Are you creative? Pause for a moment and reflect on your answer to this question.
For some reason, many people’s instant response is ‘no, I am not creative.’
I have asked thousands of business owners and seminar delegates this question. The answer is that we are all creative, as problem solving is part of human nature.
Running a business and marketing are both creative thinking exercises. For example, have you ever asked yourself questions along these lines:
“How do I attract more customers, without spending money?”
“How do I improve my writing skills and what should I write about?”
“How can I learn about internet marketing and where should I focus my time and energy, online?”
Be open to new ideas
Begin by being open to new ideas. It is all too easy to dismiss new ideas and approaches. You hear it when someone says: “Oh, I have tried that before and it didn’t work.” Or: “That wouldn’t work in my business.” So with a wave of their hand, that entire avenue of thought is closed down.
The creative thinker, on the other hand, will listen to new ideas. They won’t judge instantly. They will reflect, even if only for a few moments, before deciding whether to investigate further.
“Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is”? – Frank Scully
New ideas can come from unlikely places. Creative people read widely. They like to meet new people and go to new places and enjoy new experiences. Does this sound like you?
Creativity is a numbers game
The creative thinker generates a lot of ideas and accepts that only a few will work. Here is previous blog entitled:
Creating new ideas for your business.
Experimentation and playfulness
I think of marketing as a continual ‘science experiment’. For example, this month, I have joined Empire Avenue (in order to increase my social media reach and influence). I have also joined Pinterest, the image sharing social media website: http://www.pinterest/nigeltemple
Your promotional mix
How many ways are you promoting your business? When did you last review your promotional mix? My advice is to increase the number of ways in which you are promoting your business – which of course means that you will have to experiment with new approaches.
Fear of failure
In business, fear can be the greatest barrier. What if the new idea doesn’t work? How much money will we lose? What will our customers think?
How do you think that James Dyson would respond to these concerns? “To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” – Joseph Chilton Pearce
Here is a previous blog entry, entitled: Is fear holding me back?
Conclusion
Creativity and the ability to come up with new ideas on demand will help you to build a stronger, more resilient business. As challenges arrive, as they surely will, a creative approach will help you to circumnavigate turbulent waters and reach the next port safely.
Creative thinking training and talks
I have taught creative thinking skills to business owners, CEOs, directors, managers and marketers since 1996. If you are looking for a trainer or speaker in this area, by all means get in touch with me via www.nigeltemple.com and let me know your requirements.
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