Most people would agree that to get an idea you must first gather all the necessary information; second, work at finding an idea; and third, forget about it and wait for inspiration to hit. The third part's easy, but hardly anybody tells you how to do the first two. Worse, nobody tells you how to condition your mind before you set out on your journey. And if your mind isn't idea-conditioned it doesn't make any difference if you know the steps; you'll never reach the ideas you're capable of creating. For, telling a person who isn't idea-conditioned how to generate ideas is like telling a person with weak legs how to high jump."How to Get Ideas" starts by defining an idea as "nothing more nor less than a new combination of old elements." Then it uses that definition as a springboard to discuss how to get them. The first seven chapters deal with the things you must do to condition your mind to be ripe and ready for idea creation. These fun but effective methods range from "Be more like a child" to "Screw up your courage." Chapters 8 through 11 explain, in more specific detail, the actions that you make in order to get an idea, looking at, defining the problem, gathering information, and purposefully "forgetting about it."Lastly, after developing a methodology for creativity and idea generation, the book goes on to explain how to put your ideas into action. This new edition will additionally include 2 new concepts. One that focuses on how to "rejoice in failure" - showing how one can reframe apparent defeat to be a major generative source for powerful new ideas. The other will explain the importance and the details behind the construction an environment that is ripe for idea creation.
How to Get Ideas
and over 1.5 million other books are available for Amazon Kindle . Learn more
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Trade In this Item for up to £2.93
Trade in How to Get Ideas for an Amazon.co.uk gift card of up to £2.93, which you can then spend on millions of items across the site. Trade-in values may vary (terms apply). Special Offer until June 30, 2013: Receive an additional £5 promotional Gift Card, when you trade-in at least £10 worth of books. Learn more
|
Book Description
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
About the Author
Jack Foster spent 35 years working in the creative department of major advertising agencies; the first ten as a writer, the last 25 as a creative director. During the 15 years Foster spent as the executive director of Foote, Cone & Belding in Los Angeles, it grew to be the largest advertising agency on the West Coast. Foster had helped create advertising for over a hundred companies including Carnation, Mazda, Sunkist, Mattel, ARCO, First Interstate Bank, Albertson's, Oreida, Suzuki, Denny's, Universal Studios, Rand McNally, and Smokey Bear. He won dozens of advertising awards including being named "Creative Person of the Year" by the Los Angeles Creative Club. For seven years he helped teach an advanced class at USC that was sponsored by the American Association of Advertising Agencies, and for three years he helped teach an extension class at UCLA on creating advertising. He earned a BS in business administration from Northwestern University. He currently lives in Santa Barbara, CA
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I'm another teacher who agrees with the one from Omaha. This little book would make an excellent textbook for three reasons: 1. It is fun and easy to read. 2. It is inspirational. 3. It teaches one how to think. And it doesn't make any difference how old your students are. Even ten year olds could learn a whale of a lot. An incredible little book!!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book is so easy and fun to reay you might think it's a lightweight. Not so! Every page packs a wallop. The "Become-Idea-Prone" chapter alone is worth the price of a dozen other self-help books. Foster not only gives you the keys to creativity, he opens the door to a richer life. A knockout!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By jms
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Everyone should read this book. No matter who they are or what they do. This book helps you get your creative juices flowing but also is like a self help book with out the depressing side. It teaches you, among many things, to let go, have fun and to observe. Really looking at things is a lost art in our fast paced world. This book shows you how to make sure you don't miss things, and then to use what you have seen. Buy it!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Kat
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was recommended this book on a training course, and I completely agree with the other reviewers that it is a great book. So fun to read, and I found it very inspiring to become more creative!
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
...must be the best advice I have heard on the subject of creativity. This book distills the creative process and illustrates by examples. A very enjoyable and worthy read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Steven Unwin
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a fun book to read and I'm sure was a fun book to write.
Jack Foster confesses in the opening pages that there is no rocket science enclosed within its pages, and perhaps nothing new. In one sense he is correct, and his liberal use of quotations, some of which span the centuries, underline the timeless nature of the principles he describes. Indeed like much good advice, he is telling us much that we already know, if only we take the time to stop and realise it. Sadly the reality is that we seldom do.
