43 Folders

Back to Work

Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

Join us via RSS, iTunes, or at 5by5.tv.

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Brainstorming tips?

Hi, all, I was wondering if anyone could help me out with brainstorming. I am trying to come up with a name for my fledgling design business. I have one that I can use, but I'm not terribly excited about it. I would like something short, two words or so, 25-30 characters max.

So, how do you creative folks go about brainstorming something like this? I'm not asking you to name my company, just get me started generating some possibilities. If you do name it, though, it would make a pretty nice story.

TOPICS: Grabass
mcnicks's picture

Obviously a name that reflects...

Obviously a name that reflects your business goals would be ideal but, if you are trying to brainstorm, the key is to get lots of things down on paper in front of you, and not pass judgement on them. Not that I have to do it that often, but I find that changing context sometimes helps: go for a walk around town, or go sit in the park with a notebook; write down things that catch your attention momentarily; or pick a random word from the dictionary and do word association.

 
EXPLORE 43Folders THE GOOD STUFF

Popular
Today

Popular
Classics

An Oblique Strategy:
Honor thy error as a hidden intention


STAY IN THE LOOP:

Subscribe with Google Reader

Subscribe on Netvibes

Add to Technorati Favorites

Subscribe on Pageflakes

Add RSS feed

The Podcast Feed

Cranking

Merlin used to crank. He’s not cranking any more.

This is an essay about family, priorities, and Shakey’s Pizza, and it’s probably the best thing he’s written. »

Scared Shitless

Merlin’s scared. You’re scared. Everybody is scared.

This is the video of Merlin’s keynote at Webstock 2011. The one where he cried. You should watch it. »