The Mastermind Digest

December 2008

In tough times, the extra bit of creativity could make the difference

An old man lived alone in Idaho. He wanted to spade his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, Bubba, who used to help him, was in prison.

The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament.

Dear Bubba:
I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my potato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me.
Love, Dad

A few days later, he received a letter from his son.

Dear Dad:
For heaven's sake, Dad, don't dig up that garden. That's where I buried the BODIES.
Love, Bubba

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local Police showed up. They dug up the entire garden area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day, the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Dad:
Go ahead and plant the potatoes now. It's the best I could do under the circumstances.

Love, Bubba

Creativity is an intriguing thing.  It comes in so many forms that are too numerous to mention.  Realistically, new forms are still being invented – and the beauty of creativity, is that this trend will continue while there is life in us all.

We can achieve many things if we look for the creative side of dealing with problems and challenges.  And the best way to begin is to see all problems and challenges as opportunities.  This will open our minds and ensure that our creative juices flow.

With the end of the year approaching, it is time to take stock and to re-invigorate our creative juices.  Use this time of the year to rest up a little and do some things that you have not done all year long.  How about some reading?  Or visit an art gallery?  Anywhere that the creative juices can be sparked.  What do you have to lose?  Why not give it a go?

So, how do we apply this to marketing?   Here are some suggestions.  Let these ideas become the first spark of your creative juices.  Hopefully, by the time early January rolls around, you will have tons of new ideas to drive your business.

  • Don't always take the easy way out and follow the crowd. Try something counter-intuitive.
  • Always look to current trends in the market and adapt them to meet your needs.
  • Steal your competitors ideas and make them better (don't keep them the same – this will probably do more damage than good). Do you really know what they are up to anyway? If not, maybe it's time to find out.
  • Always try to become the leader. Leaders are always more successful.
  • Use the people around you to supply you with new ideas. Offer your staff an incentive (dinner for two?) for the best new idea. Or create an internal (friendly) contest that livens up the competitive spirit in this challenging time.
  • Carry a small notebook and a pen around with you. That way, if you are struck by an idea, you can quickly note it down.
  • If you're stuck for an idea, open a dictionary, randomly select a word and then try to formulate ideas incorporating this word. You'd be surprised how well this works.
  • Exercise your brain by reading a lot, talking to clever people and disagreeing with them - arguing can be a terrific way to give your brain cells a workout.
  • Take risks. Learn from failure. It's not always bad news ultimately.
  • Face the challenge from another person's perspective. This will allow you to "look at it through different eyes"

Do you need help in developing new ideas and strategies?  SMART marketing is what it’s all about.  I’d love to help you.  Feel free to email Neville@mastermindsolutions.ca

Happy holidays and a happy New Year to all.  May all your dreams come true.

Click here to find out where to begin with SMART marketing

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