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How do you stay ahead of the curve? How do you guarantee you are providing your customers with the next big thing? How do you present your offer in a way that is still intriguing to distracted customers?

The answer is creativity.

One way to get the attention of customers overwhelmed by choices is to step outside the predictable. Surprise is interesting. A new way of looking at something catches attention.

For many, creativity does not come easily. However, there are a few easy ways to boost your creativity throughout the day:

1. Change locations. Oftentimes, a new location will inspire a new way of thinking. Take a break and go outside for lunch instead of eating at your desk. You might see something that sparks an idea.

2. Change your routine. Instead of following the same pattern each day, make slight adjustments that will force you to pay attention to your new surroundings and may expose you to something inspiring.

3. Don’t say “no.” For the time being, allow yourself to say “yes” to every thought without considering the reasons it won’t work. It can be those impractical ideas that lead to the next really great one.

4. Step out of your box. Meet a new person every day. Try a new food. Memorize facts, even if you cannot use them directly in your work. This will change the ways your brain thinks and will open new pathways for your thoughts.

What strategies do you use to spark creativity? Let me know in the comments!

The post Revealing Inner Creativity appeared first on Ryan Wuerch.

There are a several situations often overlooked by driven and high-energy entrepreneurs that, if ignored, can be detrimental to the overall business. The key to avoid using resources on unnecessary activities is consistent evaluation of the overall company strategy, goals and values. If your activities do not align with these, then it is time to pause or even to stop a project.

Quick questions to determine where to allocate resources:

1. Does this project add value to our company- either monetarily, culturally or through customer loyalty?
2. Does this project require resources that could be better utilized for a higher priority project?
3. Does the project help us meet our goals?
4. Does this project align with our overall strategy?

Dedicate time to evaluate your business in accordance with your overall strategy each week to determine what areas need adjustment. This will prevent the unnecessary use of resources on something that should have been ended earlier. It will also lead to higher productivity, efficiency, and a stronger ROI on activity.

Tell me! How do you allocate time to pause and reflect? Tweet to me at @rwuerch with your answers, I’d love to hear!

The post When is it Time To Pause? appeared first on Ryan Wuerch.