Our audiences best understand complex solutions and messages through analogies.
There are many brainstorming techniques to help find the right analogy.* While creative people seem to come up with them on the fly, there may be a better source for analogies:
What are your interests?
Do you play a musical instrument? Are you a photographer? Is economics or politics a passion of yours? Can you quote Shakespeare? Can you explain what a nickel-defense package is? Have you read the daily comics for twenty years?
Your interests are ripe fruit for an analogy, and your depth of knowledge and passion in these areas will enhance its detail and relevance. Subject matter expertise in your area can represent subject matter expertise in the customers. Heuristics** are compatible.
Sharing your interests also improves your relationship with the customer. You’re human. You’re thinking. You’re sharing.