Assignment 3
Assignment 3
What Is Brainstorming?
Madison Avenue advertising executive Alex Osborn developed the original approach and
published it in his 1953 book, "Applied Imagination." Since then, researchers have made many
improvements to his original technique.
The approach described here takes this research into account, so it's subtly different from
Osborn's approach.
Brainstorming combines a relaxed, informal approach to problem solving with lateral thinking.
It encourages people to come up with thoughts and ideas that can, at first, seem a bit crazy.
Some of these ideas can be crafted into original, creative solutions to a problem, while others
can spark even more ideas. This helps to get people unstuck by "jolting" them out of their
normal ways of thinking.
Therefore, during brainstorming sessions, people should avoid criticizing or rewarding ideas.
You're trying to open up possibilities and break down incorrect assumptions about the
problem's limits. Judgment and analysis at this stage stunts idea generation and limit creativity.
Evaluate ideas at the end of the session – this is the time to explore solutions further, using
conventional approaches.
Group Brainstorming
Here, you can take advantage of the full experience and creativity of all team members. When
one member gets stuck with an idea, another member's creativity and experience can take the
idea to the next stage. You can develop ideas in greater depth with group brainstorming than
you can with individual brainstorming.
Another advantage of group brainstorming is that it helps everyone feel that they've contributed
to the solution, and it reminds people that others have creative ideas to offer. It's also fun, so it
can be great for team building!
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Group brainstorming can be risky for individuals. Unusual suggestions may appear to lack
value at first sight – this is where you need to chair sessions tightly, so that the group doesn't
crush these ideas and stifle creativity.
ASSIGNMENT 3 2
Steps to Starting a Home-Based Photography Business
If you're ready to start getting paid to take pictures, here are the steps to get started.
Decide what types of photography services you’ll offer.
Businesses and individuals need photographers for many reasons. Businesses need pictures of
their products for brochures. Realtors need images of the homes they’re selling. Magazines
need photos related to the articles they’re publishing. Or you can stick with non-business
photography and take portraits or photograph weddings.
2. Develop your business plan. The business plan outlines the details of your business,
including the services you offer, how you’ll differ from the competition, financial
projections, and marketing strategies. This is a good time to determine your pricing structure.
For example, if you want to make $50,000 per year and believe you can book 26 weddings a
year, you’d need to charge nearly $2,000 per wedding. Your pricing needs to take into account
the cost of equipment, supplies, and travel, as well as your time.
3. Decide your business structure. The easiest and lowest cost option is sole proprietor;
however, creating a limited liability company (LLC) will offer greater protection of your
personal assets should you run into legal problems.
4. Create a business name. What you name your business will become the brand image, so
choose a name that fits the type of photography you want to do. If you want to take kid portraits
you can have a whimsical name, but if you want to do business photography or weddings,
you’ll want something that sounds professional or elegant. If you don’t use your given name
in your business name, you’ll likely need to file a name statement with your county clerk’s
office. You also need to check with the U. S. Patent and Trademark office to ensure the name
isn’t protected by trademark.
5. Officially establish your business. Once you have a business name and set up your business
structure, you need obtain business license or permits as required by your city or county.
Although you may take photos using a digital camera, since you’ll be giving people prints, you
may need to collect sales tax if you live in a state that charges sales tax. Your state’s
comptroller or tax office will have the necessary forms and information on how to collect and
pay sales tax. Once you have your business license, you can open a business bank account.
6. Gather needed equipment and supplies. If photography is your hobby, you may already
have much of the equipment you need; however, you’ll have to assess if the quality is high
enough to charge for services. Along with a camera, you’ll also need lenses, flashes, batteries,
photo editing software, quality photo paper and packaging used to deliver the photos to clients.
You may also need lights and screens to control lighting.
7. Create marketing materials. Along with business cards and brochures, build a website.
Get permission from your subjects before posting their photos online. Also, set up social media
accounts on networks your target market can be found. For example, if you’re doing wedding
photos, you should have a Parget market.
8. Market, market, market. The key to success in a photography business is marketing. You
can’t take and get paid for photos if no one hires you. Along with business cards, brochures
and a website, use your personal and professional networks to spread the word about your
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business. Attend trade shows and events geared toward your market. For example, if you want
to do wedding photography, attend wedding shows. If you want to take pet portraits, attend dog
shows.
Bonus Income Option: Sell Your Photos Online
Along with getting paid to take professional photos, you can also sell the photos you take
yourself (not those you're paid to take). Many stock photo sites will buy or allow you to sell
your photos.
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