“No sensible decision can be made without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.”

— Isaac Asimov, American writer and professor of biochemistry

 

With all that is happening in the world today, making the very “best” decisions for your business has become increasingly difficult.

 

 

Overwhelmed by choices

In 1996, there were only five-hundred thousand consumer products to choose from. Today, there are more than twenty-nine million! I recognize that certain product purchases are important. However, the decisions I am talking about here are other types, that could have a lasting material impact on your business.

 

How can I arrive at the best decisions for my business?

I sought out an expert in business decision-making, Peter Lorange, founder, chairman and CEO of Lorange Network Investment.

 

 

Brainstorming

He said, “while there are lots of ways to arrive at a decision, I believe that ‘brainstorming’ with a group of people is the best way to do it.”

And you can meet with people in-person or online using Zoom or any other virtual meeting platform.

 

 

 

Lorange’s seven brainstorming steps

To make the very best business decisions.

 

“Defer judgement.”

You never know where a good idea is going to come from. So, make everyone feel like they can share an idea on their mind. Then, encourage others to build on it.

 

“Encourage wild ideas.”

Wild ideas can often give rise to creative leaps. In thinking about ideas that are wacky or out there, we should consider what we really want without the constraints of cost, technology, or materials.

 

“Build on the ideas of others.”

Being positive and building on the ideas of others takes skill. In conversations, try using “and” instead of “but.”

 

“Stay focused on the topic.”

Try to keep the discussion about the decision you are seeking help with, on target. Otherwise, it is too easy to go on tangents outside the scope of what you are trying to decide.

 

“One conversation at a time.”

You want to be able to extract the most valuable information from your group discussion. So, make sure everyone is paying full attention to whoever is sharing a new idea.

 

 

“Be visual.”

In brainstorming it is best to write down or, better yet, draw ideas on Post-Its, then put them on a wall. Nothing gets an idea across faster than drawing it. And being a “Rembrandt” does not matter.

 

“Go for quantity.”

It is important to get as many new ideas as possible. A good session can produce up to a hundred ideas in an hour. Crank the ideas out quickly and build on the best ones.

 

 

After brainstorming, make your decision

Whether you use one or all seven of these techniques, it’s important to make your decision and act on it. Many of us, use our busy lives to avoid making decisions that make us feel uncomfortable. Make a plan and try it. You’ll feel better and so will your employees because all of you have contributed to your success.

 

 

 

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Remember that LKNConnect is offering a quick and easy way to get online at no cost for the first three months. Check out the stores in LKNConnect’s Marketplace. We will waive the $75 setup fee and the first 3 monthly payments ($75/month). There is a transaction fee, but that only applies if you make a sale. Give David Beard, COO of LKNConnect, a call to get setup today. (704) 575-7971 or email dbeard@lknconnect.com.  —EH Stafford, Managing Editor

 

 

Images courtesy of Pixabay.com

 

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Alan Adler is an executive coach, business consultant, and speaker. He specializes in helping people start a business, improve an existing business, advance in their current job, or discover new opportunities. Click here to schedule a one-on-one meeting with him.
Alan has worked for both large and small businesses. As an entrepreneur, he has founded and grown three businesses, including his current,  Alan Adler & Associates, LLC.

You can find his books, Getting the Fish to Swim to YOU & Keeping Them in YOUR Boat, and UpStream. Alan lives in Huntersville, NC with his wife Mindy. They have two grown children, two grandchildren, and a rescue dog named Bentley.

 

 

 

 

 

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