I’ve run out of ideas. Help!

This article first appeared November 25, 2009.

Dear Aunty B,

I run a personnel services company and growth has stalled. I have tried off-sites and strategy sessions but I can’t think of a great big idea to reach the goals we have set ourselves.

I feel very frustrated. Do you have any ideas?

Idealess,
Tas

Dear Idealess,

Often growth doesn’t come from one big idea. In fact, most of the time it comes from a whole series of small ideas and improvements that every day get a nudge by passionate clever staff who are working towards the company’s vision and goals.

While it is good to have a sense or urgency, try and be patient and open-minded. Read the stories of other entrepreneurs and look at what they have done in their industries. Any ideas? Talk to clients. What are their future goals and how can you help them? What is being done badly? How can you be better than your competitors?

Most of all, how can you improve your service? How can technology help you improve your service?

Lastly, you will have your ideas not at the strategy session but at the gym a few days later when you are pounding the treadmill with an empty brain.

Good luck!
Your Aunty B

To read more Aunty B advice, click here.

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!