10 Steps for Great Brainstorming

Looking for ideas to improve your upcoming trade show or event program? Follow these 10 steps to get the most out of a brainstorm session.

1. 10 Steps for
Great Brainstorming

verb [ no obj. ]
brain storm | ˈbrānˌstôrm |
use the collective mind to meet
goals and objectives, find
solutions, overcome challenges,
and solve problems:
(as noun brainstorming) : a
brainstorming session.

2. STEP 1:
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Start by setting
goals and defining
your objectives.
Be specific with
what you want to
accomplish
up front.
Be Prepared

3. A strong moderator
or leader is essential
for results, maintaining
control of the session
and ensuring
objectives are met.
STEP 2: The Team Leader
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4. When deciding who
participates, bring in
people with varying
points-of-view.

A group of 4 to 6 is
manageable, but more
than 8 or 9 becomes hard
to control.



Choosing Participants STEP 3:
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5. Give enough background
to make sure everyone
knows what you hope to
accomplish.

Quick tip: the more time
participants have to look at
materials ahead of time,
the more time you'll have
to actually brainstorm!



Briefing Participants STEP 4:
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6. Quick tip: leave smart
phones and laptops at the
door so everyone
focuses on
the task
at hand.



The Environment STEP 5:
Take participants out of the
normal work environment
to
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7. For best results…
•Relax
•Leave inhibitions
behind





•



Skills for Success STEP 6:
Set the stage and
let participants
know that
everyone will
respectfully listen
to the
contributions of
others.
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8. The “Rules” STEP 7:
Don’t interrupt other participants
Never say anything negative
Take notes!
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9. Breaking the Rules STEP 8:
Participants need to
break the rules of
conventional thinking
(while following the
“rules”).
Think outside the box!
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10. “Are We There Yet?” STEP 9:
Knowing when to move on, to wrap up,
or even to reschedule is essential.

•Have you fulfilled your goals and
objectives?
•Do you know what you have to do to
continue the project? What is the next
step?
•Are there ways to implement the
project?



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11. What To Leave With STEP 10:
Ideas alone do not make
a brainstorming successful.

You must leave with a plan;
appropriate team members
need to leave with an
assignment or call to
action.
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12. Jillian Axtell, Marketing Specialist
About The Author
@JillianTalks
/jlaxtell‎
Connect with me!