Every newly minted MBA knows the conventional ways to grow a business. Organic expansion is ideal. Increasing sales, expanding the customer base, extending the product and services portfolio, and driving into new markets can all spur new revenues and boost profits. Mergers and acquisitions are also obvious strategies. The ability to manufacture goods or provide services can be acquired when it doesn't exist internally.

However, a higher level of creativity is necessary to foster an environment for growth in today's business world. Traditional strategies and tactics are still effective, but innovative uses of business and technology strategies can make an even bigger impact on an organization.

In this special section, we explore modern twists to traditional growth strategies. Additionally, we share how imaginative executives are exploiting previously hidden business improvement opportunities for tremendous gain in their organizations.

Successful growth depends on creativity. Find your inspiration on the following pages.

Art by Dale Chihuly
"Saturn Red Macchia with Cobalt Lip Wrap"
Owned by Minneapolis 225 Holdings, LLC
(Hines, managing and leasing agent)

Photograph by Greg Auseth/Maki Strunc

Teradata Magazine-September 2007