For those who like to tackle puzzles and problems like a pro, they can cash in on that brainpower with a whole new trend in the business world.
It's called crowdsourcing. Companies put out calls to the masses to help solve a problem or come up with an idea. You have a good idea. You get paid.
An Illinois chemist won $20,000 for finding a solution to ongoing clean up issues from the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce has also just posted a problem to help increase ridership in public transportation as a way to curb green house gas emissions. Lance Pressl says it's part of the Chamber's Innovate Now initiatve. The winner of the $5,000 prize will be announced at the Innovate Now Summit in April.
For more information about the Chicago Challenge, click on this Web site. For other challenges, click on Innocentive's Web site.
