Sometimes when you're trying to come up with ideas or solve a problem, the answer isn't to think big, it's to think small.

Or more accurately, to put restrictions on yourself.

For example, if I asked you to think of ten ways to increase your revenue you'd probably flounder.

The scope is too broad. There are so many options you end up with generic, wishy-washy ideas. “Get more clients' for example. Duh.

But if I asked you instead to think of ten ways of getting your existing clients to stay with you for a month longer you'd get much more concrete answers.

For example:

• Maybe I just make my default coaching contract last 8 months instead of 6?
• Maybe if I help them get results faster in the first month they'll want to stay longer?
• Maybe if I communicate personally a bit more frequently at the point where they usually leave, they'll either tell me if there's a problem or simply feel a bit friendlier to me and stay a bit longer?
• etc etc.

Those aren't earth-shattering ideas, but they're much more concrete and implementable than the ones you typically come up with if you start with a completely blank slate.

By restricting your options you get much more focused.

Next time you have a tricky problem, try adding come constraints and then coming up with ideas.

And, just for now – why not think through for yourself how you could get your clients to stay with you for just a month longer.  It's an 8.33% increase in revenue if you can.