In the increasingly
competitive corporate environment that has developed worldwide over the last 20-30 years, there has been an equally competitive drive toward finding ways in which businesses can compete through
innovative business practices. The challenges are many, and the culture has responded with countless ideas and principles, which can help a business grow and possibly even excel within their niche. Yet, the standards and practices associated with these new business methods and models are even more important
today as the economy begins the very slow upturn from the post 9/11 economic recession. This work offers an analysis of the types of innovative strategies that have allowed companies to survive and even thrive in the challenging market of today. Initial findings indicate that strategy and not luck rules the day.