"ATTENTION All Go Getters!
Time To Dive Back Into The Fascinating World of Idea Generation, Validation, and Implementation..."
Get ready to be idealized!
Because...
Let's face it - any good idea, no matter how genius it seems, is just a fart in the wind - unless you put it out there and get it "materialized!"
So...
Go and make some waves big boy.
And I mean, PRONTO!
Because listen...
We're living in a world brimming with "what-ifs" - vast treasure troves of "ideas" tucked away in the "I'll get to it someday," vault.
All collecting dust, cobwebs and the bad smell you get when you walk into an ancient room that's been shat on for thousands of years.
They're like buried treasure - never seeing the light of day, aching to be unleashed into the world.
But, here's the game changer...
Now that you're privy to this golden nugget of wisdom, we ain't gonna stop there... OH NO!
Because, guess what?
The fireworks of your imagination are going to be lit up - by serving up a delicious buffet of idea-generation techniques that will set your creativity shtick on fire.
So, get ready.
You've have (in YOUR hands) the power to turn dreams into reality (BIG TIME).
And we're here to fan those flames.
So, let's dive into the sensational world of idea generation and watch your vision take flight...
Idea Generation Methods
Check Popular articles
You can check your own, competitors, or even non-competitors articles. Because...
Whatever method you choose, the point is to generate ideas FROM these articles. And in most cases you can generate multiple content or product ideas from each article. For example...
If an article has ten tips, those ten tips are ten potential product or article ideas.
browse the news
Spend time every day browsing news sites like the BBC, NPR, CNN, and even your local news. You can also run searches on these sites for niche keywords to uncover relevant stories, which may lead to product, content or business ideas.
go to google scholar
This is where you can search for topics in academic journals. For example, if you're serving a weight-loss market, you might search in these journals to discover the latest about metabolism, nutrition, and exercise. In turn, what you learn may lead to some great product and content ideas.
For example... let's suppose researchers uncover how a certain food or supplement raises the metabolism. You can create a diet based on this research and put it on sale A.S.A.P.
And by the time the news of this research spreads, you'll already have a product in place and ready to go.
Use focus groups
Another way to get feedback (and in turn, generate ideas) is to make use of focus groups. This is where you bring together about half a dozen people in your niche to talk about issues, challenges, and desires.
The advantage here is you "tap" into the hive mind which is often more powerful and creative than talking to people individually. This is because the group can feed off of one another generating the perfect brain-storming session.
The listing of Attributes
If you're generating product ideas, then this is a great method for getting creative. The idea is to take a product and break it down into it's "attributes" (features and benefits). And once you've completed this step - brainstorm how to improve each of these specific attributes.
You can do this with your own products, but you'll generate even more ideas if you do it with your competitors' products.
Search social media
Social media is brimming with good ideas that are ripe for the picking. Here's how to harvest them...
- Scan hashtags. This is a good way to get ideas about what's hot right now in your niche, but collecting popular hashtags over time also gives you an "evergreen" look at what interests your niche.
- Search Facebook groups. Enter your keywords (such as "gardening") into the Facebook search box, and then visit the top groups. Spend time reading both new and old posts, and you're sure to generate plenty of new gems.
- Seek out competitors' pages. You can search various social media platforms to find your competitors' walls, pages and accounts. Follow them to generate new ideas daily. And don't forget to check out the comments on popular posts to get even more ideas.
- Study ads. Facebook runs lots of ads in the sidebar as well as within the content. If you're not seeing ads relevant to your niche, then like a few pages or groups related to your niche. These ads are bound to give you great content, product and even sales ideas.
use google trends
Google trends is a unique type of keyword tool that lets you gauge the interest in a particular keyword over time and in different areas of the world.
This tool also helps you generate ideas, as it provides related search terms and topics
Daydream?
I know...
Generally, people talk negatively about those who daydream. However, daydreaming is a powerful way to generate ideas.
Simply relax in your favourite armchair, and let you mind wander over the subject in hand. Never try and force your thoughts, just let them be. But make sure you have a notepad handy... ready to jot down all those world changing nuggets.
