Entrepreneurs solve problems in unique ways. If you are an entrepreneur with your own business or are looking to start one or a side hustle, no matter how small, this article is for you. In it we will look at what is entrepreneurial creativity and how you can develop it.
What Is Creativity?
You are creative when you can see patterns that connect things together other people cannot see. Therefore creativity is your ability to look at reality in new ways.
What is Entrepreneurial Creativity?
Creativity and entrepreneurship go hand in hand because to come up with something new and unique you must be creative and think beyond the left brain logic. You also need the right hemisphere of your brain, which is the creative side.
Entrepreneurship is about solving problems that have not been done before. Or taking taking current solutions and using them in a new way.
Entrepreneurs often will come up with solutions that people did not know they needed.
When entrepreneurs turn an idea into reality that is useful, this is called innovation.
You need a balance of creativity and logic to innovate and be an entrepreneur.
To be truly innovative you need creativity, however not all creative ideas will lead to innovation.
How To Develop Entrepreneurial Creativity
Creativity is something you can develop. When I left my 9-5 employment to try other things, the first thing I noticed was that my creativity was shot to pieces. Doing the same mundane work over and over will do that to you.
So I started to write new ideas everyday, it was difficult at first but eventually I improved. I know consider myself a creative person.
Here are some ways you can learn to be more creative and become a creative entrepreneur…
Embrace Curiosity
Be curious about everything. Ask questions, explore, and seek to understand the world around you. Curiosity leads to new discoveries and creative insights.
Create a Stimulating Environment
Surround yourself with things that inspire you. Things like artwork, books or music.
Diversify Experiences
Step outside your comfort zone and expose yourself to new ideas and experiences. Travel to new places, try new food or taking up a new hobby.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices like meditation can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve your ability to focus—key components in the creative process.
Dedicate Time for Creativity
Do what I did and set aside regular time in your schedule to engage in creative activities without the pressure of a specific goal. This could be writing, drawing, playing music, or brainstorming.
Keep a Journal
Write down your thoughts, ideas and observations. Journaling can help you process your thoughts and may lead to unexpected creative connections. I remember reading that Richard Branson carried a little notebook to write down ideas as the popped into his head.
Engage in Play
Playfulness isn’t just for children. Engaging in play can help adults think more flexibly and creatively.
Collaborate with Others
Share ideas with friends, colleagues or even strangers. Their perspectives can generate your creative spark.
Have Growth Mindset
When you have a growth mindset you believe through practice and applying yourself you can improve and develop skills, both physical and mental. You will then take more risks which open possibilities for success.
Learn Continuously
Always look for opportunities to learn new things.
Rest and Take Breaks
Sometimes, stepping away from a problem or project can help your subconscious work through it. Rest, relaxation, and sleep are all important for creative thinking.
Challenge Yourself
Set challenges that force you to think differently or approach problems from new angles.
Practice Creative Thinking Techniques
Techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) can help generate new ideas.
Be Open to Failure
Understand that not every idea will be a winner and that failure is often a stepping stone to success. Learning from what doesn’t work is a part of the creative process.
Seek Feedback
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on your ideas. Constructive criticism can help refine your creative efforts and push you in new directions.
Reflect on Your Life
Take time to reflect on your experiences and what you’ve learned from them. Self-reflection can be a powerful tool for personal development and creativity.
Conclusion – What is Entrepreneurial Creativity
Entrepreneurs need to be both creative and innovative. They need to come up with new ways of doing things and solving problems.
An entrepreneur cannot just be creative, they must also apply the creativity. They need to turn their ideas into reality that will be useful and relevant to people.
You cannot be innovative if you are not creative. So if you want to be a better entrepreneur you need to develop your creativity.
You can do this by having a growth mindset, be curious and be open to learning and feedback. These and other techniques will improve your creative thinking and make you a creative entrepreneur.
If you think about it, what is entrepreneurial creativity other than solving problems for people and the world? You have done this many times, you probably did not realize you being and entrepreneur when you did it.