So you want to 'tap the minds of many'? From raising capital to competition marketplaces like DesignCrowd and Kaggle to social activism (Change.org) to science, citizen engagement and knowledge aggregation (Wikipedia) - crowdsourcing has done wonders for businesses large and small. In this article we ask some questions to highlight the seven ways crowdsourcing will grow your business.
Do you need to stay current?
If your business is all about innovation, crowdsourcing will keep you on the cutting edge. Find out about the latest trends before they catch on or even have a few of your own ideas created. Nine of the world's top ten brands use crowdsourcing because it keeps them up to date; you should too.
Want to know what your customers think?
Knowing what your customers think about key elements of your business will make it easier to keep them happy. Whether you use Twitter to run a quick opinion poll or have sites like uTest measure a few vital signs, crowdsourcing makes getting the answers that your business needs easier than ever.
Stuck for ideas, need creativity?
Coming up with fresh ideas can feel like pulling teeth, but crowdsourcing makes it simple and easy. Whether your business needs a new name, product ideas or a way to raise money, ask the crowd; even Walmart now crowdsources some of its products via its "Get on the Shelf" program.
Tap into DesignCrowd's creativity engine today - 450,000+ designers and counting - and get heaps of design ideas for your project today! Find our more.
Need to find new customers?
Crowdsourcing is even changing the way that businesses generate sales. Free sites such as LeadVine will not only find solid leads for your business, they can take care of your entire sales process as well! This includes sales process mapping, closing, and prospecting.
Feeling swamped?
Whether you need a logo designed or documents edited, there are plenty of talented professionals available who can do the work faster, cheaper and better than you. Take some work off your plate so you can concentrate on the core tasks of running your business.
Can you describe what you need?
The only way crowdsourcing will work for you is if you can provide clear instructions regarding exactly what you want. Whether you're seeking creative solutions, market research, or just prospecting, clarity in your requirements is essential. It is also important to give feedback on any submissions you receive once the competition has opened. For best results, spend some time thinking about what you want before taking your request to the crowd.
Are you ready for success?
Crowdsourcing can find the solutions you need extremely quickly, so only move to embrace the crowd if you are ready to take action. Waiting too long to implement those ideas you get will lessen their overall impact.
The world's most successful brands use crowdsourcing to gain a competitive edge, you can too!
Comment on This Article:
How has crowdsourcing worked out for your business? Or why haven't you made the leap yet? Tell us in the commets below!
Want More?
Want to know more about using crowdsourcing for all your design needs? Check out these articles:
Want to see what DesignCrowd can come up with? Check out these crowdsourced logo designs:
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Written by Jo Sabin on Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Jo Sabin is Head of Designer Community at DesignCrowd. She's led the company's public relations and social media programs since 2012. With more than ten years' experience working with Australian and international tech startups in the creative industries, Jo has been instrumental in meeting DesignCrowd's objectives in Australia and abroad. Get in touch via Twitter.
