Eye on Entrepreneur > Go Fish for Ideas

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I'm not much of a fisherman. But I like to cast the rod of imagination once in awhile to fish for new and creative ideas, or to maximize old ones. Many times I come up empty, sometimes I pull up an ugly old boot of an idea, and a few times I've had the pleasure of reeling in a whopper!

Do you ever draw a blank at the drawing board? If so, don't sweat it – it's a common experience to become void of inspiration and lose your motivation. Yet it's the uncommonly successful idea-anglers who manage to wrangle their way out of the void. But it takes persistence and determination.

Whether you know it or not, many creative people follow a fascinating routine when brainstorming ideas and executing business plans. By joining this school of thought and learning these idea patterns, you can begin to demystify and control your creative thought process:

Go fishing in your brain. Daydream. Muse. Visualize. Mull. These activities are considered by many to be a waste of time, but they’re actually invaluable pieces to the creativity puzzle. You should loiter in your brain whenever you can. I usually go fishing when I’m exercising. The increased blood flow and endorphin rush seem to stimulate my brain, coaxing all my ideas out onto the deck where I can pick and choose the biggest and best.

Visit a reliable fishing hole. Do some research about your creative goal by studying what others have done in similar situations. Digest their experiences and knowledge, then add to it. The Internet can be a great resource, but don’t forget the good old-fashioned library -- that’s where I investigated the idea of buying the Philadelphia 76ers.

Reel ‘em in. When ideas come onto your line, write them down without worrying about their value – what may seem like a lark today could spark a brilliant idea tomorrow. I fill memo pads with scribbled notes, far-out doodles, and crazy ideas that eventually grow into power-packed speeches, unusual marketing strategies, and exceptional opportunities. You can, too!

Catch and release. Once you get an idea onboard, it’s time to rate its potential. Years ago I had what I thought was a winner. It was a competitive card game called “PHYZICAL” that I would market to the athletically inclined masses. But luckily -- after going to the ol’ fishing hole and investigating liability issues -- I realized there was a chance that I could get sued when less-fit participants got injured performing the game’s exercises. That idea got thrown back!

Cook it up! Finally, turn on the heat and transform your idea into reality by cooking up a plan. This is essential because an idea is meaningless until it is put into action. And because your mind will tire of fishing for ideas if none ever make it onto the dinner plate! -- PC