Karen Brown Tyson

Author: Karen

How to Uncover Ideas to Write Amazing Content Every Day
Do you ever wonder how businesses uncover ideas to write amazing content that reaches their customers?

You are not alone. In talking to small business owners about writing content, it is clear that finding new ideas every month is a challenge.

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Content creation is a vital marketing tool. And with more than 5 million content pieces published every day, it’s essential to write about important topics to your target audience.

But the process to uncover ideas for writing is one of the hardest things to do.

So, where can you find the best content ideas? Research.

While quantitative research can offer valuable statistics on customer response to products and services, qualitative research allows you to gather information by talking and listening to customers and staff.

Below are some easy ways to conduct research to uncover audience-focused content ideas.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Connect with the Customers You Have and the Customers You Want

Chiara McPhee, COO and co-founder of Bizzy, offers this advice: “I’ve found it incredibly helpful to have a framework in place to systematically collect, prioritize, and implement product features based on customer feedback–both from customers you have, and the customers you want!”

In addition to finding out what your customers think of your products and services, find out what problems they’re facing. Uncover content ideas from the information collected.

Plus, here are some other things you can do:

If you use an email service provider like ConverKit, you can ask your email distribution list questions like:
- What issues is your business facing today?
- List 3 questions you have for me [or my company].
- How can I [or my company] help you solve a problem you’re currently facing?
Use the information collected to meet customer needs and write educational content that will help others.

Consider connecting with your audience while they’re visiting your website. HubSpot offers a Live Chat feature where you can interact with current and prospective customers and see what questions they’re asking. Write content based on the topics you repeatedly see in the chat.

Listen to Audience Discussions through Keyword Searches

An excellent way to find content ideas is through search engines. In addition to Google, there are more than 16 other search engines available such as Bing, Swisscows, and DuckDuckGo.

Additional ways to search include:

Answer the Public allows you to search for keywords or phrases, and then it generates a circle of question keywords related to your topic.

BuzzSumo is great for everything, from topic research to brand marketing.

Ahrefs not only offers keyword search capability but lets you enter your competitor’s domain to see how frequently they’re publishing and republishing content on the same topic.

Uncover Ideas Using the Skyscraper Technique

As you search for ideas for content writing, consider using Brian Dean’s skyscraper technique. This technique examines high-performing content and makes it better. What is high-performing content? Posts with lots of social shares or high-ranking blog posts that appear on search engine pages.

Next, Dean recommends taking the content to the next level. He recommends taking all four of the following steps:
- Make it longer
- Use better designs
- Offer up-to-date information
- Create a more thorough version
Dean offers a few ideas on how to improve existing content.

Hold on to Your Research by Creating an Idea System

Coming up with ideas to write content can be hard. So once you develop a process for generating ideas, it’s essential to create a system for saving your ideas.

1. Keep a notebook

Jot down a new idea as it comes to you. Get a notebook that transports easily and can fit into any bag. Carry it with you as ideas and inspiration may strike at any time. If you are in a position where you cannot write, like a car or on a treadmill, record your idea on your mobile phone.

2. Keep a digital idea log

Any idea from your notebook that you decide to pursue can move to a digital file. Use Dropbox or Google Docs to organize your ideas. You can also use these tools to store photos.

3. Idea board

If you work with a team in an office environment, consider adding an idea board in a central location. Encourage staff to add ideas to the board regularly. Reward employees for their willingness to share. If some team members are remote, consider using a tool like Trello or Mindmeister.

Keep the Ideas Flowing Using a Fixed Repeating Schedule

Manufacturers use the Every Product Every Interval or a Fixed Repeating Schedule (FRS) to manage product production schedules. Using the FRS approach allows the manufacturer to repeat the same production schedule to produce the product.

Once you develop a process to uncover ideas, use the same approach daily or weekly. Evaluate how the process is going for a few weeks or each month. If necessary, make adjustments to your ideation process.

