Does your brain go into "freeze-mode" when it comes time to create content for your blog? Jim Estill, the former chief executive of Synnex, reveals seven tricks that have helped him create awesome blogs on a daily basis.
Jim says you don't have to blog daily-in fact, I personally advise against it. However, once a week-even every other week-would be a noble goal.
Here are Jim's seven tips for writing in 20 minutes or less:
Tip No. 1: Start a list of ideas and concepts you want to cover. Something you've heard on the news; read in a magazine; a new loan program, tax tips-the ideas are endless. If you are interested in it, you can bet your blog readers are also interested.
Tip No. 2: "Incubate" the ideas for a few days. Start roughing out some topic ideas, then walk away. When you review your notes later on, other ideas will come to you more easily. (Carry a small notebook or add to your PDA.)
Tip No. 3: Eliminate topics and don't save article ideas for later. What you will find is that while you thought it was a good idea at the time, you just may not be that into it any more.
Tip No. 4: Develop tricks to get past writer's block. Here are some ideas:
Warm up. Just sit down and write for five minutes. This helps get your creative juices going.
Go for a walk. While walking, only think about the blog you plan to write and then sit down immediately and try to write.
Play the deadline game. Give yourself a time limit, like you have to get this done by X time.
Tip No. 5: Come back to it later. Create an outline and revisit it a few times, spending three to five minutes each time you review. It's the same 20 minutes, but different time increments.
Tip No. 6: Write three or four articles at a time. If you are on a roll and the ideas are pouring out of your brain and your fingers are moving at the speed of lightening, keep writing.
Tip No. 7: Use bullet points. Bullet points or numbered points are a great way to get your ideas across and it's also easier for people to read. I recommend that you write an introductory sentence as to why you think they should read it. Conclude with a summary and your personal viewpoint about the topic.
Karen Deis is president of
