Writer’s Block — Get In Front Communications

The No. 1 way to successful content marketing

Developing fresh content, themes, and material for most business professionals is a constant challenge as real-time social media adds pressure to our lives.

The result: We need stronger content, well-timed topics, and an unyielding knowledge of our information and expertise.

There are too many lost opportunities for businesses to build their credibility, influence, visibility, and revenues. It’s because:

They’re unable (or unwilling) to connect the skills and talents they already have
They rebel against our new digital media
They dabble without a goal or plan

Then they bitch. Sound familiar?

Consider this: Content + Communication = Customers = Revenue

When you consistently deliver solid information through digital channels — blogs, video clips, online chats, e-books, e-newsletters, Pinterest, and Blog Talk Radio interviews — you are subtly marketing your business and knowledge (aka content marketing).

The No. 1 solution to developing incredible content

If you’re panicked about the content piece, here’s your answer. I’ve been practicing this for 26 years. It’s works beautifully. And it proves that writer’s block is non-existent.

In 1984, I launched my career in radio news. I was a street reporter, covering local and county government meetings and press conferences.

Day No. 3 on the job: The news director sends me off to my first assignment. As I’m heading out the door, he barks, “Don’t come back without a story!”

Every news reporter lives this same mantra every single day. The rule is simple: If the story doesn’t smack you in the face, you better start digging until you find something relevant to bring back.

Most of the events I covered were interesting, lively, and controversial. Returning to the newsroom with a story was easy. But surprisingly, it was the mundane “wake me when it’s over meeting” that brought invaluable insights.

The benefits of the mandate

The “Don’t come back without a story” mandate forced me to hone my listening skills. I had to pay attention in a deeper and different way than I had in the past. My goal was to uncover the news nugget that my audience expected to hear.

I was forced me to think creatively and strategically, understanding there was also an art to this work. Sound familiar?

My “Don’t come back without a story” way of life meant there was no room for writer’s block.

If you hit a brick wall when you sit down to write, it’s because your brain has accumulated dust. You haven’t been paying attention to the gems and nuggets around you.

Consider this: Inattentiveness + Procrastination = Writer’s Block

Your new job title

You may not be a news reporter, but you can be life’s little observer.

Carry your electronic gadgets or journal everywhere you go. Jot down quotes and bits of life that you stumble upon. At the end of each day, review your notes. Most will be useless; the rest will be priceless content that can tie directly back to your business. Be creative. Bring it full circle.

Like me, you are surrounded by remarkable people and funny stories that can easily tie back to your expertise. Pay closer attention to breakfast chatter. Eavesdrop on a conversation at the dry cleaner. Listen to the chit-chat in the elevator. Be a ninja.

As this habit forms, you’ll quickly realize the world is your pipeline of fabulous and fresh material for success.

Your daily assignment: Don’t come back without a story.

Need help with this? Click here.

Filed Under: content, Marketing, Online Marketing, Writer's Block Tagged With: content, Marketing, Social Media, Writing

The Golden Rule for Creating Tons of Great Content

by Susan Young at 1:32 am 12 Comments

Social media is putting pressure on all of us to develop solid content for our websites, e-zine articles, and blog posts.

The feelings of writer’s block and a lack of creativity are frustrating. I’d like to offer you a solution.

It’s the golden rule I learned 25 years ago when I started my radio news career as a street reporter in New Jersey. It’s at the core of our world today in social media.

The Golden Rule

In addition to anchoring on-air newscasts, my job was to cover community events, press conferences, and government meetings. The first day in the newsroom, my boss growled at me, “Don’t come back without a story.” This my friends, is the golden rule.

Every reporter, whether it’s print, radio or TV, has heard the same mantra. It’s the marching orders for all news pros. I suppose we have to earn our keep. So do you.

How It Works

I would go to these meetings and events and often didn’t know what issues or things would pop up. Sure there were agendas, but there public portions and no one knew who would stand up to speak, or what they would talk about. That was part of the thrill. For the most part, things were interesting. There were controversial issues with huge impacts on people, businesses, and quality of life. Trash incinerators, massive construction projects, corruption, murders, taxes, and more. These were all good opportunities for interviews and snappy sound bites.

But there were also times when it wasn’t easy. I knew the rule: ”Don’t come back without a story.” I’d look at the meeting agenda and it seemed mundane.

This forced me to listen in a new way. All I heard in my head was the gruff bark of my boss, “Don’t come back without a story.” I’d have to keep my radar up and really pay attention. I had to always “be on.” I had to be more creative and listen for tidbits and nuggets to uncover. They were there; and it was my job to find them.

What This Means To You: Your 5-Point Action Plan

Even though you’re probably not a news reporter, we’re in a fiercely competitive world desperately searching for content. To meet this challenge, you always have to “be on.” It’s about keeping your radar in life fully activated.

I challenge you to live each day with the mantra: ”Don’t come back without a story.”

Here’s your 5-point assignment:

1. Awaken and fall asleep each day with a journal or small notebook in arm’s reach. Carry it with you all the time.

2. Start to listen in different ways to your breakfast conversation, a dialogue in an elevator, or a talk you have with your mechanic. Watch people. What are they saying or doing that can tie back into your world? Be curious. Jot things down. Don’t leave anything to memory.

