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How to Beat Writer's Block

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Jensie in Work it Wednesday

I have had this conversation no less than 3 times in the last 24 hours. We aren't talking about run of the mill writer's block—we're talking about that block that comes when you sit down to write a blog post or newsletter or some other piece of content for your business. Someone I talked to said she didn't feel like she had anything to write about, another said she didn't feel qualified to be giving advice, and the other block I hear a lot is "I'm not a writer." Let's tackle these one at a time:

I don't have anything to write about.

Baloooooney. You know your stuff, I know you do. Start simple. Make a list. What are the questions you field most often? When people find out what you do, what do they ask you? What kind of misconceptions are there about you, your job, or your field? What can people expect when they work with you? If there was one thing you could tell everything about what you do or what they need to know about your field, what would it be? There's lot in your brain, the trick is to get it out!

I don't feel qualified.

Frankly, imposter syndrome deserves a post all its own. But here's the simple truth: the point of your blog is to establish you as an expert in your field. And if you get paid (or want to get paid) for what you do, you have to be an expert. Otherwise, I'd pay my kids way more than $5 for the shitty way they clean out and vaccuum my car (they are NOT expert car detailers, obvs). So it's time to put on your big girl/boy pants and put yourself out there. I promise you'll survive. (More pep talk on that topic HERE.)

I'm not a writer.

Psh. So what? Bob Dylan is clearly not a singer. But that didn't stop him from getting his brilliant songs out there. Just go. If you really feel like you need help, grab a friend to proofread it for you. (Or, ahem, hire someone to write them for you.) I'm sure you're competent enough to scribble something down and get it out there. The important part is to just start. So now it's time for you to quit reading about it, quite stewing, and just do it!

Jensie is the ringleader of Slanted Communication & Consulting. She is an expert in marketing, social media, content, and loves helping other entrepreneurs get started in their own adventures. Learn more about working with Jensie and her team here.