Find the Beauty in Capturing Your Ideas

A few months ago, I read about James Altucher’s approach to capturing ideas. He writes ten ideas every day. Altucher believes if you make a list of ten ideas each day, you will become an idea machine. I love this!

As a person who wakes up in the middle of the night with all kinds of ideas, I was excited by this approach to capturing my ideas each day.

As someone not afraid to jot down ideas on anything – journals, Post-It Notes, napkins – the concept of making idea-collection an intentional part of my day was great.

One of the things I learned by consistently capturing my ideas is that some ideas make it, and some don’t. My new approach is progress for me as I once thought every idea I came up with had to live and breathe. Today, I am just satisfied to get my thoughts out of my head to explore the possibilities of making at least one idea come to life.

How do you uncover ideas for blog posts or projects? Please share how your idea process works. Feel free to share your comments below.
October 8, 2020
This is How to Reach Your Writing Dreams
Ever dream of becoming a writer? Do you wonder how you can reach your writing dreams?

You are not alone.

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According to Brian Tracy International, at least 82 percent of adults dream of writing a book. Outside of writing a book, many people dream of other writing opportunities like becoming a freelance writer.

Unfortunately, without a clear plan, most people don’t write a book or reach their writing dreams.

I am a firm believer that it is never too late to write the next chapter of your life or renew interest in your dreams.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

But why is it important to pursue your writing dreams?

First, life is too short. If you want to become a writer, don’t wait until your children are off to college, or you think you’ll have more time. You owe it to yourself to explore your writing dream today.

Second, you need an outlet. Whether you work inside or outside the home, you need an outlet that allows you to express your creativity. For example, writing a book is a great way to focus on something outside your job or family commitments. The process allows you to research information and share your thoughts with readers.

Unfortunately, too many people hold back from pursuing their dream to write.

According to Mitch Matthews, entrepreneur, success coach, and founder of the DREAM THINK DO podcast; there are two reasons people don’t pursue their dreams. The first reason is people think they have to have all the answers before they start.

But this isn’t true.

Mitch encourages people to start pursuing their dream and then gather information along the way.

In some cases, people don’t pursue their dreams because they believe they must be an expert to prove their credibility. In 2017, I decided to start a blog. While I was familiar with internal blogging in a corporate environment, I didn’t know everything about blogging to external audiences. Since starting my blog two years ago, I have learned a lot, which I’m happy to share with others.

Here are some things to try to reach your writing dreams

Start with the end

Identify your goal and work backward. From your goal, make a list of questions to answers. As you find the answer to each question, use the information to a series of steps that will help you reach your goal. For example, if your goal is to launch a website, some of your questions could be:
- What domain should I use for my website? Should I use SiteGround or Bluehost?
- Which niche should I choose as my focus?
- How can I build an audience?
You get the idea. Continue asking questions and conducting research to find answers. But don’t drag out this process forever. Use your answers to create a plan to get you started.

Make a visual plan

Consider making a vision board that features pictures, words, and inspirational messages focused on your dreams and goals. You can also use a vision journal or planner (see also ‘How To Create A Planner To Sell?‘).

Here’s a list of tools for creating a vision journal or a vision board
- Notebook
- Journal
- Sketchbook
- Pictures and words from magazines
- Markers and colored pencils
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Inspirational stickers
- Stencils
- Stamps and ink pads
- Art supplies (paint and brushes)
15-minute experiments

Another great idea from Mitch Matthews is to test your dream 15-minute experiments. For example, consider a 15-minute freewriting session to write about a specific topic or use a writing prompt. As you write, don’t worry about editing, grammar, or punctuation. From start to finish, write, and don’t stop. Here is a 30-day supply of free writing prompts to get you started.

