One of the core tenants of my coaching is exactly this: the power of "the idea that might lead to the idea."
In developing new material or even in revamping old, this is critical. We so often get stuck in patterns of thinking and when we get that flash -- that creative impulse (however wacky) -- it is worth paying attention to.
I believe this is your genius at work.
When I start working with a new client, I always explain this core tenant which gives my clients the freedom to brainstorm without fear of judgment. Often what results is a statement from them that sounds something like this, "OK. I know this is kind of strange. But it could be 'the idea that leads to the idea.'" And we are off and running.
I'm working on my new show, "The Through Line", and my dear colleague and creative partner of decades -- Gregg Goldston -- was over last week helping me. He keeps reminding me, "Start with the images and ideas that YOU think are cool." This is where the magic is. It keeps me out of my scores of notes; out of all the ideas of what's been done before or what I think I "should" do.
Magic & Imagination...these words are not far apart.
And on the note of magic, I've just arrived in Venice, Italy, no doubt one of the most magical cities on this planet. Tonight we ate at an incredible restaurant set on a smaller dock looking out over the city.
Above is a photo from the scene. This is not really your typical spot...off a walkway and balanced on some pylons....but someone had a great idea. They had an idea that led to an idea. And this spectacular restaurant was created. In town, however, the streets are crowded with trattorias and pizzerias for the tourists.
I suspect that's not who you want to be in your life.
So...let's look at all this as it applies to an upcoming interaction you have...one in which the topic always feels kind of the same in tone, content and delivery: perhaps it's a weekly staff meeting, a standard sales call or presentation, or a regular get together with some family members or friends...anything you are facing in the coming week at which things are always "kind of the same."
Now...what's your wild and creative idea to shake things up?
Begin by saying quietly to yourself,
"Wouldn't it be cool if...?"
and see where your imagination takes you.
Then start scheming on ways to actually make it happen.
Then, be very smart about it.
Be as intelligent in your implementation as your idea is creative.
Make sure the application of that wild idea is tied to meaning for your audience.
Intelligence + creativity + application + meaning?
Whoosh. Now that's a creative communications combination that is tough to beat.
Begin by saying quietly to yourself,
"Wouldn't it be cool if...?"
and see where your imagination takes you.
Then start scheming on ways to actually make it happen.
Then, be very smart about it.
Be as intelligent in your implementation as your idea is creative.
Make sure the application of that wild idea is tied to meaning for your audience.
Intelligence + creativity + application + meaning?
Whoosh. Now that's a creative communications combination that is tough to beat.
(c) Victoria Labalme Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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