"I will tell you what I have learned myself. For me, a long five or six mile walk helps. And one must go alone and every day." ~ Brenda Ueland If you talk to some writers about "block," they will tell you how they manage to keep the creative juices flowing. Most will say that exercise, especially walking, helps. When you take a walk, you are actually clearing your head so that new ideas will find a place to go. The more you simplify your life, the easier it will be to manage. You will open yourself up to new ideas and cutting edge ways of doing business. Thoreau went to the woods to simplify his life. Inspired by his surroundings, he wrote Walden Pond. This inspirational book reminds us that we need to look at our surroundings and that we can do more with less. In a current television ad commercial, one financial company (who shall remain nameless) now refers to Thoreau's experience. Of course Thoreau could live in the woods, they proclaim, he didn't have to worry about health benefits, college costs for kids, Roth IRA's, mutual funds, etc, etc. It's a real grabber. It reminds us that we live in a complicated world. And it was a good ad because it spoke to me. I'm not suggesting that we all pop a tent in Eisenhower Park and watch the grass grow. I am, however, using this opportunity to remind anyone who is marketing anything, that it is important to use creativity-and integrity-in your efforts. As a marketer, you have the ability to promote a product, a service, or an issue. Try to find ways to capture your public's attention, to represent your company or firm in the best light, and to be true to your mission. If you encounter any creative stumbling block, always remember that a good walk helps-- as long as you take it before or after work. Interested in learning how to increase your own visibility in your profession? Consider taking my 2-hour class on August 13th at Hofstra University. Call for a brochure (516-463-5998) or visit the website at www.hofstra.edu/continuinglearner.