I’m an idea person. And I love to brainstorm. As Linus Pauling said, "The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas." I try to keep myself surrounded by inspiration to keep those creative juices flowing. One source of inspiration comes directly to my inbox each day. The website is Idea-a-Day, Where Ideas Are Free. Subscribe to the free email, and each day, you’ll receive one interesting idea. You can submit your own thoughts for publication too. I love this concept because it promotes a philosophy of abundance (there is no shortage of great ideas!) and proves that it’s not just about having an idea, it’s what you do with that idea that counts. I love the Ashley Brilliant quote: "Good ideas are common – what’s uncommon are people who’ll work hard enough to bring them about". I wonder how many of these thousands of ideas have actually been pursued…
Here are a few of my favorites:
Idea 2842
Decrease paper waste and environmental impact by reducing the number of shop receipts printed on paper. Henceforth, receipts should be optional and/or offered electronically. Customers wanting an electronic record of purchases would receive an email. This would be sent automatically to their email address when their store or debit card is swiped.
-Zac Martin
Idea 2834
Invent a cold water bottle – the opposite of a hot water bottle – that would help keep the user cool during oppressively hot nights.
-Muriel Clonk
Launch a language school that also functions as a dating agency. Called the International Language of Love perhaps, the school would pair couples that share interests and a mutual attraction but also wish to learn each others’ language.
-Sergei Ivanov
If you prefer your inspiration in physical form, you can buy The Big Idea Book, a collection of great ideas from the site. Speaking of The Big Idea, does anyone know Donny Deutsch? I’d like to see South ‘n France Bon Bons appear on his show.