Create an idea system

Coming up with ideas to write content can be challenging. So once you develop a process for generating ideas, it’s crucial to create a plan for saving your ideas.
- Keep a notebook — Jot down a new idea as it comes to you. Get a notebook that transports easily and can fit into any bag. Carry it with you throughout the day as ideas and inspiration may strike at any time. If you are in a position where you cannot write, like a car or on a treadmill, use the recorder on your mobile phone to capture your idea.
- Keep a digital idea log — Any idea from your notebook that you decide to pursue should be transferred to a digital file. Use Trello or Mindmeister to organize your thoughts. You can also use these tools to store photos.
- Idea board — If you work in an office environment, consider adding an idea board in a central location. Encourage staff to add ideas to the board regularly. Reward employees for their willingness to share.
Find support

To reach your writing dreams, find people who will support you. Look to add people who are good listeners and who can offer valuable input. Also, consider asking someone who already does what you want to do. If you want to become a writer, connect with other writers and authors.

Avoid negative people

Stay away from negative people and people who never support your ideas. Please, no dream killers or people who always see the glass half empty. The last thing you need are people who will shoot down all of your ideas or people who are afraid to follow their dreams.

Don’t let fear stand in your way another day

When you think about reaching your writing dream and what it will take, consider what Valerie Nifora, the author of I Asked the Wind: A Collection of Romantic Poetry., said:

“But here’s the part that I didn’t realize — doing the thing you dream about, actually doing it — even in small measures is enormously gratifying. If you don’t worry about succeeding at it (Not sure I’ll ever make NY Times Best Seller or Poet Laureate), somehow it comes. And it doesn’t matter how successful whatever your dream is — the joy of using your talents fulfills itself!”

The time to follow your dreams is now. You owe it to yourself to make time for the creative work that matters to you. If you need a little help to get started, download a free copy of, How to Start Writing Today.
September 22, 2020
30 Tips How to Renew Interest in Your Dreams
30 Tips How to Renew Interest in Your Vision

It’s good to take an interest in other people’s dreams.

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If we stop to think about it, the majority of our day centers around helping people. There is a certain level of satisfaction in helping others with their plans and projects. Whether at work or home, we feel good about our role in helping someone achieve their goals.

But what about your interests? What about trying to spark or renew interest in your dreams?

In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of your ambitions. But it’s time to stop. Not helping others. It’s time to stop letting other things get in the way of your dreams. Therefore, if you want to prepare for the next chapter of your life, you need to draw the line between the world’s requests and your future dreams.

But how?

The answer will be different for everyone. What works for one person may not work for you. Therefore, the most important thing is to find out what motivates you. Not what motivates your favorite celebrity. Take the time to research, pursue, uncover, and explore new ideas to find out what makes you want to jump out of bed every day.

As if we were taking a trip, this post highlights 30 tips on how to renew interest in your dreams. Please feel free to add your ideas in the comments section below.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Before your journey begins, research ideas to determine your dreams.
1. Talk it Out. Author Chris Baréz-Brown encourages people to walk and talk to explore new ideas either to a friend or yourself.
2. Start a hobby. Outside of your day-to-day job, consider taking up a hobby. Find something that excites and motivates you.
3. Learn a language. Have you ever wanted to speak another language? Learning a new language could open the door to other opportunities. Try Duolingo or Babbel.
4. Read Daily. Explore your dreams by reading every day. Don’t limit your reading to one thing. Instead, read books, blogs, magazines, and articles.
5. Listen to audiobooks. Listen to audiobooks on Audible or Scribd to learn more about subjects that interest or inspire you.
6. Go to school. Consider enrolling in college to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree. Another option is attending a vocational or culinary school to learn a new profession.
7. Take an online course. If starting your own business is in your future, consider developing your professional skills by taking online certification classes. HubSpot Academy offers several courses to help you build your business skills.
8. Gather information from YouTube videos. Watch tutorials and how-to videos on YouTube to explore news ideas.
  
