“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein.
We frequently hear that knowledge is power – and it is – but without the imagination to envision what could be, knowledge is of little use. Study the world’s most successful companies, and you’ll quickly discover that a strength they share is imaginative leadership and a willingness to question the status quo. While you might be tempted to simply follow the competition when marketing your products or services, it’s a trap that limits your opportunities for growth. Your most powerful marketing tool is found between your ears.
Remember how, as a kid, your imagination ran wild? Travel back to that time of adventures and ideas, and turn your imagination loose. Google is one company that understands the value of a playful spirit. Developers there have a long history of including “easter eggs” in their products – quirky surprises for their users that showcase the company’s fun-loving nature. Google’s work environment encourages a wild imagination. The bright primary colors, wide open spaces, video game rooms, and pool tables are all intended to crank up employee innovation and collaboration. The company has provided an ideal environment for the creative mind to flourish, and just look at the results!
Today’s wide array of social media outlets provide an unprecedented opportunity to showcase your company’s personality and imagination. Three, mobile carrier and internet provider in the UK, recognized the need for a stronger emotional connection with their customers. Since people use their services to connect with one another, Three wanted to demonstrate that they value the “silly stuff” their customers love to share. Their moonwalking Shetland pony video now has well over 11 million views.
The company further strengthened customer engagement by providing a website where viewers could customize and share their own version of the video. The imaginative use of humor has allowed Three to emotionally connect with their customers in a way they never could before.
The world’s most successful businesses thrive on a vibrant imagination.
It allows you to view the challenges you face from a new perspective – looking beyond the obvious to discover unique solutions to problems. Innovative thinking lets you put yourself in your customer’s shoes, in order to understand and serve them better. Sometimes imagination leads to outrageousness, and that’s okay. That’s what gets you noticed – and remembered. Don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity. After all, you’re only limited by your imagination!
Read more great articles on the importance of imagination:
5 Reasons Imagination Is More Important Than Reality