Go back to basics when working on ideas--remember the pencil? Should be a no-brainer. When brainstorming ideas, start by using your pencil. The computer is a tool, not the way of coming up with ideas.

For pencil facts visit:
http://www.coolquiz.com/trivia/explain/docs/pencil.asp

What is creativity? I would love to hear everyone's opinions on creativity and what you feel is creative from a B-to-B perspective?

Wikipedia's definition:
"Creativity (or "creativeness") is a mental process involving the generation of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the creative mind between existing ideas or concepts."

I believe that what is highly creative starts with a big idea--which encompasses a simple powerful message, well written, a powerful image (if applicable), is memorable, has a strong call to action, and allows the end user to complete a thought effortlessly.

The big idea -- when integrated across the traditional and 2.0 landscape, with the ability to attract attention, interact, and engage an audience where they live, in a program -- is so exciting.
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Inspiration can come from anywhere, and the spark of an idea can come from anyone.

Not long ago, I was part of a team that needed to come up with a positioning ad campaign for one of our clients.

Our account manager reviewed the situation with our creative team. Towards the end of his review, I remember him saying, "OK, and here are a few of my stupid thoughts and ideas...." Then he continued to rattle-off several things.

One of his so-called "stupid ideas" really stuck in my head. So much so, I spent hours one weekend working on taking that idea—and several others—to the next level, showing how they could work in a series.

During our next team meeting, the creative folks and I presented the ideas, and then built upon those ideas, making them stronger and stronger. There is nothing I find worse than a so-so idea that looks good.
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So you want to design a website?

Remember, designing a website is not just about how it looks. Also keep in mind who you are designing the website for. Is it for you and your company, or is it for the users (potential and existing customers)?

Don't just make your website look pretty and forget about the user. Otherwise your users may get annoyed and forget about you.

Ah, online ads. Annoying? Or do they make you want to click and learn more?

I guess it all depends on how you look at it. Or how you write and design it. The easy part of an online ad program is the ad itself. You need to figure out your strategy, create landing page(s), develop your offer if one hasn't already been created, plan how you are going to measure the results, and how you are going to review and revise the program after finding out the results. It is what we call continuous improvement.

Here are a few tips and questions to ask yourself when designing your online ads:
- What will interest someone to look and click on your ad in one second?
- Is the design getting in the way of the message?
- Does the ad need to animate, should it be video or should it be static?
- Is your ad readable?
- Does your ad need images or should it be typographic only?

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I don't care how good your message is, or how good everything looks. People don't have time to figure out what you are trying to say or sell.

Originally trained in print, I no longer believe print is the sole means of connecting with your audience. In fact, sometimes I don't recommend print at all. You have to consider who the audience is, and what is the best way to connect with them. How does your audience get information/how do they receive information? What interests your audience, etc.?

For example, if you were only to create a print ad for your client, it may be a waste of their money. Drive the audience to a destination/landing page created specifically for that message, to generate interest. Of course you could drive the audience to your existing Web site, but make sure the content and design connects with the message in the ad. Consider what you want to have happen.
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Completely changing the design structure of a web site may not be a good thing. Now a days, so many people are used to top and left navigation, why confuse the end users. You want to make your web site as user friendly as possible. A well structured web site with a nice design will keep your users coming back. Remember the end user.

It is so important to make sure the voice and the look and feel of a company's web site ties into all materials a company produces. This not only helps with consistency but also helps tie in the whole branding message. A well designed web site should not only look good but help carry your eye around the screen highlighting specific areas you want the end user to go.