|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coming Up With Article Topics For Your Business
Copyright (c) 2006-2023 Mark Silver
(See This Article in its Original Format.)
Ever wonder where the newspapers all come from? I don't mean the ink and paper, I mean the writing.
Day after day, every newspaper in the country turns out hundreds of column inches of writing, tens of thousands of words. Often from the same handful of writers. Where do they get all those story ideas, day after day?
Meanwhile, you know you need to write articles, workbooks, even a book to support and promote your business, and you're left staring at a blank screen. It's not fair- how do they do it, and how can you write as much as a reporter?
Reporters have beats.
A reporter is assigned to an area of expertise: maybe it's health, or business, or farming. They know their area, or learn it, inside and out. They learn who the influential people and organizations are, and those people, if they are smart, know the reporter.
And they send press releases to the reporter, which the reporter reads. The good ones turn into stories.
Well, there you go. Your business is concerned with a certain area of life- that area of life is your beat. You're all set- git writin'! Except...
Except no one sends you press releases.
Not all reporters work off of press releases. Some work off of investigative journalism, you know, where all those movies come from. Like the other beat reporters, investigative journalists know their area, but instead of writing from press releases, they go digging for news.
They ask questions. They sniff around what's happening. And, when they find something, they report about it.
Think of the last time you found out about something interesting in your circle of friends- did you talk about it? I'm not talking about nasty gossip, just maybe a friend of yours met someone and they're getting married. You probably asked all kinds of questions- Who is this person? How old are they? What do they do? How did the two of them meet?
By the time you're done with your questions, you have a whole story. And you tell it to your next friend, with no lack of content.
At the bottom of every great story is a great question.
Just one great question. Your job isn't to find the article, it's to find the question. And where do questions naturally come from?
That's right, they come from your customers and clients. For instance, this morning one of my clients emailed me: "Mark, again a newsletter that strikes at the core of what I've been talking about with other health counselors this week... Can I ask how you decide what to write about each newsletter?"
Hmmm... what did I end up writing about this week?
It can't really be that simple, can it?
Keys to the Reporter on the Beat
But my clients' questions are old hat- won't the articles be humdrum, too?
Well, of course they're old hat, to you, because you've already answered them for yourself. But, they aren't boring to the client who is asking it, are they?
I'm guessing that if the client was sitting in front of you asking the question, you wouldn't be bored answering it, simply because your heart has a connection to your client or customer. Let go of thinking that the question needs to be awe-inspiring or fabulous- the important thing is the quality of heart connection.
Write the article as if you are just talking to your client, and you'll see the boredom evaporate like mist in the morning.
Wisdom needs an empty basin.
I don't know about you, but I find some of my most powerful answers have come through when I'm in front of a client or a class, and they've asked me a genuine stumper of a question. And then, the wisdom pours through, and I'm writing as fast as they are: "Hey, that's pretty good! I need to remember this one!"
Why does this happen? The need of the moment is what pulls the help through. If you are trying to write an article by simply thinking something up and pushing it at them, then you aren't responding to a genuine need in your readers' hearts.
A sincere question inclines your heart to want to be of help. Your own sincerity and heart connection allows the wisdom to pour through.
Repetition creates flow.
You might not like this one, but you'll want to write an article more often than once a month or once a quarter. Twice a month or weekly will give you the best results. Why?
For the same reason that a single drop of water every ten minutes will take thousands of years longer than the mile-wide Columbia River takes to wear a channel through the gorge east of Portland.
The more you write, the easier it will be. It will also take the weight off of each article needing to be a Pulitzer Prize winner. It's just the weekly article, answering a question. If it's not your best, at least it helped someone, and the next one comes next week.
Try it right now. I wrote this article in 45 minutes,not including editing time. Pick a question from a client, and answer it in 12-20 paragraphs. Bingo- that's your next week's article.
The best to you and your business,
Mark Silver
|
Mark Silver is the author of Unveiling the Heart of Your Business: How Money, Marketing and Sales can Deepen Your Heart, Heal the World, and Still Add to Your Bottom Line. He has helped hundreds of small business owners around the globe succeed in business without losing their hearts. Get three free chapters of the book online: http://www.heartofbusiness.com
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Writing and Speaking Articles || Related Categories: Business Online Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Mark Silver
Hey! Why the Long Sales Pages?
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2009-04-01 |
Word Count: 868 |
Page Views: 3447
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.71
So, you get one of those emails from someone whose business you
kinda like. And it's got some enticing little message in it - so
you click to take a look at the offer. And suddenly you find
yourself in highlighter land. Broad streaks of yellow, lots of
exclamation points, and pages and pages of words making all kinds
of claims and promises. And when you scroll allllllll the way
down to the bottom, there isn't even a price. You need to click
on an 'order now' button before they even tell you the price.
