What’s the best way to stay innovative while maintaining current revenue streams?

Staying innovative while maintaining current revenue streams is a delicate balance, but it’s definitely possible. Here's how you can approach it:

1. Dedicate Time for Innovation: Set aside regular time each week specifically for exploring new ideas. This might mean dedicating a day to brainstorming sessions or using your evenings to experiment with new concepts. It's crucial to carve out this time deliberately, away from the operational grind.

2. Capture Ideas Continuously: Always have a system (notebook, app, or voice notes) to capture ideas as they come. Sometimes the best ideas appear when you're not actively brainstorming. Over time, review these ideas to see patterns or sparks worth exploring.

3. Develop a Pilot Program: Start small with new ideas by developing pilot projects. This minimizes risk while allowing you to test the waters. If you’re a freelancer, for instance, use a portion of your workweek to pursue a new niche without quitting your existing clients.

4. Maintain a Feedback Loop: Engage with your current clients or customers for feedback and ideas. They can offer insights into needs or gaps that you can potentially fill with innovative solutions. This could mean regular surveys or informal check-ins.

5. Create a Safe Space for Failure: Innovation requires a tolerance for failure. Create an environment (or mindset) where failures are seen as learning opportunities. This mindset shift encourages risk-taking, which is essential for innovation.

6. Cross-Pollinate Ideas: Engage with people from different industries or disciplines. You'd be surprised at how methods from unrelated fields can inspire innovation in your own. Attend workshops, join forums, or simply network outside your usual circle.

7. Expose Ideas Gradually: Instead of rolling out a fully-formed innovation, expose it in increments. This allows you to adjust based on real-world feedback continuously. It's a practical application of the "Expose" part of my framework—getting feedback on a tangible, albeit small, version of your idea.

8. Secure and Reinforce Revenue Streams: Ensure your core business is stable and your existing revenue streams are protected. This could mean automating processes, improving client communication, or even diversifying services to make room for innovative ventures.

Remember, redefining success on your terms is key. If innovation moves you towards a business or lifestyle that better aligns with your values and goals, that's the ultimate win. Staying tied to revenue streams that no longer serve you can be detrimental in the long run. Stay agile and ready to pivot if necessary.