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The creative and bizarre way that I see the world as a cartoonist and illustrator comes into play often when looking for new answers to old problems. New marketing strategies, informational illustrations and examples, products evolving out of other products and identifying strategic alliances result from 'off-the-wall' thinking.  Think like a cartoonist ... Go ahead - explore the 'wild blue yonder' you never know what brave new world you'll discover!

Approaching your obstacle from a different perspective and mind set uncovers unexpected solutions.

Identify your purpose  ... Building a web site is very similar to creating a business plan, and is therefore, an excellent exercise in identifying the purpose of your project.  Even single product ideas, when discussed as though a web site were going to be created for that one product (even if it never is) will help you to identify the various issues that need to be addressed.  Gather a team of experts (or think like a team of experts asking questions you think they would ask.)  Always ask yourself why you are creating your web site (product, logo, service, etc.)- and what actions do you want your visitors to take.  Are you educating, selling, building a community or informing? What reaction do you want your visitors to have when they see it, touch it or even smell it?

Take advantage of one-on-one creative consulting and enjoy the benefits of networking with a wide variety of skilled professionals in and wide assortment of industries.

Open the door to new and creative possibilities ... Habitual thinking along the lines of "that's the way we've always done it" has dissolved more than one business and left millions on the brink of poverty.  Open the door to creative possibilities - be willing to explore options that are out of the world. Play with ideas and strategies. Winning ideas are birthed out of great, off the wall brainstorming moments.  If you haven't heard of it before, or aren't sure it even exists - explore it thoroughly. Apply for a patent and protect the idea! Approach new ideas with out adding limitations.  It costs nothing to ask, "What if?"

Increase your resources ... Brainstorming increases not only increases your resources it increases your results, directly and indirectly, through accelerated learning, brought on by the free exchange of wisdom, knowledge and ideas.  Each person sees a problem from a different angle and with different results - combining those perspectives allows a fuller, more complete picture. Want to know how to really expand your thinking?  Invite people who are not related to your industry and people who represent your targeted consumer.  (Remember to have all parties sign non-disclosure agreements to protect yourself legally)

Strengthen your information supply ... Seek out one-on-one consultation, facilitated networking, strategic alliances, new books and experiences in related industries.  Develop new business relationships and co-ventures. You never know who knows who and who knows the solution or contact that is just what you need.

Timing tells tales ... Identify the ebb and flow of consumer spending as it relates to your product or idea.  Identify your time table for development, manufacturing and delivery.  Give yourself plenty of time. You can guarantee that there will be obstacles to overcome.

Have an exit strategy ... Intelligent entrepreneurs understand that even the best of ideas have an end.  Whether you sell it - or close it down, you need to have an exit strategy.  If nothing else, this gives you a nice reality check and helps you to distance yourself personally from becoming too attached to an idea should it not work out as you planned - or should it work out better than you planned!