Brainstorming – Small Business Development 5 of 6

Brainstorming should be a key part of any small business. Even in an industry that is not traditionally creative or artful. Brainstorming is so important because some of your best ideas for growth and optimizing your business can come out of it. The website, dictionary.com defines brainstorming as: “a conference technique of solving specific problems, amassing information, stimulating creative thinking, developing new ideas, etc.,by unrestrained and spontaneous participation in discussion.” I agree, with this definition and I think it sums it up nicely.

Make Brainstorming A Priority

Adding this to a long list of things to do probably doesn’t seem all that important. However, I have found it to be completely worth the time it takes. Brainstorming is my first defense against challenges, issues and roadblocks. Sitting down and concentrating on ways to improve or change things  is invaluable. As a small business owner, it is easy to feel that all the new and good ideas are up to you. Not true! Team members love to collaborate and be asked their opinion. We make brainstorming a priority. We talk through the challenge of what isn’t working, or what part of something isn’t working, and then we collectively work through the solutions.

Brainstorming For Every Team Member

I have met people that claim they aren’t good at brainstorming, but I have found that everyone has it in them. We all work a little differently, but have plenty of great ideas to offer. Here are my pointers for getting everyone on board and making it a great brainstorming session:

• Have a collaborative space, such as a white board
• Make sure everyone also has their own writing utensil and paper or notebook
• Have a calculator available
• Make sure everyone has access to the internet on a laptop or on their phone (sometimes you just have to Google it!)
• Allow everyone to contribute…including assistants, junior associates or administrative team members
• Don’t cut anyone off
• Explore each idea, even those that are too expensive or feel out of reach

Often times my greatest ideas have been formed and inspired by pieces and parts of other’s ideas. I challenge you to have a brainstorming session soon and let the good vibes flow. New ideas and collaboration go a long way in brightening up your work environment…there is always an air of optimism.

Tomorrow we will finish out this Small Business Development series. We will change gears for February as we look at personal financial goals more closely. As always, we are here to serve you in every facet of your financial picture. Please let us know how we can help!