How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2009-02-26 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 5035
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 1.42
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very
own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very
alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be'
written. Or, you've sequestered yourself for weeks or months to
write your book, only to come out with something you feel
luke-warm about.
How To Get Feedback From Colleagues That Makes Sense
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2009-01-27 |
Word Count: 841 |
Page Views: 8345
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 1.82
Okay, you've just written a new website, or a new sales page. Or
maybe you've just created a new product or offer. Or even just
tried on a new suit. And you turn to your friend and ask: "Can I
get some feedback from you? What do you think?"
The Role of Hunger in Your Business
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2009-01-21 |
Word Count: 1016 |
Page Views: 3550
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.86
Hunger and fear are good for your business. Not abject hunger and
despairing panic, mind you. That's too much. But a little touch
of hunger and fear is very useful. I know there are many people
out there who would prefer that not to be the case. And I'm one
of them. I wish inspiration and love were big enough motivators
for action. But for us humans who aren't yet enlightened, they
don't seem to work so well.
Spirituality in Your Business Without Scaring Clients
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2009-01-05 |
Word Count: 1101 |
Page Views: 3376
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.50
You've been deepening your spirituality, and it has seeped into
everything you do, or is starting to. The thing is, will it freak
your clients out if you go all woo-woo and bizarre on them? Even
if you're already using spirituality strongly in your business,
I'm guessing there are places you just don't want to go, things
that are too blatant or strong. You don't want to evangelize,
you're not looking to convert anyone. But something's missing.
How a Personal Secretary is Critical to Your Response Rate
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-12-23 |
Word Count: 1037 |
Page Views: 3338
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.80
In a past Moneyflow class, one of the participants was promoting
a seminar. 'People aren't responding to my emails. What do I
do?' 'Well, tell me what you've done,' I said. 'Today the
second email went out. I've only had 5 people respond so far on
my list of 100. And I've been networking, and making phone
calls, and sending out flyers.' What wasn't working?
Avoiding Financial Trauma Stress Disorder
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-12-01 |
Word Count: 1002 |
Page Views: 3851
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 0.43
Day after day we're being treated to news of the global
financial markets being flushed further and further down the
toilet. If you run a small business, it can be hard to hold onto
hope and inspiration, because maybe this time things really are
doomed. Makes you wonder and doubt--did someone not buy simply
because they didn't buy, or is this the beginning of the end of
your business?
Marketing Without Spending Your Life Trolling the Internet
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-11-17 |
Word Count: 1160 |
Page Views: 3382
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.38
"I'd rather be rock climbing, hiking, spending time outside
than in front of a computer. And, it all feels so useless, like
nothing works anyhow. I'm spending my life energy in front of
the computer, I feel like , and it's not moving my business
forward!" That's what a client of ours was telling us. And how
about you? You're staring at a screen right now, reading this.
How many hours do you have to spend in front of a computer to
make your business work, anyway?
Why Clients Don't Buy-- and 8232;The Hierarchy of Choice
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-11-14 |
Word Count: 1352 |
Page Views: 3294
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.13
So you struggle over getting all the details just right, like
pricing and timing, and all the other features included in your
offers so your best clients will buy from you. So why aren't
they buying? It's because all of those details are actually the
least important part of a purchasing choice. One common
misconception says that human beings make choices based on
what's best for them, but that falls apart really quickly in the
aftermath of several empty tubs of ice cream, as you hold your
stomach and groan, "Why did I do that again?!?"
Can Branding Ever Be Heart Centered?
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-10-27 |
Word Count: 807 |
Page Views: 3403
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.33
Sometimes the world delivers up vocabulary words that are just
plain wrong. Painfully wrong. Words like "branding," which the
world of marketing seems to love, but regular folks and cows just
seem to hate. And it's because of how branding has often been
used. Companies have done psychological studies on how to craft
an environment that gets you to react in the way they want you
to. It's like herding cattle into the searing-hot iron--ouch. Of
course you don't want to use branding. Why would you ever want
to do THAT?
All of Author's Articles on this site: Mark Silver Articles
Most Recent "Writing And Speaking" Articles
How To Inspire Yourself To Write Articles Others Will Want To Read
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2013-07-16 |
Word Count: 937 |
Page Views: 7367
| Votes: 30 |
Rating: 2.10
Anyone engaged in writing articles for offline publications or
online business has occasionally struggled with the question of
"What to write?" This article documents the methods this writer
uses to find inspiration and processes this writer uses to create
articles people love to read.
Book Authors: How To Sell More Books And Get Your Publisher Active
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2013-06-27 |
Word Count: 1871 |
Page Views: 57833
| Votes: 45 |
Rating: 3.40
It is an unfortunate reality that most people who write books
believe that their publisher will always put their best foot
forward, to promote their book. In the real world, it does not
quite work that way.
