Innovation with a purpose....BANG

The basic idea of being innovative is having too many brain cells that process that innovative spin in your head, for you to create that purpose in your innovation. Trying to be a good innovator with an idea that has purpose is not as simple as being invited to a dinner to chow. Innovation has to hit on novelty and purpose in your work at all times. Moreover, innovation without a purpose might as well constitute insanity. Furthermore, is like running into the same wall again and again but expecting a different result. (Talk of an unguided missile)

Everything has purpose in life, however, think of a zip, it has a purpose on your pants or even on your pair of jeans. (It boils down to purpose) When you innovate don’t forget to give your innovation direction and purpose so that the world can benefit as a result. Moreover, you might be an innovator but if your piece of work lacks purpose, your execution might be as dead as service delivery. Innovation requires a brain that works actively that has focus and purpose (it’s a joint). Furthermore, don’t take on innovation for the sake of being different in turn wanting recognition from your peers. Therefore, your innovation must make a tremendous meaningful difference in the global village.

The world is a small place, however, we need the kind of innovation that is solid, like an ice-berg with a purpose to change the world. Moreover, innovation should not be by default but by purpose to create a meaningful relationship with the consumer. (Strictly buddies). Consequently, the world has now become a global village and your innovation needs to cut through a huge and hard ice-berg. Some people have woken up to the fact that innovation alone is not enough, especially if it’s without purpose. However, your innovation needs to be like a sound bite, bang into the world of change. Let your work be a masterpiece for a good foundation and a good relationship with consumers and for them to benefit not for awards or recognition with intention.

Furthermore, let your innovation create a coco-phony of sound in the world like birds flying high in the sky. Like the sound of a balloon bursting in the sky. (Hello blue). The mind of a true innovator should be innovative and have an impactful idea that can flow with ease into the world and with a purpose.

Go Innovation. Go Purpose. Go Unintentional recognition. Bang into the world.

Kamo “kginias” Masemola

The Hierarchy is Broken

There is no question that the traditional Hierarchy model is broken. However, the reason may not be due to a shift in how people do things and work. The traditional assembly line mentality forces everyone to focus on their own part of the puzzle rather than the greater whole.

In depart-mental structures too much gets lost in translation, or work takes time to be conveyed and if you a tilapia fish in a Hierarchy, your opinion matters less. Thinking is not encouraged; decisions take longer to be made. Because the tilapia fish tells the bigger fish and the bigger fish tells the sharks.

Departmental thinking simply doesn’t work in today’s world, because it leaves too much to be misinterpreted and works toward predetermined solutions. Where solutions are based on who has been with the company for donkeys of years or even to take it further is superior to whom.

Ideas have no superiority. Everyone is equal before an idea.

By Morrel Shilenge

An idea that require focus - Feel the Global Village

The brain is the center of an idea that comes alive and carried out through the thought process. Give props to a human being for changing the world with that ephemeral thing also known as an idea and it’s a treat. An idea for a change is more like a person who’s afraid of height trying to climb a mountain and for the record it’s all about focus.

An idea needs to have focus, for it to have penetration and as a result drive change within the global village. Moreover, it is a creative solution well executed and driven from inside out (like drilling into an ice-berg). However, an intelligent idea that is well thought – out is likely to change the world if correctly executed. Therefore, on a spin an intelligent creative will draft a thousand ideas and scale them down to one idea that will fit the problem he/she is trying to solve. Once there is focus in your idea with the baseline having been created, spice it up and drive it into the global village to benefit. For decades an idea has always been like a compass, all it needs is focus for it to be viable and work practically. Consequently, it does not exist in a box, if it’s on paper then it’s alive, you need not to waste time, however, work it out.

