How do you come up with new ideas for your business?  How do you solve your normal day to day challenges?  Brainstorming is the answer.  Brainstorming is so important in your business – it really can affect all areas in your business.  Every part of your business can benefit from great brainstorming.  How many times do you brainstorm and have results?  Well, that might be a funny question, but let me explain:

Normally, you would just jot down your ideas on the fly: in a notepad, record it to your phone, or just try to remember the great idea you had.  It never works with me.  By the time I get home, I don’t remember exactly what it was if I didn’t write it down.  Because of that, I always carry a notebook with me – just in case.  So, when I get home, I have a list of ideas (not necessarily in one location).  What happens with that list?  Do you go through it again, pick the better ideas, prioritize and schedule them?  Most of the time, you will put the list in a place you think you will find it again and never see it again.  I know – I had lists all over and when I did find them again, I thought what great ideas I had at that point and how it would have been so much easier to do it that way.

Since this way of brainstorming did not work for me, I try to avoid brainstorming “on the fly.”  Instead, I set aside a specific time to brainstorm and schedule it in my calendar.  I only use 1 dedicated notepad for brainstorming.  That makes sure you don’t have lists all over the place on little scraps of paper.  In fact, I got a small notebook so I can carry it with me.  Now, I have all my ideas in one place.

If you are a more visual person, try mind mapping applications online.  I like https://bubbl.us/.  It is free to use and helps you get a “better picture.”

What are your ideas for brainstorming?  I invite you to add them in the comment section.