What Encourages Creativity...

I have to say for me its boredom. When I get bored, creative juices start flowing and they don't stop. At the end of a very boring day, I have a laundry list of to-dos. :)

We all get inspired in different ways but for most, music tops that list. There's not much a good song can't do. Here are some tips I've put together to encourage creative thinking...

1. Wake Up Early. You might be tired and lazy at first but the realization that you are getting a head start on your day soon kicks in and off you go.
2. Take a blank journal with you on your commute. Train, ferry, bus...those are all creative hot spots. Combine an iPod with that journal and magic is made.
3. Be part of an online community. Watching others and their interaction on various topics can stimulate ideas. Sharing those thoughts encourages creative energy that you didn't even know you had.
4. Movie Night. Movies are a major inspiration for people. Make an effort to watch a new type of movie or classic you know have inspired others that you just haven't gotten around to yet.
5. Make "Me" Time. It's hard to do some days but allowing your thoughts some freedom to be heard can stimulate thoughts you already have but haven't been able to really listen to.

And don't make me say it...eat breakfast, get plenty of rest, drink water and exercise...because those are givens...I mean, get creative here!!

...Creatively Yours...Kristen

A Social Gathering at ETC in Providence with Women Consumers in Mind

Just as 2009 ended, 2010 started...with the constant chatter of social media and utilizing it for your brand. At the ETC Conference in Providence, RI last week, there was a special emphasis on the importance of reaching women in the social space. 42 Million women in the US use blogs and are part of social media. We (women) are spending less time watching TV and more time online than ever before. Women also report that they are significantly more likely to make a purchase decision based on customer experience reported on blogs. I can say that I relate more so than ever. I won't purchase anything that I can't read a review or see a star rating for online. I might also stop shopping when I'm somewhere to find a review online for a product before I buy it off the shelf.  This is a huge factor I think gets missed by marketers too often. Women make the majority of purchase decisions and that goes for a HUGE array of products and travel plans. And it's more than just "skewing women." 2010 is going to be a landmark year for so many reasons...we are starting to see some relief from economic downturn, travel is not considered more of a luxury than a necessity anymore and for a lot of companies this year is do or die. Brands that have been on the brink, have a chance to pull out all the stops with women consumers especially. I'm giving some tips to marketers that come from the "buyer" part of my brain. :)

1. Relate, don't just skew. We need to relate to the message and what you have to say.
2. Offer up reviews for anything you are asking us to buy online. We want to know what others have to say about it. That to me sometimes means more than the cost of an item.
3. Don't forget forums and message boards. They may be old school when you look at the bigger picture, but women still use these areas for the "real story."
4. If you are marketing a destination, think blogs. Blogs are more likely to be used for travel research and planning than any other form of social network.
5. Reach out to women bloggers with a reason to write about you or your product. Relate to that particular blogger and offer up value to her and her readers. Bloggers have a following that they need to relate to in an effort to keep those readers. Know what she values in information for her readers.