For many of us who tend to think in a linear, structured way (especially process-oriented me), thinking creatively does not come naturally. It takes guidance and suggestions that encourage new ways of thinking or seeing an issue from another perspective. That’s why I was happy to read in David Armano’s Logic + Emotion blog that Roger von Oech, the author of A Whack on the Side of the Head
Back when I was starting in social marketing years ago as an intern at Porter/Novelli in DC, everyone in the company received a copy of his book, plus the accompanying Creative Whack Pack
As an example, the picture above is on a card titled “Change Its Name”:
If an architect looks at an opening between two rooms and thinks “door,” that’s what she’ll design. But if she thinks “passageway,” she may design something much different like a “hallway,” “air curtain,” “tunnel,” or perhaps a “courtyard.” Different words bring in different assumptions and lead your thinking in different directions. What else can you call your idea?
If you need a little creative pick-me-up, check out Roger’s blog and get whacked.
Technorati Tags: creativity, marketing, social marketing
Nedra helps nonprofits and public agencies create positive change on health and social issues through social marketing and transmedia storytelling strategies at Weinreich Communications since founding the company in 1995. She helps organizations make a difference for the populations they serve by strategically designing programs that draw on state-of-the-art behavior change techniques, digital media approaches and the power of stories. 
Isn’t it cool when someone who has influenced you in other media starts blogging?
Pretty exciting to witness.
Absolutely. The more interesting and influencial people blogging out there, the better!