white & pink marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa
• ¼ cup of hot water
• 1 can of chilled ideal milk

How to:
• Dissolve the cocoa and hot water over a low heat
• Add your chocolate (which you broke into blocks) and when a bit melted, add your marshies
• When all dissolved, remove from heat and allow to cool
• Now whip up your ideal milk till light and fluffy and beat into chocie mixture
• Pour into desert bowl and chill overnight (for best results I’d say)

Aaaand vwala!!! You have a signature mousse and will be loved by everyone who dares to devour your little creation. Decorate with whipped cream ooooor grated Peppermint Crisp or nuts… or just have as is.

Warning: yes… it’s rather rich and addictive… so small doses people… relish in small doses.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gAhnR)

The last lecture

…. is something that kinda makes me sad, happy and excited. Sad that another year has passed…. happy that I made it… excited about what lies ahead. I absolutely love this part of my life journey…. the learning bit that is …. throughout my school says and now at university, even the short courses I did in between like TEFL etc.

Now about that sad part again… I guess the sadness largely comes with the parting of a teacher or lecturer. I have always always revered my teachers and guides in life…. for these are the special people that give me the kind of gift nobody will ever be able to take from me. And with this gift I am able to do much more. I don’t know if it’s possible to thank these special people adequately…. my gratitude certainly runs deep.

Along my TEFL journey last year (the gap year I took before more PR)- I learnt that in South Korea they actually have a whole day dedicated just to teachers… where kids and parents spoil teachers rotten for the entire day. Ain’t that super fantastic??!!! They should really have this everywhere I think.

As sad, happy and excited I once again am ….. it’s the last lecture I hope to have for many more years to come.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gzvfq)

Watch this space

It was quite something for me when writing up my bucket list recently, for it also got me thinking of the things I couldn’t add to this list… those things that already got the tick…. like attending a Wailers concert… visiting Anne Frank’s house… and climbing Table Mountain.

I am grateful and feel blessed for the experiences along my journey that brought me to my goals. I have felt fear, anxiety, pain, frustration…. along with the love, immense happiness, joy, enthusiasm and hope. Reaching my goals, big and small, is the very stuff that makes this journey so rewarding.

The exciting things is- it doesn’t stop there. As fantastic as it is to achieve a goal…. what’s even more exciting is that it marks the starting point of yet another. Watch this space.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gzjem)

Shedding light on Solar Energy

Yeah yeah… whilst I’m on the green train – thought I’d share a bit info on solar energy, particularly since we’re blessed with the beautiful African sun and yes, I’m a solar energy advocate.

Solar energy is all about generating electricity using the power of sun, and it does this through the use of a solar panel, fixed or portable. The panel has what is known as Photovoltaic cells (or PV cells) which absorbs energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. That electricity is then stored in a battery, for use whenever you need. So no, the sun does not absolutely have to be shining in order for you to have electricity- that’s where the battery comes in.

In South Africa, as yet, we do not have the technology to manufacture our own PV cells. We’re getting there though. What we can do is manufacture our own panels by shipping in the PV cells and putting them together locally. And then there’s the vital difference between solar panels for electricity and solar panels for water heating- which is not the same thing. Panels for water heating basically uses tubes and not PV cells. So yay! the good news is we can make these right here.

Solar energy, even though its been around for ages, is now fast becoming rather popular as a reliable, alternate source of energy. Already you see power lights along our roads using solar panels and water heating systems on roofs. And with our powerful African sun, I believe the opportunities are endless.

Germany!!... yes Germany!! is one of the world’s biggest supporters and manufacturers of solar energy technology…. and they even have a solar utility!!! Hint hint people of the Southern Hemisphere. So… back in SA, not only does solar energy have the potential to be the preferred alternate energy source, it also has the power to light up lives the traditional electricity grid has missed. I’m sorry, I cant resist… “power to the people!!”

