When people learn that I am a content coach and message strategist, they ask a lot of questions.
"How long should it take me to write a blog post?"
Answer: It totally depends.
"Why does everything I write sound so boring?"
Answer: Usually, you're not trusting yourself to write in your authentic voice.
"Ugh, how do I come up with ideas for blogs and videos and newsletters, etc.?"
Answer: This one is an easy one! :-)
If you know anything about my approach to messaging, you know I believe in content planning -- mapping out what you're going to say and when you're going to say about a month -- maybe two -- in advance.
But there's something that is even more powerful than a plan.
It's this simple fact:
You already know what you need to say.
Yep.
Those thoughts that come to you when you're taking a shower about how you work with your clients...they're content ideas.
The thing you shout at the TV after hearing a pundit you disagree with...that is probably a content idea.
The problems your potential clients come to you with...they're content ideas.
The explanation you give your dear old aunt--again--about what you do for a living...it's a content idea.
The thoughts that wake you at 3 a.m...they might be content ideas, too.
(At least that has been the case for me the last few weeks. Why can't those good ideas show up a few hours later? And bring coffee?)
The point is, content ideas are all around you.
You just have to pay attention and capture those ideas!
Write them down.
Record a note to yourself on your. Stack 'em up on sticky notes piled on your desk.
Personally, I use Evernote and have a notebook in it of content ideas. It’s almost like a scrapbook — there are photos, links to articles that are good jumping off points, random ideas. Eventually, neaten it up in a more formal content and message spreadsheet (I’ll be sharing a prototype soon. Hit reply if you want to see the work in progress.)
Just don't rely on your memory. Especially at 3 a.m.
That’s why I also use a second method: I keep a physical notebook and pen on my nightstand.
Pro tip: write much bigger than you normally would -- it helps make those three a.m. scribblings in the dark more legible.
It's like writer Anne Lamott* said in a lecture of hers I attended years ago, before we were all permanently attached to our smartphones.
"Always carry a pen.
You never know when you're going to get a good idea and if you don't have a pen to write it down with, God'll say 'I'm gonna give your idea to that cute Anne Lamott because she has a pen.'"
There are a milion content ideas swirling around you right now.
Right now!
You just have to recognize them.
* I know, we've talked about the whole middle aged white woman quote problem. This quote aside, my Friday Inspiration has gotten broader from 23% BIPOC to 50%.