Intrapreneurship Success at 3M

!±8± Intrapreneurship Success at 3M

Examples of Intrapreneurial Success in Major Corporations

The example of the successful Intrapreneurial creation of 3M's profitable product line Post-it Notes(TM)

Intrapreneurs, like their entrepreneurial counterparts, need to envision and create an idea. But instead of convincing outside investors and risking their own personal capital, the intrapreneur needs to create the right team within his company to successfully launch the new products. Then the intrapreneur needs to convince some "mover and shaker" in senior management to approve the new product concept and then to invest the company's time, money, and other resources.

Some enlightened corporations, such as 3M, do allow an employee-intrapreneur limited freedom to pursue new ideas. The Intrapreneur still has too overcome the roadblocks of formal corporate structure and the delays of corporate bureaucracy. The corporate entrepreneur, or Intrapreneur, must convince senior management that the new, out of the main stream idea has merit, has possible market, and that the new produce would be both profitable and synergistic to the corporation.

The good new is that corporate entrepreneur or Intrapreneur is really just an entrepreneur who has less risk in building a new venture. The Intrapreneur has materially less control of when, or even whether, the product will be launched by his employing corporation. To be a successful Intrapreneur takes a unique set of talents and abilities far more than just being creative. The must be willing to take some personal risks at sharing and pushing an unique idea with the senior management of the corporation. The Intrapreneur must have the persistence and perseverance to work to secure senior management's approval to create and launch the product or service. The successful Intrapreneur must have the personal drive to see the project to a successful fruition, no matter what it may take.

Intrapreneuring and intrapreneurship existed in corporations for decades, even before the term was used in the 1982's. Gifford Pinchot (1985) made it famous in his book Intrapreneuring. Apple's Chairman, Stephen Jobs (1985) use the term "intrapreneurship" in his article Newsweek article in the September of 1985. Job's said, "The Macintosh team was what is commonly known as intrapreneurship-only a few years before the term was coined - a group of people going, in essence, back to the garage, but in a large company." Back in 1982, Dr. Haller wrote his master thesis on the "Intrapreneurship Success" of PR1ME Computer Inc in the late 1970's and early 1980's.

Some major public companies specifically foster and encourage intrapreneurial explorations on company time through formal corporate intrapreneurship programs. During the intrapreneurial journey from idea to product, some ideas and products are ignored or neglected. The twelve year course from idea creation to production of product for 3M'sPost-it Notes(TM) is an example of this.

Just like the entrepreneur, the intrapreneur must constantly stay focused and fully committed to the product and be willing to keep pushing, even if it takes years to produce their new product and deliver it to market!

The brief summary of the story of the successful Intrapreneurial creation of 3M's Post-it Notes(TM)

Through it's intrapreneurial "Bootlegging Policy," (which allows employees to spend up to 15 percent of their time at work developing their own creative ideas for the betterment of the company and the creation of new products or services) the usually staid, 3M Corporation was able to capitalize on the creative ideas of 3M Intrapreneurs Spencer Silver and Art Fry to create and launch the 3M Post-it Note product. 3M scientist Spencer Silver invented a not so sticky adhesive in 1968, but it took him several years to come up with how to best use and market the product. Spencer shared his idea through seminars in which he shared the features (and benefits) of this semi-adhesive to fellow 3M employees.

But no one really caught the vision of his product for five long years. Finally, a co-worker, Art Frey, recognized the need for Spencer's idea! During choir practice and performances, Frey's bookmarks were regularly falling out of his hymn book. This product concept solved his problem! Still, 3M still did not do anything with Spencer's idea for over a decade. Then finally, in 1980, Minnisota Mining and Manufacturing's (3M) Post-its Notes product line, which is their moveable semi-sticky notes product, was successfully launched across the entire US, and internationally.

Intrapreneurship Success at 3M

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Frye Boots - Uniquely American Footwear

!±8± Frye Boots - Uniquely American Footwear

There are very few products available today that are truly and uniquely American. The cars that are manufactured by American companies, are made of steel from Korea and Poland and have engines that were technically (and perhaps also produced) in Japan. Even products that are usually thought of himself as an American not often. A notable exception to this trend is the Frye Company, manufacturer of boots Frye, shoes and bags. Founded in 1863 by John Frye, who holds the distinction ofbeing the longest continuously running shoe and boot manufacturer in the United States.

The uniquely American nature of the Frye Company is even more interesting when a little is known about the background of the company and the many types of customers that it has served. Both Union and Confederate soldiers wore Frye boots during the Civil War. Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders wore them during the Spanish-American War. Many pioneers depended on the durability of Frye boots for the long trek to the West. General Patton wore his Frye boots throughout World War II.

