4. It’s often a good idea to watch a good comedy before a brainstorming session. You could also start by reading or telling a few well-chosen jokes to help lighten up the atmosphere. 

Even if the jokes are a bit corny and result in a chorus of oohs, hisses, and ughs.  The joke would still have fulfilled its purpose, which was to loosen up the atmosphere as well as everyone’s creativity.

5. Make sure you have a pencil and paper to write down any and all ideas, or if you’re in a group, designate someone to write down the ideas.
 
6. It’s best to set a minimum length of time or amount of ideas you want to get out of each brainstorming session. Setting a goal helps everyone to focus; it also helps everyone avoid wandering minds.

7. Write down the problem, the goal, or the subject at the top of a piece of paper. For example, “Ways To Attract More Customers”. Next number each idea you or the group comes up with.

Write down every idea, the good, the bad, and even the ugly. Remember, the goal is to get as many ideas listed on paper as possible, we’ll evaluate and judge each idea later.

That’s the 7 tips for effective brainstorming sessions. Follow them and watch the
ideas and solutions flow. Again make sure you avoid criticism, judgment, or editing at this early stage.

Everyone should be encouraged to offer ideas: even the zany, wild, and looney ones. 

Remember, most of the products and services we depend on now were thought of as wild, zany, and looney at first.  

You know things like the microwave oven, T.V, and light bulbs. So, don’t be too quick to judge.

Simply put, one idea leads to another related idea. When this happens and the ideas flow, each idea will tend to inspire more ideas.

Musicians call it “being in the groove.” Comedians call it “being on a roll.” And
athletes call it “being in the zone.” Whatever you call it, this is where brainstorming is at its best.

Always remember, there are no bad ideas. Because even the so-called zany ideas will often lead you down the road to the break-through ideas.

Yes, thousands of products and services have been created from zany, crazy and looney beginnings. So, if your ideas are considered zany, crazy or looney, you’re in good company.

II. The Evaluation Phase.

The next phase of our brainstorming session is the evaluation phase.  Here is where you change to a different mind-set. Here you will change from the free-wheeling, zany, anything goes mind-set to a more evaluating mind-set.

In this phase you’ll unchain your critical side. You’ll now release it on the ideas you came up with in phase 1.

You can now use your knowledge and experience. Here you’ll choose the most
do-able ideas, and eliminate the ones that are unrealistic. Then you’ll file the ones away that are not workable now but could be in the future.