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Easy Method for idea inspiration

by glenpud
10 replies
Feeling bored, so thought I would give you a quick method that I once used to make a list of 200 potential articles (or just topics for anything your want to do with) that I knew at least someone I knew would probably be interested in. It isn't anything wonderful, but may help you when you are struggling to know what to write about or what is currently hot.

So, all I do:
1) Open up my facebook (or any social media I guess) and either a spreadsheet, word processor or anything I can write with (chalk and blackboard included)
2) literally look at every post in my feed and write down what it relates to - some will be specific and some will be very generic.
3) it can take an hour or so, but you will then have a list of topics that you know your friends are interested in. Now you can look at each and use your own knowledge to break it down into sub-categories which means that your 1 topic, can now be 5,10, 20 ideas.

With your list of ideas, you can either use it as a basis for small niche sites/articles, or you know that you could potentially target that friend/group of friends with value offers.

The good thing, is that you can make a nice big idea list that can keep you going during the rough patches.

Thanks, have a good day.
#easy #idea #inspiration #method
  • Profile picture of the author positivenegative
    Originally Posted by glenpud View Post


    It can take an hour or so, but you will then have a list of topics that you know your friends are interested in.
    Great. Targeting your friends. What a fantastic idea.

    Originally Posted by glenpud View Post

    you could potentially target that friend/group of friends with value offers.
    I'm sure they'd be very pleased with that.


    You know, there are much easier ways to make a living online than trying to sell to friends. How many millions/billions of buyers are there globally? . . . and you want to target your friends. Really.
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  • Profile picture of the author glenpud
    I respect that, but if you going to promote something of value to someone, then they may be grateful. I'm not saying force crap down their throats.

    If a family or friend recommended something to you, would you immediately disregard it?
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by glenpud View Post

      I respect that, but if you going to promote something of value to someone, then they may be grateful. I'm not saying force crap down their throats.

      If a family or friend recommended something to you, would you immediately disregard it?
      It depends on who that family or friend was.

      If it's my crazy ex-brother-in-law promoting his scheme of the week, yes, I immediately disregarded it. I'd nod politely and zone out for the next 2-3 hours, until his lips stop moving or he goes away.

      Keep "promoting something of value" to your friends, and you'll start seeing the digital equivalent of the polite nod followed by the million mile stare.

      Assuming that your social friends are members of your general market, this isn't a bad way to come up with blog topics and such. Otherwise, not so much. Heck, even a blind pig finds a cob once in a while.
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  • Profile picture of the author kk075
    Originally Posted by glenpud View Post

    Feeling bored, so thought I would give you a quick method that I once used to make a list of 200 potential articles (or just topics for anything your want to do with) that I knew at least someone I knew would probably be interested in. It isn't anything wonderful, but may help you when you are struggling to know what to write about or what is currently hot.
    First off, realize that the biggest part on internet marketing is selling yourself. If people do not believe in you, then they sure as heck won't read your blogs or look at anything you're selling. So when you start a tutorial out saying it's not that good....and that you wrote it for a guy who knows a guy....then you've already lost all credibility with the people you're talking to.

    In the future, be direct, confident and defend your ideas. That's crucial for you to become a professional. Feeling bored is no reason to do something halfway either; that's the trait of someone who needs to get a job.
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    Learn to sell like a pro through Web Synergy's marketing blog.

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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Hi Glen,

    I like that you're focusing on interests/feedback. Observation!

    I have written 98 eBooks as of this post. Tonight, it'll be 99 My last few topics have been specific requests from folks, emailing the Blogging from Paradise eBook guy with questions. So these were easy to flesh out. Some of my topics flow through inspiration while others require observation, just like you did on FB. I review my blog comments, Facebook chats and twitter lists, take notes, then write eBooks, record podcasts or write posts on the topic. More often than not, I write eBooks....

    Cool share, thanks!

    Ryan
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    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan S
    A little bit off topic here but --- It's still best to separate business from personal matters including 'friendship'. I knew quite a few who were good friends until they've got involved into MLM that crashed so badly and along with it their friendship.
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  • Profile picture of the author bassem
    I don't think this is practical , you would better look at forum threads !
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  • Profile picture of the author glenpud
    Hi all,

    It seems most people have basically shot my method down. I can see that my post was probably a little rushed, but it was posted with good intentions.

    I (personally) feel that for a new starter to IM my method would be a great starting point for getting a list of topics that they could then write about that they know people are interested in. I do however feel that if you aren't prepared to write something that a family member or a friend would want to read (if you know they are interested in it), then in my opinion you should rethink what you are writing.

    What I guess I am saying is that if you are writing about a certain topic, you would be targeting people that are interested. If you are scared of family or friends reading about what you are writing, then it is obvious that you probably don't have good intentions anyway. If you write something of value, or recommend something of value - then it should be of value for anyone who reads/buys it.

    If you feel that gearing something towards what you friends like is wrong, but then feel it is fine for someone you have never met to be targeted, then my opinion is that you aren't 100% behind your product and probably shouldn't be promoting it to anyone anyway.

    Thanks
    GP
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Glen, there's a difference between writing things that you aren't afraid to show your friends and family, and targeting your friends and family with a series of promotions. If someone asks for a recommendation, fine. Have at it. But simply scanning your feeds and timelines looking for ways to hit up your friends with sales pitches seems like a good waay to prune your friends list. Just saying.
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      • Profile picture of the author discrat
        Hey Glen,
        I think this is a good way to brainstorm ideas and get a feel for what people in Society are concentration and focusing on in a general kind of way.

        Of course as far as directly marketing to these friends and relatives ?

        Thats not my thing but to each his own.


        - Robert Andrew
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