{"id":167,"date":"2014-12-25T16:37:18","date_gmt":"2014-12-25T21:37:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.johnelrick.com\/blog\/?p=167"},"modified":"2014-12-25T16:37:18","modified_gmt":"2014-12-25T21:37:18","slug":"haiku","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/johnelrick.com\/?p=167","title":{"rendered":"Haiku"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> < 1<\/span> minute<\/span><\/span>

Dreamers filled with joy,<\/em>
\ntheir visions coming alive,<\/em>
\nmy day is complete.<\/em><\/p>\n

The elevator speech is one of the most important things you can write; not only because of the need to convey a lot of information in a short time, but also because it forces you to think clearly about what your brand is and does.<\/p>\n

In the same sense, try this little experiment. A haiku<\/a> is a form of Japanese poetry which follows the pattern of 5-7-5. First line, five syllables; second line seven; third line five. It is a form of writing which forces you to select carefully your choice of words\u00a0and which clarifies your thoughts.<\/p>\n

My challenge to you is to try to write a haiku about your business. It may sound like a foolish effort, but often you will find your thinking expanding as you are forced to come up with a good solution in very few words. Sometimes, the enforcement of limitations can actually increase your creativity.<\/p>\n

Step one: Open a text processor or word processor or a pad of paper<\/p>\n

Step two: Start writing. Think about the syllables, but don’t obsess about content right now. Practice and see what comes out.<\/p>\n

Step three: Write a couple of them and keep refining your thinking. This should be a fun exercise. Work with it.<\/p>\n

Finally, take the best haiku and set it aside for a day. Look at it tomorrow and ask yourself<\/p>\n