While many of the ideas might sound familiar, Adams adds a related link for each of the list items. That multiplies the value of this post, so it’s well worth your time to click-and-read.
Some new-to-me ideas from the list I hadn’t considered:
I ran across this photo and it immediately revived my appreciation for Become An Idea Machineby Claudia Azula Altucher and James Altucher.
A few quotes from this ‘best-bargain-around’** book’s foreword by James:
“…idea generation, of the good kind, the kind that helps you AND OTHERS, which is the type you will exercise in this book, is worth ten times that, or more.”
“You can’t trust the old style of thinking anymore…You have to come up with a new way of thinking, a new way of having ideas…we can train it (the mind) to work for us, and to move us in the direction of a life of fulfillment. One day at a time.”
“The way is this: Come up with ten ideas a day. That’s it.”
“Coming up with ten ideas a day is like exercise. And exercise makes the idea muscle grow stronger.”
***
** The Kindle version is 99 cents. Yes, 99 cents! For a 251-page ebook with lots of…you guessed it, IDEAS! The link to the book is an affiliate link. If you happen to buy the book through that link, it doesn’t NOT affect the price, but it does give me a small commission, which I’ll be using to buy my small island in the Caribbean…or the yacht I’ll need to get to that island…or my therapist who’s exhausted himself trying to dispel my daily delusions.
Click the image above for a 90-seconds of idea-shopping in Pinterest…
Why watch the video?
Snappy words/phrases that speak to you or your customers
Product/service ideas you hadn’t considered
New customers
New websites/resources you hadn’t considered
Pinterest pin design strategies
A reminder to use Pinterest for the occasional brainstorming exercise
and some of the listings may actually affirm a strategy or product line you’ve already followed/created. Nothing wrong with a little reassurance, right?
So pause this masterpiece where needed.
I hope this steers you to something new, profitable, or reassuring.
Cue to Mike Brown: “Idea Magnets inspire creative ideas and encourage powerful creativity in everyone.”
Some examples:
What can we do better to translate what we know about our customers into pleasant surprises for them?
How can we create a place for smart, opinionated, snarky customers to share more of their knowledge with us about what they love (even if it’s NOT about our brand)?
How can we test our latest, greatest ideas with a radically small group to get enough confidence to quickly move forward?
The book’s seven categories:
1. Generate Inspiration 2. Embody Servant Leadership 3. Attract Opposites 4. Make Unexpected Connections 5. Encourage People and Ideas 6. Implement for Impact 7. Recharge Creative Energy
I had two Economics degrees and no economic/business experience. I almost felt like a fraud. I decided to start the photography business to a.) prove it to myself that I could run a business, b.) put my degrees to use, and c.) pay off the camera.
Advice and Lessons: Four key questions: “What skill set do I have that I can market?” “What am I so passionate about or interested in that I wouldn’t mind pursuing this interest the rest of my life regardless if I got paid?” “With this skill, what problem can I solve?” “How can I add value to my customer beyond what others are doing?”
Turning point: My first solo wedding once I started the business, I charged $2100, which was almost how much I was making in three weeks. If I could make three weeks worth of income in a weekend, I knew something was there.
Lesson: Volunteering introduces you to great people and supports great causes.
Lesson: Seek information and feedback from veterans in your industry.
As I get older, I value and am protective of my sleep. As soon as I feel my productivity slowing, I shut down for the night and go to bed. No Netflix, no Instagram, just bed.
The Golden Rule is really the only rule you need in business, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Be kind. Delight your customers. Listen with intention.
What could have gone better? Marketing. Sometimes, your competition will be marketing or branding experts even though their product or service is sub-par. Doesn’t matter. Something they are doing in their marketing resonates with the customer.
Side Hustle Curator 