Are you paying attention? If you want to know what the smartest, strongest businesses in your field are doing to innovate, you have to put some serious thought into how new technologies will affect your corporation. What are the related fields, what are their innovations — and how can you integrate and prepare to use those technologies in your own business? Because, you can be sure, your competitors are already trying to get ahead of the curve!

Reaching a high level of innovation means making a commitment to learning, taking the time to put yourself in a learning environment, with people who are also paying attention to technology advancements. Think of these three things:

1. You are who you spend time with. Do you surround yourself with high achievers and open minds? You learn from the people you know, investigating the world through their experiences and opinions, seeing tech advancements through their eyes. Do you take the time to talk about modern technology with others, and hear their opinions and perspectives?

2. What are you thinking about? What are you reading, listening to, and watching? Where do you get your information? Is it updated, cutting-edge, and easy to understand?? Can you relate those advancements to your life and your business?

3. Are you getting out and investigating the world? Do you go to industry conferences and entrepreneurial events? Do you spend time discussing with people who challenge your preconceptions and understandings?

Jim Rohn said, “You’re the average of the top 5 people you spend the most time with.” So, make sure those are people you can learn from, exchange ideas with, and come away smarter than you were before.