Entrepreneurship is about taking risks, being creative and thinking outside the box. It’s about being able to identify problems and find solutions for them. It’s about seeing opportunities where others don’t see them — or perhaps even realize they exist at all. And finally, it’s about having the drive and determination to make things happen no matter what obstacles might stand in your way.
Being a creative entrepreneur is hard work. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re looking to make a change in your life and get more out of it, here are some tips on how to be a creative entrepreneur:
1. Be Future-Focused
Creative ideas invariably come when you ‘look’ into the future. The feeling of propelling yourself forward and seeing the problem solved is a great motivator. Do you think you could achieve the same result if you were backward focused? I don’t think so!
Train yourself to be future-focused, always looking ahead, not a traditional thinker who tries to find answers in today’s world.
2. Be Unlimited
Too many people are ‘limited thinkers’. They have their world placed squarely in a box and nothing can exist outside of that. If the newspaper reports something then it must be right. If Joe next door says that something is impossible then he must be right.
As a small business owner, you cannot afford to be a ‘limited thinker’. You have to be an ‘unlimited thinker’. Get into the habit of seeing no boundaries; decide that there are no taboos. Have the belief that with a bit of focus you can find a creative solution to all of your problems. This is the foundation for a creative thought process.
3. Be Clutter-Free
If you are naturally an untidy person, then get out of the habit! A cluttered office will lead to a cluttered mind. You cannot expect your brain to work efficiently when all it’s doing is constantly reminding you how untidy your office is.
4. Be a Writer
Once you open your mind to the joys of creativity the ideas will quickly start flowing, as if someone has opened the flood gates! Just like flood water, unless you catch it the ideas are lost for ever. Capture all your ideas by carrying a small pocket notebook with you.
As soon as an idea pops into your mind, write it down. It doesn’t matter how outlandish it is, you can look at it in the cold light of day later on. The fact you are responding to the ideas by noting them will further encourage you to be even more creative – good deeds encourage more good deeds!
5. Be Action-Oriented
All of these points are great, but if you don’t take any action with your ideas, then you may as well not have bothered. An idea is nothing but a thought unless you take a specific action to help bring it to life. Periodically review your notebook and see if there are any hidden gems, or ideas which can be quickly actioned. A lot of your ideas may not suit at all but in there somewhere is probably an idea, which if acted upon, could change you or your business. Commit fully to move forward on as many of your ideas as you can.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be afraid to break down the boundary walls. As John Stuart Mill said, “That which seems the height of absurdity in one generation often becomes the height of wisdom in the next.”
Let me close with one question – can you be creative enough to be dismissed as a dreamer? No? Then get practicing!