Collecting idea nuggets
How do you collect your idea nuggets for online content?
Oh, you don’t have one? Let’s talk about that…
Ever since I quit smoking cigars, my process for conceptualizing and writing down ideas for content has changed drastically.
Once upon a time, my go-to method was to take a break outside my apartment, light up a stick, shuffle through some music on my phone, and get at it.
Puff, puff, write.
And puff, puff, write some more.
Now that that option doesn’t exist in my world, my approach is more of a grab the moment when it appears type of thing:
When I’m cleaning around the house and ideas pop in, I grab for my phone to write them down
When I take a walk around the block, my Google Doc app is on standby in case a thought appears
When watching a movie, documentary, or listening to a podcast, you guessed it, my phone is nearby and open to a blank note page
When I’m at the bar, also known as my second office, my phone is open and I’m jotting down one thought after another - especially once we transition from the first to the second Vodka soda, of course :)
While the vehicles of inspiration are different, the results, however, are the same:
When an idea nugget presents itself, I make sure to write it down before it’s gone forever.
It seems like such a simple task, but the reality is that many speakers, authors, trainers, consultants and other expert business owners simply don’t do it.
And then they wonder why they find it difficult to write content consistently to help attract and nurture an audience who desperately needs their help.
And, the funny part is that these same folks already have a process firmly locked in place when it comes to collecting ideas to update and enhance their services, products and presentations.
So what’s the solution?
Set an intention to just do it.
When ideas that would be great to package as a social post or article pop into your mind, don’t swat them away like a pesky gnat, WRITE THEM DOWN.
Rather than go weeks without sharing any valuable information with your audience, build a list of relevant thoughts and ideas in one place and when it’s time to share something, you now have a pool of ideas from which to choose.
Again, this is not rocket science - it’s just a subtle reminder to be mindful that creating content for your audience matters.
Yes, it does involve some effort, but it’s an effort that will go a long way to help nurture the relationship you have with those who follow you online.
And, if you’re consistent, it will keep you top of mind with those folks so that when they’re ready to pull the trigger, who do you think they’re going to call first for help?
After all, sharing relevant, compelling and transformative online content is a long-term game…
…and you’re going to need a steady flow of ideas to stay on the field.
Over to you…
Do you currently have a process around capturing random idea nuggets for online content? What does it look like? Please share in the comment section below.