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Below is the simple ideas creation formula that I have found to be most effective
and easy to use - it's a snapshot of the five-step 'Inventing Dreams' brainstorming
system, which is also available as a download online. Click
here if you want to learn more.
If you still feel you need more help with getting brainstorming to work for
you, please feel free to try the 'Brainstorm Buster' course we publish. You can
sign up for free using the form at the top right of this web page. It further
explains the simple five-step brainstorming system, which works by creating a
series of simple lists which are then organized and expanded. This helps to create
a wider set of ideas to work with.
It is easy to do, it can be done either fast or at your own pace and it is
surprisingly effective if you take the time to follow each step through to the
end...
Step #1 - 'How to start brainstorming'
Always begin by priming yourself for any brainstorm session. Do this by doing
a bit of research into your chosen brainstorming subject, where required. This
will boost your creativity!
Relax yourself (very important) and brainstorm on your chosen subject/challenge
etc. Record everything that comes to mind. To do this, concentrate on your chosen
brainstorming subject. Let your ideas flow out naturally - you may come up with
only a few things related to your subject, or you can find a deluge of related
material flooding out.
As soon as you find yourself trying to force ideas out, stop. Then go over
what you have done and make a list of what comes out on a separate piece of paper!
For step 1 you should aim to generate two lists of ideas, quickly and easily!
Step #2 - 'How to keep your ideas flowing'
In this step you will create another three lists of dynamite ideas! To do this,
go over your first two lists. Note anything that comes to you - start a new list
when you do this.
When done, resume your brainstorm session by thinking about a different starting
topic. This should be something related to your chosen subject/challenge etc.
Record whatever comes to mind in a new list. Then repeat this again with another
different starting topic. An easy way to find new starting topics to focus on
is to select an interesting idea from your previous lists!
Step #3 - 'How to achieve a wider range
of ideas'
In this step you will create your next two lists of instant ideas! Begin by
going over your first two lists from step 1 once again. Then, continue by going
over your three lists from step 2 (noting anything else that comes to you in a
new list).
When done, resume your brainstorm session using a different starting topic
as before. This will help you to expand upon your results and to gain a wider
range of ideas. Don't forget to start a new list for this final part of the step!
Step #4 - 'Categorize your lists of
ideas into one big super-list'
This step is all about organizing your seven lists of ideas into one big super
list! To do this, read through your lists quickly and make suitable category headings
in a separate list. Then organize your results under each heading and add in any
new ideas that spring to mind as you proceed!
Step #5 - 'Add any extra ideas to your
categorized super-list'
For the final step, go over your super list and note any new ideas that come
to mind. Add them in under the appropriate categories (or start new categories
if they don't fit in anywhere).
Beyond brainstorming - what to do next!
After completing your brainstorm session(s)/project the only step that remains
is to pick your best option from your mammoth brainstorming idea-crop! This can
be done as follows:
- Bearing in mind your personal interests, your goals, needs and/or wants, and
your customers' motivations (if applicable), select your three best, biggest or
most interesting categories!
- Narrow your selection down to a single category and look at all the ideas
in it. Try to find one that is likely to be fun to work on and will be of interest
to you OR to whomever you eventually expect to use or benefit from it!
- Try combining two or more ideas if necessary - these can be from one or more
categories - as combining two or more ideas can be a very good way of coming up
with a unique product or idea for a creative project etc.!
And that's all there is to it! If you'd like even more detailed info on how
to brainstorm, please do feel free to sign up for the free 'Brainstorm Buster'
ideas creation email master-course.
Wishing you all the best for the future,

Gareth Baker
Brainstorming Author and Publisher
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