(this is a guest blog from entrepreneur & innovator Micah Davis)

Call it what you want…we’re living in the “age of the creative.” Recent times have changed how information is shared and people interact. Musicians, pastors, designers…they’re all entrepreneurs in some way, shape or form. So lets take a look at some down-to-earth ways each person can cultivate innovation in their respective fields.


1. REVERSE ENGINEERING
Start with the end in mind...it helps. Dreaming big can feel daunting at first glance. So try thinking backwards. Try asking…

    - If *the* innovation already existed, what would be some results from it?
   
In software development, this technique is called "user stories." Before any design or development takes place...a list of future user actions are written out in a simple sentence format. 
   
    - "As a potential user, I want to sign up in a user friendly manner with as little work as possible."
    - "As a new user, I should be able to upload my data from the places that I've already stored it."
   
Working backwards with simple stories provides a refreshing way to foster creativity.

2. MAKE SPACE
Ideas may come and go...but they aren't all random. Is there "space" in your life for innovation to be cultivated? ("space" meaning the time or place) Busyness can often crowd out the creative juices. Think of it as a process. By setting aside the time to be creative or doing activities found as such, small deposits are made towards future brilliance. These moments may serve as a source of inspiration at a time to come.

3. FORGET UNO...TRY DOS
Ever been in a group setting where an idea was dismissed because of its obvious pitfalls? Sometimes it's "the thing" behind "the thing" that matters most. As a practical step, try asking...
   
    - How could that suggestion work conceptually?
   
Allow literal suggestions to pave the way for creative paths.

4. BAD ANALOGIES
They don't apply. BUT...they're different. Thinking about different things may help to think differently. It's far too easy to get boxed-in to a particular frame of thought. Cross-disciplinary learning can shine new light on old systems. Worst case scenario, you'll find yourself to be a bit more cultured. ;-)


5. QUESTIONS -vs- ANSWERS
Questions are revealing in nature. They provoke thought and spark conversation. Only tossing out potential answers may short-circuit someone else’s thought process.



Micah Davis (@mdavis) is a social entrepreneur and web developer who lives in Dallas, TX. He has a passion for ministry and is an active part of the community at Gateway Church.  Some of his personal pursuits have included ParaTweet.com & ROOV.com.