"Creativity
is allowing oneself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep"
- Scott Adams, The Dilbert Principle
Creativity
is one of the most defining qualities an entrepreneur needs to have.
The essence of entrepreneurship centers around creativity, whether it
is a new idea or a new business. As an entrepreneur, you are bound to
face hurdles during the start up phase. Yet, it is your passion for
what you believe in that helps you persevere. And when the going gets
tough, the creative get going!
Often, it
is the struggle to survive that inspires most entrepreneurs to explore
and experiment with radical and unconventional concepts. Setting a precedent
that to be an entrepreneur, you need to have that something 'special'
to succeed. What is it that distinguishes these dynamic folk from the
rest of us?
It does not
matter if you are looking out for that fundamental idea for your business
or are trying to find innovative ways to survive in the ever-changing
economic scenario. It is important that you hone your creativity and
skills for survival!
As an entrepreneur,
you need to be able to visualise an opportunity and make optimum use
of it. You never know when you could strike gold! Learn to rely on your
intuition at times. Keep an open mind. You may just discover a latent
talent!
Path breakers
like Dr. Edward de Bono, author of Six Thinking Hats, a book on lateral
thinking and Julia Cameron, author of The Artists's Way explored different
perspectives and arrived at innovative ways and techniques to approach
various issues.
An effective
way of unleashing your creative is to develop any potentially interesting
idea that is on your mind. Jot it down on a piece of paper and create
as many probable ideas of it as you can. Pick out the most effective
of the lot. Doing this not only gives you more ideas and avenues to
explore, but also helps you think from a new perspective.
Innovation
Network has a fun, and easy way to encourage creative thinking. They
use "Thought Stimulators," which sends you short, weekly email
messages that are designed to help you think innovatively.
There
are various exercises, mental work-outs and games available on the net
to choose from, which trigger your creativity. No matter which method
you choose, enjoy what you do; perhaps in the process you may just stumble
on the right idea that will help you launch your entrepreneurial venture.