Now that know What a Brand is and Why You Need One, we can take this project one step further and organize all of the great brand ideas you may have for your business.
I am a self-proclaimed “creative problem solver,” so I know from experience that connecting the dots between great ideas and actionable outcomes is freakin’ hard. But I also know that the best way to tackle the challenge is by getting all of your ideas out of your brain and down in one place…ideally into categories of some kind. Yes, I’m talking about a “Brainstorm,” or in our case, a “BRANDstorm.”
Behold, the “Brandstorm Worksheet.” Click the links below to download a printable or fillable PDF file to guide you on your brandstorming journey.
Quick Tips for Better Brainstorming
- Read through each of the category titles so you know where to put your ideas as they come to you.
- As the ideas start bubbling up, write ‘em down! Don’t hold back or try to over-organize your thinking just yet.
- Once your initial ideas have quieted, or if you need help getting the ideas flowing, read through the questions for each category to help guide your thinking.
- It may also help to record ideas for what you do NOT want your brand to be.
- When you have reached a stopping point, leave the worksheet in close proximity to where you work. Maybe that would be saved on your desktop, in a corner of your desk, folded in your pocket or on a clipboard in your passenger seat.
- Over the next few days or weeks, jot down any brand ideas as they come to you. If you run out of room, print/open another file and just keep jotting.
- Ask for additional ideas from trusted business partners, employees or customers.
- Hop on Pinterest or Google brand ideas and save visuals that catch your attention for inspiration.
Phew! Now that you’ve exhausted your brain on the Brandstorm Worksheet from the previous post, it’s time to look at next steps. Let the clouds from your brandstorm settle for a few days (or weeks), and then dive into the next part of the series to learn How to Create a Brand Blueprint.