Category: business

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The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing

Cable spool in a desert - The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing

Challenges are inevitable – that’s a given. But what about those moments when it feels like you’re running on empty? Creativity? You’re kidding – it’s all gone. As a leader, there will be times when inspiration seems scarce. It’s precisely during these moments that you can unearth some of your most innovative ideas. This article explores the art of being creative when you feel like you’ve got nothing.

1. Embrace Limitations:
Instead of viewing constraints as roadblocks, treat them as creative challenges. When resources are scarce, your ingenuity shines. Think of iconic brands like Apple that created revolutionary products with limited resources.

2. Step Away for Clarity:
Sometimes, the best way to boost creativity is to take a step back. Go for a walk, meditate, or engage in a brief relaxation practice. Have a shower, have a nap. Stepping away from the problem at hand can help you return with fresh ideas. Continue reading “The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing”

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How Creative People Can Stay Ahead and Thrive with AI

Person with umbrella reflected in a puddle

Many creatives are feeling threatened by artificial intelligence (AI). There are stories of jobs vanishing, and of AI automating anything and everything. Some of that is true, AI is automating various aspects of work. There’s no need to become a postmodern Luddite. There’s still a significant role for human creativity.

Here’s how creatives can not only respond but thrive in this changing landscape

Continue reading “How Creative People Can Stay Ahead and Thrive with AI”

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Boost your Customer Experience with Creativity

Man enthusiastically selling fruit

The need to provide an exceptional customer experience is more urgent than ever. Everywhere, former successful service businesses are closing. Whether it’s pubs closing in Britain or business owners retiring, change is in the air.

But what sets apart the truly remarkable brands? It’s their ability to infuse creativity into every customer touchpoint.

Creativity isn’t just for artists and designers. It’s a powerful tool for enhancing customer experiences. Think of new ways to surprise and delight your customers. It’s good for your marketing, it’s good for your sales. And it’s good for your profits. Continue reading “Boost your Customer Experience with Creativity”

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Taking Over a Family Business – Navigating the Transition

Taking over a family business - photo by Álvaro Serrano on Unsplash
Sometimes it’s the unwelcome phone call. It might be the dreaded, creeping inevitable. Sometimes it’s the “at long last, thank goodness” moment. It doesn’t matter how it arrives, taking over a family business can be a daunting experience. How ever you come by the business, you’ll inherit a legacy of “how we do things around here”. For you to chart a course forward, there are crucial steps to ensure a seamless transition.

You’ll want to foster innovation and growth, but you might also have to confront anger, grief, and guilt. And that might not all be from you. You’re new to the team and you could be met with suspicion, contempt, and bemused hostility. It’s never going to be easy, even in the most congenial and welcoming environments. Continue reading “Taking Over a Family Business – Navigating the Transition”

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Unlock Your Potential: Free Yourself from Past Decisions

Here's how to Unlock Your Potential: Free Yourself from Past Decisions.
Have you ever found yourself wondering what new heights you could reach? That is, if you weren’t held back by past decisions? It’s a common train of thought, especially for people a few years into their careers or businesses. The truth is, you have boundless potential waiting and you can unleash it. You can unlock your potential and free yourself from past decisions.

Here’s how to break free from the shackles of the past and explore new opportunities

Continue reading “Unlock Your Potential: Free Yourself from Past Decisions”

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Small Business Creativity: Thriving on Limited Resources

Creativity for Small Businesses
If you are a small business owner, you know how challenging it can be. Trying to fit into a community while standing out from the crowd. And always, with an eye on attracting more customers. You’ll know how important it is to manage your time, money, and energy. And all the while, balancing your personal and professional life. How can you do all that and still be creative?

That’s the wrong way of thinking. You need creativity in abundance to do all that.

Creativity isn’t a talent that some people have and others don’t. It is a skill that you can learn and practice, and it can help you grow your small business in many ways. Here are some benefits of creativity for small businesses: Continue reading “Small Business Creativity: Thriving on Limited Resources”

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Storytelling: Better Work Stories

Crafting Compelling Narratives for Business Success

Effective communication is an essential. Of course, conveying facts and figures is a given. But after endless turgid presentations even the most focussed minds start to wander. The solution is to create an emotional connection with your audience. And that’s where storytelling comes into play.

The Power of Storytelling:
Storytelling is a timeless art that transcends generations and cultures. It’s a tool that captivates, persuades, and engages. When done right, it can be a game-changer for businesses and professionals alike.

Connecting on a Deeper Level:
We like to think our audience wants digital, instant app-driven magic. But grabbing and maintaining your audience’s attention is an age-old challenge. Facts and statistics alone may not cut it. A well-crafted narrative not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression. A positive impression is career building. Continue reading “Storytelling: Better Work Stories”

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Creativity and Intuition for Professionals

Vet using technique, creativity, and intuition with a cat
When you think of creativity, you might imagine artists, writers, musicians, or inventors. But creativity is not limited to these fields. Personal care professionals – massage therapists, dentists, veterinarians, opticians, and others rely on creativity. The very best also use intuition to provide excellent service to their clients.

Creativity is the ability to produce something new and valuable.

Intuition is an inner sense of knowing what to do without conscious reasoning. It is often based on subconscious cues, patterns, feelings, or impressions. It helps guide the decision-making process and enhances the creativity of the professional.

Both creativity and intuition develop from training, experience, and instinct. Continue reading “Creativity and Intuition for Professionals”

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The Cure for the Know-It-All Syndrome

Don't be a know-it-all
Have you ever felt like you’ve reached the peak of your career and there is nothing more to learn? Do you feel bored, stuck, or burned out by doing the same things over and over again? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be suffering from a common problem. It’s familiar to experienced and mature management executives, business owners, and professionals. It’s the know-it-all syndrome.

The know-it-all syndrome is when you think you have all the answers. You’ve seen it all before. You stop being curious, open-minded, and willing to learn new things. This limits your personal growth, professional development, and creativity. It can also make you miss out on valuable opportunities, insights, and innovations.

Worst of all, you risk alienating your friends, colleagues, and family. No-one likes a crusty know-it-all. When you see your dog cringe that’s a sure sign things are bad. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

So how can you overcome the know-it-all syndrome and bring and positive change in your life and work? Continue reading “The Cure for the Know-It-All Syndrome”