Eliminate This Word From Your Ads Now
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2010-01-08 |
Word Count: 244 |
Page Views: 4398
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.80
I'm about to show you a way to make your copy flow better.
And it's probably one of the easiest steps that you could
ever take to improve your copy.
Taming the Monkey Mind
Written by: Rochelle Melander |
Distributed: 2009-07-22 |
Word Count: 630 |
Page Views: 4577
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 1.92
What happens in your brain when you try to write? My clients
report a number of distractions and doubts. Listen in....
Retirement Is the Perfect Time to Fulfill Your Cherished Dream of Writing
Written by: Charles Jacobs |
Distributed: 2009-07-14 |
Word Count: 1105 |
Page Views: 4757
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 1.92
Retirees are particularly qualified to fulfill their dreams of
writing. They can call on years of life and work experience.
Don't succumb to the myth that only a chosen few can see their
words in print. You can do it too, but it is essential to think
your project through and complete the research necessary to
create quality content, whether your choice is fiction or
nonfiction.
Why Write? How Writing Heals
Written by: Rochelle Melander |
Distributed: 2009-07-08 |
Word Count: 820 |
Page Views: 3842
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.36
Learn how you can heal your life through journaling.
Resume Writing - Can Software Make A Difference?
Written by: David Alan Carter |
Distributed: 2008-12-18 |
Word Count: 563 |
Page Views: 5508
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.78
A resume builder (i.e., resume software) is simply an interactive
tool to help you craft your own resume. If you can compose a
straightforward sentence and follow step-by-step instructions,
you can write a professional-looking resume yourself - with help
from a good resume builder. But how do you find a good one?
How to Write Your Book in a Month
Written by: Rochelle Melander |
Distributed: 2008-12-09 |
Word Count: 1122 |
Page Views: 4532
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.40
How to complete a writing project in a month.
Seven Simple Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block RIGHT NOW!
Written by: Rochelle Melander |
Distributed: 2008-11-17 |
Word Count: 1453 |
Page Views: 5149
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.45
I used to think that writer's block was just another word for
procrastination. When someone whined about being blocked I
assumed it was because they had ignored the cardinal rule of
writing—in order to get anything done, you've got to put your
butt in the chair and do the time.
Get Instant Credibility!
Written by: Rochelle Melander |
Distributed: 2008-11-13 |
Word Count: 723 |
Page Views: 4007
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.75
Get instant credibility by reading and recommending the work of
great thinkers and writers in your field.
Most Viewed "Writing And Speaking" Articles
Book Authors: How To Sell More Books And Get Your Publisher Active
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2013-06-27 |
Word Count: 1871 |
Page Views: 57833
| Votes: 45 |
Rating: 3.40
It is an unfortunate reality that most people who write books
believe that their publisher will always put their best foot
forward, to promote their book. In the real world, it does not
quite work that way.
How To Inspire Yourself To Write Articles Others Will Want To Read
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2013-07-16 |
Word Count: 937 |
Page Views: 7367
| Votes: 30 |
Rating: 2.10
Anyone engaged in writing articles for offline publications or
online business has occasionally struggled with the question of
"What to write?" This article documents the methods this writer
uses to find inspiration and processes this writer uses to create
articles people love to read.
Have You Tried Writing Your Own Biography?
Written by: Kent Jacobson a.k.a. Mr. Success |
Distributed: 2006-09-29 |
Word Count: 430 |
Page Views: 7044
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.55
I had no idea how difficult it is to be articulate, concise and
yet be informative about key facets of ones life.
John Carlton: The Most Respected Copywriter in the World Wide Web
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-12-06 |
Word Count: 582 |
Page Views: 7029
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.22
If you have your own business, then the internet is one of the
most useful tools that you can use today. It can literally
increase your cash flow, and multiply your customer base if you
know how to take advantage of the power of the internet.
Gary Albert: An Account of a Renowned Copywriter
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-11-24 |
Word Count: 559 |
Page Views: 6406
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 1.50
In the line of copywriting industry, only a few can be considered
to have effective hands. Not all can write as compelling as those
who have mastered the art because of natural talent and through
experience.
Self-Promotion Writing Tips for Companies
Written by: Tammy M. Ratcliff |
Distributed: 2008-01-08 |
Word Count: 704 |
Page Views: 6067
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.44
One of the best ways for companies to "get their name out
there" is through self-promotion. This is a little different
than straight up advertising and usually more effective.
Web Copywriter: What It Takes To Be One
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-11-17 |
Word Count: 586 |
Page Views: 6039
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.60
There are a lot of people who wants to make money in the internet
by being a web copywriter. If you are one of these people who
want to get in to the action of copywriting for profit, you
should know how it's done and how you can be successful in the
field.
