IT Management Slideshow: Test Your Innovation Know-How

Question

When customers said they didn't want to post their photographs on social network sites, which cosmetic company came up with a digital, customized "perfect look" tool that women could have e-mailed directly to them?

Answer:

Estee Lauder, as part of its "Your Beauty, Your Style, Your Profile" campaign.Key Takeaway: Listen and learn from your customers' comments on Web sites and in social media.

Question:

Which toy company used the power of narrative to turn a $30 million product into a $500 million-plus brand?

Answer:

Hasbro, which sparked a sales surge and movie franchise by creating intriguing plot lines to revive Transformers. Key Takeaway: Use good storytelling to sell your vision.

Question:

Which business had a breakthrough by answering this question: "If file-sharing works for addresses, documents, music and movies, why can't it transfer voice data?"

Answer:

Skype, which found no reason not to make it happen. Key takeaway: Breakthroughs often stem from asking: "Why not?"

Question:

Which food giant broke off a brand's highly associated alignment with one particular product to embrace a more diversified approach?

Answer:

Kraft, which greatly expanded its customer base by promoting Philadelphia Cream Cheese as a food for desserts, late-night snacks, tailgating, etc.Key takeaway: Think about broader applications for existing resources.