If you don’t care about the new logo skip this paragraph! There are times in the innovation process when you have to simply make a decision. It’s appropriate to explore all options but at the end of the day I had to crank out a logo, and without paying some designer an arm and a leg to do it.  What you see here is the result of an iterative process.  I was uncomfortable with a purely symbolic logo, although the bird in flight could be used that way. So, I went with a type-based logo meant to convey a sense of speed and a modern attitude.  Does it?  I am leaving the door open for a simpler logo by using the bird as part of this. I took the earlier prototype of the bird in flight and further abstracted it.  The deep blue color is meant to suggest the sky. I’m sure this can be criticized (I’m all ears) but for now this will have to do.  I need to move on to other aspects of the business and will revisit this if necessary in the future.

Behind the scenes things are taking shape.  Peregrine is talking with two strategic partners and while I can’t turn over those cards just yet, they are key industry players. I have a hand-shake deal with the provider of a very good online assessment tool for creative problem solving thinking styles. The other partner, and we are in negotiations, is a major idea management systems vendor.

As the recession deepens, it looks as though the timing is very good for a new player with a less expensive, more responsive, consumer feedback service.  I’ve been pre-selling TPP and I dare-say I could sell a project now but best to hold off until we are better prepared to deliver lighting fast market response and ideas.

Regarding participating in The Peregrine Panel: If you are new to this, simply follow @greggfraley2 in Twitter. If you are one of those already following @greggfraley2 because you want to be part of the consumer-ideator panel a request: recruit more followers for the panel!  The formal process, which will begin in a few weeks, includes taking a thinking styles assessment and filling out a profile form. The potential panelists will be notified using Twitter.  

Why become a Peregrine Panelist? Three key reasons: 1.) panelists will participate in ground breaking research and product development efforts, it will be stimulating and fun, 2.) compensation will take the form of actual payments for some projects, “spiffs” and discounts for others, some will be “volunteer” (such as generating ideas for non-profits) and, panelists can “earn” actual shares in the company.  10% of the company shares are being held out for panelists. This is unprecedented in consumer research and it’s a real opportunity for panelists to do well, if the company does well. Finally, 3.) Panelists will be assessed for thinking styles and will receive creativity training on various aspects of new product development and idea generation. This presents a great opportunity for younger people in particular looking for resume-building skills and experiences.

So, follow @greggfraley2 to begin the process of being a panelist. Please re-tweet my recruitment messages, or create your own for your followers, so we can get the panel numbers and diversity to the level that will attract corporate clients.