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Brainstorming is a bliss

posted on Friday, October 19, 2007 01:18 PM

It was a pleasure to meet again, last Thursday 18th of October, with energetic and budding entrepreneurs at the Global Tribal Meetup.
We were generously hosted by Norma, at The Crescent Suite, an Oddfellows Society’s venue, in Highbury and Islington, London.

www.crescentsuite.com www.oddfellows.co.uk

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Brainstorming is crucial for business growth. In an informal environment and by carefully giving everybody an equal turn to speak, a small group of entrepreneurs can get a fantastic amount of ideas, suggestions, referrals and business partnerships!

Here’s a sample of what came out of our brainstorming session:

Use your brain and colour pens, and change the world!

Lili Larratea demonstrated her participatory game: Play Rethink the Eco –Design Game.
‘Play rethink’ is an educational tool for creative people. Its main objective is to make people think - or rethink - how we can make everyday objects more environmentally friendly.
Aims of the game: to teach players about sustainable design (i.e. how to improve our lifestyle and environment by changing the way we make things)
to encourage people to communicate and share their ideas
to inspire
Online Sharing: Players have also the opportunity to publish their drawings on a website for free. This way they can share, inspire people and see what others have done before.
If you want to know more, contact Lili at lili@rethinkgames.com

Making democracy happen with IN

One participant let us know about a network for people with an independent mind, who put themselves for elections. As independent candidates, they are not obliged to follow a party whip and might represent people more accurately in a local area, or in a topic of their choice. Judge for yourselves: www.independentnetwork.org.uk

Networking events dilemma

Visitors of Chambers of Commerce networking events seem to have noticed an enormous increase of numbers of life coaches, accountants and graphic/web designers. What’s the way forward?
Probably finding a niche to have a more compelling business offer and elevator pitch!
Knowing exactly who you want to cater for or support, will elevate you in networking events!
One insight from Amy in the group: I am looking for doing only and more of what I enjoy!

Alleviate stress

One participant is offering massage services to alleviate stress in corporate environments.
http://www.transporttobliss.com

The tips for enterprises specialised in stress management, was about approaching corporates, and fast track your clients portfolio.
Contact serviced offices, propose free services in topical business exhibitions and to events and conference professionals.
Another attendee suggested to visit networking events and propose a free demo!
For networking events listings: go to www.makeyourmarkconnect.org

Business Support and Marketing

A Pan London initiative is there to propose support to social ventures:
www.enterprisecentral.co.uk, offering 1-2-1 sessions, tailored for your needs.

To broadcast your products, services and ideas, think live! How about making small e-films to share with all, live, on the internet. A few companies catter in this: www.m3u.com.

Access to finance

This programme aims to provide expert business advice and support, working with business owners to develop their business and get them to the stage where they are ready to approach a lender for finance. http://www.lda.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.559

Personal development

James Mills from Young Enterprise (West London) explained how entrepreneurs could have a life changing experience and sharpen the way they promote themselves by meeting and speaking to young people in schools, eager to start their own venture. Young people have straight questions and demand straight answers, a fabulous way to be succinct and extremely clear about your proposal. It’s a rewarding, challenging and energizing experience. www.young-enterprise.org.uk

Authentic business

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is an alliance of companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and trade union organisations. They exist to promote and improve the implementation of corporate codes of practice which cover supply chain working conditions. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that the working conditions of workers producing for the UK market meet or exceed international labour standards. www.ethicaltrade.org
Have you experienced the healing power of the Hawaiian Huna?
Based on the idea that the mind, body and spirit are all interconnected, the Huna chanting and principles are a way to go back to basic values that have healing qualities. Huna brings to you the Hawaiian code of forgiveness and how to apply it to get greater harmony in your life and your organisation. For more info contact Jane Lewis at http://www.futurepaceconsulting.com/

Efficient Business : mentoring and shadowing experiences

The group mentioned Pilotlight, the example of an initiative aiming to bring together the passion and expertise of the voluntary sector with the best of business thinking. Volunteers from the private sector spend some time with charities to sharpen the business strategy, ensuring the creation of more effective and sustainable organisations.
http://www.pilotlight.org.uk/

See you next month!

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