Fill in the blanks
This is a brainstorming exercise where you answer broad questions as quickly as possible. (And, depending on the question, you should also provide as many answers as possible.)
Here are some examples for you to get started...
- The best way to solve [specific problem] is to ________
- [Some specific product] would be better if ________
- If I could create any [solution, product, etc.], I would create something that _______
- Here are the problems I'd like to solve in my niche: __________
- My prospects and customers need something that ________
So, I'll stop there for now...
Because like I said in the last post "How To Generate Great Ideas," too many choices can lead to overwhelm.
Sit back and use one or two generators to come up with great ideas and don't forget to keep a log.
Because when the time comes to show you how to not only validate those nuggets, but implement them too. Your world will change forever...
How To Generate Great Ideas is an excellent article for anyone who wants to start a new business, especially for people like me who create content for my business.
Indeed, I do believe that Google Trends hasn’t been very convincing for me yet. However, I do visit my competitors’ websites to see what they talk about.
Great article!
Hey Angeice,
We’re pumped you found our article, “How To Generate Great Ideas,” valuable, especially for content creators like yourself!
Because, as you know, creating content that resonates with your audience is no small feat, and that’s where idea generation truly shines.
Although…
While Google Trends might not always hit the mark, kudos to you for being resourceful and keeping an eye on your competitors. It’s like peeking into their playbook and getting inspiration right from the source!
You’re on the right track, my friend…
The path to business success is paved with innovative ideas, and by constantly exploring new avenues, you’re destined to stand out and thrive.
So…
If you ever need more tips, insights, or a friendly brainstorming session, feel free to reach out.
We’re here to support you on your journey to content creation excellence. Keep those creative juices flowing Angeice.
Always in your corner…
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)
The post is a fantastic dive into the world of idea generation. It’s true that having brilliant ideas is only the first step, and this post offers some practical techniques to turn those ideas into reality.
Among the various methods discussed, I’m curious about using focus groups…
How can one effectively organize and facilitate a focus group within their niche, and what are the best practices for harnessing the collective brainstorming power of such a group?
It seems like a dynamic way to tap into creativity, and I’d love to learn more about the details of this approach.
Hey Stratos,
Thanks for your enthusiasm and your keen interest in turning ideas into reality!
You’re absolutely right…
Idea generation is just the beginning, and we’re pumped you found our post useful.
Listen…
Organizing and facilitating a focus group in your niche can be a game-changer for idea development. So, here are some best practices to harness the collective brainstorming power…
1.Define Your Goals: Start by outlining what you want to achieve with your focus group. Are you seeking new product ideas, market insights, or feedback on existing concepts?
Knowing your goals will guide the process.
2. Select the Right Participants: Choose individuals who are part of your mojo (are your target audience) or have expertise in the relevant field. Diversity in the group’s backgrounds and experiences can lead to richer discussions.
3. Prepare Engaging Materials: Develop “out of the box” materials, such as surveys, prototypes, or questions to stimulate discussions.
(Visual aids and prompts can spark creativity.)
4. Effective Leadership: As the facilitator, your role is crucial. Encourage open and free-flowing conversations. Ensure everyone has a chance to speak, and keep the discussion on track. Be neutral and open to “ALL” ideas.
5. Recording and Documentation: Record the sessions, either through audio, video, or written notes. This ensures you capture all valuable insights and ideas.
6. Analyse and Synthesize: After the focus group, analyse the data and identify patterns, trends, and key takeaways. This is where you’ll find the “golden nuggets” of creativity.
7. Feedback Loop: Share the results and insights with the group and gather their feedback. This can lead to refining ideas and further brainstorming.
8. Go over and Implement: Use the ideas and insights gained from the focus group to review your concepts and put them into action.
Remember, the key to a successful focus group is creating a safe and open environment for participants to share their thoughts. Make them feel valued, and you’ll tap into a wealth of creativity (Keep “competition” out of the group) No idea is better than another… they’re all valid.
So, on that note…
Stratos, we’re thrilled you’re excited about this dynamic approach!
And if you have more questions or need specific advice, feel free to ask. We’re here to help you turn your ideas into reality
Always in your corner…
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)