Crowdsourcing: Introduced as a concept by Jeff Howe in a June 2006 Wired article, involves taking a task traditionally performed by an employee or contractor and outsourcing it to an undefined, generally large group of people, in the form of an open call.

In his new book “Crowdsourcing – Why the Power of the Crowd is Driving the Future of Business” Jeff explains:

crowdsourcing has also triggered a dramatic shift in the way work is organized, talent is employed, research is conducted, and products are made and marketed. As the crowd comes to supplant traditional forms of labor, pain and disruption are inevitable.

This video promo of the book gives a good overview of the concept.   As you watch it, think about applications for Crowdsourcing in your own business. How will you tap in to the collective genius of your friends and business associates to grow your small business?