As a business owner there are many things we learn along the way 
- especially if we're forging a new path.  When someone suggested 
that I do separate Brainstorming groups as part of my business I 
thought, "Why, that's so easy - who would pay for such a thing? 
Everyone knows how to brainstorm!"  Here is what I have learned 
in a nutshell.  Brainstorming is an art and for some, a learned 
skill.  It needs to be planned, orchestrated, timed, intentional, 
focused and very specific.  Specific meaning, the more targeted 
the question is for receiving ideas, the better ideas you will 
receive.


Let me give you a few examples of the benefits of brainstorming:

1) Several years ago a friend of mine was struggling in his 
business.  He lived alone, had his office in his home and he 
became very isolated.  I suggested he ask for help, find someone 
he could bounce ideas off of and possibly partner with for 
workshops. His reply: "I have to do it alone, otherwise I won't 
feel like a true success."

My reply to you, the reader:

If you do not allow ideas, teamwork and partnerships to come into 
your business, you are robbing yourself and your business of the 
depth, inspiration, creativity, and fun you and your business 
deserve.


2) Sitting at my desk last year I was trying to figure out what I 
could add to my business - what program would be beneficial for 
my clients as I was looking through their feedback.  One of my 
Success Team members called at that moment and I told her of my 
challenge.  She said, "You love brainstorming, you use it in your 
marketing program, so why don't you just do brainstorming 
groups?"

As you read earlier, it seemed too easy and something I thought 
everyone did as a normal part of their day.  My business has now 
added Women's "Brain"-Storming On The Playground(TM) and Women's 
TELE "Brain"-Storming On The Playground(TM) (conference teams 
over the phone)

Tip: Don't overlook the obvious, the things we do well everyday. 
You have a gift to share and don't think it's not worth 
something.  It takes others around you to see the ideas – we are 
too close to them.  Open yourself up to receiving and asking for 
help.


3) I was invited to speak at my networking group.  I took a look 
at my current table display and realized it was not the most 
professional it could be.  I brought a very focused question to 
my Success Team for ideas that would fit my programs, fit my 
colors and make a fun display.  The comments I received and the 
looks on people's faces told me I (my team) hit the nail on the 
head. But the greatest gift of all was my pride in the creation 
and hearing how much I had grown in my business.


Tip: Receive lots of ideas, rate each one for the right fit and 
your excitement level, and then put them into ACTION.  I did not 
create a rating system for my clients until I found out they were 
taking their entire page of ideas and leaving them on their desk 
when they returned to their office.  They had too many and were 
very overwhelmed.


Brainstorming is pointless if you do not take ACTION! Walk away 
with 1 or 2 ideas you love, take action and make it happen!

Here are some rules and tips for brainstorming:

- No one gets to be wrong and Everyone gets to be right.

- No storytelling -- brainstorming is meant to be short and 
  quick like a brain dump.

- No kyboshing of ideas -- receive your ideas with excitement 
  even if you've heard or done them before.  Judgment and 
  negativity takes away the energy that's created with the 
  sharing of ideas and energy leads to more creativity and fun.

- Pay attention and really focus on the question.  If the 
  question is not specific enough ask for clarity.


Example on Focus and Listening:

As I was leaving my house one morning I asked, "Does my blouse 
look better tucked in or left out?"  The answer I received was 
"You are wearing very monochromatic colors today."  I restated 
the question and received the following answer:  "It looks better 
tucked in and you are wearing very monochromatic colors today." 
(quite the comedian)

- Whether you are in person or on the phone, sit forward. Relaxed 
  posture promotes a relaxed brain.  You want to be sharp!

- Listen to the questions and ideas going around your group.  
  It is amazing what you will learn from the questions your 
  teammates ask.

- Keep your brainstorming to a short time frame, 10, 15 or 20 
  minutes per person.

- Above all, HAVE FUN!  Be silly with your ideas.  The silliest 
  has often been the beginning of the BEST.

Let brainstorming enhance your business.  Bring energy, 
inspiration and FUN into your day and life.  You have no idea the 
partnerships and creativity that are waiting for you around the 
"Brain"-Storming corner.


To learn more about Women's TELE "Brain"-Storming On The 
Playground(TM) (conference teams over the phone) and Success 
Teams, visit http://www.marketingontheplayground.com 

Beth Woodward, CPCC, CEK  (Chief Executive Kid). Beth is the
creator of the popular Marketing On The Playground(TM) Program,
Women's "Brain" -Storming On The Playground(TM), and is the
author of the Marketing On The Playground(TM) Storybook...eBook.
Visit Beth at http://www.marketingontheplayground.com