Idea Consulting includes three things as needed: Real Time Brainstorming, Idea Generation, and Idea Blueprinting. I also do limited Idea Implementation, usually by divine decree.

I can apply any part of my process to your situation, starting wherever is best—the beginning, the middle, it’s all good. When I do this work for clients, I often hop around my usual process using just what we need to reach the best conclusion. If you and I are working together, the process might look something like this. Here’s how I roll:

Idea Generation

The first thing I do to solve a problem is generate an Idea String. I sit down and come up with as many options as I can think of—no matter how ridiculous or inappropriate, as long as I can imagine them proposing some kind of solution. I want to see all the angles and have as many options as possible, because while many people might think of a “crazy next step” very few are actually willing to take it. (Me? Me and the “crazy next step” get along great.)

Once I’ve generated a string of ideas, I pick my two or three favorites and make pre-plans for them—simple stuff, just to map out the concepts. This lets me see better how they can fit into my existing infrastructure, what I’ll need in order to make them happen, and whether or not they’re truly viable.

Idea Blueprinting

Now I set aside all but one of the ideas I generated, and focus on constructing one big blueprint. I expand on the original idea, and start making a plan. I draw in the details. I dig up all the bits and pieces and figure out exactly what needs to be done in order for this idea to be realized.

A blueprint, for me, means anything from lists of steps and necessary resources to speculative sketches, possible scenarios, barebones prototypes and actual content outlines. The complexity of the blueprint is dictated by what complexity the client is asking for, but also by the idea, the information available and the potential that lies therein—there are no real limits. Whatever I have to do to map that territory—whether it’s clear-cut or a wide expanse of unexplored ocean with a note to “Start Poking Around Here”—it gives me a better grasp of what I’m up against.

Idea Implementation

Then I do it. (Whatever it takes!)

Action is the most important part of this process, and in this case it’s probably going to be you taking action—so remember that this is essential.

When I am implementing my own ideas, this means doing whatever I can myself and hiring out the rest. (If you and I end up working together on implementation, this is the way I generally handle client projects, too.) Most often, I hire out web coding and programming, domain registration and hosting (but not always). I have an “in house” indentured illustrator, as you can see here. As for myself, I tend to do my own writing, web and print design, marketing (among other things) and I make sure all the pieces fit together properly. If you need more information about any of these, give me a yell.

Paul Durban

Information Designer

“I, Paul Durban, being of sound mind and not too shabby body, hereby recommend Megan for anything. Whatever it is she wants to do, just let her do it. Invite her to do it. Encourage her to do it. Plead with her to do it. Because once she does it, you’ll find out that no one can do it quite like her. Then you’ll wonder why she didn’t always do it. And you’ll look for ways to have her do it more often.”

How Can I Hire You?

First, email me with your question, problem, or situation. I’ll let you know how I can help, and we’ll get moving.

If you like instead, you can go ahead and purchase solutions right away. I’ve noticed that sometimes the solution I would offer is different from the solution the client picks on their own, and that’s okay—if this happens, I will refund your money and explain that there’s a solution I think will work better for you. If you like what I suggest, you can buy that one instead, and we’ll be on our way.

You can hire me for idea consulting of any of these flavors, or you can let me pick the best route for us. You can consult with me via email if you’d like an ongoing creative dialogue, or on the phone if you just need half an hour’s worth of generative juice. (And if you don’t know which of these is best, like I said—just drop me an email. I’ll help you with that part!)

If you haven’t worked with me before, you should decide first if this is what you need (and I won’t be offended if it isn’t).

If you’re sure we’re a good fit, drop me a note or buy your piece of the process.

If you want to save some dough, you can buy a bundle and save a few bucks on the whole shebang. Email me with more information (or questions) if this is where you want to go.

Questions! Ask ‘em.

Got questions about me, my process, or anything else you can think of? Check out this page for answers—or email me if what you want isn’t already listed there.

Heartfelt Recommendations

If you’re looking for happy people and heartfelt recommendations, you can find them here. (That’s the page I read when I’m having a bad day. Dude, put one of those together. Better than prozac. Better than flowers and candy!)

Rudi Whitmore

Journalist

“Megan may beguile with her soft features and ginger laugh, but she has steel resolve, a warm heart and a clear head for gracefully handling the things that come her way.

“The woman before you (in print or in person) is a brilliant, positive ever-growing evil genius.”