You don’t need a thousand ideas to solve all the problems in the world and one “killa” idea can change the entire world. (Do I hear Steve Jobs he’s more like an apple, so unique and yet a visionary) Furthermore, with focus on a problem you must always believe in your idea and how it can change the world but it is of paramount importance to research it while you at it. Remember the world is a small place with one “killa” idea and the benchmark is set for life. Cast your eyes above water and look around the world, an idea must always be original most of the time for it to change the world. Moreover, Steve Jobs is an inspiration, a rare breed, an innovator and a true visionary to the tech world. The rationale behind this is that he always breaks the rules of business and apple does what other people cannot copy. Furthermore, because of his business acumen, the man is original and a brilliant intelligent innovator at heart. (It boils down to an idea that was focused)

An idea is more powerful and can have impact in the world with a whole lot of focus. (Bang there’s a new world) Moreover, something as simple as a globe/light-bulb, has revolutionized the world and all because of a brilliant idea crafted and executed by an intelligent thinker. Come to think of an idea that lacks focus, is more like a man that shoots and miss the target. It’s more like playing a chess game, you require focus and intelligence to win the game. Furthermore, more often than not, it’s all about this ephemeral thing also known as an idea that drives you crazy. An idea will always be before your eyes but be wise and open your eyes and see the world through the lens. Go focus. Go idea. Go originality. Go global village.

Kamo “Kginias” Masemola

Well Crafted Copy inspires and encourages consumers to take action!

There’s a lot of less thought out copy out there, I guess maybe because clients nowadays think they can write copy or because copywriter’s copy is often changed so many times by clients, supervisors and that it ends up loosing it’s meaning.

Time matters when writing copy, copy writing as part of the creative development follows a creative process of incubation….research…..big idea……, but nowadays while the copywriter is still in the draft stage clients want to use the copy.(there’s not enough time given to craft good copy)

Much of what I see out today seems as though it is the first thing that came to the writer's mind. I've even wondered if I were able to track down the writer of a bad piece of communication, could that writer show me a pile of previous drafts? Probably just one draft. 

In today's microwave world, 'good enough' seems to be accepted as... good enough.  'There's no time to be great. 

Copywriting is crucial in every campaign….from advertising to digital campaigns not only does it translate the meaning of the visuals in words but it persuades consumers to take action. For any campaign to be effective, a well thought out insightful strategy, copy, and concept development has to be in place….if one element is missing….it wont produce the desired results, which is to sell - not just to dazzle.

By Morrel Shilenge

The need to collaborate.

Degree of Collaboration in a global village with collective thinkers.       

Collaboration has become a buzz word on some people’s lips but what is of paramount importance is how you collaborate with others. The Oxford dictionary meaning of collaboration says to collaborate is to work together with somebody in order to produce or achieve something. Consequently, it would be important to identify projects on which to collaborate without ulterior motives. Hence, I personally call it collaboration for the benefit of others and I refrain from coining it collaboration for the benefit of an individual or even money. (It’s not about individuals; it’s about a collective team) 

Collaborate because you want to make a difference and not for your own selfish quest. If the world is to become a global village of collaborators, with everyone raising their hands willingly to share information, work and knowledge, then go collaboration. We, therefore, need to all heed a call to collaborate on any projects that need our hands and brains. Furthermore, then there is a need for everyone to get into the habit of collaboration on any project even on a pro bono basis, that would also do.

There is a need to collaborate, in this case collaborate creatively on various projects with various creatives to pull the rabbit out of the hat and deliver ideas that can change the world. Sharing work is about a common goal, team growth and a good output. However, it can be collaboration for the benefit of others with a twist. Collaboration is got a liberating effect which can also play a part in your individual growth. Consequently, collaboration takes on a form of a collective team that has come together to deliver terrific work for either clients or just people that you do business with. Furthermore, collaboration is like a bicycle chain, it can only move when a person takes the initiative to ride the bicycle. It does not exist in a vacuum, it requires people’s minds and hands all together for it to come to fruition. Shape the future and collaborate with other people unselfishly, for the benefit of others as well as for the growth of others.

