by Gwyneth Dwyer
- View article on one page
- Page 1 2
Stuck? Feeling pressure to perform? Time fleeting? Deadline looming?
Perhaps you're responsible for three fabulous concepts that will drive the marketing of a new retail product line. Or you're charged with redesigning the controversial homepage of an e-commerce Web site. Or you need to present several great options for a new business name—with an accompanying tagline. Or everyone's looking to you to develop that emotionally appealing campaign theme that will boost a sagging fundraising effort.
Every one of those tasks demands innovation and its sidekick: inspiration.
"You can't sit around and wait for inspiration," said Jack London. "You have to go after it with a club."
Pick up your club (your pencil, your laptop, your sketchbook) and let's go. Whatever your particular challenge, these 10 strategies can help you innovate—on a deadline.
1. Zero in
What, exactly, is the task before you? State it clearly—in one sentence, if possible. This may take time, but it's worth it. "A problem well-stated is half-solved," said American pragmatist John Dewey.
2. Take off
Start thinking and don't hold back. Write or sketch everything that comes to mind. Don't get hung up on the right answer. There isn't one.
Not comfortable free-associating? Then force yourself to think in patterns: What's similar? What's opposite? What's more specific? What's more general? What does it look like, sound like, smell like?
Think hard, but go fast. And don't get too fond of anything yet.
3. Talk it over
- Page 1 2
- View article on one page
