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THIS WEEK
When the Muse Bites You - What To Do When You Are Stuck for Words
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When the Muse Bites You - What To Do When You Are Stuck for Words
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Ever had the situation when you have needed to write something for your business, and suddenly your brain blows a gasket and all you can think of is ... nothing?
Welcome to writers block. Everyone gets it (even the super creative people). The trick is not to let it keep you so blocked up that you can't take any action. So, here are 10 ways to get what you need to say out of your head and onto paper.
1. Make it Bite Size
Rather than trying to write the whole thing in one hit, try just writing the headline, or just 1 paragraph. The goal here is to reduce your overwhelm and convert it to bite sized chunks.
2. Play to Your Strengths
Sometimes you are too blocked to write, but you can talk about the topic. Wax lyrical about your topic into a digital recorder and then have it transcribed. It is easier to edit something than write from scratch.
3. Delegate it
In many cases, there are probably better people than you in your team, to talk about a topic. Find your top salesperson or someone knowledgeable, and delegate the task to them to complete (just make sure you give clear instructions and boundaries).
4. Set Deadlines and Consequences
Many people are motivated by deadlines. If this is you, set firm deadlines for yourself, tell everyone about them and set clear (and painful) consequences if you don't meet that deadline.
5. Get Interviewed
Sometimes you don't know how much good stuff you have rattling around in your head. Have someone interview you and ask you questions about your topic. Make sure the interview is recorded so you can transcribe it later.
6. Find a Copy Coach
Sometimes you just need a writing buddy or a coach to help you work through how to put something into words, help you flesh out your thinking, or offer constructive criticism.
7. Get Strategic
If you are a big picture thinker, you may have been stuck too low in the detail. Take time to work out your overall goals and objectives before you go back into writing.
8. Try Writers Block Techniques
There are loads of formal techniques to help break writers block. My personal favourite is setting a timer for 5 minutes, and writing non-stop about anything that crosses my mind for the full 5 minutes. When the bell rings, I read over what I have written and then pose a question for my mind to answer. I then set the timer for another 5 minutes and write like the clappers. It's amazing what comes up.
9. Deal With the Underpinning Emotions
Many times, writers block comes from deep personal fears that you are not good enough. When you name and then deal with the underpinning fear (giving it a voice), you are more likely to be able to work through it.
10. Outsource it
Hire a copywriter – someone whom you can trust, who you can open up to & has the skills to go digging through your mind to help tease out those loose strands of thought. You don't have to be great at everything. Part of being a good manager is building a team around you who are strong in areas you are weak. Call in a copywriter who can help you find the right words for your business.
So, there you have 10 great ways to blow up your writers block, and get your words down onto paper (or pixels).
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| HR Tip of the Week: No-One is Ever 100% on Their Game |
Some managers seem to have this irrational belief that their team members are not allowed flat days, or to make mistakes. Employees are human. Some days are going to be pearlers, and others a waste of time.
On average you want the person's contributions to be positive, productive and make a difference. If they have more bad days than good, then you need to look at performance management processes.
If you leap on your employees for every off day, pretty soon you will get a wonderfully average level of poor performance ... across the board.
But when you observe, coach and help your employee when they are having a flat day to perform better, you will generally get across the board increase in performance.
People watch more what you do when the chips are down, than when things are going along swimmingly. Will you rise to the challenge?
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Ends 30 June 2011 - so get in today!
Should articles headed "The death of ..." be something to put you in a blue funk or a burr under your butt you get you into action?
exuberantly yours
Ingrid
Heart Harmony
Legal stuff: This newsletter is intended as only a general guideline for Australian businesses. You should seek specific advice for your situation rather than relying only on this newsletter
Earnings disclaimer. Some of the content may include advertorial information, which means I may receive financial compensation for the products I recommend. But - unless I know and trust the product, I will not recommend it.
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