FIOTB–Tool 1: Content Development Tool

Filed Under Business Life, Checklists, Content, Outside the Box, Productivity, Strategy, Successful Blog, Writing | 8 Comments

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Because thinking outside of the box is unstructured, it can can lead to “swiss-cheese solutions”–answers that have holes in them–things that we just didn’t think of in our unstructured thinking. So I find that using structured tools relieves the stress of checking to make certain that all bases have been covered.

Content Development Tool

Ironically using boxes makes it easier to think outside the box. I use this content development tool to make sure that I have considered a topic from every direction before I start getting it ready for any audience. This tool works equally as well for planning an interview, a brand, an article, a small meeting, or a major presentation.

Purpose/Getting Attention: What does my audience want to know?

  • What are my main points and ideas?


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • What facts and details support them?


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


Presentation/Keeping Interest: How is it that I will show and tell them?

  • How will it look?


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • How will I say it with simple elegance?


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


Brand YOU/Reader Satisfaction: Why will they be glad they listened?

  • Analysis, predictions, interpretations


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • What value-added will leave my audience feeling satisfied?


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


  • __________________________________________________


Whether you’re inside or outside of the box, you need to know the what, how, and why of the information you’re offering any audience about any topic. That’s why I’m sharing this tool before we begin talking about getting ideas and solving problems.

I use it all of the time. It’s here now, if you need it.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related articles:
Got the Idea. Now What Do I Do with It?
Editing for Quality and a Content Editor’s Checklist
Introducing Power Writing for Everyone
Why Dave Barry and Liz Don’t Get Writer’s Block

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Finding Ideas Outside the Box

Filed Under Branding, Business Life, Outside the Box, Productivity, Strategy, Successful Blog, Writing | 12 Comments

There Is No Box

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There is no box. There never was one. We just got taught to think inside one. You see, it was a management issue. With so many kids to teach at once, it’s more productive to teach one way of thinking than to manage a room full of creativity. . . . So when we weren’t looking, many of us learned the fundamentals of problem-solving, how to color inside the lines, and a way of thinking about things that isn’t all that different from a mime inside a box.

Just like the box that the mime pushes and touches even though you can’t see it. The box that we think inside isn’t real. The way to get out is easy enough–just stop believing in the box.

Life Without the Box

Life without the box is so much easier. It’s as if you now can use all modes of transportation available rather than always having to walk. The resources of your brain are freed up. Even better, it’s a lot more fun, once you get used to it, because thinking outside of the proverbial box involves playing with ideas not just thinking.

DaVinci knew it. So did Einstein. Most inventors couldn’t find the inside of the box if they tried. All great thinkers–folks we call geniuses–know that there’s nothing new to be gathered by staying where everyone else is doing their thinking. So let’s get on with getting out of it.

What You’ll Find Outside the Box

Every day, I’ll offer a strategy and some ideas for approaching your business from a new direction. Each strategy will be flexible and realistic. I’ll show you how to apply it to writing, problem solving, or refining your brand.

To be useful, even thinking outside of the box needs structure, so I’ll be using a problem-solution format. Then within each solution I’ll offer three content subsets: Information, Presentation/Form, and YOU/Function. Those three subheads come directly from What Is Content that Keeps Readers?

So, if you’re ready, I am. Enough with this introduction, let’s let the games begin. Everyone can think like a genius. It only takes a little practice, and a firm commitment to throw away the darn box.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related Articles:
Introducing Power Writing for Everyone
Don’t Hunt IDEAS — Be an Idea Magnet
SEO–Five Traits of Relevant Content

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Guess What’s Coming . . .

Filed Under Business Life, Productivity, Strategy, Successful Blog, Writing | 2 Comments

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I had an idea once.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related articles:

Don’t Hunt IDEAS — Be an Idea Magnet

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