Creativity and self-expression are transformative – both in business and in daily life.  And I believe everyone has the capacity to be creative.

But don’t go getting all uncomfortable and start backing away….I can hear you now saying “but I’m NOT creative. I can’t do that!”

The truth is, you can, and hopefully you’ll see that too, when I let you in on what I believe is ‘creativity’.

Creativity according to Jo Johnson

Most people think of ‘creative people’ as those arty-farty types with artistic talent of some sort – dancer, musicians, poets, painters. And whilst these certainly are creative pursuits, creativity is not limited to the world of the arts.  Creativity can be found in the business world too.

I hit the online dictionaries and this is what came back when I asked the question: ‘what is creativity?’

‘the use of imagination or original ideas to create something’

‘inventiveness’

‘the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others.

And the simplest one that really sums it up: “originality of thought.”

So, if you have ever had an original thought that no one else told you to think, if you come up with ideas of your own, then you are considered creative! Voila!

Creativity is actually a daily part of the life you lead as a business owner. Creativity should not be viewed as something that happens between 4-6 pm on a Monday, or only when you draw or write or create something. Creativity in its truest sense is occurring every time you consider a solution to a problem, or decide on a new pathway for your business, or develop a new process.  It’s going on ALL THE TIME. And business owners are particularly used to it and good at it, because they have to be – because it’s going on all day long for them.

The way you choose to solve a problem most probably is going to be different to the way someone else does, because the decision-making process is driven by your experiences and your personality. Every individual has their own way of viewing the world, therefore creativity is highly personal.  No two businesses are ever truly the same, just as no two works of art are either.

Express Your Creativity

Creativity can be a complex issue. So many people are afraid to share their ideas and act on them. I believe there is an innate fear about expressing oneself and standing out from the crowd, that a large percentage of the population suffer. And so whilst they all have their own unique perspective, they choose instead to follow someone else’s path.

These things happen because putting your own unique ideas or creations out into the world is scary. There will be people who disagree with you or who don’t like your contribution. So what?

In a way, that is the nature of the individuality of creativity. Some people will connect with your way of thinking and others won’t. And the beauty of the interconnectedness of our modern world is that we are able to more readily connect to those people who resonate with us, if we are courageous enough to put our original thoughts out there.

Creativity and Content Marketing

That, to me, is what content marketing is all about. Not just finding people you can help with your product or service. But finding those who really connect with you. Who understand your way of thinking, your beliefs, and your approach.

Working with people who are in a similar creative group tends to yield better results, happier clients, and a better experience for the business owner as well.

This is part of what I love about working with my clients. Digging deep enough to uncover their own thoughts about what they do and why they do it. Finding their personal creative approach to their work, and showing it to them through the content we create. And they often react with, “Wow! Did I really say that?”

So I encourage you to start looking for and documenting your original thoughts and ideas. They may pop up in conversation when you disagree with someone. They may come through when you think about why you do something in a particular way. They may appear in your priorities and how you choose to spend your time.

When you are ready, you can begin to put your own brand of creativity into what you do, and see how it transforms your life and your business.