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We marketers are problem solvers. Our role is to support companies, clients, and customers by solving their business problems. We're asked to help drive sales, increase traffic and build awareness.
These challenges, and others, are solved through our ability to combine ideas in new and meaningful ways. That's creativity.
Creativity is sparked by our imagination. Unfortunately, most of us have been conditioned to quell our imagination to pursue lives as "serious adult business professionals." Deep inside, unheard and hidden lies that imaginative kid who used to ask, "Why not?"
The few "chose ones" that are creative are viewed with awe like a master magician... Their ability to pull a tagline out of a hat leaves us in ooo-ing and ahh-ing, with golf-claps of delight.
Creative? Me?! I can't do that! *Gulp*
The good news?
That's just your perception. A misperception.
That kid is still in there. We need to remember how to play. Moreover, creativity is a skill you learn - like cooking or riding a bike. The more you do it, the better you become.
And the magician?
They aren't actually magic. They're regular folks - like you and me. They've simply taken the time to learn things we haven't... like how to stuff and hide a rabbit up a shirt sleeve.
Their "tricks" are simply a series of repeatable steps that, through lots of practice in front of a mirror, create an illusion.
My MarketingProfs DailyFix posts will provide you with tips and techniques designed to wake up that kid inside you, re-kindle your imagination, and strengthen your creativity skills. Before you know it you'll be performing amazing feats of problem solving that will delight and amaze your boss, colleagues, friends, family - and most importantly - yourself.
After all, we don't actually have quarters hidden behind our ears.
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Comments
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I have to agree you really have made a wonderful job of marketing about your post...I will definitely look forward to improving my creativity.
Posted by: Balaji M | 06.06.07
Thanks for making me feel welcome, Balaji! I'll do my best!
Posted by: Paul (from Idea Sandbox) | 06.06.07
Great idea to have this topic.
One thing that helps me think about things whether they are work or personal is to sit and think with no distractions. That is, no television, no Internet, no phone, etc. Maybe some Mozart tops. Some people seem to have/need constant noise such as the television so I don't see how they get any thinking done.
By the way, I don't have kids yet so perhaps that is what makes being completely quiet possible now.
Neil
Posted by: Neil Anuskiewicz | 06.06.07
Neil... thanks for your comments.
You're smart to create the environment that works for you... What you're describing is what I call "conducivity" - space that's conducive for thinking, brainstorming, problem solving, etc... Look for future posts featuring this topic!
Posted by: Paul Williams | 06.06.07
Welcome Paul. Inspirational first post--thank you!
Posted by: Lewis Green | 06.06.07
I'm sure many of us blog readers are looking forward to more on this topic. I am in the middle of a book called "Knowledge and the Wealth of Nations." it is a great book with a great title but I would have called it, "Knowledge and Creativity and the Wealth of Nations."
Thanks.
Neil
Posted by: Neil Anuskiewicz | 06.08.07
Neil - I will have to check that book out. I will be providing recommended reading as I go along... Perhaps this is one I will have to add to my list. Thanks for reading... and your comment!
Posted by: Paul Williams | 06.11.07
Paul,
"create the environment that works for you."
My newest creative place came when I least expected it. I downloaded Steve Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" onto my ipod to listen to when I travel; little did I know that I was creating one of my favorite ways to brainstorm.
Before I begin running I shuffle the songs on my ipod and about every 10 songs I get a 15-30 minute reminder of what is going on in my career & life.
You wouldn't believe the ideas that this has sparked. Plus it makes my workouts fly by, what more could you ask for? I can hardly wait to go to the gym and get some work done!
Posted by: Kate Stoffel | 06.14.07
Paul,
You said it very truly.
I have to agree you really have made a wonderful job of marketing about your post.
Marketing A social and managerial process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating and exchanging products and value with others.
The design process aims to deliver and fulfill user needs by providing user-centered product attributes and service features. The result of this process is embodied in a brand. The brand is communicated to the consumer through a value proposition. Design helps communicate the value proposition by building a strong user experience around the brand. Also, content design, tone of the advertisements, and promotion fall into the realm of design.
Thanks,
Jitendra
Posted by: Jitendra Thitme | 12.26.07