Let’s talk about ideas…

You know what, let’s NOT be serious for a second.

I mean more than getting dressed up for a day.

Let’s push the boat out.

Let’s stick our finger in the cake and see what happens…

Getting everyone to write a message on clear perspex since our last office has gone down really well and now Mortgage Options have one too. It's a simple but real talking point. We're going to do one for every ranch and will give us a real sense of growth and a bit of nostalgia :)

…and that’s usually as far as the brainstorming goes. Everyone looks at each other blankly – and the second there’s a sense it’s not working we put everything back in the cupboard and place a label on the door that says “tried it, didn’t work”.

I can empathise with people who loathe the prospect of “brainstorming” or “blue sky thinking” or any other number of elitist terms for coming up with an idea.

The thing is, unless you’re comfortable coming up with ideas all day long, the experience is going to be a little strange isn’t it? Most things are a little wooden without a bit of practice and sometimes we underestimate how much energy is needed and how long an idea can take.

When you look at the longevity of a great idea I’d say it’s well worth the effort.

When I’m afforded the opportunity to rebrand a business, create a campaign or simply come up with a unique idea every fibre of my body wants to NAIL IT.

It’s something that’s kept me hooked to the prospect of new work and a blank sheet of paper for a long time and it’s something I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of.

I have noticed there are certain environments that, when I remember, I employ to the creative process and thought this could be something worth waffling on about in this here Village Link magazine.

“TECHNIQUES” TO CATCH AN IDEA

1. DON’T EATStart at 5-6am and work through until 10-11. Filling yourself up with stodgy food makes your body want to sleep it off and sticks your brain into hibernation mode.
2. DISTRACTIONStaring at a blank sheet of paper can be pretty painful when you’re in a cul-de-sac so I sometimes go and have a shower if I’m working from home. There’s something in doing something automated like washing your hair that gets your conscious mind busy. Try these too…> Go for a drive
   > Brush your teeth
   > Go to the pub

   I realise the last one just sounds like an excuse to go to the pub, but I have come up with loads of ideas when dropping in on the way home. I think this also has something to do with with having an empty stomach too and being relaxed maybe? Who cares, it works.

   I wouldn’t consciously brush your teeth with the express intention to crack an idea.  Just be aware that this could be a place where it could happen. No help am I!!??

3. KILL IT, BIN ITSometimes an idea that just needs that one last piece of the puzzle can’t be cracked, and something infinitely better is just waiting patiently around the corner.
4. ROMANCEDon’t expect to nail something in one sitting. If you’re not enjoying the process do it another time, don’t force it. Keep a pad and pen and go for a walk but not TO NAIL THE IDEA. Where’s the romance in that?
5. NEG FERRETSIf you DO think you’re onto something, be careful who you share your ideas with initially. Steer away from the negative ferrets until you’ve had a healthy balance of positive feedback from more open minded folk. THEN YOU MUST show the neg ferrets. You have to get a balanced view from everyone.

Scott Marson
Creative Director

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This entry was posted on Monday, April 26th, 2010 at 11:33 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.