Do you need fresh input on your business? July is the time to brainstorm

Business Brainstorming in July
By Judi Gray

When you work for yourself, it can often be hard to come up with new ideas or to gain quality feedback on the areas in which your business could improve.  Instead of hiring an expensive professional who does not know you or your business, why not start your own business brainstorming session with like-minded friends and colleagues?

Recently I had a catch up with a good friend who also has owned many successful businesses over the years in a variety of fields.  We had a great chat about the business services I am currently offering to my clients, and she provided me with some really good feedback and suggestions on a few new services that I could add.  She suggested the addition of the new services to create a whole new package option for new clients and suggested ways of combining them with current services on offer, that would make the package more appealing.  

It was really refreshing to receive her feedback as some of the ideas she had suggested, I had never considered marketing in a package option to my clients.  I was also able to provide some input into my friends latest business venture, and to listen to her upcoming plans and offer my opinion.  I came away from the catch up feeling inspired and very positive after hearing such informative and inspirational ideas, all over a friendly catch-up.

Business Brainstorming in July

Why not create your own brainstorming session?  Invite a few business associates and business friends to get together over a coffee.  Let them know the reason and make the meeting a casual one that everyone feels comfortable attending.  Some points that may be helpful and worth considering are:

• Take a notebook and pencil to jot down dot-point ideas or open up the notes section on your ipad or phone to type in points of interest to refer back to at a later date.
• Enter the brainstorming session with an open mind and be willing to listen to all ideas and suggestions.
• Ensure that everyone sticks to the subject of business advice and doesn't wander off onto other topics.  
• During your discussion, ensure that you provide positive feedback that is open and honest that provides input and suggestions into the future of each other's businesses.   
• Refrain from criticism , as the brainstorming session is meant to inspire and encourage and offer a fresh view on where one's business journey could lead, rather than focusing on past mistakes.
• Be willing to share personal business experiences about what has worked for you so far by providing honest feedback from your own business situations.

You may be surprised by the feedback and while some of the suggestions may not be your ideal picture, you are bound to come away from the session with a fresh prospective on your business and hopefully some new ideas.

Judi Gray
Blue Bird Internet Marketing