How you can create content like Taylor Swift

You may think you’ll never have a hit song that millions of people will love and will earn you even more millions of dollars.

And, you’re probably right.

But you can use the same (or similar) formula that Taylor uses to come up with all those songs to create compelling, interesting stories and content that engages your audience and helps you meet your goals.?

What’s Taylor’s secret?

She writes songs about her own experiences. The formula is pretty simple. She dates some celebrity or athlete. Things go great, but then they break up.

Before you know it, a new song is out.

Okay, I’m sure it’s more complicated than that, and that her “experiences” may be far from authentic, but that’s not the point. Her songs are stories, caricaturized to fit a song. And her audience of faithful “Swifties” love it.

How can you follow this formula?

First, no dating of celebrities is required. Just think back on your past experiences. Ask yourself questions like this:

• What advice would you give your younger self?
• What mistakes (professional or personal) have you made?
• How were you able to handle a difficult situation?

The answers to questions like that hold tremendous value to people. You could be a true inspiration to someone, motivate them to persevere, or give them new direction.

How this can benefit you?

If you don’t share your stories and just focus on doing your job, you’ll be just fine.

But what if you did? What if people looked to you as an inspiration, a thought leader, or an advocate?

Not only would that feel great, but it would open up opportunities that you never knew existed.

So, to quote Ms. Swift, be fearless. Tell your stories.

When you’re ready, I can help you (and your team) with storytelling ideas, advice, and execution.

Originally posted on my blog.