Red Marlin is an ideas factory packed with inspired individuals who are overflowing with creative juices – always looking for innovative approaches and concepts for its clients.

But such an outpouring of inspiration is sometimes only possible thanks to a full-on brainstorming session, where everyone’s input is equally valued.

However, proper planning beforehand and a structured approach throughout the session is needed to get the most out of it.

So, if you’re thinking of holding a brainstorming session, then here are a few pointers to help make it a worthwhile exercise.

It seems obvious but make sure you circulate the topic to those attending in advance so they can begin to formulate some ideas and valued input. Go in blind and you might have a very quiet session.

The person organising the brainstorming should have a clear set of objectives, and that also includes for any follow up activity. After all, if you don’t know what you want to achieve then how will others?

Don’t keep the session too long as it can then start to go off track resulting in lots of repetition. Thirty minutes should be plenty of time to capture all the ideas you could possibly want.

When the session has started then the organiser must make sure to record everything. Even the most abstract idea might come to fruition in the future.

When the session has finished, it should be the role of the facilitator to explain what the next steps are, and, if appropriate to circulate a summary of the ideas to participants.

These are just a few pointers to hold a successful brainstorming session. If you need more then Red Marlin would be happy to help.