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Is there a ‘creative’ button somewhere I can push?
ZCorp PRDigital • April 2, 2021
The process may not be as mysterious as people think; it just takes some work
Misconceptions abound when it comes to the creative process. That’s because it can be highly mysterious.
Right brain function? Inspiration?
But that’s not the only myth surrounding the process. For a long time, people have thought in terms of right brain/left brain function, with the former being the locus of creative thought. We now know that’s not the case.
Studies exist on the subject and many authors have written extensively on it. There do appear to be actions we can take to initiate the process.
Doing the hard work necessary
One of these actions is to simply think deeply about the creative solution we’re looking for. Preparation is key. Turning something over in the mind -- again and again -- can lead to new, imaginative approaches. That’s especially true if we set aside “the way we’ve always done it,” to explore fresh possibilities.
Of course, deep thinking is more effective if we have deep knowledge. Gaining as much expertise as possible helps immensely. There’s no shortcut here.
For example, a person interested in songwriting can research successful artists to see how they work through the discipline, how the hooks, lyrics and melody come together for them. It’s a craft like any other. Gaining insight from practitioners can be invaluable.
Practice is also crucial. A person who wishes to write creatively and can’t seem to pull it off at first may just lack the necessary hours of writing logged. This works against the notion that some creative people are just “that way.” The reality is that deliberate practice -- i.e., practice that pushes outward each time beyond one’s ordinary boundaries -- can produce creative work over time.
Other factors in the creative process include:
Immersing oneself in the creative work of others: Gaining inspiration from other imaginative souls can be of great benefit. For example, a writer who imbibes literature will find improvement faster than one who doesn’t.
Being mindful about avoiding conformity as one’s default setting: Creative people often ask themselves, “OK, this is how people usually do this, but is there a better way?” They don’t reach for the first thing that comes to mind. They explore new options.
Setting a deadline: While this doesn’t sound very inspiring, it’s true nevertheless. When there’s a due date for your creative work, you’ll often call upon resources of which you were previously unaware.
So, go out there and be creative. It’s within your grasp.
The ancient Greeks found it puzzling enough to merit the invention of a myth: They maintained that supernatural beings called “Muses” provided the creative spark. To this day, people talk about “my Muse” playing a visit (or not, if the artistic well seems dry). Remnants of that old story still exist: Our word “music” is derived from the Muse myth.
Right brain function? Inspiration?
But that’s not the only myth surrounding the process. For a long time, people have thought in terms of right brain/left brain function, with the former being the locus of creative thought. We now know that’s not the case.
Because creativity can be an important factor in our lives and our vocations, people want to know if they can cultivate it. They ask, is there anything we can do to foster it or must we wait for a burst of inspiration from “out there”?
Studies exist on the subject and many authors have written extensively on it. There do appear to be actions we can take to initiate the process.
Doing the hard work necessary
One of these actions is to simply think deeply about the creative solution we’re looking for. Preparation is key. Turning something over in the mind -- again and again -- can lead to new, imaginative approaches. That’s especially true if we set aside “the way we’ve always done it,” to explore fresh possibilities.
Of course, deep thinking is more effective if we have deep knowledge. Gaining as much expertise as possible helps immensely. There’s no shortcut here.
For example, a person interested in songwriting can research successful artists to see how they work through the discipline, how the hooks, lyrics and melody come together for them. It’s a craft like any other. Gaining insight from practitioners can be invaluable.
Practice is also crucial. A person who wishes to write creatively and can’t seem to pull it off at first may just lack the necessary hours of writing logged. This works against the notion that some creative people are just “that way.” The reality is that deliberate practice -- i.e., practice that pushes outward each time beyond one’s ordinary boundaries -- can produce creative work over time.
Other factors in the creative process include:
Immersing oneself in the creative work of others: Gaining inspiration from other imaginative souls can be of great benefit. For example, a writer who imbibes literature will find improvement faster than one who doesn’t.
Being mindful about avoiding conformity as one’s default setting: Creative people often ask themselves, “OK, this is how people usually do this, but is there a better way?” They don’t reach for the first thing that comes to mind. They explore new options.
Setting a deadline: While this doesn’t sound very inspiring, it’s true nevertheless. When there’s a due date for your creative work, you’ll often call upon resources of which you were previously unaware.
So, go out there and be creative. It’s within your grasp.