Collaboration plays a pivotal role in a global village because it is likely to give birth to a group of collective thinkers. When you collaborate you become a team that share responsibility on various projects that are undertaken. The age of collaboration with effort, in this case is based on creative collaboration from all creatives that care about collective ideas that work. When you collaborate the output is usually much bigger that if it were an individual on a project. Think collaboration, think collective and think connectedness. You cannot put collaboration on ice, it’s now more like an ice-berg that cannot be broken. However, it should be a continuous cycle like a merry-go-round. Therefore, once it starts moving it will have a rhythm which others will see as a vehicle to a collective output. Moreover, collaboration is like waves of an ocean, just keep on jumping and surfing while it moves.

The need to collaborate rest upon you and I, however, make it your business.

Go collaboration – Go collective – Make a connection – Be counted.

By Kamogelo “kginias” Masemola

Let’s collaborate….into the future.

By morrel shilenge

Cross fertilization of ideas in different disciplines is the source of growth creatively.

As a creative, one needs to collaborate outside their fields in order to make new discoveries creatively…..

©2010 illustration: Morrel Shilenge 

Rent Minds is a playground where Copywriters, Art Directors, Photographers, Multimedia Designers, Strategists, Media Planners, Concept Developers and Illustrators….

collaborate. 

In doing this we are able to execute ideas that are original and thought provoking. Collaboration allows for an idea not to be one sided.

When it comes to collaboration, there’s no hierarchy. Everyone is equal before an idea.

I asked one creative, who owns the production company that produced Jerusalema, how to be a better creative and he had this to say.

Hi Morrel

I am not sure how one can become a better creative. In my case, I just try to do as many creative things as possible, all the time, relentlessly. 

I think the best thing for you is to explore as many creative avenues as possible and then find one that agrees with your talents the most.
Also, get involved with other creative people, artists, musicians, etc, and try to collaborate with them in some way.

Creativity can't be thought, can only be exercised and developed. You got not only to set your mind free, but also MATERIALISE your thoughts. So, if you like photography, for example, then you'll need to create the images in your head and then make them happen through the lens.

Gutto Bussab

Director / Producer / Photographer / Musician / Cultural Entrepreneur/
Other

For more on Gutto go to: www.mutifilms.com or www.gutobussab.com

Let creative’s do what they are supposed to do…….which is to create.

Creative people often do not believe in their own ideas and are not good in explaining themselves well.

Often we creative’s battle to let a client see the visual in our minds, because the idea is from another realm, which is not yet physical.

Because of lack self believe and the inability to sell the spirit behind an idea, Account Executives misrepresent it to clients and it often gets changed and looses the meaning that it had initially.

Clients sometimes, don’t want to go with something that is too creative, they want something the same as they’re competitors but different.

When a client give us free reign to free our imagination like balloons but with a rope around the noose holding us, we are only let loose when we are able to explain the concept in a way that they understand.

As a creative I say know how the client thinks – do it his way and also do it your way.

Pity they always choose the one that fits into the status quo…that is why as creative’s we should start releasing rejected work to grow our confidence, while we learn to express an idea.

by morrel shilenge

Social Media Explosion (The dictator just being social within a network)

Media consumption simply means how one uses different mediums to get news, however, it’s a choice one makes to use that medium. Social media consumption has changed among people, especially amongst the techno savvy I mean the young and curious.  

