In a previous post, a simple, three-step plan killed two birds with one stroke.
- It ensures an endless supply of business blog post ideas
- It prevents being overwhelmed by new information
It starts with the What I Want to Learn list.
How Much Time Do We Have?
If I created a list of everything I wanted to learn, I would never write another post.
I’d be too busy adding to the list.
In the interest of brevity, I’ll pick seven items for my list.
- Seven seems to be the magic number for lists
- I’m a middle child of seven
- Seven is less than ten
The Simple Seven
Here is my list of seven business-related items.
1.Affiliate Marketing
I know, I know – nothing new about affiliate marketing – except if you are a procrastinator like I am.
I want to figure out the whole affiliate marketing thing. I just haven’t gotten around to it. You are going to find that most items on this list are here for the very same reason.
2. Google+
Sure, I said I was an early adapter – very unlike me. But, the truth be told, I hopped on and fell asleep at the wheel.
I think I’ll love it, but I need to spend some time and see what the heck I want to do with it. I really need to know how (and if) it fits into my social media strategy.
3. Non-fiction Writing
I’m like most writers and want to write the next great American novel. But, I also want to get a non-fiction book or two out there.
I don’t know nothing about birthing no book. So, it’s on the list for finding out the how-to. Actually doing it is an item for another list.
4. Test drive Note-taking Software
A recent post looked at a few options. I want to see if I fall in love with one or the other or if it goes like so many of my software programs – dying from lack of attention.
5. Klout
Klout is another platform that I want to learn about, but I seem to find other items that take precedence – like sleep, client projects, and making To Do lists.
6. Quora
I’m on a roll now with this Learn More About theme.Quora fits in with Klout, Google+ and a million other “tools.” I need to get to that tool shed.
7. QR Codes
I’m not sure if these are the newest version of the Rorschach test, but these strange-looking blobs pique my interest. It finishes my list of seven if for no other reason than to satisfy my curiosity.
Now What?
Step two of the three-step plan is Pick one and write about it.
That’s what I’m going to do and you get to go along for the ride.
- I’ll research each item
- Tell you what I think
- And ask you for your view
Together, we can knock these down to size.
P.S. If you are already an expert on any of these items, please do not try to sell me the next great online tool. It’s not on my list.
How about you? What’s on your What I Want to Learn list?
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Oh no! Please don’t become another of those Klout-obsessed types. There is nothing more useless yet filled with self-importance out there in social media right now.
As for nonfiction books, here are a few books you might want to check out:
1. Damn! Why Didn’t I Write That?
2. The Author 101 series (Rick Frishman is one of the authors)
I know I own a few others that are good, but they’re packed away right now. 🙁 It’s definitely easier to find books on fiction writing, but there are some gems on this side too. However they tend to cover the marketing side more than writing. So there’s a nonfiction book topic for you — the art of writing a nonfiction book. 🙂
Jenn-when have you ever known me to get obsessed about anything? LOL! 😀 I usually start it and don’t finish it.
These are just a few of the million things I plan to check out just to see what they’re about. I’ve received a few Klout messages from people and wondered what the heck it was all about. I may decide, like you, it’s not worth it.
I did buy your 1st book (per a suggestion on one of your posts). I enjoyed it.
My question (out of total ignorance) is how strong the publishing world is at giving advances on non-fiction (which is much of what the author found great about the genre). With such a prevalence of self-publishing, I wasn’t sure if it was as strong a market as it once was.
I’ll have to c heck out the 101 series. Thanks for the suggestions, Jenn.
If you’re packed, does that mean you found a house?
What a great list, Cathy! I especially can’t wait for the affiliate marketing & QR codes updates – they’re a couple of things that pique my interest too. I’ve never even heard of Quora…LOL! I’m so behind with the digital times…..
Nicky, you at least have the excuse of doing 12 jobs. 😀 Me, I just have never been an early adapter (that’s why Google+ was so unusual).
It’s a middle child of 7 syndrome-I hate being like everyone else! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Nicky.
Oh you have me thinking now. I love your blog and posts. I am going to come up with a list of what I want to know as well. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Jackie: Thank you for the nice words.Glad I could inspire. Let us know when you have your list. I love reading other’s posts on that kind of thing. I always learn something new.
Thanks for stopping by, Jackie.