FONT OF CREATIVITY!

Here at Catalyst Ranch we are always looking for inspirational ideas, thoughts and environmental elements to ignite creativity. One of the best ways that I have found to foster creativity is to change environments and try new ways to find my "Creative Zone."

I thought it would be fun to ask two other creative experts where they find their inspiration and why it works for them. Gregg Fraley, author of Jack's Notebook and Lennie Rose, CEO, Big Ooga provided insight and thoughtful suggestions on where they find inspiration and why it works for them.

Gregg writes:

I go for a long walk in the woods or in a park for inspiration. Why? Because it's a great way to clear the mind of distractions and a way to purposefully incubate. I don't go out for a walk and try to think of things, I go out for a walk and try Not to think of things. Usually, things come to me that I would never "get to" if I were trying to be logical/analytical.

Lennie writes:

I wake up inspired. Having made the choice to build the Big Ooga life continues to expand. I'm awed and inspired by the people around me. They make me laugh and reach. I mine creativity from two directions - spontaneous expression and instinctive response. Ideas come to me and I give them permission to exist. You've got to put it out there to find out if it will work.

Lennie adds: (I loved this!)

Creativity is a spontaneous combustion of permission and fantasy refusing to be silenced by doubt.

Please add to our Font of Creativity. It doesn't stop here! We would love to include your inspirations and suggestions in future blogs. Remember you can always contact me directly at sandy@catalystranch.com.

Entreprenuer's Creative Networking Skill!

Networking as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions ; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. Networking as described her is exactly what one company has been able develop into an art form.

The Big Ooga is a virtual and localized referral-based resource designed to connect entrepreneurs to new clients and each other. It’s the perfect place to find your people and be found by the companies needing your services.

On the first Tuesday of each month the Big Ooga hosts a greet-up for professionals to network. The event which takes place at the Catalyst Ranch has actually been met with much success. Following is an example of how networking in the right forums really does work.

Rebecca Berneck founder of Officeheads, Inc. outlines her recent networking successes after attending a Big Ooga event.

My newly formed company, Officeheads, Inc., partners with Derek Huyser at Apogee Strategies :: Apogee provides to my clients all of their technology needs. Derek attended the first Big Ooga networking event hosted at Catalyst Ranch on February 3 where the networking ball began to roll:

· Feb 3 :: Derek Huyser mentioned my services to Jonathan Vehar at the Big Ooga.

· Feb 6 :: Derek made an e-mail introduction

· Feb 9-11 :: a flurry of email traffic occurs between Jonathan and me

· Feb 18 :: We meet and get excited about working together; he suggests I contact Catalyst Ranch

· Feb 24 :: I met Bobbie and Eva at the Ranch where I’m energized by the surroundings and excited to be working with them!

· Mar 4 :: its official! I’m a Ranch Recommended Vendor!

This is just one example of how you can use word-of-mouth, coupled with technology to spread the word about jobs, projects, events to which you have the capability to lend expertise. Sometimes it is easier to select key events and get your message out there. It is for that very reason that Big Ooga was created: to help professionals connect! If you would like to attend any of these networking events more information can be found at Big Ooga and the Catalyst Ranch websites. Happy Networking!