[youtube width="375" height="225"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyAAvwwokRg[/youtube]
Firstly, let me say its a great honor to be ‘with you all’ here on the site, a big thanks to Brandon and the rest of the TIP Team for thinking of me. My posts here are going to be in a video format, with a short written introduction.
In this post I focus on the importance of brainstorming for business growth – but, more importantly brainstorming in the RIGHT WAY. Regardless of whether you’re running a brick ‘n mortar, or virtual business, the bottom line that new ideas and concepts are needed to be able to grow, utilize the people around you and capture more market share.
Be sure to watch right up to the end of the clip, for the chance to win a 30min consultation with me. We can talk about anything you like business related – even do a bit of brainstorming! Until next time…
Chris owns a 200+ employee Outsourcing Company based in the Philippines. He has been featured in several International publications, including Entrepreneur Magazine, the Outsourcing Periodical and was recently featured on the cover of Globalization Today. Download Chris’ FREE eBook “Saving the Day, the Virtual Way”, at his blog Virtual Business Lifestyle. You can also follow Chris on Twitter.
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Chris,
The best advice I can offer to help with brainstorming new ideas to grow your business is:
“Get away from your computer every now and then and do something low-tech such as: take the dog for a walk.”
I find this to be one of the most energizing ways to clear my head of the information clutter. I have so often come up with the simplest and most profound ideas when I am away from my desk and all technology.
Just yesterday I solved a programming problem with a WordPress plugin I am developing that not only resulted in an elegant piece of program code but led to a solution that even surprised me with it’s simplicity.
Cheers, Michael
Michael Pedzotti´s last [type] ..Looking for great blogging advice
Indeed.
Sometimes LESS is most certainly, more…
Thanks for the comment and tip, Michael.
Welcome Chris!
One brainstorming tip that’s served me well is to do it quickly and often. Don’t sit there mindmapping for 3 hours at a time. Try doing it in 10 minute bursts once a week or so instead. Brainstorming can be a helpful exercise to break up the monotony on those days where you’re not really feeling it. It’ll also help you stay aware of where you’re at currently and help you keep your eye on the prize.
Jillian´s last [type] ..Monetizing and You
Great comment, Jillian.
As I mention in the video, I try and keep ALL of my meetings, whether brainstorming related or not, to a maximum of 15-20mins.
Cheers,
Chris
Awesome video Chris, taking photo’s of your white board is an excellent technique that I use a lot.
I personally record all my ideas on post it notes (1 idea per post it).
I set myself a time limit say 10 minutes, then pop each post it note on to the white board. with similar ideas or areas grouped together.
After you’ve got all the ideas down its very useful to show the inter relationships between ideas by drawing lines or moving the post it’s.
I’ve personally used this with a number of clients which has proved very successful – by helping to see solution or opportunities quickly and visually.
Matthew Needham´s last [type] ..Wednesday Wisdom
Brainstorming and planning is absolutely vital for business growth. When we do consulting we tend to spend the most time in this area.