In business, as in life, sometimes seemingly impossible problems may still require solutions. That’s where creative problem solving comes into play!
Creative thinking is at the core of having an innovative and fresh marketing strategy in which today’s modern issues are addressed with creative positivity and value-aligned goals.
Brainstorming is the first essential creative tool one should have at-the-ready in order to solve complex problems that may arise in a unique and effective way.
Read ahead to learn about Brainstorming and the Creative Problem-Solving Process.
What is Brainstorming?
First things first, what exactly is Brainstorming?
While it may sound like a dramatic battle in which one’s brain must combat some kind of intimidating thought-storm in order to wrest some viable ideas from the mighty brain’s clutches, in fact, Brainstorming is much more pleasant.
Brainstorming, in essence, is the open, free-flowing process of thinking in order to find extraordinary solutions one would otherwise deem impossible. It is the use of the mind’s energy in a non-judgmental thinking space to generate as many ideas and solutions as possible, no matter how outlandish or practical.
While it is true, new and long-standing businesses are facing challenges like never before, Brainstorming is one of many tools to add to an effective Marketing Tool Kit.
Getting Started
Many different methods of Brainstorming exist. It can be helpful to identify which approach works best with your learning style, brand identity, and unique team needs.
Below is a brief list of the most common Brainstorming methods, simplified for you by Core Creative Influence Writing:
Brainwriting - free and open quiet process of writing out brief ideas
Rolestorming - taking on a “role” or perspective from which to approach the problem or topic
Reverse Brainstorming - asking opposing thought questions such as, “How can this problem or situation be made worse?”
Starbursting - generating questions instead of thought statements
Affinity Diagram - sorting brainwriting and brainstorming ideas or questions into categories based on emerging themes
Stop-and-Go Brainstorming - brainwriting in timed bursts, followed by timed evaluation of brainwritten ideas
Taking Things Further
Starting simply, with an open mind is the first step to Brainstorming effectively. Things like insecurity, self-consciousness or doubt are the enemies of creative problem solving.
The methods above each help to combat negativity in the thought-process. Reverse Brainstorming, Starbursting, and Brainwriting are good, judgment-free techniques to begin your Brainstorming journey.
To explore the techniques above in more depth, check out Core Creative Influence Writing’s blogs: Brainstorming 102: The Breakdown and Brainstorming Made Easy: The Core Creative Influence Method, A Step-by-Step Guide in the Blog’s Brainstorming Series.
Core Creative Influence Writing’s easy-to-use Worksheets are available in the Marketing Tool Kit for help refining and communicating your brand or business to the world.
Angela Somma is a professional creative developer and writer since 2000, focused on creating communication strategies and solutions for clients that enable them to connect more effectively with their target audience and grow their businesses.
Specializing in copywriting, editing and creative project development, at the heart of Angela’s work is inclusivity. As a queer disabled woman in business, she provides safe and conscious content for all persons of all identities, diversities, ethnicities, orientations, and abilities.
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