What do you do when you’re struggling with a problem that requires a creative solution? If you’re like most people, you sit at your desk and think about the problem. You stare at your blank computer screen, chew on pencils, crumple up pieces of paper and take occasional breaks to pace or get another cup of coffee. But is that really the best way to unleash your creativity? [Read more…]
Creativity Quotes
Here are some of my favorite quotes about creativity. I hope you enjoy them and are inspired by them, just as I am.
Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.
– Leo Burnett
You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.
– Jack London
An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.
– Edwin Land
Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.
– Scott Adams [Read more…]
How to Break Out of a Creative Rut
Do you think that you are not creative? You are more creative than you think! However, you may need to get in touch with your creativity. Too many people shut their creative side down, almost as if they are afraid of it.
Here are some ideas from Copyblogger and me that can help you get your creative juices flowing.
[Read more…]
How to Take Good Photos
There are many sources, both free and paid, for images you can use on your website, in your ebooks and for other projects. However, sometimes to get the perfect picture there is no better option than doing it yourself.
Taking your own photographs allows you to get the exact angle, lighting and image that you’re looking for. Not only that, it eliminates any possibility that you will be sued for infringing on someone’s copyright with that image you grabbed from Google Images.
Think you don’t have the skill to take good photos? Here are a few tips to help you get the right shot.
[Read more…]
Reverse Shoplifting?
Author Greg Godek claims to have invented “reverse shoplifting.” He takes a copy of his book, 1001 Ways to Be Romantic
into a bookstore that doesn’t carry the book. Then, he quietly slips the book onto the shelf.
Godek’s theory is that when someone tries to buy the book (and it doesn’t show up in the store’s inventory) they will note that the book sold and will order replacement copies. While he can’t document how many books he has sold with this sneaky strategy, Godek has sold more than 1.7 million books.
There are two lessons you can take from this. First, freely give away samples. When Godek “donates” books to bookstores, the cost to him is minimal. But, it exposes the book to readers (and retailers) who might not have found it otherwise.
Second, don’t be afraid to try something a little “odd” if the risk is low and it might work. Don’t do something unethical, illegal or nasty. However, being creative can help you find ways to promote yourself which are inexpensive and fun. Just because no one has done it before doesn’t mean it is a bad idea. It just means you’re more clever than those other folks!
Oh, and a third lesson: I’m telling you about Greg Godek (and his book) because he not only created “reverse shoplifting,” but he told people about it. If you come up with an unusual way to promote yourself, tell others about it. You may get additional attention as your strategy is shared.