Archive for the ‘Ideafest!’ Category

IdeaStarter #21 Be a Trendspotter

Posted on January 30th, 2009 by by Barbara

Although trendspotter Faith Popcorn’s best-selling The Popcorn Report came out in 1991 (and is out of print), the ten top trends she alerted us to seem remarkably fresh. Here’s what she told us would move that decade:…

IdeaStarter #20 When You Are Stuck

Posted on January 29th, 2009 by by Barbara

As I was running errands yesterday morning, I heard an interview on public radio with violinist Joshua Bell. He had some interesting things to say about how he maintains his enthusiasm for music. Part of his success, he…

IdeaStarter #19 The Only Real Test for Ideas

Posted on January 28th, 2009 by by Barbara

Minutes after I returned from a mini-vacation in California, my daughter Jennie called. “Can you talk to Zoe?” she asked. “She put glitter glue on her Fancy Nancy puzzle and she’s having artist’s remorse.”

The

IdeaStarter #18 More Ways to Find Good Ideas

Posted on January 27th, 2009 by by Barbara

Ever since Marcia Yudkin has been sending out her weekly Marketing Minute, I’ve looked forward to each one. She always comes up with suggestions that are both creative and practical. When the following article arrived in…

IdeaStarter #17 Have a Nicer Flight

Posted on January 26th, 2009 by by Barbara

Many things improve with age; airline travel is not one of them.  Even before increased airport security slowed things down, the flying experience was loaded with stress-inducing delays and rude behavior. Frequent flyers just grit their teeth and bear…

Ideas From Everywhere: Roundup Week 4

Posted on January 24th, 2009 by by Barbara

Monday was a National Day of Service and Seth Godin offered 18 creative service ideas that could be a worthwhile way to spend some time whenever you’d like to offer it.

For the past…

IdeaStarter #16 Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Posted on January 23rd, 2009 by by Barbara

Okay, so maybe you’re one of those rare folks who already is having so much fun that you can’t stand another joyful moment. If so, this isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you suspect that  having…

IdeaStarter #15 Refuse to Have Boring Problems

Posted on January 22nd, 2009 by by Barbara

During the bleakest time of my life, my neighbor John stopped by to see how I was doing. Relieved that someone cared about me (I told you this was bleak), I rattled off a lengthy list of my…

IdeaStarter #14 Put Out the Welcome Mat

Posted on January 21st, 2009 by by Barbara

 

The 16th century essayist Montaigne put it well when he advised, “If you’re going to withdraw into yourself, first prepare yourself a welcome.” While I suspect he was talking about becoming introspective, his advice stands up if…

IdeaStarter #13 Yes We Can

Posted on January 20th, 2009 by by Barbara

Although I’ve lived through numerous Inauguration Days in my life, I don’t recall any previous ceremony generating the kind of excitement that today’s celebration has. Even the ramp up to this day has been filled with incredible enthusiasm.…