| Where do your new business development ideas | | | | magazine rack or library looking at the newest |
| come from? Do you have any new ideas? If nothing | | | | publications. |
| has changed in the last six months, it's time to find new | | | | 4- Industry publications - where does your industry |
| inspiration. Here are places where movement in your | | | | think it is going? Some trade magazines are obviously |
| market can show itself: | | | | better than others, but each of them tries to predict |
| 1- Talk to your current suppliers - their dealings with | | | | future headings. And their budgets for think tanks and |
| others in your industry give them an overview. This | | | | research are probably larger than yours. |
| applies to both product and service providers, and to | | | | Take advantage of these publications, as well as any |
| your business whether you are selling a service or a | | | | available conventions, seminars and newsletters to |
| product. | | | | stay abreast of developments. Write or call if you find |
| Don't expect them to divulge confidential information, | | | | an idea that intrigues you. Many contributors are willing |
| but if you have built a relationship with them, do expect | | | | to talk directly to people on the front lines of business. |
| some 'head's up' sort of tips. Ask about general trends | | | | 5 - Set up a MasterMind Group. This is a structure that |
| with their successful clients. Warning: Do not turn the | | | | everyone from Napoleon Hill forward has |
| conversation into a "woe is me' tale swapping contest. | | | | recommended as a support and generator for wealth |
| 2- Look at social media - they report & create | | | | and business. |
| trends. If you have been resisting social media | | | | These groups are easily set up, and information readily |
| (Facebook Twitter, LinkedIn etc.), find a teenager (or a | | | | available. (A Google search of MasterMind Group |
| savvy business person) to show you the ropes. You | | | | pulled up over 480,000 references.) Do choose your |
| may find your competition is already there. | | | | partners well - a similar mind-set is more necessary |
| Even if you don't want to participate actively, you can | | | | that choosing a friend. Perspective is one thing you are |
| see in real time what is being said; track trends; ask | | | | looking for, so choose the most successful people you |
| questions; poll people; and make announcements. | | | | can find, rather than old friends who know all your |
| 3- Read idea magazines - 'Seed', 'Good', etc. There's a | | | | stories. |
| new crop of periodicals out there exploring the cutting | | | | Be willing to think outside the box. Take things that |
| edge of everything. They trace tendencies and project | | | | work in other industries, or areas, and really look at |
| future results of present ideas. | | | | how you might apply all of part of them. Your |
| If you can think outside the box, or if you want to | | | | commitment to keeping your business fresh and alive |
| broaden your horizons, spend some time at a | | | | is the first step. |