The Frye Campus boot was reintroduced in the 1960's. Modeled after the original 1860's design, it quickly became the boot of choice for many who were swept up in the cultural revolution of that decade. Frye boots were simply the "in" things to have. As a matter of fact, there is a pair of Frye Campus boots on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. as part of a display of iconic products of the 1960's! The Frye Engineer boot is an eternal favorite with customers from all backgrounds and styles.

So, those who go out and buy Frye shoes and boots these days may just be looking for a great product that offers solid value. They may be happy to purchase a real American product, made in America by Americans. Maybe they just love wearing shoes and boots that are well-made of the best materials available. But perhaps they are also very much enjoying the idea that there is a good bit of history and background in every single pair of Frye boots and shoes that are sold. Put a pair on and see if you feel it too.

Frye Boots - Uniquely American Footwear

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Ginger - The Wonder Root

!±8± Ginger - The Wonder Root

Ever walk along the produce aisle and find yourself staring at the earthy fascination of a ginger root? Oddly shaped, and with a distinctive flavor, this "wonder root" is an excellent dietary addition because it includes varying amounts of magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamins B6, C, and E. Besides being loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, ginger root offers a variety of other health benefits. Some studies indicate it is an aid to digestion, is beneficial both to cholesterol levels and blood pressure, helps with arthritis, and even aids nausea. It is quite a versatile root to boot! Ginger can be incorporated into countless recipes and should be included in your regular diet.

Considered a staple in China and India, ginger root has been used for centuries in cooking and for medicinal purposes. It has a thick, tan, knotty, and bulbous appearance and grows somewhat horizontally. In actuality, it is not a root, but rather it is a "rhizome," an underground stem. Harvested year-round, ginger root is available fresh in most grocery stores, usually in the produce section.

Several studies have investigated the health benefits of ginger. The advantages range from decreased joint inflammation and arthritis to help with nausea, athlete's foot, heart disease, lowered cholesterol, and better circulation. Ever get bloated? Ginger may be the answer. Many people take the strange-looking stem in some form to help with their digestion. Ginger has also been shown to be anti-viral, making it a great support for your immune system during periods of increased risk of common colds and flu. It helps to reduce muscle spasms, and some women take ginger for menstrual cramping. Ginger is also an aid in managing fevers, bronchitis, respiratory symptoms, and headaches. Feel dizzy during a ride on an airplane or while traveling on a cruise? The characteristics of ginger have even been shown to help people with motion sickness.

In our practice, we have seen the most success when ginger is used to assist with digestive, bowel, and gastrointestinal issues, stomach cramping, and arthritis of the fingers. For many of our pregnant patients ginger has provided relief from their symptoms of nausea. Some individuals choose ginger in place of pain relievers. Ginger also benefits healing in cases of skin wounds, aiding in the decrease of pus and infected areas. Note that ginger is contraindicated for people with gallstones and gastric/peptic ulcers and should not be used by them. During a recent symposium hosted by the American Association of Cancer Research, a particular study demonstrated that ginger suppressed cancer cells and cleansed the body of toxins. Although more research is needed, the documented curative effects of ginger are welcome news.

Ginger can be taken in whole, liquid, or powder form. If the wonder root does not appeal to your taste buds, try taking it in capsules, which are available in most health food or nutritional stores. The dosage for adults is typically 25 to 100 milligrams (or 1.5 to 3 milliliters of liquid) daily, although for digestive issues it may be helpful to increase the dosage. Use of ginger root in its natural state is preferred, and it is particularly beneficial and tasty when steeped in hot water with green or white tea. See the recipe at the end of this article for a pleasant concoction known as "Oooss Juice."

Ginger has many uses beyond medicinal and is versatile in the kitchen. Several cultures include it in making wine, and it is an ingredient in various candies, teas, curry, sushi, and some French liquors. In the US, ginger is probably most popularly known as the basis for ginger ale, gingerbread men cookies, cakes (gingerbread), jellies, jams, and other delicious confections and flavorings. Consider adding ginger to your favorite stir-fry recipe, dressings, salads, and even barbecue sauce.

As already described, ginger is a multipurpose and extraordinary herb! Its numerous health-promoting and symptom-fighting components make it desirable and appreciated. Whether the issues are digestive or fighting inflammation and bloating, ginger can contribute to the good health of people at any age.

One of my favorite ginger-based "brews" is Oooss Juice, for which the recipe follows:

Oooss Juice
- Use a high-quality, heat-retaining, stainless steel 2- to 4-gallon pot.
- Boil 1 gallon of water; add ½ pound of sliced ginger; lightly boil for 5 minutes, and turn the burner off.
- Add 2 to 6 organic green tea bags, steep for 30 to 60 minutes, and remove.
- After 4 to 12 hours, strain out the ginger, place the juice in a glass container, and cool in the refrigerator. Drink cold or hot.

Ginger, the wonder root, is an ingredient in many interesting recipes, adds a pungent and exotic flavor to foods and beverages, and offers notable health benefits to those who add it to their diet.

Ginger - The Wonder Root

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