Methodology for business ideas

Maybe now is the time when you want to reflect on your next big idea, to boost your company, your startup, or get a solution in relation to a problem that you've been thinking about for days or months. Sometimes we feel like we're in a kind of mental traffic jam, so we present you with a method guide to help you or your team generate the greatest number of ideas, decide among all of them which one is the best or provide possible solutions to certain problems. A process of finding solutions seeks from the outset to have the maximum number of possible ideas. In general the ideal would be quality and not quantity. However, in a method such as brainstorming, quality comes at a later time. Some methodologies or simple techniques for the generation of ideas:

• -Brainstorming or brainstorming: Creativity is sought here. This method is a creative thinking technique. It consists of launching a large number of ideas to solve a given problem. Ideas are commented on or written down regardless of their quality. Even in some cases, the first thing that comes to mind can be the origin of a great idea that drives our business. When a multitude of them have already been launched, we focus more and more and the possible solutions are coming out. It is important at this point not to criticize the thoughts of the other members of the team, from any idea the real solution to a problem can arise.

• -Speed methods: this technique consists of Exercise your mind daily around the same problem, timing to a certain extent the time it takes us to generate a certain reflection. Every day the ideas are more focused on the problem and will be of better quality.

• -Futurism: basically, it consists of letting the imagination run wild. Think about how we would solve a problem if there were technologies, materials and processes that don't exist today or we don't have access to them. Later, we will focus on how to solve it today, what technology or resource prevents us from carrying it out and what alternative method we can use without those resources.

Although we are used to working most of the time with text, ideas can often be better expressed in graphic format. It takes us less time to visualize them and understand the basic concepts.Mind maps are a very effective method for extracting and memorizing information through the presentation of ideas or concepts. They are a logical and creative way of taking notes and expressing ideas that literally consists of mapping reflections on a topic. Whether from the beginning of a project to deeper and more complex diagrams, solving a problem or generating an idea through a mind map is effective and enjoyable. It's also a great way to summarize presentations and keep the audience engaged with a more enjoyable presentation. It is intended that they understand the basic ideas in less time and in a more effective way. Here are some free online tools for making mind maps in less time and with a more attractive presentation:

• Bubbl.us: In its free version, it allows us to create up to three diagrams or concept maps in a simple and attractive way. Maps or diagrams can be exported as an image and inserted into our presentations.

• MindMeister: is an online mind mapping tool that allows you to capture, develop and share ideas visually. It has a very complete and free basic plan.

• Litpen: a place to store your ideas and modify or build on them at your own pace, through hexagonal figures in a kind of honeycomb.

Tips for taking advantage of these techniques and squeeze them out for the best results:

• Don't let fear stop you from exploring new ideas. Think about what scares you and what would happen if you carried out a certain idea.

• Whenever you are in a process of generating ideas or solving problems, It is vital to have a notebook or similar at all times, so as not to miss any idea or reflection that comes to mind or occurs to us by observing or researching in our daily lives. Also, in this way, there is clear evidence that the idea is ours or on what day or time it occurred to us.

• Pause and take a break. Rest and recharge your energies and your mind to motivate creativity and avoid attrition, which is the greatest enemy of great ideas.

Do you want to go deeper into the methodologies for working on business ideas? Here are some contents so you can get more out of this post:

• 34 techniques for detecting innovative business ideas: See post
• Creative techniques for generating new business ideas: See post

What techniques do you know to generate ideas, reflections or solutions? Surely in your daily life you use some very efficient ones that help you or your team to achieve your objectives, improve your processes and boost your business. Tell us about your method and help us to improve!