When it comes to developing a new business idea or even expanding on company plans two things are sure to happen. The thought of jumping feet first into a new venture or risking expansion in questionable economic times could scare you to death forcing you to cut short your plans. The other likelihood is that you will rise to the challenge, meeting business uncertainty head-on and seeing your idea through to completion. Regardless of the scenario, I think I have the answer to help start-ups and existing business owners address their most pressing business issues all in the time it takes you to grab lunch.
Go Back to Kindergarten
There are times when working on a project that I reach the point of diminishing returns. When this happens I end up putting in more energy and getting back little in terms of productivity. When this happens it usually means that it’s time to go back to kindergarten. Kindergarten conjures up images of playing, coloring, and fun! When pen and paper just won’t get it done it’s time to bust out a pack of crayons (or markers if you prefer) and a large sheet of drawing paper in order to tackle business problems in a new and fun way. For many business owners the idea of ‘playing’ with their business is unthinkable as the theme of the day is all about keeping their heads above water. With crayons and poster board sized paper in hand, the first thing you will need to do is determine which company issue is most pressing and needs to be addressed first. Is it a management issue, are you looking for new ways to market or is your company just now starting out?
Time to Get Creative
Now that you have identified your most pressing issue, start by drawing a picture that represents that issue in the center of the page. Try not to get sidetracked by your drawing ability (or in my case inability). Once you have drawn your central image, begin drawing any and all images that come to mind that are related to solving your most pressing problem. The images don’t have to be sequential or logical as long as you can recognize what you have drawn. After you have gotten all of your images (ideas) drawn on the page take a moment to write one key word that describes what that image is. These keywords should provide a clear connection to the problem or issue you are trying to solve. Lastly, step back from your masterpiece to prioritize which items need to be addressed first (if at all).
Answer the Questions
If you have managed to last this long then know that you are almost done but first you must answer some very important questions. Looking at your work, can you come up with a name for your company and can you clearly describe your product or service? What personnel and staff are needed to help you pull this project off? What is the most creative marketing thing that you can think of to help you get your idea noticed? Lastly, how much will it cost to implement these plans? If you can answer these questions then the time spent visualizing your business has been well spent.
What’s the Goal
Many of your reading this may be thinking, “I don’t have time for games” and all I can say is that’s too bad. I have been visualizing ideas for more than a decade now and I can tell you that it’s great for accomplishing the following.
- It helps you generate more out-of-the-box ideas in less time.
- It helps you to presents tons of information in a small amount of space.
- Lastly, for those of you that just find running your business these days to be a grind, it’s just plain fun!
Mapping out your ideas in this manner won’t solve all of your problems but should provide instant insight on identifying a name for your company’s new product or service as well a clearly describing what it is that you offer. Hopefully this exercise has helped you uncover a new and creative way to market your company. Lastly, try to make a good estimate of how much it will cost you to put your plans into action. Give it a try and be sure to let me know if any amazing ideas came about as a result.
Cavanaugh L. Gray is the Director of Business Development for The Entrepreneur Café, L.L.C. in Carbondale and can be reached at 618-206-7013. For more winning small business ideas or for information on how to start, grow & succeed in small business be sure to follow The Entrepreneur Café, L.L.C. on Twitter www.twitter.com/TheECafe or at www.ecafellc.com.
