The power of brainstorming with adjectives
How dull would our world be without adjectives? You know, those handy words or terms we use, as Webster says, to "modify a noun." Indeed, without the descriptive power of an adjective, a noun is nothing more than a bland commodity – like broccoli without hollandaise.
If I offered you a soybean, you would probably be less than intrigued. But what if I said it was a "beautiful soybean"? You’d want to see such a bean, wouldn't you? A change of attitude, all because of the power of an adjective.
Adjectives can be powerful and useful in your business when they help you take a look at your company, products, services, etc., in an honest, creative, competitive and critical way. One method of pursuing the power of adjectives is through brainstorming.
My friend and Brain Trust member, Floyd Hurt, author of Rousing Creativity, says brainstorming is a great way to get organizational creative juices flowing. And creativity is the mother's milk of powerful adjectives. Everybody knows that! So get your team together (if you're a one-person shop, your support group) and conduct a brainstorming session. But first, it's important to know the Floyd Hurt rules of brainstorming below, followed by my comments.
Free wheeling
There should be virtually no restrictions. Floyd says if you're pursuing how to pep up the showroom and someone says "Let's put an elephant in there," the next comment should be, "Are we talking African or Indian?" And don't worry that your idea isn't complete. Even partial ideas can spark the other half from someone else.
No criticism
Some adjectives may not be positive, especially when you’re working on constant improvement. Everyone must feel that what they say will not be criticized, and that all brainstorming contributions will be considered constructive.
Combine and improve
This is where you put some of your brainstorming ideas, including the half-baked ones mentioned above, together to make a better idea. After this kind of synergy clicks the first time with your group, buckle up, because your brainstorming will probably blast off with new energy.
Judgment of ideas
Which one of the ideas will you work on first? This is the culling process. Everything idea is not a keeper – at least not today. But don't throw anything away. Keep the unused ideas and adjectives for the next session. Ideas are like seeds: sometimes they need time to germinate.
Quantity
This is where the power of adjectives really comes into play. A brainstorming session MUST have LOTS of ideas complete with powerful adjectives. Write them ALL down! EVERY ONE!!
The immortal Adam Smith identified the written word as one of the three greatest human inventions. Besides the brainstorming power you’ll generate, never underestimate the power of having your ideas on paper, looking back at you.
Write this on a rock ... Use brainstorming to unleash the power of adjectives.
Jim Blasingame is host of the nationally syndicate radio show The Small Business Advocate and author of the multi-award-winning book The Age of the Customer: Prepare for the Moment of Relevance.
