I consider myself a very creative person and that creativity is often inspired by many people and experiences.  I am  always trying to find new ways to channel that creativity.

One way I share my creativity is in the kitchen.  I have a true passion for cooking - creating eye and taste-bud pleasing meals for my family and friends.  There's nothing quite like hearing their words of gratitude and sheer pleasure as they enjoy the fruits of my labor - leaving them with the feeling they want more has to be one the greatest rewards for me.  

Often I find myself going through my pantry and cabinets to find ingredients that will create a new and family favorite dish - this is especially true when I'm due to visit the supermarket but just haven't made it there for the week.  Often it comes down to taking a risk - trying something new - exploring and hoping that the ingredients I put together will work.

Can't the same be said when it comes to our marketing efforts?  Isn't it about taking risks and chances - trying something new - exploring new tools and avenues and hoping that all our efforts and time will bring us results?

Some people may not be able to do this (but they can if they change they're thinking.)

• They may need to follow a specific recipe (plan)
• If they don't have all the ingredients (knowledge on what to do/try and the ability to know when it's working and not working)
• They will either not make the dish (quit with their efforts)

or

• They will run to the store for the exact ingredients (create a new plan/go back to the drawing board.)

It really comes down to deciding if you're going to keep doing what you've always done (getting the undesirable results that you don't want) or if you're going to change things "the ingredients" up and see what happens.  This does not mean to abandon the things that are working and do everything new but to look closely at your business and marketing and see what "ingredients" need to be changed.  You might just like what you've created but you won't know until you channel that creativity.

I challenge you today to approach your marketing efforts with this same creativity.  Find new ways to either create or spice up your marketing efforts that leave your clients with a very satisfied feeling and the feeling of wanting more. 

It's never too late to start tapping into your creativity whether it's in the kitchen or in your business and you certainly don't need to be doing it without help from others.  Look around you - at your colleagues, look at what you did in the past that worked, what needs tweaking, get a new book, look around ActiveRain for some inspiration, ideas and support - it's everywhere you look.

Think of your marketing efforts as a way to engage your clients. 

• Invite them to interact with you on your blog and social media sites. 
• Share your knowledge with them, what you're doing not only for their listing but what you're involved in within your local community.

Think of it as a pot luck dinner party where everyone brings an item -  invite your clients to be a part of your marketing efforts and advertising.  Generate some excitement about what you're doing and people will naturally been drawn to it and will want to be involved.

I encourage you today to gather your ingredients, get creative, set the table and invite your client's for a really great meal that will leave them not only wanting more but talking about it for a very long time.

Where does your creativity come from and how has it inspired you with your marketing and business?

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