  Once you decide which dreams to pursue, create a map for the journey.
9. Be honest with yourself. Out of all the research and information you uncovered, find what interests you. Don’t lie to yourself. If your exploration period revealed a passion for goat herding, water painting, or writing, go for it!
10. Uncover your dreams and goals. Based on your research, create a mindmap to work through your ideas.
11. Work toward your dream daily. Keep your dream in front of you. Even if you have to take tiny steps, work on it every day.
12. Make a vision board. Consider making a vision board that highlights pictures, words, and inspirational messages to keep your dreams and goals visible.
13. Establish a routine. Block out time each day to work on your dream. Except for family commitments or real emergencies, don’t let endless meeting requests, a full email box, or others’ requests throw you off track.
14. Use a planner or journal. Write down everything you do related to your dreams using a planner or journal.
15. Update your computer’s lock screen to include an inspiring quote. Post inspirational quotes related to your dreams on your computer and around your work and play areas.
  
  As you work through your goals, take your dreams for a test drive.
16. Turn your hobby into a side hustle. Consider selling the products you produce from your hobby.
17. Build a website. Using SiteGround or Bluehost, you can set up a website in a few minutes to sell our products or services.
18. Start a blog. Once you have your website set up, you can offer information and advice through blog posts.
19. Offer how-to videos on YouTube. Teach something related to your dreams like a cooking class or guitar lessons.
20. Teach a masterclass. If your dream job involves teaching people how to master a skill like content marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), or branding, use Facebook Live to hold a webinar.
21. Publish your writing on the web. Share your work on platforms like Medium or Global Thrive.
22. Volunteer. Find a non-profit organization aligned with your ambitions. Volunteer as a way to gain experience and knowledge.
  
  On your way to reaching your goals, take care of yourself.
23. Keep a journal. Make it a habit to write about your experience and how you feel as you learn new things and meet new people. Use your journal as a safe place for you to explore your thoughts and emotions.
24. Capture new ideas. On any given day, inspiration may strike in the most unusual places. Use a notebook to organize your thoughts. Any notebook will do the trick. This Bright Ideas Journal is full of color, but Kraft Paper Notebooks work just as good.
25. Pray. Rely on your faith as you pursue your dreams and ambitions.
26. Read before going to bed. Just as you did at the start of your journey, continue to read new and exciting things that inspire you.
27. Practice self-care. Don’t spend all of your time chasing your dreams. Take a break. Go to a spa or the park. Don’t neglect regular workouts and walks outside.
28. Remember to practice self-love. Let go of negative thoughts or self-doubt. Always keep inspirational messages and people around you.
29. Acknowledge gratitude. Make it a habit to acknowledge gratitude every day.
30. Celebrate your accomplishments. When you accomplish your goals or reach milestones, take time to celebrate.
Stop letting every other thing take precedence over your future. It’s time to renew your interest in your dreams.

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September 11, 2020
This Is How You Save Yourself After Being Laid Off
Most people don’t like getting laid off.

You’re committed to your job, contribute to the team in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder. You follow the rules to help the company succeed. You enjoy what you do and the people you work with every day.

Then you get laid off.

Often, getting laid off has little to do with you and more to do with the company’s changing strategy or cash flow.

But just because your employer lays you off, doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines twiddling your thumbs.

Here are seven tips on how to save yourself after being sidelined from the workplace.

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Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Take care of the basics before getting laid off

Before you decide what to do with your time after you get laid off, you must first understand the basics related to your job ending.

First, find out what benefits you are entitled to by your employer. Know your employee rights and your company’s policy on what to do once your job ends.

Next, create a spreadsheet that outlines your finances — last paycheck, unused vacation and sick days, severance pay, and savings. If you don’t have one already, create a spreadsheet outlining your expenses. Knowing how much money you have versus how much money you need to spend is essential.

Finally, contact your state unemployment office to find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits.

Start with the end in mind

Before you get laid off, start working on your vision for the future.

To create your plan, think about the person you want to be in three to five years. For example, if you want a job similar to the one you left, write that as your goal. If you’re looking to start a new career or your own business, list that as your goal.

Also, to understand the steps you need to take to reach your goal, I recommend you work your way backward from the target by asking a series of questions.

For example, let’s say you want to become a freelance writer. The types of questions you could ask are:
- What skills do I need to learn to improve my writing?
- What content have I written that can go into my portfolio?
- Where will I display my writing samples to secure new clients?
Then, what are the steps that go into becoming a freelance writer?

