BG Brainstorming DIG

Can we say we brainstormed on brainstorming today? I think we most certainly can, and we did. I continue to be amazed at how much I learn at these things, and I’m the one who moderated the session. Here’s a few tidbits our panelists shared if you were unable to attend:

MY METHODS • TOOLS • RESOURCES
Steve Chandler, ChandlerThinks:
• Google
• Pencil and blank paper
• Flip chart paper and marker
• Different location (i.e. Parthenon in Centennial Park or on a boat)
• I follow my crazy random thoughts
• Creative awards books are fantastic (I review Creative Arts anytime I can for ideas)
• The book “Ignite Your Creative Spark: 20 Ways to Fire Up Your Imagination”

John R. Oldham, Oldham Design Group
• Identify the goals, write them down, doodle if I have to
• Gotta have legals pads everywhere (never know when an idea will hit)
• Go somewhere (Barnes & Noble, coffee shop, quick drive, a walk)
• Open the mind to accept all ideas, feelings and images

KEYS TO FACILITATING A SUCCESSFUL GROUP BRAINSTORMING SESSION
Dr. Jennifer Mize-Smith, Western Kentucky University

1. Plan a meeting that will be dedicated only to brainstorming: Brainstorming deserves its own time and attention
2. Assemble a diverse group of people: Strive for a group that reflects different perspectives and includes representatives from all those who have a stake in the outcome
3. Invite an “outsider” to participate: Someone who can offer input but is not entrenched in the problem at hand
4. Go to a new/different location free from typical work distractions: Avoid interruptions and help everyone clear their minds of all the other tasks they need to do
5. Explain the groundrules and solicit everyone’s agreement: Ensure everyone is willing to follow the process and accept its outcome, despite their own agendas
6. Create a positive group climate: Encourage participation and make people feel comfortable to say whatever comes to mind
7. Choose a brainstorming technique and explain the process: Check out http://celestinechua.com/blog/25-brainstorming-techniques/ for 25 different techniques
8. Appoint a process observer: Someone to make sure the brainstorming technique is being followed
9. Suspend reality and postpone any evaluation or critique: Avoid making evaluative judgments of of what will and won’t work
10. Conduct a warm-up exercise in creative thinking: People often need a jump-start to get the creative juices flowing
11. Record all ideas where everyone can see them: All ideas have potential at this point
12. Utilize more than one brainstorming technique: Different people may respond to different methods

MY OWN LITTLE BRAINSTORMING GUIDE
John R. Oldham, Oldham Design Group

1. The Problem is the Problem — In other words, defining a unique problem would inspire a unique solution. Expressing the uniqueness of what the problem is trying to communicate with an idea that is valid only for that problem.
2. Think First. Then Write or Design — Before you begin any project, think first, think about what you want to say or what kind of feeling you’re trying to portray. Every project’s solution or idea should evoke a special atmosphere or attention that with enhance the message you’re aiming for.
3. Interesting Words Need Boring Graphics — Don’t mess with a good strong message. If you try to make interesting words LOOK interesting, the way it looks competes with the statement. Never overthink, simple and strong or interesting words are enough if done simple, sweet and sometimes poetic.
4. Boring Words Need Interesting Graphics — Designers are not usually good copywriters. So, if the words or message is not inspired or creative, then the graphics need to carry the load and get the attention and let the words provide the information in a simple and straightforward way.
5. Less is More — Sometimes if your solution calls for simple, make it really simple. If you can combine two ideas or thoughts into one idea you have a much better chance to providing success to your message. Whether combining words or words and graphics, the simpler and more direct provide better success if simplicity is the solution.
6. More is More — Sometimes if your solution calls for big, make it really big.. if it calls for color, use more than you can stand… if it calls for being bold, then go large and bold. Take any idea or direction as far as you can take it, and then after you think you’ve done that, you’ll find that you can push it even farther. Remember, it’s not natural to go to an extreme on anything, that’s why it works and is noticed and effective.
7. Forget the Rules — Think outside the box, go to extremes, push the envelope… Don’t accept mediocrity, look at the solution as unique to that problem or project. Sometimes the wildest and most off-the-wall ideas can be the answer, and sometimes the simplest idea may be perfect. Keep an open mind, the solution has to define the problem.

Consumer Behavior

Fellow Consumers — we had some good times discussing our quirky behavior this past Tuesday at our Bowling Green DIG. For those of you who missed it, you missed some pure entertainment. We learned that although we all consume – we consume very differently. I enjoyed the conversation and interaction. As you focus on your own business and entity, remember that you can be a part of the consumer’s behavior patterns and processes.

One of the best ways to influence consumer behavior is to give buyers an acceptable motive. If marketers can convince consumers that they need a product or service for some “legitimate” reason, consumers will be more likely to make a purchase.

I look forward to seeing each of you at future DIGs.
Tim

Dot-Com-Munication comes to Bowling Green!

Professor Rob, I have a question — How do we make our website so awesome that it totally integrates with social media? For all Diggers who attended the DIG in BG today, we received the answer to just that question. Call it going back to school. Call it “we learned a thing or two today”. Call it what ever you want, but I think we can all agree it was well worth our time. Rob Blackford knows his stuff. Yes, I said it, his stuff. I can honestly say that Rob is one of the most talented and genuine people I have ever had the distinct pleasure of working with.

Rob spent the time he had this morning educating us to this basic outline of thought — that Design + Content + Promotion = a really good Website. It doesn’t seem like rocket science, but unfortunately, not many are doing it the right way. To bad for them. If you’ve made a commitment to do it right, then do it. If we can be of help, call us.

-Tim

May Bowling Green DIG: PR 101

Toyota. Ring a bell? Yeah, figured it did. Come on, tell me what you really feel about this brand, especially now. They’ve taken a few sucker punches in the last few months haven’t they? It was through their PR efforts, or lack thereof, that we learned just how damaging a situation can become. At our Bowling Green DIG last week, David Green shared with us his philosophy of good PR and how we all should go about such activities.

If you have a hunch that PR should be a part of your daily marketing efforts, you’ve probably got a good hunch. Build a solid plan and make it happen.

For a more in depth look at PR101, see David’s presentation below.