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John DeMato Blog

Welcome to the Deliver Magic blog, where experts who speak, coach, train, consult, and write books will find actionable insights to elevate their personal brands through visual storytelling. From strategy tips and branding photography to live event coverage and storytelling techniques, discover step-by-step guides designed to help you align what you say with how you show up in photos. Get ready to unlock the magic behind creating a cohesive visual identity that drives engagement, builds credibility, and inspires your audience. #DeliverMagic

How to kill two birds with one stone...

 

What does the brainstorming process look like to you?

 

 

As someone who enjoys streamlining my processes, I am always looking to systematize and optimize every aspect of my life.

When I have the chance to kill two birds with one stone, that always puts a smile on my face.

And when those birds come from completely different aspects of my life, well, that’s a cause for a drink, as far as I’m concerned, :)

Take my brainstorming process, for example.

I am constantly generating ideas, visualizing upcoming portrait sessions and thinking of the next step in a couple different ways.

Sometimes, when I feel a little stuck, or I need to take a break from the computer, I just pick up a duster, broom or sponge and go to town on one of the rooms in my apartment until it looks immaculate.

While I get in the zone of cleaning, my brainstorming process is fully percolating - I allow myself the space to think about whatever situation is on top of mind, and think of ways to approach it.  

Now, I’m the talkative type, so, yes, I do talk to myself aloud when I am doing this - I’m not sure how many of you out there are fans of this, but, I find the vocal piece to be pretty important because it allows me to actually work through an idea without cutting myself off with another one, such as when I think to myself.

This reasoning also allows me to rule out that I’m the crazy one that likes to talk to himself, so, do me a favor and just go with this one for me, :)

With my notebook app on my phone handy, I often take a quick break to write down the notes in my phone so I don’t forget them forever, which was, once upon a time, a huge challenge for me.

By the time I’m done with the room, I usually have worked out whatever roadblock or creative question I had for myself.

Needless to say, this version of my brainstorming process has netted quite a few blogs, social posts, website edits, email copy, talking points for a podcast interview, and many other photography-related questions in my head.

For some reason, I find cleaning to be an extremely cathartic and calm activity that is ripe for creativity.

Am I the only one out there that leverages their household chores as a way to ramp up the brainstorming process?

Tell me what #hacks you leverage to get your brainstorming fired up and rolling.
 

PS - Now, if you are finding it challenging to brainstorm ideas for your next branded portrait session, perhaps you should put the broom down, schedule a time to chat with me and let’s see if I can be of service!

PPS - For those of you who aren’t in the know, I mail out these blogs 3x a week, and lemme tell you, they’re a real party, so, if you’d like to get in on this, sign up for it here and I’ll throw in a free gift for you...because I care, :)

PPPS - And again, don’t bust my chops about the talking to myself thing, okay? Please and thank you. :)