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I\u2019m always looking for ways to shake up my creative process.<\/h1>\n

The way you brainstorm should be as creative as what you brainstorm. Pen and paper will always be the classics, but let\u2019s take it a step further.<\/p>\n

Here are 5 alternative ways to take notes and have seriously productive solo and group\u00a0brainstorming sessions.<\/p>\n

Dictation<\/h2>\n

Did you know there are free tools that allow you to transcribe your voice so you never have to manually type out a voice recording again? What the what?!<\/p>\n

You simply locate \u2018System Preferences\u2019, click \u201cDictation & Speech\u201d, and then turn the setting on. This will then prompt you with a message that cues you in on how to activate it while you\u2019re writing. That\u2019s it.<\/p>\n

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This function helps me a lot when I\u2019m doing virtual brainstorm with various #createlounge friends and want to remember something that either of us has said without having to disrupt the call. I simply press the \u2018command\u2019 key twice and start talking to store my thoughts into a word doc.<\/p>\n

This alternative form of note-taking is perfect for those who\u00a0would rather brainstorm out loud than on paper. Although I like to brainstorm by writing things down, thinking out loud breaks\u00a0up my standard creative process and unlocks different ideas I wouldn\u2019t have had otherwise. With dictation, you\u2019re able to have the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n

Sticky Notes<\/h2>\n

I am not shy about being a sticky note fanatic. I have 5 piles of multi-colored sticky notes in my view right now. While sticky notes aren\u2019t the new kid on the block, most people only use them for quick reminders when they can really be used for so much more.<\/p>\n

While I was in the outline stage of putting my ebook together (stay tuned!), I wanted to play around with my creative process. I\u2019d consider my writing process to be somewhat scattered since\u00a0my best brainstorming isn’t typically\u00a0in a linear way. I do, however, like to be organized and I can\u2019t stand having to scribble on paper or put arrows to put my thoughts in different places. So what\u2019s a girl to do?<\/p>\n

The answer is to utilize sticky notes, of course! Sticky notes allow\u00a0me to write down random, in-the-moment thoughts and group them together at a later time with easily moveable pieces. No more crossing out on outlines. Cue the Hallelujah chorus!<\/p>\n

Try it out for an upcoming product or service you want to offer and see what you think.<\/p>\n

Tape Recorder<\/h2>\n

I have some of my best \u201cah-ha\u201d moments when I\u2019m driving solo in my car. While I have a 2+ hour commute every workday, I can\u2019t really write down my ideas. In order to capture ideas before they become a distant memory, I use the voice recorder app on my iPhone. All I need to do is simply hit the record button and talk. After you stop the recording, you\u2019ll have a digital file that can be stored and sent to your email to be saved elsewhere.<\/p>\n

One of the best things about audio recordings is how easily they can be repurposed. Maybe an idea you talked through over a voice recording is super useful as is.\u00a0You can use that as a soundbite to add extra value to a blog post.<\/p>\n

Maybe you\u2019ve been dying to start a podcast but don\u2019t feel like you have the time. Tape some mock episodes while you\u2019re in the car and edit the pieces together. There\u2019s so much you can do!<\/p>\n

As a bonus, this will also help you get over cringing at the sound of your own recorded voice. Been there.<\/p>\n

Here’s a sample of a mini-podcast I send my newsletter subscribers using only the\u00a0tape recorder on my phone:<\/p>\n