That’s Not Writer’s Block

Alright, chickadees.

This one is about telling yourself the truth.

I have been speaking with many business owners across the country (and a few of you overseas!). And when I ask them “what’s your biggest challenge around writing and online marketing in your business?”… there’s one answer that’s coming up most often:

Writer’s Block.

And I’m calling bull honkey. Because here’s the thing: Writer’s Block isn’t a “thing”. It’s a state. And it is a state caused by any number of reasons. And when writing is part of the way you promote your business, you have a vested interest in getting to the bottom of it.

But many of you are saying “I have writer’s block” when that’s not really the case.

You aren’t getting your newsletter out regularly. You send it for a couple weeks, and then you get busy. Next thing you know, 3 months go by. You start feeling guilty, so you work on putting your next newsletter together… and that takes you 6 weeks.

That’s not writer’s block. Here’s what it may be (with a fix!):

1. You don’t have a set time to write. This one is easy. Schedule yourself. I teach my clients to plunk their butts in their seats for an hour every Monday, at the same time each week.
2. You don’t know what to write about. This one is simple. Separate out the brainstorming of your topics from the actual writing. Ask yourself “what drives me crazy about the line of work I’m in?” or “what do I tell my clients ALL the time… that I just need to start telling people who haven’t hired me (yet)?” or “what are the biggest myths about the work that I do”? Brainstorm 5 for each of those questions, and you have 15 article topics right there. That’s nearly 4 months’ worth, if you pub weekly. You’re welcome!
3. You have a “shadow business.” This one is wicked and subtle. Sometimes, the business you are known for isn’t the thing that lights your fire anymore. Or isn’t what is being expressed through your marketing. If you are trying to be a good business owner and market your business, it is going to be really, really hard to write about the old version of your work. Because your heart is really excited and passionate about the newer stuff. I wish I had a simple fix here for you, but I don’t—sometimes you can come to me, and I will help you write about your work in a way that more fully expresses all of what you are doing with your clients… and sometimes I will say “please hire a business coach because you aren’t ready to write your online marketing with me yet.” But if you are here, I want you to know that you are not alone—and you know in your heart that there’s no use trying to stay where you are. Forge ahead—even if it’s scary or inconvenient (or you are like 76 years old and you are saying to yourself: “I can’t believe I am still discovering what I want to do when I grow up. Who knew?!”)

Here’s the crux: “writer’s block” is a symptom, not a disease. And many times, what is gumming up your writing and marketing is rooted in a business issue. My advice? Quit beating yourself up if you are blocked… and start getting curious about what it’s all about. The answer may surprise (and delight) you.

Mighty thanks to Sharon Drummond flickr photostream for the Writer’s Block.