Tell me if this sounds familiar. You sit down to write your latest blog post or the newsletter that is due out in an hour and nothing, zip, zilch, nada for inspiration.
Whatever you do – don’t panic! Take a deep breath and read…
#1: Go back to your BIG idea file – Your BIG idea file is the system you use to sort, store and follow-up on your “mother of invention”. Turn to it when you need a little creative boost!
#2: Share a story – What happened today, yesterday or last week that you can turn into a powerful lesson for your readers?
#3: Check your swipe file – Keep a ‘Swipe File’ of all the cool ideas from other people that you’d like to swipe down the road (it’s ideal for those times when you hit a writing roadblock).
#4: Hit the books – Stuck for an idea? Do a review of your favorite business book or create a list of your top picks! Psst…the top of my list is always Blue Ocean Strategy.
#5: Phone a friend – Pick up the phone and ask a friend – find out what their biggest challenges, questions or concerns are about your topic. You’d be surprised at all the simple answers you are forgetting to share with your audience.
#6: Check your history – What topics were a hit with your readers in the past? Brainstorm ways to expand, extend or revisit that topic in another post. Remember to refer back to the original post if they would like more information.
#7: Rant a little (or a lot) – What haven’t you been saying that you know other people are thinking? Maybe it’s time to say it.
#8: Tune into the latest buzz – What news or current event has everyone’s attention? Weigh in on the topics that are relevant to your audience. Commenting on current buzz trends not only gives you an endless supply of relevant materials, it’s a fantastic way to tap into a buzz.
#9: Check your holiday calendar – Is there a holiday coming? A national celebration day? What does the holiday mean for your target audience in terms of preparation?
#10: Start with the end in mind – What are you currently promoting to your target audience? Is it a new product or program? Start by figuring out what you’d like them to do or buy and write a post that steps them down that path.
Need more inspiration? Read The BIG Idea File: Mommy where do ideas come from? Top 10 All-time Best Ever Sources for Inspiration!
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4 Comments
Great ideas Carla. I often have this problem and this has given me some inspiration to refer too when stuck. Filing in my big idea file right now!
Great inspiration, Carla! I’m having a bit of a block right now – perfect timing. Thank you!
Writer’s blocks happen all the time, but once I got past this idea that creativity HAD to wait for inspiration and just started writing (even if it was awkward and mechanical), I found that I had fewer and fewer.
It’s a process as much as anything else!
That’s what your BIG Idea File is for! Mine has rescued me from the writing blahs on more than one occasion!