While you might feel strange asking questions but not having all the answers, don’t worry. You can do research, interview others who are doing the work you want to do, and attend free classes and webinars.

In the end, clear answers will help you plan your vision for the future.

Offer freelance services

The writer and director, Tyler Perry, is known for making movies and televisions shows and giving generously to the world.

However, Perry is also known for great quotes like, “Own your stuff, own your business, own your way.” To motivate others, Perry talks about building your table instead of always asking for a seat at someone else’s table.

After getting laid off, consider offering freelance services. Find companies in your industry that may need help. If you’re creative, consider offering writing, drawing, or painting for companies or clients.

While freelance work can be sporadic, at least you will be working. You can work with companies like Fiverr, or you can work on your own. Before reaching out to potential clients, determine your rates for the type of service you will offer.

“Own your stuff, own your business, own your way.” Tyler Perry

Write a book

If you have always wanted to write a nonfiction book, why not start while sitting on the sidelines?

Writing a nonfiction book is a great way to spend your time researching and writing about something that excites you. It also gives you a chance to express yourself or help people solve problems.

If you decide to write a book, you can search for an agent to publish your book through the traditional route, or you can self-publish your book through IngramSpark for sale on Amazon, Apple, and Kobo. Also, you can write a shorter ebook that you sell on your website.

Trust me, I used being laid off as a motivator to write my book.

Teach a course online

Have you ever considered how your knowledge and skills can help solve a problem for someone else? Creating an online course allows you to share your experience.

The beauty of creating online courses is that you can teach just about anything.

I’ve seen online courses on how to take care of goats, chickens, and dogs. How to bake bread, write captions, and learn to paint with watercolors.

Offer one-on-one coaching

Similar to offering online courses, one-on-one coaching allows you to help others grow.

Start by identifying your coaching niche by answering four questions:
1. What do you know? Consider the skills you learned from your previous jobs.
2. What do you love? Think about your passion or the things you work on during your spare time.
3. What do people need? If friends and family members are always asking you to help them with a particular topic, start there.
4. What will be the outcome of your coaching program? Decide whether you are trying to teach something or guide someone from point A to point B.
Donate your time

Giving away your time to a worthy cause is one of the best things you can do.

I have three job layoffs under my belt. During my first layoff, I obsessed about finding a new job.

Filling out applications, sending out resumes, and making endless trips to Kinko’s was exhausting.

During my second and third layoffs, I volunteered a portion of my time at my church, a local food bank, and helping people who needed free advice about communications or public relations.

Getting laid off is not the end of the world

Getting laid off is never great. But it’s not the end of the world, and it’s not the end of you.

Whether you decide to look for a new job or start your own business, your time on the sidelines doesn’t have to be boring or unproductive. Keep moving.

You can save yourself after being laid off by mapping out your vision and focusing on things that cause you to jump out of bed every day.
August 27, 2020
How One Young Author Used Her Voice Like a ‘Big Boss’

In recent weeks, I felt it was important to focus on capturing our thoughts, survival, following our dreams, and how to write a book when you feel like quitting. Today, I am happy to present one young author who used her voice like a ‘big boss’. Haelee Moone is the author of The Rules of a Big Boss: A Book of Self-Love. Haelee talks about what it means to be a big boss and the importance of self-love. This amazing young author is 12 years old. Please share your thoughts in the comments. Enjoy!

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Hello Haelee! Congratulations on your new book. What is your book, The Rules of a Big Boss, about, and why did you decide to write it?

The Rules of a Big Boss is my personal self-help book. It’s also for young ladies and adolescents like me. A big boss is someone who loves, takes care of, and is true to themselves. Anyone can be a big boss. The book covers topics like finding yourself, respect, and confidence. The book has exercises to help readers reflect, journal, and feel empowered.

I found myself inspired to write this book because I have always had an overwhelming desire to help others. I specifically like helping people with their self-esteem.

