Often one of the early stumbling blocks for some people when they think about starting a blog or creating a business is 'What can I write about?' or 'What area am I an expert in?'
Answering a few questions can sometimes help unlock something realistic and genuinely achievable - a lasting part-time or full-time project that you will enjoy and stick at. One that could bring financial rewards, but more importantly something that could give you a sense of personal fulfilment and respect from your friends, family and peers.
It’s not important how old you are, or whether you think you’ve got talent or not. You may feel aimless right now, with absolutely no idea about what you could possibly have to offer or how you could profit from it.
It doesn’t matter. This might help you look at your life and find that first great idea that all businesses need, even part-time businesses you run from a kitchen table.
If you walk away from this without any inspiration at all, then at least you gave
this a good shot.
The lesson is, you don’t know what powers you have, or what ideas you could
hit upon until you sit down and try it.
Ask yourself:
• Is there an interest or skill that you have acquired in the past that
you’ve enjoyed, or gets you fired up?
• Have you ever considered trying to apply that interest or skill? What’s
stopping you? A lack of technical skills? Is there something you could
learn that would get you over that hurdle?
Ask yourself:
• Have you gone through a major experience in your life that’s changed,
inspired or deeply affected you? Is there something you learned from
that experience that you could share with others? This could be the
kernel of a business idea.
• Have you ever wished you could change career, or create your own
part time job?
• If you could find something that you were passionate about, and which
inspired you, would you really be that worried about big money? Or
would you love being paid a fair wage for something that fulfils you? If
you’ve been seduced by the dream of striking it rich, perhaps it’s time to
swap that dream for something more realistic and achievable.
Ask yourself:
• Have you ever bought and sold on eBay or Amazon? Did you enjoy it?
Have you ever felt a buzz from unearthing a great deal, or making a
profit on something you bought for cheap?
• Have you ever collected something – books, wine, antiques, toys,
ephemera, autographs, scrapbooks, art?
• Are you a super-fan? Is there something in your life that you’re
completely mad about? It could be anything, dogs, cats, trains, sports
teams, films, television programmes, cars, bands, artists, food, drink, a
certain town, country or city.
• Is your life unusual or interesting? Perhaps you live in idyllic
surroundings, grow your own food, raise lots of kids, look after pets, live
an alternative lifestyle, or have an intriguing job or peculiar hobby.
• What could you share? Forget about the financial pay off, or the
products you could sell. Is there something in your life that you think
other people might find of interest or use? Sharing ideas online for free
is the first step to creating a business, because it gets you known and
builds you a community.
Ask yourself:
• Have you ever wanted to be a writer, but wondered if you were good
enough, or whether there was an audience for what you write about?
Thanks to new free online publishing tools, it’s easier than ever to get
your ideas out there quickly.
• Have you ever created something? It could be anything from arts,
crafts, music, and photography? You won’t know how far you could take
these things unless you get them online for people to see.
• Have you ever shared a crazy joke or humorous idea with a friend? Is
there something about society that makes you laugh or drives you
mad? If you can write about common experiences in a way that’s not
been done online before, it’s surprising how much attention you can
gather.
• Is there a niche subject that has always fascinated you? For instance, a
period of history, a political idea? Maybe you’re into computing,
marketing, gardening, cooking, fantasy fiction or gaming? Share your
ideas, discoveries and opinions with like-minded people and you’ll be
surprised how little your ‘style’ of writing matters. It’s all about your
passion and your willingness to share.
• Have you got an interest in your local area? One persons interest in Hackney
means their blog has been picked up by other local artists and producers
of podcasts and radio shows. Perhaps you’re into local history, politics or
charitable causes. These are fertile niches that are worth exploring. It’s
very easy to become an expert in your area, and you have a captive,
enthusiastic audience in your local community.
• Is there something that frustrates you in life? Something you try hard to
overcome? Perhaps other people would be interested in your sharing
your experiences and views? When it comes to looking on the internet
for information, people aren’t looking for poetic writing, they look for
insights from a genuine person going through the same experiences as
they are.
Grab a pen and paper and get brain storming!
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