Creative Block: Finding Sources of Inspiration Online

by Cynthia Fedor | March 30th, 2012

Finding yourself in the midst of a creative block is the pits! What’s worse is that the more you fight it and try to work through an idea roadblock, the more frustrated you feel. When it comes to generating the latest and greatest BIG IDEA that will get your business noticed, sometimes it helps to let down your guard and simply play the role of spectator for a bit. Often, checking out what others are doing and allowing yourself to be inspired by their work can help kick start the creative mechanism in your own mind.

Here are a few great sources to turn to when you find yourself in a creative rut.

BEHANCE

“Showcase and discover the latest work from top online portfolios by creative professionals across industries.”

Explore projects from a wide range of industries and focus in on specific types of talent (copywriting, graphic design, information architecture, fashion, packaging, etc).

Behance

PINTEREST

This virtual pin board hosts a collection of images people find on the web. It’s not just for do-it-yourself craft makers and moms; the site allows professionals to share what inspires them in their industry. You can search the site for collections of infographics, direct mail ideas, neat-o advertising concepts, and more.

Pintrest

KICKSTARTER

“World’s largest funding platform for creative projects.”

Kickstarter is a cool site that allows just about anyone to present an idea for a project, business, product, etc. and collect micro investments to turn that idea into a reality. Aside from the fact that this is a cool way to fund your project, Kickstarter is a super resource to see innovation in the marketplace. By looking through the projects on the site, you can gain insight on emerging trends and see the perspective of other entrepreneurs. Read More »

Leadership Lessons from Star Trek

by Eric Welch | March 14th, 2012

You don’t have to be a trekkie to recognize the value in these time-honored leadership lessons from two of Star Trek’s most celebrated captains – Kirk and Picard. Among my favorites are these gems of 23rd and 24th century wisdom:

  • Never stop learning
  • Don’t play it safe – seize opportunities in front of you
  • Always value ethical actions over expedient ones
  • Play poker, not chess
  • Challenge your team to help them grow
  • Have advisors with different worldviews

As Spock would most likely observe, “to disagree with any of these would be most illogical.” You would do well to apply these principles across all phases of your marketing – dare I say it – enterprise!

Enjoy!

USPS Bailout: Crucial Lifeline or Pointless Boondoggle?

by Eric Welch | March 6th, 2012

In his 2013 Budget, President Obama has promised “bold” action to prop up the ailing and venerable USPS with a $25 billion injection. Among other things, this proposal would put an end to Saturday delivery and, if you trust the math, generate a savings of $25 billion over the next 11 years. As most of us are well aware, the rapid development and expansion of electronic delivery systems have resulted in a significant decrease in traditional mail volume, and there are no indications this will slow down or stop anytime soon… at least not in the lifetime of anyone reading this post.

This begs the question: Is the USPS worth saving at all? For direct mail providers and their customers, the obvious answer would seem to be a resounding ‘yes!’ But is it really that simple? And are these electronic delivery systems entirely to blame for the problem? Or is it, as Ralph Nader points out, a manufactured crisis resulting from “bad management, corporate barracudas and a bevy of editors and reporters enamored with the supremacy of the Internet?” Should we do everything possible to keep the USPS afloat, or do we bow our heads in reverence as this once-mighty American icon sinks into the murky depths of crushing debt and irrelevance? Give us your thoughts!