Where Are the Good Ideas?

Boredom helps creativity. Spotting new ideas is easier when we aren’t scrolling on our phones.

But good ideas are in other places too.

When Tony Hsieh took over Zappos, he wanted to create a place that created good ideas. How can I do that? He wondered.

Hsieh wanted something like college. Where’s the party? Do you have notes for class? Do you know that girl? Ideas and information spread easily in college.

Hsieh invested hundreds of millions in education, culture, and business projects in downtown Las Vegas. Used his apartment for meetings, lodging, an retreats. Seeded the zany Zappos offices.

Google did this too. Worldwide the company has over 2,000 “Google Groups”, allowing employees to connect.

Maybe your business doesn’t need to “be creative”. Maybe what you need is more customers, better suppliers, and employees who show up each day ready to work.

Then again, maybe the solution to those problems is a creative one.

The Daily Entrepreneur newsletter delivers brief meditations on the principles & practices of the world's greatest business builders. This newsletter will always remain free and dedicated to helping you get a little better each day.