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Here are five more tips on effective brainstorming. Be sure and check out Part 1 to get the first five.

1. Pick a number. Not only do you want to have the right people, but you want to have the right amount of people. To many people and no one can get a word in, to few people and you’re not able to create synergy. There is no magic number, but I find 4-6 people work best. Although you can start with as few as two.
2. Stay positive. Negativity kills creativity. If someone throws out an idea you consider to be “bad” then learn to respond in a positive way. Learn how to navigate around those ideas and keep rolling. Not every idea will be a keeper, but sometimes “bad” ideas inspire “good” ideas.
3. Don’t take it personal. If someone doesn’t like your idea or it doesn’t get used don’t take it personal. It’s okay to stand up for what you believe in, but ultimately the decision should be what is best for the organization. It’s important to keep in mind that the objective for the meeting is about finding the best solution.
4. Quantity of ideas will lead to quality of ideas. Don’t stay quiet because you think your idea isn’t the best. Ideas are a numbers game. The more ideas you get out there in the open the greater your chances one will stick. Don’t forget, sometimes “bad” ideas inspire “good” ones.
5. Assign tasks at the end of the meeting. Before the meeting ends it is important to  put legs to your ideas. Who’s going to make those calls or do the research? Not everyone will leave with an assignment, but someone should. Even if that someone is you. 

Posted by Jody Earley: Follow Jody on Twitter

I enjoy the creative process of collaborating with others to produce ideas and ways of solving problems. Here are five things that I have found helpful when it comes to brainstorming.

1. Research the topic before you begin. Come inspired. Arrive with a full brain and leave with an empty one. If you are facilitating this meeting then give the team a heads up so they can begin to cultivate ideas before the meeting even starts.
2. Have an agenda and stay on point. Make the most of the time you have and try to stay focused. Come prepared knowing what your going to discuss and in what order. Start with the most important items and go from there. Contrary to popular opinion, organization breeds creativity.
3. Have the right people in the room. Invite those most knowledgeable about the topic at hand. Although, you don’t want to just have intelligent people they also need to be able to articulate their ideas.
4. Have a facilitator. You need someone to direct the ship. The point of brainstorming is to provide solutions not just useless ideas. It’s easy to get off course that’s why you need someone holding the map.
5. Assign someone to take notes. You don’t want to forget those amazing ideas. It’s best to use someone that doesn’t have to worry about contributing as much to the meeting and avoid using your stronger players.

Posted by Jody Earley: Follow Jody on Twitter

This was originally posted on Sep 19th, 2009.

Posted by Jody Earley: Follow Jody on Twitter

Inspiration is defined as the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative. In other words inspiration is the fuel for creativity.

 If you feel you lack creativity or creative ideas then all you need is a little inspiration. There is nothing new under the sun. Every idea is inspired from another idea, you have to find your inspiration. So what inspires you? It may be a book, spending time in solitude, music, or people watching. Like begets like, so if you are wanting to write a good book then read a good book or if you are wanting to paint a work of art then go to a local art gallery. Don’t feel like your idea has to be completely original. Your idea just has to be yours. Be inspired and then add your finger print. Learn from those that have come before you and stand on their shoulders. Inspiration fuels creativity, so go get inspired.

This is repost from 9 months ago. To see the original post click here.

Here are some great blog posts and articles that I’ve come across recently:

• Asking the Right Questions via Andy Stanley
• 5 Tips for Brainstorming via Brad Lomenick
• Required Reading for Creatives & Storytellers via Dan Scott
• Thoughts on Systems via Coach Shef
• What Do You Measure? via Tim Stevens

Brad Lomenick, the Director of Catalyst, had a great series of posts on “Producing Events”. Brad knows what it takes to produce events that will draw people back. Since inception, over 90,000 leaders have made the annual trek to Atlanta to participate in the Catalyst Conference experience. Here is a little bit of what Brad had to say:

Content is king. It all starts with content. Without great speakers who can deliver, you’re climbing uphill.

In programming, focus relentlessly on transitions. Many times producers focus so much on the speaking, or the key production parts, that they leave the transitions to chance. It’s essential to have transitions that are seamless, experiential, and connect with the audience.

Learn from those who are more talented, have more money, create bigger events, and know more. Regardless of industry or background, learn from those who are the experts. We’re never too good or too big or too experienced to learn from someone else.

Engage all of the senses. Taste, Touch, Smell, Seeing, Hearing. Hit all of them as much as possible. Most events or experiences only focus on Seeing and Hearing. Disney is the best I’ve seen at this.

Check out more on Producing Events by clicking on one of the links below:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three