Name: 21 Days to a Big Idea
Rating: 3.5 (87 reviews)
Author: Bryan Mattimore

Creativity isn’t just for artists and inventors – it’s the secret ingredient to building a successful business. So, how do you unlock it?

1. Brainstorming: The Gateway to Creativity

Brainstorming is a powerful tool to overcome the fear of a blank page and unlock your creative potential. It allows you to silence your inner critic and reconnect with your playful, imaginative side. Thomas Edison, for instance, used brainstorming to generate over 100 ideas in a single day, ranging from artificial silk to an electric piano. This process helped him identify the ideas worth pursuing.

Beyond sparking creativity, brainstorming can reveal your passions. By jotting down dozens of ideas, you’ll start to notice patterns that point to what excites you most. These passions can guide you toward business ideas that feel meaningful and energizing. Even if your interests lie outside your expertise, that’s not a limitation. In fact, being an outsider can help you see opportunities that industry insiders might overlook.

To get started, grab a piece of paper and aim to write down 30 to 50 ideas. Don’t worry about whether they’re good or bad – the goal is to let your imagination run wild. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to generate ideas and identify the ones with potential.

Examples

Thomas Edison’s notebook filled with over 100 ideas in a single day.
A novice in the tech industry creating a groundbreaking app by spotting a gap others missed.
A brainstorming session revealing a passion for sustainable living, leading to a green business idea.

2. Everyday Problems Are Business Opportunities

Every annoyance you face could be the seed of a great business idea. Mark Zuckerberg, for example, created Facebook as a solution to his teenage social struggles. Similarly, many successful products started as solutions to everyday problems, like nasal strips for better breathing or oral rinses for dry mouths.

To find your own opportunities, start paying attention to the small frustrations in your daily life. Ask yourself, “What’s the problem here?” and think about how you could solve it. This simple question can help you uncover issues that others might also face, making your solution widely appealing.

Remember, even mundane problems can lead to extraordinary results. By solving a common issue, you’re not just helping yourself – you’re creating something that could improve the lives of countless others.

Examples

Facebook began as a way for Zuckerberg to connect with peers.
Breathe Right nasal strips solved a common sleep issue and became a multi-million-dollar product.
Biotene’s oral rinse addressed dry mouth, benefiting people worldwide.

3. Borrow and Adapt: Innovation Through Existing Technology

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to create something impactful. Many groundbreaking ideas come from adapting existing technologies in new ways. For instance, apps have transformed smartphones into tools for everything from fitness tracking to food delivery. Similarly, drones, originally designed for military use, are now used for delivering medical supplies and aiding in emergencies.

To apply this approach, start by identifying a technology that fascinates you. Then, think about its strengths and how they could be applied in a different context. This method allows you to build on existing innovations while creating something fresh and valuable.

By borrowing and adapting, you can create solutions that feel both familiar and revolutionary. It’s a reminder that creativity often thrives on collaboration and iteration.

Examples

Apps leveraging smartphone technology to create new industries.
Drones repurposed for delivering life vests to swimmers in distress.
Inhalable vitamins turning a health supplement into a quick, convenient solution.

4. Reconnect with Your Inner Child

Children are naturally creative, but as we grow older, we often lose that spark. A study by George Land showed that nearly 100% of five-year-olds displayed high creativity, but by adulthood, that number dropped to just 12%. To reignite your creativity, tap into your childhood sense of wonder and curiosity.

Start by asking yourself, “What do I wish I could do?” Childhood wishes, like flying or becoming invisible, have inspired some of the most exciting inventions, from airplanes to virtual reality. Once you’ve identified a wish, use your adult mind to figure out how to make it a reality.

This blend of childlike imagination and adult problem-solving can lead to ideas that are both playful and practical. Don’t dismiss ideas that seem silly – they might just hold the key to something amazing.

Examples

Airplanes fulfilling the childhood dream of flying.
Virtual reality creating immersive, otherworldly experiences.
NeverWet spray paint making hidden messages visible in the rain.

5. The “And” Technique: Quick Idea Generation

The “and” technique is a simple yet effective way to generate new ideas in under 30 seconds. By combining two unrelated words, you can spark creative connections that lead to unique inventions. For example, pairing “illuminated” and “sock” could inspire glow-in-the-dark socks for nighttime convenience.

This technique works even better when tailored to a specific industry. If you’re interested in floristry, for instance, you could combine “flowers” with words like “celebrities” or “technology” to brainstorm ideas like celebrity-designed bouquets or smart flower arrangements.

The beauty of the “and” technique is its simplicity. It encourages you to think outside the box and explore combinations you might not have considered otherwise.

Examples

Glow-in-the-dark socks inspired by “illuminated” and “sock.”
Celebrity-endorsed bouquets combining “flowers” and “celebrities.”
Smart flower arrangements blending “flowers” and “technology.”

6. The Internet: A Treasure Trove of Trends

The internet is a goldmine for discovering trends and sparking ideas. Websites like TrendHunter.com and Cassandra Daily offer free updates on the latest innovations, while blogs and social media provide real-time insights into what’s popular.

To make the most of this resource, start by exploring trends that interest you. Then, ask yourself six key questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. This framework can help you turn a trend into a viable business idea by identifying its audience, purpose, and potential applications.

By staying informed and asking the right questions, you can use the internet to stay ahead of the curve and find inspiration for your next big idea.

Examples

TrendHunter.com’s monthly updates on groundbreaking products.
Cassandra Daily’s free newsletter on innovation trends.
Mindfulness training in classrooms inspiring new applications for doctors or couples.

7. Billboarding: Define Your Product’s Edge

Billboarding is a technique for identifying what makes your product stand out. Start by clarifying your idea and the problem it solves. Then, list all its benefits and choose the strongest one to highlight in a catchy slogan.

This process not only helps you refine your idea but also makes it easier to communicate its value to others. A great slogan can capture attention and make your product memorable, like Bounty’s “the quicker picker upper.”

By focusing on your product’s unique strengths, you can create a clear, compelling message that resonates with your audience.

Examples

Bounty’s slogan emphasizing its speed and efficiency.
A cardboard stroller marketed as “The Playhouse Stroller” for its creative benefits.
A lightweight, eco-friendly product promoted as “better for you and the planet.”

8. Collaboration Fuels Creativity

Surrounding yourself with creative thinkers can amplify your own ideas. By discussing your thoughts with others, you gain fresh perspectives and insights that can take your ideas to the next level. Collaboration also helps you refine your concepts and identify potential challenges early on.

Look for people who think playfully and aren’t afraid to share unconventional ideas. Whether it’s friends, colleagues, or mentors, the right collaborators can inspire you and help you see possibilities you might have missed.

Creativity thrives in a supportive, open environment. By working with others, you can turn good ideas into great ones.

Examples

A brainstorming session with colleagues leading to a breakthrough idea.
Feedback from a mentor helping you refine your business concept.
A casual conversation sparking an unexpected solution to a problem.

9. Action Breeds Clarity

The best way to develop your ideas is to take action. Start small and test your concepts in the real world. This not only helps you refine your ideas but also gives you valuable feedback from potential customers.

Don’t wait for the perfect idea or the perfect moment – start now. Even if your first attempt isn’t a success, you’ll learn and grow from the experience. Every step you take brings you closer to your goal.

Remember, creativity is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Examples