(Pic: http://is.gd/gvUJG)

Your foot and you

By now… if you haven’t heard about carbon footprint… you simply need to get out more dude! When you switch on that light, boil the kettle, drive to work – you have an impact on the environment…. you emit caaaaarbon/greenhouse gasses that create your very own carbon footprint. Say it…. “my caaaarbon footprint”. So- the hoohaa is to do as much as we can to reduce this footprint.

In a nutshell - our natural resources just cannot replenish itself fast enough to keep up with our increasing energy demands. You want this… you want that… go here…go there- they all require energy. And thus the hype of alternate/renewable energy sources, like solar, hydro and wind power, to slowly shift our reliance from dirty fossil fuels …. yes baby! I’m talking about coal. And so we’re clear on things, er.. nuclear is not a renewable energy source.

However, in our little transition phase, we’re not quite ready to be entirely dependant upon alternate energy sources and for now have to settle for a bit of both. And in circumstances where it may be difficult to reduce your energy consumption or reliance on fossil fuels, it helps to off-set by planting a tree or recycling for example. See??... there’s always something you can do.

We’re at a stage where changing what and how we’ve been doing things is absolutely necessary. Already it has been forecast that from 2011 Cape Town will once again be battling with supply and demand issues similar to that of 2008. Candlelight dinners… here we come!

So next time you turn on that light or drive to work, think about something you can do, however small it may seem, on a daily basis towards reducing your carbon emissions. When more of us start doing those little things differently, the gross impact can only be beautiful. I for one, have started using a bit of solar energy and am sure to switch off my plugs before leaving home.

Aaaaand – don’t blame ‘the other’ please - its not just the big corporations that should be doing something – its you… its me … and our combined little efforts that make aaaaall the difference. My parting little thought, imagine a world where we generate our own electricity…. and its free. Bye bye Mr Carbon Footprint.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gvU4U)

My favorite Cat in the Hat book is Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!

…. because… it’s a celebration and encouragement for the out-of-the-box in us.

Diffendoofer is a school in Dinkerville where the kids learn things not taught in usual schools. There’s no maths, languages or sciences, but subjects on listening, smelling, laughing, yelling- tying knots and distinguishing between a cactus and a cow. Miss Bonkers is a favourite and to kids it seems she teaches everything, fondly described as being “different-er than the rest”.

Diffendoofer is a far cry from neighbouring Flobbertown, where everyone dresses in one style, sings one song and march in single file. In Flobbertown, even the dogs are afraid to bark. The celebration of Diffendoofer Day comes about when the school is in danger of closing down if they cannot prove kids are learning what they’re suppose to learn. With the kids all passing the special test and saving Diffendoofer from closing down, the headmaster declares a holiday to celebrate Diffendoofer Day.

In Hooray for Diffendoofer Day we learn the value of and celebrate creative thinking and individuality. It paints and dull and boring picture of the mediocre and conforming to socially accepted standards. In this book we learn that contradictions, inconsistencies and paradoxes are perfectly acceptable… being different-er than the rest is more than perfectly OK.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gw6uN)

The Green Revolution

My work with a renewable energy business has certainly opened my eyes to the Green Revolution that seems to be sweeping around the world. What makes me rather happy is to see the increased attention, information and awareness out there on greener lifestyles.

Increasingly we find eco- attached to almost everything, with awareness being created by businesses and celebrities alike. Heck, even the Parlotones have embarked on a Carbon-Free campaign.

At the same time, one has to be really careful when buying into the green as amongst these offerings are also the wanna-be’s… attaching a green stamp to what might not necessarily be a green offering. If I may contradict myself a bit here, it is also important to note that being truly green and organic is virtually impossible. Just about everything has a carbon footprint attached to it. The product, for example, may be produced of 100% organic materials, but transporting it from A to B incurred a carbon footprint. And here’s where off-setting our emissions may come in handy.
So before you go out and buy that green product, be sure to do some homework on how green it really is. Things to consider are:

* Where it’s manufactured?
* What materials its made of?
* What makes it organic and green?
* Does the business off-set their emissions in any other way?

