Dear Ilise,
Welcome to the Marketing Minute, our email newsletter. Our firm,
LevinsonBlock LLC, helps entrepreneurial companies and non-profits grow through effective branding and marketing. If
you have marketing questions or a topic you would like us to
address in a future issue, email us here!
Four ways to jump-start ideas
Sometimes when working on a project I get stuck -- I can't seem to come up with ideas or move the project forward. This can be alarming when I have a
tight deadline! Here are some methods I try to get ideas flowing again:
Change tools
The computer is a powerful tool, but looking at a monitor can be claustrophobic -- it can make things look
too polished and final. I try switching to a notebook or sketchpad. Sometimes, just switching from lined to unlined paper helps, or from pen to a
soft
pencil. And turn off your email alerts!
Change methods
Try giving yourself a 15 minute drill -- jot down or draw any idea at all that comes to mind without making judgments.
Change Context
If I'm stuck for ideas, the best medicine is a subway ride (except during rush hour!) I make sure not to bring any distractions -- just a notebook.
This works every time. Or try visiting a café, browsing a bookstore, taking a walk -- anything that gets you away from your desk.
Collaborate
Try bouncing ideas off of someone who has nothing to do with your project. This can leads to great insights, or a reality check.
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FACT OF THE MONTH
The New York Board of Education barred the whipping of children in its schools on March 4, 1908.
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