Quick Hack to Save your Great Business Ideas

Have you ever been driving, sitting in a meeting, or working at your desk when a brilliant idea suddenly pops into your head…and then five minutes later it’s gone? Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of ways to keep track of those fleeting thoughts, and I’ve finally landed on a method that’s simple, free, and incredibly effective.

My Go-To System

Whenever inspiration strikes—whether it’s a new newsletter topic, a marketing campaign idea, or a video concept, I email myself. Yep, it’s that easy.

Here’s what I do:

• I pull out my phone (even if I’m in a meeting) and open my email app.

• In the subject line, I type the idea in just a few words. Something like “Creative Video Sharing Tips” or “New Client Workshop Theme.”

• I don’t bother writing anything in the email body. The subject line is enough to capture the thought.

• I send it straight to my Lean Management Solutions email address.

That’s it. The idea is saved before it can slip away. I don’t need all the details because the subject line is enough to trigger my memory.

Organize with Folders

Inside my email system, I’ve created a main folder called Ideas. Within that, I have subfolders like:

• Video Ideas

• Newsletter Topics

• Marketing Campaigns

• People to Connect With

When my email arrives, I don’t even open it. I just drag it into the appropriate folder and move on with my day. No fuss, no complicated apps.

Why It Works

Later, when I have creative time to work on my ideas, I open my Ideas folder and browse through the messages. I can instantly see which projects will take five minutes, which ones need more planning, which ones might spark something even bigger, or which ones, on second thought, really weren’t as great an idea as I originally thought and need to be trashed. This simple habit means I never lose a great thought to the chaos of a busy day.

As always, I’m here to help!

-Dr. Lean (December 2024)