Copywriting Selling Secret #2 - 12 Magic Words
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2007-11-21 |
Word Count: 200 |
Page Views: 5658
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.71
You're in for a real treat, because I am going to reveal a dozen
words, which could change your life. Why? Because Yale University
researches have identified the 12 most powerful words in the
human language, proven to attract attention and stir emotion
within their readers.
Improve Your Writing Skills by Reading
Written by: Dindy Robinson |
Distributed: 2006-11-28 |
Word Count: 335 |
Page Views: 5532
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.86
If you want to be a good writer, you need to READ. This may seem
self-evident, but you would be amazed at how many writers I talk
to who do not ever read.
Effective Business Writing Tips for Professionals
Written by: Sharif Khan |
Distributed: 2007-11-07 |
Word Count: 974 |
Page Views: 5519
| Votes: 28 |
Rating: 2.21
Learn the art of effective business writing to help increase
sales, improve business communications, win business proposals,
generate new business leads, and develop better business letter
writing and report writing skills.
Highest Ranked "Writing And Speaking" Articles
Book Authors: How To Sell More Books And Get Your Publisher Active
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2013-06-27 |
Word Count: 1871 |
Page Views: 57833
| Votes: 45 |
Rating: 3.40
It is an unfortunate reality that most people who write books
believe that their publisher will always put their best foot
forward, to promote their book. In the real world, it does not
quite work that way.
How to get read on the World Wide Web
Written by: Rick Sloboda |
Distributed: 2007-03-01 |
Word Count: 387 |
Page Views: 4622
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 3.39
When writing web copy for the all-too-noisy World Wide Web,
nothing is more powerful than simplicity. As a result, your web
copy messages need to be clearly defined and concise.
The Greatest Copywriting Skill And How to Learn It
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2007-11-13 |
Word Count: 705 |
Page Views: 5245
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.30
The most powerful skill you can have as a copywriter is getting
inside your prospects head and talking to them in their language.
When you do that, and do it well, they'll listen to you. When
you're talking to them about their most pressing problems, their
most dire needs, and deepest desires...in their language...magic
happens.
Are Web Users Dense?
Written by: Rick Sloboda |
Distributed: 2007-03-20 |
Word Count: 313 |
Page Views: 4200
| Votes: 32 |
Rating: 3.28
Clients and students frequently question why website writing
should hover around a grade eight level.
Writing for the Web:Nourish the Spider, Engage the Human
Written by: Rick Sloboda |
Distributed: 2006-11-28 |
Word Count: 421 |
Page Views: 4918
| Votes: 32 |
Rating: 3.16
When you're writing for the Web, you answer to two masters:
humans and spiders. For your website to reach its full potential,
your web writing needs to appeal to the emotional needs of your
target audience as well as the logical needs of search engine
spiders.
Touch Your Prospect's Soul With Empathetic Copywriting
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2007-11-06 |
Word Count: 557 |
Page Views: 5211
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.08
It has often been said that copywriting is science and art. And
the best copywriters will be the first to tell you it's an
endeavor with a life-long education. You can set your copy apart,
be unique, and find your own personal style by going within.
Forget books for a while.
Principles to Follow in Copy Writing
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-11-20 |
Word Count: 561 |
Page Views: 4714
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.89
Children are fond of copying almost anything they see, especially
if it's performed by an adult. Most kids now are familiar with
the computer, and the many features of this amazing thing. But
copying is not always interpreted with its literal meaning.
There's this process which is considered an art in itself that
only well- experienced and dedicated persons can do, and this is
called...
Do Your Readers Wish You Would Stop Writing Articles?
Written by: Jadyn Benjamin |
Distributed: 2007-01-08 |
Word Count: 386 |
Page Views: 5244
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 2.85
For a lot of us, writing articles can be a chore. Even if you
don't gnaw on your nails in the fear of breaking grammatical
rules, the thought of churning out even one 700+ word article per
week is probably daunting. But is there an alternative that is
easier - and sometimes more effective - that you can use to gain
free exposure from writing without having to write long articles?
Stranger Than Fiction
Written by: Sharif Khan |
Distributed: 2007-02-13 |
Word Count: 854 |
Page Views: 4291
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 2.81
Inspirational movie review exploring the film Stranger Than
Fiction and the important questions it raises in how we live our
lives.
Resume Writing - Can Software Make A Difference?
Written by: David Alan Carter |
Distributed: 2008-12-18 |
Word Count: 563 |
Page Views: 5508
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.78
A resume builder (i.e., resume software) is simply an interactive
tool to help you craft your own resume. If you can compose a
straightforward sentence and follow step-by-step instructions,
you can write a professional-looking resume yourself - with help
from a good resume builder. But how do you find a good one?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 884
Total Views: 4139
Article Rating: 1.50 of 5
Votes Cast: 8
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2006-11-14 12:12:00
Internal ID: #3904
|
|
|
Home