In our last post we talked about the need for creativity in business to be balanced with an eye on practicality - creativity serving the business, not creativity for creativity’s sake.
I highlighted five simple ways to help keep them in balance, so today I thought it would be worthwhile to look at them in more detail.
Don’t reinvent the wheel.
Chances are that your business can learn from others both within, and outside, your industry. Look around to see what successful people in other fields are doing then adapt their solutions to your particular situation. It’s not cheating if you expand on a concept that came from somewhere else but don’t bother spending too much time copying your competitors – the idea is to stand out as an innovator, not be seen as a copycat.
Don’t be afraid to be different and pursue good ideas.
Setting yourself apart from the competition is essential in a competitive marketplace. So, when you do manage to have an epiphany at three in the morning, don’t be afraid go after the idea. That said; there’s rarely a need to gamble the farm on one idea. Big ideas are good but gamble small, test frequently and when you do fail (and you will), fail small and learn quickly.
Think twice before throwing out a “bad” idea.
Ideas that seem implausible, impossible or silly may still have potential. Even if the idea doesn’t have legs right now, it can often evolve into something more usable over time and with a bit of tinkering. Keep a file of ‘passed on’ ideas and go back to it from time to time.
Find your inspiration.
Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes. Be inspired by anything and everything from fashion to websites to what the ‘big players’ in your industry are doing. Start a ‘swipe file’ of nice ideas from other businesses that you can adapt (or even outright copy) for your business. Often, a little work can help transform big business ideas into workable small business ideas.
Focus on the ‘big idea’.
Whatever ideas you do come up with to set yourself apart, remember why you’re striving for those new ideas in the first place – to help communicate your one big idea and make it work.
