As we move into the new millennium, we’re also moving into new models of organization–interdependent, networked, organic. This change will call for different metaphors than those we’re used to, which are dominated by machine references and war words. I think women will have a lot to say in creating these new metaphors.
Check out Kirsten Osolind’s website. Kirsten offers marketing services to women-owned businesses. I find the metaphors in the cycle shown on the “process” page to be very different from those you’d normally find in business. Quite organic.
Checking out her reinvention model, you will find some steps that are usually ignored, like getting real by discussing the undiscussable. However, what isn’t evident is a step to disrupt the current mind-sets and organizational lock-in to create the space for innovation. I wonder how she addresses that?
Hi Mark:
You have indeed nailed it. But this is a secret so keep it close to your chest.
re:invention is a marketing consulting company dedicated to women-led businesses. Our clients are served via our nationwide network of re:invention associates. We become a fully outsourced marketing department for clients (women-led businesses with $1 million or more in revenues). We also act as full service promotion and placement agency for our re:invention associates (senior-level women micro-business entrepreneurs with marketing functional expertise). We are “women entrepreneurs helping women entrepreneurs succeed.”
At re:invention’s core: an equilateral triangle business model comprised of 3 inter-connected angles — (angle a) women-led business clients, (angle b) re:invention associates, and (angle c) strategic alliances. Triangles represent exact geometry, precision, sound analysis, mathematics, and order. We visually transform the triangle with natural, organic elements. In addition to our re:invention triangle business model, we use a proprietary re:invention 5-step process with clients. When depicted as a visual design, the process is suggestive of line engravings prints circa 1800s. We carefully selected organic elements for both the triangle and the proprietary process because we plan to reinvent the traditional business structure and order. Women entrepreneurs helping women entrepreneurs succeed. We pair science with organic concepts and the metaphysical.
Our organic process and business model – the psychology behind it – represents how women do business. Women use math/strategy/analysis but they also tap into their natural/organic/emotive/intuitive thinking to solve problems and build their businesses.
our five step process:
1. GARDENING AND GATHERING…a competitive and changing marketplace audit
2. DISCUSSING THINGS UNDISCUSSABLE……becoming “organically intertwined” with 1:1 and small group interviews with key leadership to formally plan marketing activation with perception research, detailed audience segmentation, key influencer audit.
3. CULTIVATING INVENTION AND CONTENTION…initial report of findings, identification of cultural roots, and assumption challenging to address a company’s self-imposed limitations and key issues.
4. RENOVATION BY DESIGN…tactical development of all project deliverables.
5. ORGANIZATIONAL RELAUNCH
thanks for noticing! just wanted to give you something more to chew on….
kindly,
kirsten
CEO and KCC
re:invention, inc.
http://www.reinventioninc.com
P.S. Best of luck with your new book! Do be sure to send me galleys or a link to a preview….
Kirsten, in my Up-To-Something group this morning , we talked about you and your approach. Two of our group’s members are highly involved in women’s issues, particularly as they relate to business. Marsha Clark, (www.powerofself.com) and Dottie Gandy (www.dottiegandy.com) are two of the most powerful and remarkable people I know. They have just written a terrific new book that is really catching fire: “CHOOSE! The Role that Choice Plays in Shaping Women’s Lives” (you can find it on Amazon). I think you would have a lot in common, and would benefit from connecting… tell ’em I sent you!
Where should their loyalty lie and what should be the consequences of their actions ?