Think Outside What Box?

We have all heard people say, "Think outside the Box" when looking for new ideas. The "box" is supposed to mean, how it's done now. Or the way it's always been done so why change? To be different from others and competitors find ways of doing things a little differently. This is OK but it still limits you to staying close to the "box" and somewhat conforming to accepted procedures. In other words don't become too different from those "in the box" or customers will shy away.

Well, why not throw the box away all together and think in the "universe" which has no box at all. Don't limit ideas to something similiar to "what's always been done." If an idea sounds or seems way off from what's been done before, try it anyway and see if it's accepted. That's how many famous brands got established and grew into big companies. Maybe the farther you get away from the "box" the better chance you have to be unique and unprecedented in your field or industry. The next time you hear someone say, "outside the box" say to yourself  'there is no box'.

Barry is a business coach and speaker who has started over 20 companies himself and speaks on marketing and customer satisfaction.  www.idealetter.com