1. Keep an open mind. (Sometimes creative thoughts come when you are at your busiest.)

2. Think sideways and upside down. (Assume different perpsectives - your competitor's, your employer's, your customer's.)

3. Brainstorm with colleagues.

4. Look to combine one, two or three ideas into one terrific idea.

5. Let thoughts ruminate in your brain overnight. (John Cleese, the gifted comedian, practices this technique.)

6. Trust your instincts. If the ideas do not come right away, walk away and begin doing something else (You never know where the next great idea will come from.)