Getting examples of your knowledge out into the public sphere is a great way to raise your profile and prove that you understand your industry. Whether you write a blog, place articles in the media, or even pen a book, you can be sure that one day, without warning, you’ll suffer from the dreaded writer’s block.
Faced with this malady, some scour the internet for ideas to inspire them, while others head to the shops or water cooler, hoping a distraction will allow their next brainwave to come naturally. But sometimes, these methods just don’t work.
The next time you find yourself staring at a blank screen, bereft of inspiration, these five questions should help get you writing once again:
- When was the last time a client asked you a question about what you are doing for them or how you do it? Keep a note of these questions to create a ready list of article topics to dip into.
- What are the most common misconceptions about the kind of services you offer? Posts that make a complicated industry easily understood can be very popular, and will also put potential clients at ease.
- For each of the services you offer, there’s usually a line between DIY and calling in the professionals. Can you define that line, and what advice can you give DIYers?
- Do you subscribe to industry news sources to keep up with events and legislation affecting what you do? Translate these into layman’s terms to create useful news snippets for your readers.
- Are there others within your business with a related but different skill set or knowledge base? Make the most of the rich resources around you by inviting staff to contribute ideas, anecdotes or even full articles.
So, would these ideas work for you? What do you do when your creativity takes an unscheduled vacation?
Good ideas! I’ve recently set up Evernote so when I have an idea I can just quickly type a note and chuck it in there. So when I’m lacking in inspiration/energy/sleep I can (hopefully) find something to write about.
I really like the first point – personally I think we take those little exchanges for granted b/c we’re so focused on delivery (which, of course, is right) but keeping notes of other things that pop up can provide great inspiration – will definitely try and do more of that.
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Thanks for the comments.
Sarah – how are you finding Evernote? I downloaded it but haven’t tried it out yet. Expecting great things based on reviews I’ve seen. What sets it apart from similar software, or even a handwritten list, do you think?
Adam – yes exactly, blogs are the new FAQs! Why have reams of information on an FAQ page, when you can have a post for each common question, addressing it in detail and keeping customers informed while simultaneously enjoying the SEO benefits blogging brings?
I once heard that a writer’s block is more about not being able to decide rather than to write. I found it true for me – when I couldn’t update my blog regularly I was usually struggling with my life’s priorities. But they were, in hindsight, valuable periods for sorting out what mattered to me. Maybe a writer’s block is a signal that there is a big issue in our life that has to be figured out?
Thanks Isao. I certainly find that I can’t blog as often as I would like because of other commitments, and I agree that trying to force creativity when you have other pressures on your time is really tough.
I guess the old advice that you should only start up a blog if you’re able to commit enough time to it over the long term will always hold very true!
very usfeul, thanx a lot for this blog .. This si exactly wah I was looing for.
Great tips here. I try to write every day and sometimes it’s hard. One important tip that works for me, ‘just do it’. Sometimes making myself begin to write even when I don’t know where it’s going, will lead to good things. I try not to judge my content too quickly, but will just write and then edit it down.