The best ideas usually come by happenstance. You can’t will them into being on a moments notice. You can encourage the generation of bright ideas, however, by changing your environment, conversation and thoughts.
Sometimes, as small business owners, we are so consumed with daily activities we barely have time to think. This makes it difficult to not only generate new ideas but to recognize the opportunity when they present themselves.
Generating bright ideas can pump new blood into an otherwise stagnate or boring business. Being able to capitalize on bright ideas gets clients reinvigorated, draws attention to your brand and keeps your business fresh and lively.
Not all bright ideas will work, but having them available means opportunities to do something bigger, better or even new. Here are some tips for generating some of your own bright ideas…
- Step away from the office. Do something fun that invokes the child in you or inspires you or allows you be creative or provides you with fresh thoughts. Taking a drive, reading a book, meeting with good friends, going to public exhibits, seeing a movie, spending time with your children, a conversation with your spouse, etc. It can be anything, but the important thing is to get out and do something that is out of your routine and normal environment. It doesn’t have to be drastic, but it does need to be different.
- Develop and implement an advisory board. Having an advisory board is one of the most essential and important tools a small business owner can have. You have a group of professionals whose experience, skills and insight are at your disposal. Learning how to use their assets to your advantage keeps your business invigorated because you are continuously drawing from a bank of strengths.
- Talk your clients. Who is more qualified to tell you about their changing needs and new trends than your clients? A great way to stay ahead of the curve is to consistently and constantly be in tuned with your client base and their changing habits, needs, tastes, etc. Conversations with clients are a fantastic way to generate new ideas for products and services.
The next time you feel or think your business is in a slump or lacks energy, make sure your environment, conversation and thoughts are conducive for generating some bright ideas.
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For over 18 years, Simplicity Mastered™ founder and CEO A. Michelle Blakeley has owned or managed small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Expert in her field, Blakeley personally guides her clients out of their Business Brain Freeze™ to streamline operations, increase return on investment, and attain quantifiable results. Forbes.com and FinancialPost.com each recommended her as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, joining the experts who know that Blakeley is a master at growing small businesses … and doing it with “Simplicity.”
