If you want to harness the power of your inner creativity to do great things in your business, one of the best ways to do that is to start an idea file.
An idea file is a list of ideas that you can draw on anytime you need one. Think of it as your ‘backburner.’
Why You Should Keep an Idea File
The main reason it’s important to have an idea file is that it provides ideas when you need them, but there are other benefits as well. One is that it helps you organize your ideas. With several ideas written down and ready to go, you can choose which you feel most inspired to run with.
An idea file also allows you to capture ideas whenever inspiration hits. You can jot down the idea no matter where you are and add it to your idea file when you can get to the computer. This is more effective for generating ideas than setting aside a certain time of day for brainstorming.
Capturing Your Ideas
Although your idea file should be on your computer, you should be open to ideas everywhere you go. There are several ways to capture your ideas. You can jot things down on scraps of paper or carry a small notebook that fits easily in your back pocket. At the end of each day, add your ideas to the idea file.
Modern technology can help as well. If you have a smartphone, you can jot your ideas down in a memo file. You can also email them to your PC email address that you’ll check when you get home.
Getting Your Ideas Down
There’s a variety of approaches to writing down your ideas. You may write a single word or phrase, or find that it helps to realize the idea more fully. If you write down just a word, there’s a chance you’ll forget the details of the idea by the time you add it to your file. You may find yourself asking, ‘What does that mean?’
The rule of thumb for capturing ideas most effectively is that the first thought is the best thought. Write down whatever pops into your mind as quickly as possible. If an image, word or other outside stimulus inspired the idea, you may want to jot that down as well.
Streamlining Your Idea File
There is no one method of keeping an idea file that works for everyone. Start with the basics as outlined above and see how it goes. You’ll find ways to modify the idea file concept to suit your particular needs.
Get Help Sorting Through Your Ideas!
Now that your creative juices are flowing, it’s time to narrow down your ideas into what is practical to move forward with. That’s where I come in. I provide an outsider perspective to help you save your time, money, and energy to focus on what will give you the best return on investment (ROI). My “Idea Inspection” will help you:
- GET GOING – What do you need to know to finally turn your idea into reality?
- LET IT GO – Stop investing time, money & energy, and shift to revenue-generating activities!
This service is the missing piece for many Entrepreneurs and they don’t even realize it. This is the best starting point if you’re in the “pre-build phase”—you don’t have a business plan because you don’t know enough to create one.
The service includes 90-minutes of research, brainstorming, and analysis. Get my outside perspective on your idea, and my inside knowledge of marketing, design & technology.
Get started with a FREE consultation to review your options »
Marketing Strategist & Designer
With 30+ years in marketing, design, websites, and strategy, I’ve seen how easy it is for service-based entrepreneurs to get stuck or overwhelmed. That’s why I blend those services with my Brand Builder Toolkits — to give people like you a smarter, saner way to build. It’s a structured but flexible approach to adjust to your business and life. Let’s build your brand together.