Social media has blown up around the world like an atomic bomb, so much so that it’s now on fire like a volcano. It’s on everyone’s’ lips, with a touch of a button “boom” you’re online. New technology now rules the world together with new media for the benefit of consumers. Perhaps, it’s a new kind of technological revolution with new devices like iPhone, iPad and Mac leading the rest of the pack. However, access to social media is no longer an absolute mind field but it’s now a breeze thanks to new technology. Consumers are now driving brands and telling marketers; brand managers of this world, what their wants and needs are.  (Talk of a dictator) Today, if you fail to listen to the consumer within a social network, you’ve missed the boat completely and your brand is history. Access to social media is now like buying flavoured bottled water. (Accessible yet tasty)

Media consumption has changed dramatically on the side of consumers, with a choice of messages and media consumption being the determining factor. (Be uninformed and fade into the crowd) Gone are the days when marketers and brand managers used to “bulldoze” consumers into what they assume, with regard to the direction they thought the brand should take. (Nah! it’s all a dream now-social media rules) Consumers no longer fantasise about which medium to consume, they now got the “balls” to choose/use whatever medium they see fit. (Media planners understand the consumer or kill the brand).

We live in a global village and the media landscape has changed all over the world, with people exercising their choice with regard to how and which medium they consume.  We live in an age where curiosity now drives change, with media planners constantly undressing other media avenues to target consumers who are dressed in social media. Technology is so vast today that you will not fool consumers as they’re more inclined to navigate their medium of choice. (Social media come over - cellphone/internet easy access now than ever before) If you care about consumers they’re likely to drive your brand by word of mouth, in turn promoting it using a social medium. (Do I hear credibility, of course?) Failure to do that they’re likely to burst your brands’ bubbles preventing it from going up, fading in the process.

The future might be mobile depending on who you engage with from a media/digital/mobile or even content point of view. Social media consumption is of paramount importance in this day and age of technology, information and choice. Today, it is important how you reach your consumers and the frequency with which they are exposed to your brand daily. 

Social networking sites are too many that it now makes it easier for consumers to kill the brand instantaneously. Furthermore, media consumption is influenced by many things, what you probably like, know, easy access, environment comes in handy as well, word of mouth and what friends are absorbing in terms of news on social sites. Perhaps it might be plain simple, however, you consume what interests you on the social networking sites to a degree and the rest goes to the drain. Social networking sites have revolutionized, how people consume news, fast and furious with a click of a mouse or even going mobile. Maybe is the massive appeal that they have especially amongst young people.

Social media consumption is like a beat of a drum that is so loud it will not stop now. However, the most important aspect of it all is to be cautious not to undress yourself completely, by disclosing too much information online.

By Kamo “Kginias” Masemola. 

Idea Generation (branches of an idea generation)

Idea generation is a process that starts in the mind before it goes on to paper. When you generate an idea, your brain starts connecting words/visuals. Consequently, that’s why different ideas come in different days within different times. Ideas are your greatest asset as a creative. Usually an idea starts in the mind while growing day and night like branches of a tree. The process of idea generation sometimes takes days, however, sometimes a “killa” idea pops in to your mind “walla” the next thing it creates that awe moment. However, it doesn’t end there because executing the idea is another very pivotal step within idea generation; I call it the make or break of an idea.

Generating great ideas, don’t be fooled can sometimes if not always be a cumbersome process. The ones you usually either see or hear on both TV and radio have probably taken days if not months to generate. Creativity is found within all of us, however, you don’t become a great creative idea generator overnight. As a creative you work on idea generating for days, like a film-maker that works through the night trying to get great creative angles for a storyline for a movie.

To generate ideas better always carry a small booklet and a pencil to jot down all your ideas on to paper. The reason for this is to have a pool of ideas which you can draw from, to pick and connect ideas into one idea that will work for your client or even your own business”nogal”. You might be great at generating awesome ideas but always think of seeing the bigger picture, of creating an idea that’s going to be “killa” for either your client or your business. Therefore, when you generate ideas make sure that your mind is set on anything goes. Furthermore, the reason for this is to later connect all ideas that you have come up with into one single idea that will work like a charm. Ideas don’t have a warning button they could pop in to your mind at awkward times i.e. like while in the toilet doing number five. Moreover, idea generation is about a process that first takes place in the mind; as a result you don’t wake up one morning and come up with a single blazing idea that will have a client eating out of your palm.

By Kamogelo"Kgenius"Masemola