In our transition phase from fossil to renewable and alternate energy sources, increasingly we’ll be seeing new green products and service offerings out on the market. When you do find something that’s really helpful and green – share your experience with others. With the Green Revolution now sweeping across SA too, spare a thought for that eco-revolutionary in you.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gvTw7)

Why I have conversations

Whether small talk, debate or banter – conversations for me are absolutely necessary to connect with others and my world. Through conversations I am able to not only share my ideas, opinions, experiences and dreams, but also learn from the insights and experiences of others.

People just love to talk…. express themselves and thus, of course, want to be listened to. Bet you’ve come across that someone who just couldn’t stop… er maybe that person may even be you. Thing is, through our conversations, we connect with each other, we engage, we interact and build relationships. And relationships are the stuff that makes our world go round…. whether work or personal… heck even with the self. Yes, we even have conversations with ourselves…. some aloud… others not, don’t even try to deny it.

In the course of our conversations we share, debate and exchange the things of our world… philosophy, art, poetry, love, scandal and the weather. And what is most awesome with social networks of today, not even barriers of time and space can stop our conversations.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gwaPc)

My bucket list

There are many things I would love to do and experience within my life… here’s a sneak preview of my bucket list:

1. Write a book
2. Learn to surf
3. Learn Tai Chi
4. Learn to play golf
5. Learn conversational Spanish
6. Learn conversational Mandarin
7. Visit a Buddhist Temple in an Asian country
8. Learn to play guitar
9. Belly dance
10. Go bunjee jumping
11. Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
12. Learn calligraphy
13. Sponsor at least one person through tertiary education
14. Travel to all the countries of my big fat BIG dream
15. Own a beach house
16. Visit Tibet
17. Spend a week at a silent retreat in India
18. Successfully market and grow the business
19. Get a masters degree
20. Sleep under the stars
21. Visit Machu Pichu in Peru
22. Eat sushi in Tokyo (not the one in Kloof Street:)
23. See the Northern Lights
24. Visit Malawi
25. Visit Timbuktu
26. Learn to live every moment in the now

(Pic: http://is.gd/gv5g0)

My big fat BIG dream

…. is to travel… travel… travel and travel some more.

Top of my list is South East Asia- far and wide….Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, South Korea and India. Then Brazil, Argentina and Peru for a touch of the South American side of life. Then it’s the Carribean… yeah baby yeah!... Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados, Puerto Rico.

Travelling opens a world of adventure, fun and discovery…. I’m particularly interested in those hoekies and crannies not sold for the tourist. Why? Because people are super super interesting! My dream is to explore and gain some understanding of other peoples’ way of life, their culture… their background… what makes them happy. Of course then too, the amazing landscapes and gifts of nature that abound.

With all our differences from around the world, there are many striking similarities too. We all want love, to prosper and a fulfilling life. We all just go about things in a different way. Travelling to me is like opening a box filled with surprises…. and I do love surprises.

I truly believe no amount of possessions, status or carefully built estates can beat an enriching life filled with experiences.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gv0kB)

Conventional is a good fallback position isn’t it?

Well of course it is. Its safe, secure, comforting and highly accepted by society. You just know you cannot go wrong. Thing is, how far will it get you in an ever changing world?

For many people, its just way more comforting than living outside of accepted standards and norms. Do what is expected of you and keeping others happy. And I suppose it takes all sorts to keep our world going round…. so, if you find it works for you… great! Little thing, don’t complain when you feel nothing ever changes in your life and you find yourself in cycles same-o same-o. Bitching and moaning about the same problems year in year out could very well be the sign that only you have been resisting change.

Change can be scary and risky yes, opening yourself up to the great unknown. Yet by opening that little door of change, so the unknown becomes the known. Life becomes that adventure you’ve been dreaming about and you reach heights you thought impossible.

So- dip your toe into the ocean of the strange, you may just find that the boogie man under the bed was all in your head.

(Pic: http://is.gd/guMbq)

Radiohead: Just

Now if ever I found a music video intriguing – its gotta be Radiohead’s Just Lyrics.

