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Inspiration

Let new ideas flow

rainstorming. When was the last time you establishes and maintains a positive direction, set goals
gathered with a group of colleagues and asked for clarity, and establish a time limit to keep the meeting
them to spontaneously offer ideas for invigo- short and vibrant. According to Design Shack, goals
B rating your sales outreach? Or when did you should be specific and attainable rather than vague and
last mull over ideas solo in an effort to solve a problem overarching; for example, establishing the best website
with your customer service operations? Brainstorming, ever is too broad, but coming up with 10 possible ways
done with a group or solo, is a terrific business tool. How to improve a home page's user interface is specific and
often do you make use of it? doable.

In Good Selling! : The Basics, Paul H. Green endorsed Mind Tools, www.mindtools.com, stated that several studies
TM
brainstorming, stating, "Stimulate sales by jumpstarting found that individual brainstorming "produces more
your creative thinking process. Think of new and different – and often better – ideas than group brainstorming"
ways to solve old problems without worrying about how because "groups aren't always strict in following the rules
practical they are for the moment. Write them down, no of brainstorming, and bad behaviors creep in." Also people
matter how silly they may seem. Later, expand each idea can become so absorbed and influenced by others in the
into several more. When this process is complete, you can group that by the time it's their turn to speak, they've lost
switch to practical thinking to edit and reformulate the track of their own ideas.
list."
Encourage creativity
Stay positive
Some suggested alternatives for productive group
Green also advised avoiding negative thinking patterns brainstorming are to create a document in the cloud and
that dismiss ideas outright or lead directly to worst- invite people to share their ideas there; have attendees at
case scenarios. "Allow your mind to indulge a little in meetings write down their ideas before voicing them; or
the answers that emerge. You may discover some new go around the group systematically, giving each attendee
strategies for dealing with challenges you face every day. a chance to speak without interruption. The latter may,
Share your discoveries with your co-workers. New ideas however, inhibit spontaneity, but it can help draw out
are often springboards to creativity." shyer members of the group.

A new environment can enhance brainstorming. Rather Brainstorming about potential obstacles within the
than meeting with your team in the office, try gathering industry is one of the keys to success in payments,
in a coffee shop, a park if the weather's mild, or perhaps a according to Green. "Stay abreast of potential changes, and
colleague's home. formulate plans ahead of time," he wrote. "Often, being
the first one with a solution means getting the account."
Set parameters

Design Shack, http:designshack.net, offered several
additional hints for successful brainstorming. Among
them were to have a moderator to ensure the discussion
Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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