Seeking out-of-the-box strategies for generating new business ideas, we turned to founders and CEOs for their most unconventional methods. From applying best practices from other industries to challenging norms with reverse thinking, discover the eight innovative techniques these entrepreneurs employ to spark creativity and drive success.

• Apply Best Practices From Other Industries
• Spark Ideas With Random Stimuli
• Gain Insights Through Customer Shadowing
• Innovate With Cross-Cultural Fusion
• Revitalize Ideas With Historical Disruption
• Foster Creativity With Random Stimulus Brainstorming
• Embrace Failure to Foster Innovation
• Challenge Norms With Reverse Thinking

Apply Best Practices From Other Industries

One unconventional way to develop new business ideas is to study other industries and apply their best practices to your own industry. For example, if you are in the retail industry, you can study the hospitality industry and see how they create unique experiences for their customers. 

You can then take those ideas and apply them to your own business to create a unique experience for your customers. This approach can be replicated by others by studying various industries and observing how they innovate and generate new ideas. 

By studying other industries, you can gain a fresh perspective on your own industry and come up with ideas that have never been implemented before.

Matthew Ramirez, Founder, Paraphrasing Tool

Spark Ideas With Random Stimuli

Utilize random-stimuli exercises to spark unconventional connections and generate unique business ideas. Incorporate diverse sources like images, words, or objects that trigger unexpected associations. 

Replicate this approach by conducting brainstorming sessions with random stimuli, using online generators or physical randomizers. For example, a furniture company could use a random image of a mountain and connect it to its product, leading to innovative designs inspired by the shape or aesthetics of a mountain range.

Ben Lau, Founder, Featured SEO Company

Gain Insights Through Customer Shadowing

Customer shadowing involves spending a day observing and immersing oneself in the world of target customers. By keenly observing their behaviors, needs, and pain points, valuable insights can be gained, leading to the identification of new business opportunities. 

To replicate this approach, businesses can organize customer-shadowing sessions in their respective target markets. This enables them to understand their customers on a deeper level, identify unmet needs, and generate innovative ideas based on real observations. 

For example, a clothing retailer might shadow customers to gather insights into their shopping habits and preferences, leading to the development of personalized online styling services.

Yoana Wong, Co-Founder, Secret Florists

Innovate With Cross-Cultural Fusion

One creative technique that I used to generate business ideas is what I call Cross-Cultural Fusion. As an educator teaching Japanese, I see tremendous value in applying foreign concepts or traditions to local contexts to create innovative business ideas. 

You could take a concept popular in another culture, place it under your local lens, and see what unique spin emerges—it’s like adding wasabi to your burger! Anyone can explore Cross-Cultural Fusion. You just have to be open to foreign ideas and unafraid to defy tradition. It’s about blending the flavors of the world to cook up something unique.

Nooran Zafarmand, Co-Founder and CEO, Japamana

Revitalize Ideas With Historical Disruption

One unconventional method I’ve found highly effective in generating new business ideas is Historical Disruption. You look back at past trends or ideas that fell out of favor or were disrupted by technology or societal shifts. 

You then ask, “Is there a modern spin or technological advance that could breathe new life into this?” The idea is not to dwell in the past, but to learn from it and see if there’s room for rebirth or re-imagination. 

It’s like listening to an old tune with a fresh ear. Others can replicate this by studying history, not only of their specific industry but across a broad spectrum, and applying modern perspectives and technology to it.

Abid Salahi, Co-Founder and CEO, FinlyWealth

Foster Creativity With Random Stimulus Brainstorming

One unconventional way to generate new business ideas is through random stimulus brainstorming. This approach involves assembling a diverse group of individuals and introducing unrelated or random stimuli, such as images, quotes, or objects, into the brainstorming process. 

Participants are then encouraged to creatively connect these stimuli with their industry or business. The goal is to think metaphorically and generate unique ideas that may not arise from traditional brainstorming methods. 

After the session, promising concepts are refined, prototyped, and tested to determine their practicality and market potential. This unconventional approach fosters creativity by breaking away from conventional thinking patterns and encourages participants to make unexpected connections.

To replicate this method, gather a diverse group, choose random stimuli, brainstorm connections, generate ideas freely, identify promising concepts, and iterate based on feedback. Various tools and techniques, such as brainstorming cards or random word generators, can introduce random stimuli and spark creative thinking. 

By embracing randomness and encouraging unconventional associations, this approach can help individuals and teams generate innovative business ideas.

Madison T, E-commerce Manager, My Supplement Store

Embrace Failure to Foster Innovation

One unconventional way to develop new business ideas is by embracing failure. Instead of fearing it, see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Encourage your team to take risks and try new things, even if they might not work out. 

Create a culture where failure is celebrated and seen as a stepping-stone towards success. By doing so, you create an environment that fosters innovation and creativity. This can be replicated by others by creating a safe space for experimentation and providing support and encouragement when things don’t go as planned. Remember, failure is not the end, but a chance to pivot and find a better solution.

Alex Stasiak, CEO and Founder, Startup House

Challenge Norms with Reverse Thinking

One unconventional yet highly effective way to develop new business ideas is through reverse thinking. This involves looking at the status quo and asking, “What if we did the exact opposite?” For instance, imagine you’re in a business where everyone is racing to offer the most features, options, and products. 

Then you come along and ask, “What if we offered just one product? What if we made it simple?” That’s reverse thinking. I once applied this concept in a project I was involved in. The market was saturated with complex services, and we decided to go in the opposite direction. 

We stripped down our offerings to the bare essentials and focused on delivering an exceptional experience with those few things. This approach not only set us apart in the marketplace but also led to a successful venture that continues to thrive today. 

To replicate this, start by identifying what’s considered “normal” in your industry. Then, challenge these norms. Ask yourself how you can do the exact opposite and explore the possibilities that emerge. Reverse thinking can lead to innovative ideas that disrupt industries and create unique value for customers. Creativity often lies in simplicity.

Swena Kalra, Chief Marketing Officer, Scott & Yanling Media Inc.