How do you brainstorm? Some people love to use mind-mapping software, some need to write things paper and others need to talk out their ideas. Some people need to use specific pen. Brainstorming techniques are as individual as we all are and you may use a few different ways to get your ideas out.
Personally, I am a pen and paper kind of brainstormer. The tactile nature of writing my thoughts on a piece of paper really appeals to me. I have to write my To-Do list as well. If you like to write things down to, here are some cool, inexpensive ideas to expand your brainstorming repertoire:
You know how there is chalkboard paint where you can turn any surface or wall info a chalkboard? Well that is cool, but now with Chalkboard Contact Paper you can peel and stick your chalkboard anywhere you want it. How about a border around your desk? On the back of a (flat) door? Cut and put together in a large square? I love that you can peel and stick it on in 5 seconds, you get 18” x 6’ in a roll and it is non-permanent. It also gets rave reviews on Amazon so you don’t have to worry about wasting your $8.49. This would also be fabulous in the kitchen, a kid’s room or a playroom.
If chalkboard is to retro for your taste, you can also get sheets of dry erase or whiteboard paper. These pages are guaranteed not to bleed through and you just wipe away your previous brainstorming session and you are ready to go again. If you have an ultra-modern, slick office I can’t imagine anything more fun. Or if you just love dry erase broards and don’t have room for a giant easel. Don’t forget to get your low-odor markers!
Have no fear tech lovers and gadget girls – we have you covered too! Here are some inexpensive (or free) ways you can up your brainstorming power:
If you have a Blackberry, iPhone or Treo you can probably get some inexpensive or free software to voice recording software. These programs often record your session as mp3s and you can transfer them back to your computer to access again and again. I have a free app on the iPhone and it works really well. I am always talking into it whenever I get an idea, I am sure I look like a crazy woman standing in front of the lettuce at the supermarket chatting away about some blog idea into my phone, but it does the trick. Now if only I could do this in the shower …
You can certainly use your computer to help you, programs you may already have like MS Word or PowerPoint (or Google Docs, Open Office, iWork, etc.) or try a mindmapping software like Freemind which not only frees your mind, but it is free as well – clever! I know a lot of people use Freemind, but I have never gotten the hang of it, mostly because I prefer pen and paper and I know how to use them ;) If you are interesting in these computer programs, Lifehacker has a list of the top 5 best mind mapping applications.
If you are having a lot of trouble even starting to brainstorm, Kelly has a workbook and coaching package called Breakthrough Brainstorming that will have you coming up with new ideas in no time flat.
What is your favorite way to brainstorm? Are you a pen and paper person or do you love software?
Tue, Apr 7, 2009
Working at Home