Check out our top tips for achieving a productive brainstorm in 2015…
Brainstorming.
It’s what us PR professionals do to generate a buzz of creative ideas – some whacky, some original, some dull and some that give you the ‘yes’ moment!
As with all PR agencies, we want to stand out from the crowd in pitches, tender documents and of course to our existing clients so we regularly hold these light bulb sessions -to instil enthusiasm within the team.
With the New Year just around the corner we find ourselves holding more than the norm as we busy ourselves planning exciting campaigns and PR activity for the year ahead.
So….is there a knack to ensuring a good brainstorm?
Here are our top tips to guarantee a productive discussion:
Invite all of the team.It’s important to bring a mix of people to the table. And clients are part of the team too.
Ideas, ideas, ideas.There is no such thing as a bad idea. Sometimes an idea won’t work for a particular brand / business but could potentially work for another.
Preparation.Give all attendees enough time to prepare for the brainstorm to research and collate ideas / materials.
Objective.Have a clear objective before you start. Be sure you know what the purpose of the brainstorm is.
Time.Make sure the brainstorm lasts no longer than an hour.
Write it down.Pen and paper is essential – But you also might like to use post-it notes.
Everyone has a voice.Allow everyone to speak and be careful of dominant personalities.
Go back.Revisitthe ideas the following day. What you thought was the best idea in the world could actually be just OK. Play devil’s advocate and think about how it would work in reality.
Environment.Normally a brainstorm is held in the office but why not mix it up a little? If it’s sunny why not go sit outside? Visit the local coffee shop? Have it on a commute to a meeting?
Don’t reinvent the wheel.Don’t be afraid to use existing ideas with your special twist on it.
Reflection PR also holds creative strategy brainstorms for businesses that simply need guidance and imaginative input from someone externally. Should this be of interest please do give us a call on 01603 219191 to discuss further.
