how to have ideas (and talk about them)

Ruth HartnollContent Manager @ Access, Manchester

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idea nou

n

i) A thought or suggestion as to a possible course of actionii) An opinion or belief

iii) The aim or purpose

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i) A pain in the ass

idea nou

n

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ii) Something that only occurs to you just before you’re going to sleep

An idea should...

ExciteHave value

Be share worthy

Create conversation

Solve a problem

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Inspiration comes from everywhere

Conferences

ReadingFilms

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Social mediaThe News

Music

Women’s rights

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#Copywritersunite

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Exploding Kittens

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The Chip Shop Awards

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7 steps to get your idea down on paper

1.Treat yourself to some stationery

2.Start an ideas book - physical or digital

3.Collect all of your research into one space

4.Brainstorm the fuck out of it

5.Talk it through with someone

6.Search your idea online!

7.Write the title of your idea five different ways

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Just bloody write

the thing

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Things to remember when coming up with an idea

Your idea does not have to be original, your approach does.

You’re not Beyonce. And that’s ok.

Focused procrastination is key.

If you’re struggling, think of your idea in a different form.

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BrainwritingWhat the heck is Brainwriting?

It was invented by a German dude called Bernd Rohrbach. It was first published in 1968.

It’s a structured alternative to brainstorming.

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We’re going to create 106 ideas in 30 minutes.

Important tips on presenting your idea

You’re not just telling an idea, you’re selling it. Have conviction.

If it’s a heavy subject, keep it light.

If it’s a subject that’s been covered a lot, acknowledge that and offer a new twist.

Worried? Do a power pose a la Amy Cuddy.

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Final thoughts

Your idea is valid.

Your idea is just that; yours. Own it.

Your idea could inspire even more ideas. How awesome.

If you care, they care.

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“You are really fucking good at things you don’t know

you’re really fucking good at.”

Cindy GallopTweet me @ruthhartnoll Email me ruth.hartnoll@accessadvertising.co.uk

Talk to me

@ruthhartnoll

ruth.hartnoll@accessadvertising.co.uk

www.ruththewriter.co.uk

www.writerslabb.com

Questions?