How to Think Outside of the Box

How to Think Outside of the Box

Whenever you find yourself stuck looking for a solution to a problem or a new tactic to obtaining your goal, start thinking outside of the box. Here are some things to achieve this:

Imagine

One of my favorite exercises (which I learned in an acting class) is to imagine that you are an object. In this case, imagine you are your product (which in my case isn't that hard, because I am my business). Visualization is a helpful tool in recognizing what needs improvement. What are your attributes? What do you need to look better? What do you need to work more efficiently? Is there something that just doesn't feel right? Make a list of these questions and similar ones, and then answer them. By answering these questions, you will begin to identify.

Idea Time

Writing down ideas is the best way to get started. I recommend that you try not to focus on the end result. In this way you'll be more open to whatever stems from your brainstorming. This is called "free association." Take a word that has to do with your business; it can be the name of your business, the market you are entering, anything, and put it at the top of a piece of paper. Then without thinking, start writing the words that pop into your mind. No matter how ridiculous they seem to you, write them down. It can be anything. There are no wrong answers to this exercise. This exercise can only be successful if you really write down everything you think of.Once you're done, take a look at what you've written. Can any of these abstract notions become part of your marketing strategy? Could they become a whole new angle?

Change

Change is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Use change to your advantage and help make your marketing plan stronger. How is your demographic changing? Can you move with that change in order to continue to accommodate them? How is society changing? Are there changes that could expand your audience with just a slight tweak of your marketing angle?

Remember, this is YOUR business!

Only YOU can Grow it, but Wild WE can help!