Better ideas rock

You don't always have to be first. Sometimes, just having a better idea is enough. Here are some examples:

My son needed a new notebook computer, but he also has a growing family and is moving into a new house. So, he opted for an iPad. Today, HP admitted that iPad sales are hurting its notebook sales. Geee, do you think. I love my iPad. It's a great product and I use it as a companion to my notebook, but for many, many people, it's all they need. Apple saw an opportunity in the market and introduced a brilliant product, catching the old guard PC industry napping . . . again. Does this sound familiar? Can you say iPhone? People like that kind of initiative when it empowers them.

I recently switching from Supercuts to Great Clips. (Sorry, I'm not a salon type of guy who has $50 to spend on one of life's necessities every few weeks.) Last time I was at Supercuts, the floor was peeling up, the outlets didn't all work and the staff was listless and bored. At Great Clips, not only is the staff enthusiastic and motivated, but they actually use computers so they know your preferences and who you are. People like that. Supercuts stayed in the analog world. Great Clips is providing better customer service by using technology and won me over.

A little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in our neighborhood has carved out a great niche by cooking great food and pricing it right for eat-in, but mostly take away. It's called Hapa Grill and the food is seriously good for around $7 a meal. They keep it simple -- great food at a great price. You get tired of pizza after awhile and their Hawaiian/Asian Fusion fare is something different. People like that.

It is this kind of innovation that will lead us out of the economic dumpster. It's happened before and will happen again. Just give it a little time.