Getting it write... #thebarenecessities

Towards the end of 2017, I set myself a professional challenge to start writing for Linked In.

It was either THAT or join a gym, so…

I knew I COULD write, because I spent 3 years reading History & getting caught up in dead Popes and Cardinal Richelieu, so research, analysis & presentation of, were still lurking in my skill set, somewhere. A blank page has NEVER daunted me. Quite the opposite in fact, so I set about mapping out ideas for some articles. The intention was to write a couple, see what landed, see how painful it was for me and then tick if off the bucket list.

I tend to not do things half-heartedly.

I either love you or I don’t care if I never see you again in my life. 1 article, became 2, became 3, became 30 and they’re now part of my LI history. I took a break from writing because, life, Christmas & a career can get in the way, but I wanted to make a return…

Rolling with the first idea I had, I’m calling out for OTHER people to #thinkinink and get back to their keyboards and encouraging first timers… life is short, try your hand at publishing an article here.

The beginning

1.      Brainstorm/word cloud some ideas that you can write about.

2.      Write about what you’re genuinely enthusiastic on.

3.      Write about what you KNOW.

4.      Figure out what your tone of voice will be: scholastic, informal, Carrie Bradshaw etc.

5.      Check out other writers within your network to get a sense of what’s being said and how.

6.      Pick your point of view – come at it from your own perspective. Every topic has been written about, but if it’s YOU, talking from YOUR experience, you’re going to add value.

The middle

1.      Be spontaneous, sit down and just write on your topic.

2.      Aim to keep it to 1000 words or less.

3.      Kick your pen/keyboard into action and just see what you say. #nopressure

4.      It’s a journey! Talk about: WHY you’re writing, what/HOW you’ve concluded what you have, reflect on an opinion that’s 180 degrees away from you, then re-assert your “take” on it all with a summary and lay down a challenge or note of thanks to your reader at the end.

5.      Finish it in one session. If you can’t, it’s the wrong time or the wrong topic.

6.      When you’ve finished – PUT IT AWAY for a day, at least.

7.      Keep on making a list of other ideas you think you could write about, in the meantime.

The end

1.      24 – 48 hours later, give it a read; as if it were a piece of writing given to you by someone else.

2.      Identify what you’ve written that you love and highlight any parts that now seem irrelevant, duplicates or that just don’t add any extra value to the party.

3.      Edit! Time is precious, why use 7 words when 5 will communicate the same sentiment (possibly with greater impact.)

4.      Have someone you trust read it and insist on honest feedback.

5.      Make any amendments based on that feedback – or consider passing to a different person to check out.

6.      When you feel ready, find some images that support the message you’re giving or tie in with the topic.

Then follow the instructions in Linked In via your home page and PUBLISH!

NB: it goes without saying, if you’re not happy with your final version, keep working on it or leave it/try a new topic or approach. As a real live human being, professional type, you know to follow your own instincts on the #qualitybutton for decisions in your life.

Is it as simple as I make out?

Honestly, yes and no.

Don’t get bogged down in the technicalities of the actual publishing, get the thing written first and be comfortable with what you’ve written and what it says about you. Whatever your opinion is, you want it to be a credit to yourself, professionally and personally – an extension of your expertise and profile, so if you’re unsure, have a trusted colleague to run through it with you, ensuring it’s the credible best it can be.

Finally, have some fun! Challenge yourself! Embrace a new opportunity.

Because, if not now, when?

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”

— Louis L’Amour

If you need an inspiration shot and to see what can be done by a novice: here are some of my articles.