My quick rundown: In the video, this dude, for some reason, just decides to go and lie down on the pavement in the middle of the day. Everyone passing either steps over or around him. Some stranger nearly trips over him and immediately tries to assist, thinking he is perhaps ill and in need of medical attention. The hopeless guy refuses all help and instead requests that the stranger just leave him alone. The stranger, feeling obliged to help or know the reason for the dude just lying there, insists the man tell him what’s wrong. The hopeless man in turn insists that he cannot tell. This continues for some time till eventually a crowd is gathered. Finally, the man on the ground gives in and tells everyone why he is lying on the ground… and the next thing you know, everyone who heard his words has followed suit.

Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jufT3v1roaU&feature=related

So, question is… what could he possibly have said that’s powerful enough to cause this reaction?

I think its got something to do with guilt and the power it has to strip you of your passion for life. Guilt can play on your conscience and hold you hostage to society’s standards of right and wrong. You either deal with it or start living some double life. Here I recall too Bob Marley’s lyrics of Guiltiness when he says “guiltiness … rest on their conscience… and they live their lives… of false pretence everyday…”.

So- I think- the dude on the pavement, gripped by his guilt, is simply sick of this “false pretence everyday”. And Radiohead reminds us… “you do it to yourself”.

(Pic: http://www.lunaea.com/gallery/guilt.jpg)

Designer PR

It frustrates me just a tad when I come across a businessperson who doesn’t quite get PR or even worse, writes it off as marketing. Then commences my passionate lecture on the value of PR and difference between marketing and advertising which everyone is so familiar with. Of course, my frustration will not be detected and you wouldn’t even know you received a lecture.

In essence, public relations is about managing perceptions… establishing mutually beneficial relationships between an organisation on the one hand, and specific people on the other. This managing of perceptions and building of relationships can only happen through communication. It is here that the science of PR meets the art. PR’s most valuable contribution to an organisation’s success lies in its ability to create and innovate.

Sorry dudes, but marketing and advertising on its own is so yesterday. These days anyone can not only smell an ad miles away, but are prone to ignoring it. People want to express, want to be listened to, want to engage in what is being offered. And with social networks evolving our communication platforms like never before, we find connection in unprecedented ways. Gone are the days of “business as usual”.

Designer PR calls for the taking of risks, authenticity, adaptability, innovation and creation… the very stuff that keeps us moving forward. Can the business of today really afford to miss this boat?

(Pic: http://is.gd/gur4R)

Die before you die

You know how some people have some message at the end of their emails? Either something about considering the environment before printing or an inspirational quote of some sort. Well, recently I received an email and at the end the sender had “Die before you die”. I couldn’t help but stare at these words for some time.

It made me think of moments somehow. How every past experience we recall was a moment of that time. Some good … some bad… but ultimately just a moment. For me, happiness and love are the stuff of moments.

One thing I know about happiness is that it is not something that can be planned. We often think that when I achieve this or have that… at some point in future … I’ll be happy. Yet nothing ever turns out precisely as planned.

What I’ve also learnt about happiness is that it is not something that cannot be planned. Rather, it’s the recollection of a moment that brought happiness. It just seems to happen along the journey. For me, money and possessions are not the stuff that brings happiness and love. Rather, again, its those precious moments.

I ultimately translated these words as a message of love and the encouragement to live without fear. For when you “die before you die” you learn to really live every single moment and even love what you once feared.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gtStI)

Nothing is more dangerous than an idea , when you only have one

Our whole world is based on ideas… a reflection of a history of ideas in fact. It is the birth of all successes and fortunes. When solving a problem, a single idea could be all you really need to get the job done. When it comes to creativity and innovation however, just one little idea could be rather limiting.

In an age where just about everything has been done, our ability to be creative and innovative is what keeps us moving forward. That new and improved product or service offering… that additional convenience that has never been available before.

This very innovation would not be possible without innovative people. And innovative people would not be successful with just one little idea.

The process of innovation is often a journey filled with errors and blunders. That extra idea could then be the difference between success and failure. As James Yorke puts it… “the most successful people are those who are good at plan B”.

(Pic: http://is.gd/gtOVw)