3. Understand all the content you need is in front of your face. Connect what you’ve seen and heard back to your expertise, business, products, customer service, vacation, and computer crash. Think about how it fits in with trends in your industry.

4. Remind yourself that you are ’always on.’ Pay attention!

5. Remember your goal: “Don’t come back without a story.”

At the end of each day, review your notes, phrases, and nuggets. Select at least one topic that you can use for your blog, newsletter, bylined article, or video.

You’ll soon notice an improvement in your creativity.

Now that you know the rule, I’m sure you’ll come up with some great ideas. I hope you’ll share them.

Filed Under: content, Creativity, Social Media, Writer's Block Tagged With: content, Creativity, Social Media, Writing

How to Dispel the Myth of Writer’s Block

by Susan Young at 1:17 pm 6 Comments

“Nametag Scott” (a.k.a. Scott Ginsburg) is not only an interesting guy to speak with; he’s an innovative businessman who has the courage to allow his creative and entrepreneurial instincts to thrive.

If you’re not familiar with him, Scott’s been wearing a nametag since he was in college, some 10 years ago. He says he walked out of a campus event, left his nametag on his shirt and people were suddenly quite friendly. They told him he was ”approachable.” And with that, Scott built an enterprise. He’s written 12 books, and is a professional speaker, consultant, and award-winning blogger. He also created NametagTV.com.

I recently interviewed Scott for my “Winning Ways” series on successful leaders. I’m happy to share his insights on creativity and the myth of writer’s block. Here’s Part 1 of our conversation:

The Endless Reservoir

“Writers block doesn’t exist. It’s a lie. There’s no such thing as writer’s block because writing is an extension of thinking, so you don’t have writer’s block you have thinker’s block. If you want to become a better writer, you need to become a better thinker. People ask me all the time how I come up with so many ideas and so much content. They complain they can’t find anything to write about. Are you kidding me?! Do you live on this planet?! It’s easy to get ideas. Creativity is nothing but active listening. That’s it. ….every morning I don’t decide what I’m going to write. I just listen for what wants to be written. That’s the challenge for anyone in any form of art. Just listen to what wants to be written. It’s everywhere; pay attention. There’s an endless reservoir of stuff to write about. No, I’ve never had writer’s block and I never will. It’s not because I’m an amazing writer. I make observations, I listen, I write everything down. I’ll always have a full reservoir.”

Not Everyone’s a Writer

“People have this misconception that writing is with your hand. Not at all. Remember that writing is an extension of thinking. You can talk on a video camera and then have it transcribed. Here’s another idea for non-writers. You can find someone who is great on riffing with you who has a somewhat comparable brain style. Sit down with them, turn on the Flipcam, give them a list of questions to ask you, and have them provoke you. That’s because you always say better stuff when you’re just chatting. Then have it transcribed. There are so many different ways of getting your thoughts on paper. It’s not about writing. It’s about thinking. Consider yourself as a thinker, find out how you can get what’s within your brain onto paper. There’s a million ways to do it that satisfies every learning style.”

Part Two: More with Nametag Scott and building business.

By the way, if you want to refine your communication skills and learn more about blogging, Social Media, PR, and sales, sign up for my 21-day free video series, “Speaking of Communication.”

(Photo Credit: Ethan Hein)

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, content, Creativity, listening, Motivation, Online Marketing, Social Media, Social Networking, Success, Writer's Block Tagged With: audience, Blogging, blogs, business growth, Communication, communications, interviews, listening, message, Social Media, Video blogs, Writing

The 1 Reason You Must Break the Rules of Blogging

by Susan Young at 12:39 pm 6 Comments

How often do you trip yourself up? You know, get in your own way? There is lots of confusion and uncertainty with newcomers to the blogging arena. If you’re stuck on the rules, here’s some advice.

Here’s a free resource for you. Take advantage of my 21-day video series “Speaking of Communication.” It focuses on Social Media, blogging, PR, writing and communication themes. Click on this link now for instant access http://www.getinfrontcommunications.com/

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, content, Creativity, Marketing, Online Marketing, Social Media, Social Networking, Success, Writer's Block, Writing Tagged With: articles, blog posts, Blogging, blogs, Business, Communication, Marketing, message, Social Media, Success, technology, Video blogs, Writing

The Secret to Finding New Ideas and Creating Fresh Content

by Susan Young at 10:22 am 3 Comments

If you’re stuck and can’t seem to develop fresh ideas for content, don’t panic or get discouraged. I’ll share the secret in this video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIngBXxREnw&layer_token=175a18eed7ea04ef

To overcome Writer’s Block and develop ideas for your blogs, press releases, articles and newsletters, take advantage of my free 21-day video series “Speaking of Communication.” It focuses on PR, Social Media, blogging, writing and communication themes. Sign up now for this free resource http://www.getinfrontcommunications.com/

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, content, Creativity, Online Marketing, Social Media, Social Networking, Success, Writer's Block, Writing Tagged With: articles, blog posts, blogs, Communication, content, Creativity, Marketing, PR, Public Relations, publicity, Social Media, Success, technology, Video blogs, Writing

How to Overcome Writer's Block and Create New Content

by Susan Young at 5:48 pm 4 Comments

Do you want to create new content? I just found out about a new (free) resource to help you overcome Writer’s Block. I’ll share the link with you—and two more resources—in this short video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJW-siyED0w