Creative Problem Solving for the Internet Marketer

Creative Problem Solving



How many times have you caught yourself saying that there

could be no other solution to a problem - and that that

problem leads to a dead end? How many times have you felt

stumped knowing that the problem laying before you is

one you cannot solve. No leads. No options. No solutions.



Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options

and yet are still before the mountain - large, unconquerable,

and impregnable? When encountering such enormous problems,

you may feel like you're hammering against a steel mountain.

The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be

overwhelming.



But rejoice! There might be some hope yet!



With some creative problem-solving techniques you may be

able to look at your problem in a different light. And that

light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to

possible solutions.



First of all, in the light of creative problem-solving,

you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more

than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be

open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems

you thought were unsolvable.





Now, with this optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little

bit more creative in solving our problems.



Number one; maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is

that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem

is. Here, trying to understanding the problem and having a

concrete understanding of its workings is integral to solving

the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is,

then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem.



Now try to make the simple statement of what problem is. Try

to identify the participating entities and what their

relationships with one another are. Take note of the things

you stand to gain any you stand to lose from the current

problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem

is.



Number two; Take note of all of the constraints and assumptions

you have about the problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions

that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to

identify which assumptions are valid and which assumptions

need to be addressed.



Number three; Try to solve the problem by parts. Solve it

going from a general view towards the more detailed parts

of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write

down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence

solution from there. The solution should be a general statement

of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the

solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.





Number four; Although it helps to have critical thinking

aboard as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative,

analytical voice at the back of your head. When someone comes

up with a prospective solution, tried to think how you could

make that solution work. Try to be creative. At the same time,

look for chinks in the armor of that solution.



Number five; it pays to remember that there may be more than

just one solution being developed at one time. Try to keep

track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember,

there may be more than just one solution to the problem.



Number six; remember that old adage," two heads are better

than one." That one is truer than it sounds. Always be open

to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the

ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person

you're talking to has had experience solving problems similar

to yours.



You don't have to be a gung-ho, solo hero to solve the problem.

If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would

be much better.



Number seven; Be patient. As long as you persevere, there is

always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember

that no one was able to create an invention the first time around.



Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest

be a more creative problems solver.



Here is one example.



Take a piece of paper and write any word that comes to mind

at the center. Now look at that word then write the first two

words that come to your mind. This can go on until you can

build a tree of related words. This helps you build analogical

skills, and fortify your creative processes.



So, next time you see a problem you think you can not solve,

think again. The solution might just be staring you right in

the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking,

some planning, and a whole lot of work.