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Spontaneity without question drives creativity. Some of the best ideas and most inspiring moments come when least expected. I’ve never been a fan of contriving, however I do believe there’s much to be said about being prepared; and building an environment to be inspired. My bike and my feet have always offered me the best escape and environment to let my mind go. So start by finding your oasis, surround yourself in a place or engage in an activity that you love. It’s amazing the power of a positive environment.Go where others can’t easily reach you, turn the phone off or leave it behind. We all deserve an hour of uninterrupted time. The mind can swirl almost instantly with a long list of ideas. Always have a way to record them. It’s easy to tuck away a little notepad or keep your mobile device handy for recording a few quick thoughts. There are several good dictation apps available (I like Dragon Dictation) or simply type a quick note or email with your thoughts. Music is a great motivator…short playlists with your favourite inspiring tunes can also help to get your mind going in a creative direction. What are your ‘must-hear’ playlist tunes?
Think of this as your meditation time, reflect and dream big. Too many hours in front of the computer screen do me in, probably do the same to you! Consider taking this time in the early morning hours before the day gets going, step away on a lunch break or even carve out some early afternoon minutes. The real bonus is you have the power to build an activity into your day wherever it best fits. Finish the day strong, harness the creative energy and inspire yourself to new heights. Cheers!
Brent
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Surround yourself with Inspiration…
August 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Building fans one table at a time…
December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The best thing I ever ate came with a side of conversation.
Tableside romance? You bet. It wasn’t until I’d watched a few episodes of The Food Network show “The Opener” with Chef David Adjey that I really came to appreciate his focus on hammering home the concept of tableside romance. In his quest to help the sometimes seemingly helpless open their new restaurants…and live their dreams, Chef Adjey reminds us of how critical telling the story of the food is to being successful. Real marketers tell stories right? That’s what Seth Godin preaches in his book and I believe him.
In expanding our network and building relationships through social media (by default I just used this spaced to extol the virtues of Twitter but that just makes good sense) we’ve recently had the good fortune to engage in dialogue with the owners of a long time established pub in Ancaster, the Coach and Lantern. While I’m embarrassed to say I’ve just now had my first visits there, I’m also pleased because subconciously I must have known waiting for the new owners was the right thing to do. In two words, these folks ‘get it.’ Great chef, smart front of house management, appealing menu showcasing some home cooked food. All necessary for succees, however most importantly, focus on their patrons is top priority. We’ve all seen enough episodes of Cheers to want to pitch the old boob tube off the skyway bridge, but the message is the same. Treat everyone, regulars and newcomers, as old friends. Getting engaged and living your business makes you instantly memorable among your customers.
Meeting Mark and Andrea in person just reaffirmed what we knew before ever going inside. They understand that building relationships and sharing experiences; from stories of the 200 year old stone walls, to the prime rib on yorkshire pudding, to the draft taps on the bar, is at the core of what they do. The food was fantastic, the friendship and story telling will keep us coming back.
Brent Kinnaird
Inspire Marketing: creating a difference
Ph: 905-515-3639
www.inspiremarketing.ca
Make time to share
November 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment
I sometimes find myself a day late and a dollar short. Besides best intentions, all of us end up off the rails at times. With two cliches in that last sentence I suppose I should consider writing a book on cliches. Maybe not.
I’m a few weeks behind in posting this blog entry, but I think for good reason. Its been busy in our office. Business growth is positive, however remembering to share is too. Given that we’re awaiting the arrival of Santa in less that a month, the idea of sharing is never more top of mind than during the pending Christmas season. Coming together to celebrate, be thankful for those around us and more importantly to give, is at the core of building meaningful relationships in our online spheres. Sounds a little like Christmas cheer?
Building relationships online via tools like twitter, facebook, blogs, linkedin and youtube is about engagement and sharing. Making content available when people are seeking information is what separates social media tools from traditional marketing channels. Its usage, when implemented with thoughtful strategy, is the counter to bombarding audiences with messages during times when they are not actively being sought.
That doesn’t mean that traditional marketing is done. Print, sales promotions, special events, cause marketing, radio spots and other interactions certainly continue to have their place. Its all integral to any plan in targeted doses. Social media in fact is an ideal opportunity to leverage traditional channels, using its power as a magnifyer of your message and a way to link several disciplines together.
Start small if you are new to building your social media capacity. The relationships that can be fostered through dialogue with others who are active in the usage of these tools is tremendously powerful. Just the same as when you booked your first print ad, developed your first radio spot or built your first discount promotion; the program will evolve and finding your place in online communications will soon grow.
Brent Kinnaird
Inspire Marketing: creating a difference
Ph: 905-515-3639
