Business comes with its share of challenges, which is why many successful entrepreneurs use creativity as an essential component because creativity can be a key differentiator, giving your business a competitive edge. Richard Migambi, the founder and CEO of eVolve Ltd Rwanda, a software development and brand strategy company, says that creativity and innovation are important ingredients to any business’ endurance, let alone success. “We need to keep asking, how can we better serve our customers on a daily basis? In search of the answers to that comes innovation, through creativity, but also creativity needs to be fuelled by the business’ mission and the passion of the craft you’re in as an entrepreneur,” he says. Creativity makes you noticeable “Creativity makes you stand out, your mission is what reminds you of what you want to achieve. Before starting a business, you need to research the field you want to build your business in first, what is the difference that you want to make, and then fill the gap that is there. When you do so, I believe your business will never get to the point of being boring, the only time it gets boring is when you imitate what others do without adding any difference,” says Marie Therese Matutina Tumushabe, a local entrepreneur. “What helps me to always be creative is to look at my long-term goals, and the mission that reminds me of my purpose and focus,” she adds. Be open to new things “When my clients start to get bored with what is on the menu, I always think of ways to create something new that they will appreciate and like. I try new things and add them to the menu so it won’t be the same thing as always, I do this so that my clients don’t get fed up,” says Kevine Nyampinga, a food delivery business owner. “We don’t imitate, we are always trying to bring something new to our market, doing research on what can make a difference in the market helps us a lot, so does listening to our customers,” says Steffa Dusenge, a young entrepreneur. The article “How to improve your creativity in business” provides strong tips to help business owners improve their creativity: Quiet - creativity speaks quietly and needs concentration It’s important to schedule some time for thinking each day, away from the noise and clutter, so you can effectively experience sounds, smells, touch, and the full senses. Engage - creativity needs focus and commitment Take the time to listen fully to the voices that really count, including your team leaders and customers. Also, take the time to listen and believe in yourself. Take on and conquer your own fears and challenges, before you face the many business challenges requiring extra creativity. Dream - creativity needs imagination and free-thinking Research has long suggested links between dreams and creativity. It suggests that the dreams themselves—with their idiosyncratic imagery, colourful extrapolations on the same theme, and non-judgmental stance—model the free-thinking that precedes robust creativity. Relax - creativity requires patience and will not be forced Sometimes your ‘Type A’ personality works against you. You may never learn to love the queue or the line, but you can be calm in doing so. New ideas do not arrive by timetable. If you live by the clock, creativity won’t find a slot. Practice slowing down your pace once in a while.
