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Archive for the ‘Tools & Resources’ Category

ten books to start generating original ideas

August 24th, 2009 by Steve Swann | No Comments | Filed in Ideas, Inspiration, Learning, Tools & Resources

Interested in generating more ideas?  Here’s a great article from Bradley Hebdon from UXbyDesign

Good ideas are the foundation for all effective products, experiences and story-telling. And yet coming up with these gems can be one of the toughest parts of the creative process. These ten books will help put you in the right mindset to start generating original ideas.

There’s a list of 10 books, some focused on the tools and techniques of generating ideas, some look at how the brain deals with ideas, and others help you make the most of your ideas.

I have read a couple of these books. As for the rest – I’m off to Amazon.com right now….

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Simple Process to Manage your ideas

August 18th, 2009 by Steve Swann | No Comments | Filed in Doing, Ideas, Low Tech, Thinking, Tools & Resources

I recently listened to a Central University of New York (CUNY) podcast highlighting the work of Alan Furst.

Furst, speaking and reading from his most recent New York Times Best-Seller, “The Spies of Warsaw,” at the Best-Selling Author Series at Kingsborough Community College.

Listen to the Podcast

The interview and reading was interesting and what struck me was Alan’s process for writing. As I listened I thought how simple his method was. It could be adapted to any creative endeavor, in the arts or in business.

So, here’s my take on Alan Furst’s writing process adapted for idea generation.

Day 1: generate “x” number of ideas. The “x” number is important. Set a value, it doesn’t have to be high. It’s more about the process and having an objective.

Day 2: a quick review of Day 1′s ideas. Tweak them, expand them, reject some if necessary. Repeat Day 1 idea generation,

Day 3: final review of Day 1′s ideas. This is not about perfection. It’s about actionable. Ask – “what is acceptable and what can I action – now”. Repeat Day 2, Repeat Day 1.

Day 4: if you’re generating ideas for business or products action your first ideas. If you’re writing or painting you’re now done with your work from Day 1. Repeat Day 3, Repeat Day 2, Repeat Day 1.

And so on.

Great_Idea_Process

The power of this process is that there are steps for creativity (Day 1), steps for review and refinement (Days 2 and 3), and steps for action (Day 4 and beyond). It’s not about finding perfection it’s about keeping the momentum and continuous practice.

Go have a go.


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Is the Boss always the problem?

June 18th, 2009 by Steve Swann | 1 Comment | Filed in Business, Doing, Inspiration, Problem Solving, Solutions, Thinking, Tools & Resources

I’ve commented recently on the need to retain an innovative mindset to make the best of the current economic situation. In fact I’m certain that those who are creative at this time are building innovative businesses for the future.

But whagordon-ramseyt about everyone else? I’m not really a TV watcher but One Reality TV genre has me facinated and is providing some insights. It’s the “business makeover” show. You know the type – Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares, Ruth Watson as The Hotel Inspector, and Tabatha Coffey’s Salon Makeovers. I’m sure there’s others.

I know that these are highly produced and edited for dramatic effect – BUT – they all have a common thread.

The Boss is always the problem.

 

So this made me think. If these programs highlight bad operators, what are the characteristics of a good operator? Here’s a list that I’ve put together (in no particular order). What would you add or take off this list? Leave me a comment and let me know.

  1. Understand why customers choose you and make that experience better.
  2. Value every customer and put a value on every customer.
  3. Provides value to the customers (note: this does not mean cheap!)
  4. Builds good people and trusts them to deliver.
  5. Invests in quality infrastructure, systems and processes.
  6. Looks for ways to maximize revenue.
  7. Watches the pennies.
  8. Builds trusted relationships with experts and advisors.
  9. Doesn’t do things just because everyone else does.
  10. Doesn’t over complicate things (keeps it simple).

All these characteristics create an environment where the objectives of the business are clear, risks are managed, and opportunities for creative thought are encouraged, welcomed, and actioned. So, if you’re the Boss get your head around this list. And you can’t don’t blame the troops, they’re doing the best they can in environment you’ve created for them. Go set the example and they will follow.

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