05 Jul 09 Creating an Idea Factory

When you have an event to plan, the last thing you want to do is run out of ideas. Here are some ways to ignite the creative fires when you’re tired, pressed for time, or your creativity is running on fumes.

Map It

Word your problem concisely–three words or fewer–and write it in the middle of a large sheet of paper. Place related words or concerns around it and connect anything that is related with a line. Continue doing this in layers until you hit the right word or term. There is software that will help you do this if you would rather be on the computer. Do a web search for “mind mapping software” and related terms.

Turn It Around

If you’re having trouble with something, work on the opposite problem. Whether you hit on the right solution by working on its opposite or end up simply returning to your original problem as it was first stated, you will be looking at it with a fresh mind.

Synesthetics

What the heck is synesthetics? It is having one sense stimulated and having another affected; the most common form of this is when someone listens to music and experiences color–some actually see the color. You can use this without actually being a “synesthete.” For example, in trying to think of what an event in New England might taste like, you may come across the idea of providing maple syrup or candy as gifts for participants, or a tour of a small, family owned maple syrup factory for an event activity.

Some other possibilities: What does a Hawaiian event smell like? If the event were a concert, what would it sound like? What is the color of a sales meeting? Although there are no real answers to that, eventually you may come to the right solution to whatever problem you are working one. Note: This exercise can often take the form of mapping (solution #1) and the two together are powerful.

No doubt there are many other ways to approach creative problem solving. There are many books written on the subject, and purchasing one may be one of your best investments in your future. What does the solution to a problem feel like? A day at the spa.

Tags: Candy, Creative Fires, Creative Problem, Creativity, Exercise, Experiences, Maple Syrup Factory, Mapping Solution, Mind Mapping Software, Music, New England, No Doubt, Participants, Possibilities, Right Solution, Running On Fumes, Synesthete, Web Search, What The Heck