Innovation is certainly not dead in the business world. Companies such as SpaceX and Kickstarter have paved new and innovative roads for themselves. Some companies have created completely new industries, while others are simply changing theirs. Look out for these five companies doing everything differently and defying the status quo.
1. Global Soap Project
Image via Global Soap Project
The Global Soap Project takes the recycling way of life to a whole new level. The company collects 2.6 million bars of unused soap that hotels throw away daily. The non-profit organization, based in Atlanta, Georgia, sends the bars of soap as far away as Uzbekistan and Sierra Leone, but also shares them with needy communities right here in the U.S.
2. Uber
Image via Uber
Hailing a taxi can be high on the hassle list, maybe even up there with a visit to the dentist. Most know that at times transportation is necessary, but aren't thrilled with the act of finding it. Uber offers an app for that. Using the Uber app on your phone, you can hail a ride by starting with a search for available drivers that are nearby. Not only can you schedule the driver to pull right up to your pick-up location, but you can pay with a debit or credit card using the app.
3. Plated
Image via Plated
Food is a way of life — literally. We have to have it to survive. The thought, however, of planning and preparing a good dinner after a long day at the office can be tiresome. Plated solves the problem of cooking up healthy, nutritious, and delicious meals by delivering fresh ingredients and professional recipes straight to your door daily, so all you have to do is follow the directions to create a great meal.
4. Virtual Dating Assistants
Image via Virtual Dating Assistants
Someone who is in the market for online dating, but doesn’t have the time or patience to do it alone can turn to Virtual Dating Assistants. The company recognizes that more men and women are turning to online dating to find their soul mates. The problem is they lack experience in crafting clever, but genuine profiles, and don't have the ability to choose the right dates when researching through tons of online profiles. Virtual Dating Assistants helps with all of this.
5. Smile Squared
Image via Smile Squared
Dental hygiene is good for overall health. Smile Squared recognizes this and the fact that not everyone has access to a toothbrush. For every toothbrush they sell, Smile Squared donates one to someone in need. The toothbrushes are distributed throughout the 50 states and to 20 countries. The company believes it helps to put a smile on faces around the world.
Some company founders do not have to see that something is broken to put a new twist on an old way of doing something. Some simply see beyond the status quo to a better way of doing things — and then they make it happen.
The Washington State University Carson College of Business offers an executive-level Master of Business Administration program (EMBA) to help professionals surpass their status quo.