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business that depends on the surrounding area for its customers. While major platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer broad reach, community-oriented businesses can benefit immensely from a presence on Nextdoor —a hyperlocal social media platform designed specifically for neighborhoods. Here’s why your business should be on Nextdoor: 1. Direct access to local customers Nextdoor connects neighbors and local businesses, allowing you to reach a highly targeted audience in your immediate area. Unlike other platforms that serve a global audience, Nextdoor ensures that your business is seen by potential customers in your community who are most likely to engage with and support you. 2. Builds trust and credibility Trust is essential in a community setting, and Nextdoor fosters a sense of authenticity by verifying users’ addresses. When locals recommend your business through word-of-mouth posts and reviews, it establishes credibility and strengthens your reputation. 3. Encourages community engagement Community-oriented businesses thrive on relationships. By engaging with neighbors on Nextdoor, responding to inquiries, and participating in discussions, you can foster stronger connections and develop long-term customer loyalty . 4. Offers free and paid promotion options Nextdoor provides organic ways to connect with your audience through community posts, as well as paid advertising options to further extend your reach. This flexibility allows businesses of all sizes to find an approach that suits their budget and goals. 5. Enhances Word-of-Mouth Marketing One of Nextdoor’s most powerful features is its recommendation system. When satisfied customers endorse your business, their recommendations are seen by neighbors, providing a trusted form of organic marketing that can drive more foot traffic and sales. 6. Ideal for Local Service Providers If you run a neighborhood-based business—such as a restaurant, home repair service, pet care or real estate agency—Nextdoor is an invaluable tool for connecting with nearby residents who need your services. By establishing a presence on Nextdoor, community-oriented businesses can enhance their local visibility , build trust, and foster deeper relationships with customers right in their own neighborhoods. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the people who matter most—your local community!
In today’s competitive landscape, building a loyal community around your brand is essential for long-term success. A strong community fosters brand advocacy, enhances customer retention, and creates a foundation for organic growth. But how do you turn casual customers into devoted followers who champion your brand? Let’s explore key strategies to cultivate a loyal and engaged brand community. 1. Understand your audience The first step to building a loyal community is understanding who your audience is. Conduct surveys, analyze customer data, and engage in social listening to learn their preferences, pain points and aspirations. By gaining a deeper understanding of your audience, you can create tailored experiences that resonate on a personal level. Pro tip: Use tools like Google Analytics , social media insights, and customer feedback forms to gather actionable data. 2. Develop a clear brand identity Your brand identity is the cornerstone of your community. A clear and consistent voice, mission, and set of values help customers understand who you are and what you stand for. Authenticity is key; people are more likely to align with a brand that feels genuine and relatable. Example: If sustainability is a core value for your brand, showcase eco-friendly practices in your operations and marketing materials. 3. Create valuable content Content is a powerful tool for building and nurturing a community. By sharing insightful, entertaining, or educational content, you can provide value beyond your products or services. Blogs, social media posts, videos, and podcasts are excellent mediums to connect with your audience. Actionable tip: Focus on solving problems for your audience. For instance, a skincare brand might share tips on maintaining healthy skin during seasonal changes. 4. Engage consistently on social media Social media platforms are ideal for fostering two-way communication. Be sure you respond to comments. Get involved in online conversations. Interact with your audience members and they’ll feel more in sync with your brand. Hashtag power: Encourage customers to use branded hashtags to share their experiences, making them feel like an integral part of your brand’s story. 5. Reward loyalty Show your appreciation for loyal customers by rewarding their support. Loyalty programs, exclusive discounts and personalized offers can make customers feel valued. Additionally, recognizing community members publicly can strengthen their emotional connection to your brand. 6. Host events and experiences Bringing your community together through events—whether virtual or in-person—can deepen relationships. Webinars, Q&A sessions, product launches, or even casual meetups create opportunities for authentic interactions and foster a sense of belonging. Hybrid idea: Offer a mix of in-person and virtual options to make your events accessible to a wider audience. 7. Empower brand advocates Encourage satisfied customers to promote your brand. Word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials are powerful ways to grow your community organically. Provide tools and incentives for advocates to share their positive experiences with others. Implementation: Launch an ambassador program where loyal customers receive perks for promoting your brand. 8. Listen and adapt Building a loyal community is an ongoing process. Pay attention to feedback, monitor trends, and be willing to evolve. Customers value brands that listen to their needs and adapt to meet their expectations. Feedback loop: Regularly ask your community for input through polls, surveys, or direct messages. Conclusion Building a loyal community around your brand takes time, effort, and a genuine commitment to serving your audience. By understanding your customers, staying true to your brand identity, and fostering meaningful connections, you can create a community that not only supports your brand but also propels it to new heights. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your community grow into a powerful force for your business. For businesses seeking to strengthen their marketing, Z Corp offers expertise in creating tailored strategies and driving results. Call us today at (321) 213-1818 or email info@zcorppr.com .
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