Keeping that creativity spark alive; a crucial factor for business success.

Sometimes we lose sight of creativity entirely.

Creativity, remember that amazing best friend that lifted us for hours, energized us, was our voice of reason in times of crisis, got us out of trouble, enabled us to be resourceful, savvy and delivered brilliant solutions? Creativity gives us passion, our own mojo, a point–of– difference.
Our own signature “schtick”.

Then, mundane life often takes over and our creativity fades or sometimes just disappears. Client Demands. Deadlines. Bills. Juggling work/ life balance. COVID-19. Remote learning. Boring Admin. And, of course the working on vs IN your business...

Creativity is defined as “the use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness.”

Creativity in business is a crucial factor for ongoing business success. It’s the turning of new and imaginative ideas into a reality.

It’s about finding hidden patterns, making connectives and generating solutions.

Rollo May, The Courage to Create beautifully summates;
“Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being. Creativity requires passion and commitment. It brings to our awareness what was previously hidden and points to new life. The experience is one of heightened consciousness: ecstasy.”

So when we’re in a creativity rut, how can we reclaim it? So here’s my brain dump when life gets busy...

1. Get yourself a good old-fashioned journal or notebook. Put your ideas to paper. Actual paper. It’s amazing how positive journaling can impact your energy, thoughts, emotions and behavior and enable you to take a definitive course of action. Do it!

2. Start creating a digital portfolio to showcase your work. Share it with others. Your vibe attracts your tribe. Austin Kleon’s in his book “ Show Your Work” writes “...make stuff you love and talk about stuff you love and you’ll attract people who love that kind of stuff. It’s that simple.”

3. Creativebpeoplebinspirebcreativity.Surroundyourselfwithcreative people so that you are opening yourself up to new ideas and perspectives. Get out of your comfort zone and go to a gallery opening, or a paint & sip studio; online or face to face.

4. Revisit work that you have already completed, articles that you’ve previously published, old journals, even old school artworks, and projects. Get your creative mojo back by getting back to your roots and checking back into your creative core. Believe in yourself because you’ve still got it!

5. Schedule creative time and headspace to get in the zone.It does work; I find getting up an hour earlier to make and take the space to be creative delivers outstanding results.

As an outsourced marketing and business development partner to small and mid-sized businesses for M Mentis and Co, creativity is key. We manage incoming leads, marketing functions and the sales process for small to mid-sized business owners, so to cut through all the noise, and the competition and deliver a cost-effective solution, so being savvy, creativity, and displaying commercial nous is what sets us apart from the competition.

We all have responsibilities that take up a huge amount of brainpower and energy but by taking a step back and inserting creativity into your life, your work and relationships, see the domino effect on all aspects, especially your happiness.

Marianne Mentis is the Founder of M Mentis and Co.
Marianne managed incoming leads, marketing functions and the sales process for small to mid-sized businesses ranging from traditional and online retailers, technological start-ups, educational providers through to vertical gardens. If you would like to discuss further the idea of outsourcing your business development or sales function please connect with Marianne. Contact Marianne Mentis on +61 414 376 282 or email contact@mentisandco.com.au