Creative thinking is an elusive act to describe. What inspires creativity for one person may not be the same for another. For first-time entrepreneurs, finding the right team is key, but creativity should not be overlooked in the “business” world. Within the context of business, creativity becomes something forward entrepreneurs learn to fit into their dynamic over time.

In this article, Matt Villamo (@mattvillamo) talks about how to encourage this mode of thinking.

1.Take time to ruminate

Innovative ideas take time to bloom. The best way to encourage creativity is to give people time and space to think. Ideas can ruminate even when you’re doing something unrelated to your work such as going for a run or tidying up your apartment. So find what’s right for you.

Some people do their best work when they’re under pressure. Giving yourself and your team deadlines can be a huge boost to creativity. You can achieve this by publicly announcing your intentions, the way Scott Keneally (@scottkenneally), co-director of the new documentary Rise of the Sufferfests did. He became obsessed with creating massive amounts of content and gained 10,000 fans. Although it took 18 months of bootstrapping before he managed to collect enough money, his film is now scheduled for a fall release.

A way to encourage creativity is to make people feel like anything is possible. When hiring people, look for talent and passion instead of how that person fits a specific role. Look at how their specific talent can help you solve a problem down the road.

4. Change the scene

Routines are helpful for getting things done, but they can be destructive for creative minds. A fun way to have collaborative brainstorms is to mix it up. Take your meeting to a nearby coffeeshop or just go outside. Being in a new environment brings about a new, creative energy.  

5. Work together

Brainstorming has had its share of critics, but there’s no denying the power of bouncing thoughts off each other to unravel novel ideas.

6. Leverage technology

With so many people spread out geographically, leveraging technology might be the only way to make distant co-workers feel like a team.

7. Be fearless

It’s inevitable: when you’re pushing boundaries and fostering innovation, you’re bound to hit failure. The best way to cope is to expect it, deal with it and move on quickly.

When it comes to building a successful business, there is no “One size fits all.” Creativity is not something that can be measured, but experienced by contributing one’s talents and having the freedom to think outside the office.   

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