Like a growing number of business professionals, I have incorporated the use of Linkedin, Twitter, etc. into my work-related networking activities. I typically spend up to 30 minutes a day maintaining/updating my network. As my "circle" grows, I can't help but think that these companies are missing a really BIG opportunity to spur innovation and new business growth, while dramatically enhancing their own earning potential...
One of the primary reasons that I participate in these business-focused networks is to find/monitor trends, "launch" ideas and get feedback from like-minded professionals. It would seem logical for the companies that own these solutions to offer "innovation forums" that actively bring users together to collaborate on idea/widget generation. A process for sniffing out users that might be able to contribute + documenting threads for IP purposes + launching the idea to a broader audience for criticial feedback would not be that difficult to develop. The idea owner(s) would likely even pay a small fee for this support.
But the big payout would be if these companies acted as virtual VCs - owned a % of the concept on top of any facilitation fees they could capture. Consider the possibilities.
Obstacles would be minimal. EULAs that enforce idea ownership and establish a wall between the user and his/her employer should be simple to implement. "Community" ownership of the concept should also be easy to orgaznize and oversee.
I have seen a few web sites/organizations that have attempted this community idea development concept ... but none with the reach of Linkedin, Twitter, etc.
As usual, I appreciate the interest if you have read this far, and I would appreciate involvement if you take this concept and run with it (both as a user and an owner) ... I'm talking to you Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook.......
