As a product marketing manager, coming up with new ideas is a big part of what I do. Using Copilot in Whiteboard has completely changed the way I handle brainstorming sessions. It helps me keep things organized and gets my team involved in a fun and interactive way.  

Here I share three essential tips for you to kickstart your own brainstorming sessions. 

Tip 1: Leverage Copilot for Structured Brainstorming 

One challenge you may face with brainstorming sessions is keeping ideas organized and making sure the conversation stays on track. Copilot in Whiteboard can really help by allowing you to create a structured space where ideas can be easily captured and categorized. 

Start with a Clear Goal: Before diving into your brainstorming session, be sure to set a clear goal. What problem are you trying to solve? Maybe you’d like your team to brainstorm new ways to attract customers, for example. This helps set the stage and keep the session focused. 

Use Templates for Guidance: Whiteboard has various templates you can use to structure your brainstorming. Whether it’s a SWOT analysis, a mind map, or just a simple list, these templates provide a framework that can guide the discussion and make sure nothing important gets missed. I usually use the note pack template for broader brainstorming sessions. 

An image of the templates available in Whiteboard

Create a Starter List: To get your brainstorming session off to a quick start, use Copilot to generate a list of ideas. This can kickstart the discussion, allowing your team to react, refine, and build upon these initial suggestions without delay. 

An image of a whiteboard filled with 12 sticky notes

Tip 2: Incorporate Visual Aids to Enhance Creativity 

Visual aids are fantastic tools for any brainstorming session. They can help you illustrate points, spark new ideas, and make complex information easier to understand. Copilot in Whiteboard offers great features to add visual elements to your brainstorming sessions. 

Add Images and Diagrams: Use pictures, diagrams, and charts to represent your ideas visually. This is especially helpful when you’re working remotely. Visual aids can bridge the gap and make sure everyone is on the same page. 

An image of the Online Pictures search tool in Whiteboard.

Color Coding and Categorization for Clarity: Use Copilot to categorize your ideas and apply different colors to sort ideas, highlight key points, and draw attention to specific areas. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your whiteboard, but also helps organize information in a clear and easy way. 

An image of a color-coded and categorized whiteboard.

Interactive Elements: Use interactive elements like sticky notes, arrows, and connectors to show how ideas are related. This can help build a more comprehensive understanding of the topic and uncover connections you and your team might not have noticed before. 

Tip 3: Foster an Inclusive and Collaborative Environment 

The success of a brainstorming session largely depends on the environment you set for it. It is important to create a space where everyone on your team feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Copilot in Whiteboard can help make this happen by offering tools that promote inclusivity and open communication. 

Encourage Participation from Everyone: Ensure that all team members have a chance to contribute and share their ideas. Use features like voting and adding reactions to gather input from everyone. This way, you get a diverse set of ideas and ensure that all voices are heard. 

Facilitate Open Discussion: Use the commenting feature to spark discussions around different ideas. Encourage your team to ask questions, give feedback, and build on each other’s ideas. This can lead to more creative and innovative solutions. 

Follow Up and Iterate: After the brainstorming session, use Copilot to organize and review the ideas. Follow up with your team, gather additional feedback, and iterate ideas. This helps turn your brainstorming into real, actionable plans and keeps the momentum going. 

An image of a categorized whiteboard with reactions on the sticky notes.

Using Copilot in Whiteboard has transformed how I approach brainstorming sessions as a product marketer. Thanks to its features, I have been able to generate more innovative ideas and get my team involved in a meaningful way.  

I hope these tips will help you kickstart your future brainstorming sessions and unlock your team’s creative potential. 

Visit Copilot Lab for prompts to try in Microsoft Whiteboard.

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