Guest Blogger :: Traci Garceau of 25 Thompson

Posted August 25th, 2011 in Blog, Guest Blogger | 1 Comment

Today’s guest blogger is a good friend of Elements who we truly respect and admire – the one and only Traci Garceau of 25 Thompson, marketing and event consulting. Traci so kindly offered to bestow upon us and our loyal readership her “Top 5 Tips for Getting Unstuck”. Without further adieu, take it away, Traci! {We couldn’t agree more.}

TOP 5 TIPS FOR GETTING UNSTUCK from Traci Garceau of 25 Thompson

As creative service providers we often get stuck, but our clients do as well.  It can be as frustrating for them to try to convey an idea they have in their head to share with us, as it is for us to come up with the next strategy plan for them.  This is very important to remember. We all have ways and methods we use to spark creativity…but what do you do when you are completely stuck? This is something I struggle with myself, but I do have some techniques that often help me:


Tip 1: Have a sacred peaceful spot void of distractions.  I have a “beach” I call it my ” thinking beach”. It is a small private beach and only has parking for for about 10 cars. Especially at this time of year and through the winter it is a fabulous place to go to be at peace. Often just being there helps to clear my mind.

Tip 2: Try to do things that are outside the realm of your normal routine – like taking in a baseball game. I am a big Red Sox fan, but don’t often get the chance to head up to Fenway. This year I was able to take my son and nephew to a game and it was great to experience the fun through their eyes. They loved the game but I think they most enjoyed singing Sweet Caroline and doing the Wave!!!

Tip 3: If you are really stuck, try taking a class in something you love. I once took a class at The CIA Greystone campus in Napa. Napa is one of my favorite places to visit, but actually taking a class was an amazing experience.


Tip 4: Become a tourist !  If you are in the Metro New York area, for example…have you ever walked across the Brooklyn Bridge? I spent a year working in Brooklyn and never crossed the bridge by foot until recently. Once over the bridge we went for ice cream here at The Factory – YUM. If you don’t want to walk back you can take the water taxi.

Tip 5: Invite a friend to lunch!  Often times surrounding yourself with friends who are in a different line of work can be refreshing and may just spark that creative button waiting to be turned on inside of you. Friends are a great source of inspiration and support – they may even help provide your next big idea…
What are some of your techniques and strategies for getting “unstuck”? We would love to hear from our friends and clients – power in numbers!
About Traci Garceau
Traci is the CEO & Creative Director of 25 Thompson, a marketing & event consulting studio in Southport, CT. For tips and tricks and news on all the latest and greatest in CT, read her new blog Thompson Styled, join her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
{Lunch image found via Anne Parker}

One Response

  1. Traci Garceau says:
    August 26, 2011 at 4:02 am

    Amy and Team – Thank you so much for including me in your guest blogger series ! I am honored.

    Reply

Leave a Reply