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produce an idea or way of solving a problem by holding a spontaneous group discussion.“a brainstorming session”
At a loss for words?
Not sure what to blog about? Not sure what to do your next video on?
Brainstorming is the greatest way to come up with a whole host of brilliant ideas. The end goal of brainstorming is to list as many ideas as you can, without editing. Don’t second guess yourself. Just toss out as many ideas, no matter how crazy, different or strange they are. It is about quantity here not quality. You can pick and choose the best ideas to act on later.
There are a number of ways to go about doing this.
1. Write down everything
This works really well if you head out to a coffee shop or park and just watch what is going on around you. Write down as many interesting observations or scenarios that you see. This is a great list to help you come up with future blog posts. You might even come up with some problems that your service or company can solve. What a great way to target your writing to your target audience or client/customer.
2. Use a writing prompt
Use a photo or video to get the creative juices flowing. Use a photo from a newspaper or from a recent trip and come up with as many ideas or scenarios you can think of.
3. Scan the papers/magazines/online blogs
Write down as many interesting stories or topics from the material you are reading. This isn’t about copying from anyone else but making notes on what is trending or a hot topic. You can use these ideas and tailor them to your own particular service, blog or company. Maybe you have spotted a problem that you know you can solve.
4. Record your voice
There are lots of ways to do this, including several apps that can record audio right on your phone. You are not going for professional sound quality here but good enough for you to understand it when you are done. Just talk into whatever you are using to record sound whenever you feel inspired and then go back and listen to those ideas for writing fuel
5. Video works too!
Just hit the record on your computer webcam. Sit in front of your video camera or hit the record on your iPhone or iPad and pick a topic and just throw out as many ideas, words, thoughts associated with your chosen topic. When you play back the recording you will likely be surprised at how many useful ideas you have
6. Watch the News
The truth is stranger than fiction. Watch for what is happening around the world and in your own backyard. News of the day can help spark ideas for follow up stories or in-depth debate.
7. Get Social
Keep an eye on twitter to see what is trending. Top trending topics could help you come up with ideas that will get people’s attention or spark further discussion
ACTION STEP
HOMEWORK
Timed Writing: Sit down every day for 15 minutes and just write down everything that comes to mind without self-editing. You will be amazed at how much stuff you will get out of just 15 minutes. The key here is to not edit or censor your thoughts as you go along. Don’t think about what might be good or bad. This exercise is about just getting the ideas on the paper or computer screen. You never know what will come and sometimes the ideas we think are no good turn out to be great!