Here is perhaps the secret of the book. Jack writes in an engaging style which invites the reader to take a moment out from continuously doing what they do. The style of the book and its length, you will read it easily in two evenings, invite the reader to allow themselves to be reminded that they already know how to have ideas, and have simply lost the habit, and need to refine their skill.
In essence the book outlines five steps. Define the problem; Gather the information; Search for the idea; Forget about it; Put the idea into action. As I said, no rocket science, but the book explores each step in concise and inviting chapters which bring focus to the process without labouring the points.
Among other things you'll learn how to be courageous and curious, how Einstein equated his ability to being mentally retarded and thinking like a child, and the importance of fun.
The careful use of quotations expands the imagery of the ideas as do the personal anecdotes and gathered stories. In addition there are lists of prompts to get each of the steps of the process working for you.
Some of the anecdotes naturally relate to Jack's background in advertising, but don't be put off.... Read more ›
Jack Foster confesses in the opening pages that there is no rocket science enclosed within its pages, and perhaps nothing new. In one sense he is correct, and his liberal use of quotations, some of which span the centuries, underline the timeless nature of the principles he describes. Indeed like much good advice, he is telling us much that we already know, if only we take the time to stop and realise it. Sadly the reality is that we seldom do.
Here is perhaps the secret of the book. Jack writes in an engaging style which invites the reader to take a moment out from continuously doing what they do. The style of the book and its length, you will read it easily in two evenings, invite the reader to allow themselves to be reminded that they already know how to have ideas, and have simply lost the habit, and need to refine their skill.
In essence the book outlines five steps. Define the problem; Gather the information; Search for the idea; Forget about it; Put the idea into action. As I said, no rocket science, but the book explores each step in concise and inviting chapters which bring focus to the process without labouring the points.
Among other things you'll learn how to be courageous and curious, how Einstein equated his ability to being mentally retarded and thinking like a child, and the importance of fun.
The careful use of quotations expands the imagery of the ideas as do the personal anecdotes and gathered stories. In addition there are lists of prompts to get each of the steps of the process working for you.
Some of the anecdotes naturally relate to Jack's background in advertising, but don't be put off.... Read more ›
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Sloane
Format:Paperback
I give workshops on creativity and innovation and can honestly say that this is one of the best books I have ever read on the subject. It is written in a friendly, easy to read style with many personal stories and anecdotes. But make no mistake, it delivers real value in terms of telling you how be creative. This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to unleash their imagination or to help their team generate great ideas.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
When I read the title I didn't believe it was possible for somebody to show somebody else how to go about the process of getting an idea. But Foster does it. He actually does it. Unbelievable! Not only that, it's fun to read also. A phenommenal book.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 92 reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Irritating and disappointing.
I expected a book on "how to get ideas" would have me riveted from cover to cover, especially, considering the 5-star reviews here. Unfortunately it failed miserably. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Alan A
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining and inspiring!
Jack Foster credits James Webb Young for the basic framework of idea-making, but expands it into a more satisfying book. Read more
Published 14 months ago by J. Carl
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a great book.
One of the best books I have ever read. Everyone can benefit from this book. I recomend it to anyone. Jack Foster is a great writer.
Published on 14 April 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book will change the way you see and think.
Wow! What a find. This is one of those books you'll want to read and re-read and re-read. It's a quick read, it's funny, insightful, and motivating. Read more
Published on 29 July 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Recommended
This book contains very simple rules and instruction that opens the road to rich and creative thinking.The book is simple,deep,funny,informative... Read more
Published on 4 April 1998
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
- Books > Business, Finance & Law > Management > Management Skills > Communication & Presentation > Writing Guides
- Books > Business, Finance & Law > Management > Management Skills > Creativity
- Books > Business, Finance & Law > Reference & Education > Writing
- Books > Business, Finance & Law > Sales & Marketing > Advertising
- Books > Health, Family & Lifestyle > Self Help
- Books > Mind, Body & Spirit > Self Help
- Books > Reference
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
