It was also in Cologne that Julie taught me how to rock climb. Today in particular the second rule (the first being: "always ensure three points of contact") rings a particularly resonant tone. Julie put a lot of emphasis on the fact that you should always move your feet first, then your hands. Secure footing leads extension. This also means that you use less energy as you push yourself up the mountain, instead of pulling/dragging your body weight up. Improved reach and stability.
This is a really good metaphor for business. How often does a business, in the search of new markets grab at anything they see without ensuring that they are on good footing. Going beyond what they can sustain, ending in mid-air suspension, exhausted and confused (I am sure that hand hold looked a lot more secure from down there...) How often have you sat in focus groups where blind hands are stumbling through the dark in search of that one insight from which to hang a product launch?
The alternative would be to use the legs of the company to push you from a stable footing. What are the lives and interests of your sales force and marketing team teaching you about tastes and trends? How does the head of R&D's surfing fetish feature in your new technology developments? And how much of this knowledge is parked at the front door when they "check-in" (or "check-out" more like) for work.
By using the stronger muscles of personal interest and appreciating where your team's centre of gravity is, you'll find innovation far less stressful, and inspired.
And as for those over extended dot.busts, what a different story google and amazon tell today... do the leg work :-)
The friendly people at the next door breakfast table have given me free tickets to the art fair, so if anyone want's to come along, let me know.
I like this feet first metaphor a lot - hope to read your expansion on this as you go forward.
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