[bctt tweet=”Start writing your beginning, good luck in your ending, be inspired, and be your own Big Boss. Haelee Moone” username=”KBTWrites”]

When did you find time to write? Tell us about your writing process and how you went about putting the book together?

I had a lot of free time on my hands with everything being shut down due to COVID-19, so I used that free time to write. To get started, I searched for templates in Microsoft Word I could use as a model for the book. Next, I had to learn about distribution rights, copyrights, citing sources, royalties, and marketing for the book. Before I published the book, I had to choose a book cover design, size, sales price, and decide on a distributor. Finally, my dad helped me set up social media accounts and record a promo video for the book.

What made you decide to self-publish rather than looking for a traditional publishing house? What else can we expect from you?

I gave my rough draft to my dad, and he said, “Oh my God, Haelee, this is entirely too good not to share.” He asked me if I wanted to publish it. I smiled and said, ‘Yeeeaaaahhh.’ With my dad working as my editor, we published the book together. We looked into both self-publishing and traditional publishing. We decided to go with the self-publishing because it was easier and allowed me to have total creative control.

I decided to create a Rules of a Big Boss clothing and accessory line as an extension of the book. My dad had an artist design a logo for me, which allows me to become a brand.

I like the idea of my supporters and me sharing the message of self-love beyond the book.

What has this experience taught you?

By setting, meeting, and exceeding my goals, I’ve been able to taste success early. This has inspired me to strive for more while also teaching me the power of entrepreneurship.

I learn something new every day. I plan to release the second book of the ‘Big Boss’ series in 2021. In the interim, you can pick up a copy of my book on Amazon

Where can people find you online?

You can find me online here:

My website: https://www.thebookofselflove.com/

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thebookofselflove2020

Instagram at https://instagram.com/thebookofselflove2020?igshid=2bvfsqhoy40p,

Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/authorrulesofabigbossbook.

July 24, 2020
How to Show Support for Black Lives Matter

A Note from Karen: Since starting this blog, I don’t usually talk about anything other than writing, productivity, change, or faith. The recent events related to social injustice compel me to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Here’s a look at how to show support for Black Lives Matter.

My thoughts on recent events in the news

The past few weeks and months have been tough for me. The senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others are heartbreaking.

And unfortunately, all too familiar.

No matter how many times I see social injustice, excessive force, prejudice, unconscious bias, and systemic racism against people of color, I am shocked and disappointed. It’s hard to believe I’m still facing the same injustices endured by my great grandparents.

In the spirit of those who fought before me, I’m taking a stand for human rights. I sincerely appreciate all of the bloggers, writers, clients, and entrepreneurs who sent me messages of support in recent weeks. Now I must speak out through my platform to bring about the change I want to see.

Ways you can help

In addition to peaceful protests, there are several ways to join me in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement through action.

In recent weeks, I’ve joined organizations in their fight against racism and injustice:

NAACP (the leading civil rights organization in the country).

Equal Justice Initiative (an organization committed to challenging racial and economic injustice).

Read more about racial and social injustice, consider buying books from a Black-owned bookstore, or donate to support grieving families and protesters.

If you decide to donate, here’s a tool highlighting people and companies that will match donations.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

In addition to the social injustice we see across the news, we must also examine systemic racism in other places like the publishing industry.

On June 8, book publishing and media workers committed to “a day of action in solidarity” in the long history of murders and injustice of Black people. The 1,500 workers also cited the publishing industry’s failure to hire and retain Black employees or publish a significant number of Black authors. The group donated one day’s pay to the Equal Justice Initiative and asked others to join them.

You can follow the group’s discussion through #PubWorkers4BlackLives on Twitter.

We cannot stop now

In addition to witnessing senseless acts of violence and racism, I see hope. In recent weeks, it’s been nice to see peaceful protests involving people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. I’m pleased to see people talking, learning, and growing.

But we cannot stop now.

We must keep pushing forward for the change we want to see in the world.

June 22, 2020