Ah, time to write the blog again. Let me ask you something, how did you read that last statement? In your mind was it “Ah, this is going to be the time of day I get to relax and express my thoughts?” Or what it is closer to “Oh my god, I’m so brain numb I have nothing interesting to say and this is going to take me four hours to push out?”
Hey we all have those days when we are tired or maybe a little less inspired, but if you find yourself dreading the blog-writing process every time you sit in front of your computer, you may be suffering from Brander’s Block.
Brander’s Block is what I call those times when you feel like you have no access to your voice. Maybe you feel blank or maybe you just feel uninteresting. It happens to all of us sometimes, but what you have to look out for is when an extended block starts to erode your confidence. You may start to feel shaky or unsure of yourself and then your creativity really does get damned up.
Have no fear, you can get out of prose paralysis. You can reclaim your name to brand fame, but you may need some technical support. Believe me, you have a beautiful voice inside, you just need to build your singing muscles to get it out!
Here are some tips to help you clear your throat:
1. Practice, practice, practice. As Woody Allen said, 80% of success is just showing up. So I challenge you to make a practice of writing. It doesn’t have to be blog writing, just get words on the page. The more you do it, the easier it will be. It’s just like running. If you do it every day, it’s much less daunting than if you do it once a week.
2. Put pen to paper. Hey, I like my laptop as much as the next blogger, but there is nothing like writing by hand to tap your creative voice. The slowness of it forces you to stay present with each thought longer. They must marinate in your brain before your finally release them through the ink which keeps you in the state of creation longer.
3. Pay attention to things you are tempted to edit. Of course, it’s important to edit your work, but don’t be too hasty. Sometimes those flickers of irreverence, silliness or vulnerability are the nuggets of your most authentic and compelling brand voice.
4. Do edit the voices in our head. Sometimes the chorus is so loud you can’t hear yourself sing. Who’s voice is drowning yours out? Is it a critical teacher? Maybe it’s a loving parent you don’t want to disappoint. Practice saying “Thank you, I hear you, but I’ve got this one.”
You may not be ready for Carnegie Hall just yet, but if you follow these tips, soon your brand voice will pour out and your audience will take notice.
I love to hear your voice!
How do you overcome brander’s block?
Post your answers below in the comments or find me on Facebook.
If you would like to use this article on your website or ezine, feel free! Just be sure to include the following:
Heather Poduska is a brand strategist, business coach and opera singer who helps entrepreneurs and small business owners create client attractive brands, polished brand images and brand communication strategies to increase their visibility and impact in the marketplace and grow their businesses.
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