Brainstorming

Brainstorming session must be targeted to a specific topic or else you run the risk of downgrading any future sessions. You must define the problem area or the opportunity area you want to create ideas for. You must draw up specific probortunity statement which defines what you are trying to achieve. It is acceptable to have a brainstorm session to investigate a whole area of interest you wish to explore. Here are some helpful brainstorming tips.
-Decide how you will run the session and who will take part. Who will lead the session. The facilitator is the person who needs to introduce the session and keep and eye on time and to make rules to be obeyed. They will also be responsible for restarting the creative process.
-Decide who will take part. It is easiest to gather a group of colleagues or friends.
-Prepare a room and materials.
-The group should contain at least twelve people.
-A dedicated secretary whose only job is to grab and write down ideas that are useful.
-Alternations for smaller groups. Smaller groups are easier to control but less people to keep the process moving smoothly onward.
-Alternations for larger groups. Try to arrange in a circle without people being too far out of the group. Get a microphone or loud speaker if needed.
-Get everyone to write down their ideas on a notepad.
-Prepare the participants and issue invites when you know who you will be inviting and where it is going to be held, you will need to invite everyone.
-Now you are ready for the stage where you have a room for your session and have a list of willing participants. Make sure they know what to expect by sending them rules.