10 Things I Know About... Fostering Great Ideas
10. Cross pollinate.
When it comes to generating ideas, include people from all disciplines. Collaboration is key; always remember that everyone has something to contribute.
9. Pinterest - online and off.
Set up a virtual pin board for your company and provide areas around your office for people to capture real-life inspiration. Chalkboards, magnets and whiteboard walls all work to encourage and showcase ideation.
8. Bring out the kid in everyone.
You'll be amazed at how quickly inhibitions are released when you hand out paper and crayons, pass around an Etch-A-Sketch, or set up a makeshift basketball hoop.
7. Expose yourself.
Become a student of popular culture and current events. Realize that you live in a bigger world and sometimes idea generation actually requires looking beyond your own industry.
6. Get out of your office.
Take a field trip to literally get out of the box.
5. Become grandma.
If you're marketing to Grandma, wear her shoes. Set the stage and don't hesitate to use props if it helps improve everyone's understanding.
4. Opt for brainstorming sprints, not marathons.
Idea generation works best in 15- to 60-minute increments. Anything over that and you'll see creativity diminish exponentially.
3. Sugar them up!
Dentist bills aside, fireballs, bubble gum, Smarties and other candy favorites are no-fail boosters that can throttle free-spirited thinking in minutes.
2. Develop a geek-itude.
There's definitely a smart element to idea generation and it has everything to do with active learning. Open your eyes, educate yourself and glean new information constantly.
1. Remember that ridiculous might just be brave.
Today's far-fetched, crazy idea might just be tomorrow's Next Big Thing.
Christine Tieri is founder, president and creative director of smith&jones idea agency in Sturbridge. She can be reached at christ@smithnjones.com.
Read more
10 Things I Know About ... Workplace Flexibility
10 Things I Know About ... Planning A Productive Week
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments