As the 2012 Telstra Businesswomen’s awards open for nominations, Dynamic Business is chatting to twelve former winners about the impact the program has had on their businesses.
Today, Shoes of Prey founder Jodie Fox talks about how innovation has allowed her business become the market leader and reveals the opportunities winning the 2011 Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award has created for Shoes of Prey.
Q. How important do you think it is for a business owner to have an innovative spirit, and why?
Having an innovative spirit is vital for any business owner, particularly as the rate of change for consumer engagement continues to become more rapid.
It’s integral to not just the survival, but also the success of any business.
Q. What is the most significant way innovation has impacted your business in past year?
Shoes of Prey was the first to market globally with design your own women’s shoes online and continues to lead the market in this area. It’s been essential for us to continue to innovate in every area of our business to continue to be the leader of the category.
Our second label Sneaking Duck launched in just October of last year and is totally disrupting the optical market by delivering designer glasses in a ridiculously convenient and inexpensive way. The demand is demonstrative of the gap that required innovation in the optical market.
Q. How will innovative activity impact your business over the next 12 months?
The innovations we have underway at both businesses are not ready for release yet, but involve really exciting shifts to what it means to shop online. I truly believe that no one has yet nailed what it means to deliver a seriously fantastic online retail experience, but all it will take to get there is insight and imagination. Technology around this is exciting right now. And I think this can be done within 12 months.
Q. What one piece of advice would you offer other aspiring businesswomen and female entrepreneurs?
Stop thinking about it, just do it. Don’t plan to the point of inaction.
Q. How has being nominated and winning a Telstra Business Women’s Award impacted your business or organisation?
It’s been an exciting raising of profile for both Shoes of Prey and Sneaking Duck in press and business circles. There are numerous opportunities to speak at incredible events and networks have opened up as never before.
Personally, it’s been an incredible affirmation for my professional development and confidence, which translates into better work.
Do you know a deserving businesswoman? Nominate her now. Click here for more details.
