I hear it all the time. “I want to expand my business, but I don’t know
how.” Many online small business owners have this challenge. In all
actuality, it’s not a business problem… rather a creativity problem.
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For any given industry, there are dozens of ways to expand, reach new
customers, develop new products, and offer more services. However, the
struggle comes with trying to think of new ideas. “Where do I expand to?”
“How do I reach new customers?” “What products or services should I
add?” These are all questions that can seem overwhelming to someone stuck
sitting in front of a computer all day.
One way to open your mind to new possibilities is to get creative. When
your creative juices start flowing, all sorts of ideas pop into your mind.
Some may seem silly or inconceivable, but others will cause you to have “light
bulb moments” where you’re amazed that you didn’t think of the idea
before.
To break the monotony and open the floodgate of creativity, try doing
some of the following. They are all “kid-like” activities designed to
eliminate the humdrum business thinking you’ve become accustomed to and
free your mind to unlimited possibilities.
1. Walk
barefoot in the grass.
When was the last time you took your shoes off and strolled around your
yard? While you’re walking, notice the birds in the trees, the crickets
beneath your feet, and the shapes of the clouds overhead. Take time to just
relax and dream again.
2. Buy a set of
building blocks. Or you
can borrow some from your children! Use your imagination to construct
anything you want. Be unique… think like a kid and create a true
masterpiece.
3. Forget about
being wrong. Kids never
care if they’re wrong. If you tell them they can’t do something, they
simply say, “Oh yes I can!” Rather than looking at new business ideas
from a “it’ll probably fail” point-of-view, take the “oh yes I can”
stance.
4. Rearrange
your office or workspace.
Sometimes just the slightest change in your routine can spark creativity.
Change the placement of your desk, add some plants, hang an overhead light,
or alter some other aspect of your workspace.
When you take the time to nurture your creativity, it will pay off in
ways you never imagined. And isn’t that the point? Learn to imagine the
unimaginable and make your business soar!
-- Diane Hughes is an accomplished Internet entrepreneur and editor of
the popular ProBizTips Newsletter. Subscribe to her newsletter for more
tips, tricks, and secrets of the trade -- plus get HUNDREDS of eBooks,
software and tools just for subscribing! http://www.ProBizTips.com
June 10, 2003
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