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Overcoming Writer’s Block: Generating Ideas for Blog Post Topics

Image Credit: Barbara B. Nixon & DALL·E

As I was about to write a blog post from scratch for my college public relations students on how to come up with ideas for topics for their blogs, I thought to myself, “Self, is there a quicker way to get started than staring at my monitor?” After a moment or two of staring at my computer monitor, Self said to me, “why not try generative AI?”

ChatGPT

In ChatGPT, I provided the prompt “Helpful Tips To Come Up With Topic Ideas For Blog Posts,” and here’s what it generated:

  1. Consider your audience: Think about who you’re writing for and what topics would interest them. What are their needs, pain points, and questions? What are they passionate about?
  2. Research keywords: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify popular and relevant keywords in your niche. Look for long-tail keywords that are specific and have low competition.
  3. Look for inspiration in your daily life: Pay attention to your experiences, conversations, and observations. What topics have come up in your recent conversations with friends and family? What problems have you encountered and solved recently?
  4. Explore social media: Check out popular hashtags in your niche on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Look for trending topics, discussions, and questions people are asking. Join relevant Facebook groups and follow industry leaders on LinkedIn to get more insights and ideas.
  5. Analyze your competitors: Take a look at what your competitors are writing about. Identify gaps in their content and come up with unique angles to cover the same topics. Don’t copy their ideas but use them as a source of inspiration.
  6. Use brainstorming techniques: Write down as many topic ideas as possible without editing or judging them. Use mind maps, lists, or random word generators to spark your creativity.
  7. Repurpose your old content: Look at your previous blog posts and see if you can update or expand on them. Turn a blog post into a video, podcast, or infographic. Use feedback from your readers to come up with new ideas for your content.

Remember, the key is to be creative, relevant, and engaging. Keep your audience in mind, use data-driven insights, and have fun with your content.

Bard

Then in Bard, I asked provided a similar prompt: “5 unique ways to generate blog post topics.”

Here are five unique ways to generate blog post topics:

  1. Write about your own experiences. What are you passionate about? What do you know a lot about? What have you experienced that you think others would find interesting? Sharing your own stories and experiences is a great way to connect with your readers and make your blog more personal.
  2. Interview experts. If you’re writing about a topic that you don’t have a lot of personal experience with, consider interviewing an expert on the subject. This can be a great way to get new insights and perspectives, and it can also help you build relationships with other people in your industry.
  3. Write about current events. If you want to keep your blog fresh and relevant, write about current events that are related to your niche. This is a great way to stay top-of-mind with your readers and show them that you’re up-to-date on the latest trends.
  4. Write about controversial topics. If you want to generate some buzz around your blog, write about controversial topics. This can be a great way to get people talking and sharing your content. Just be sure to do your research and present both sides of the argument fairly.
  5. Write about things that make you laugh. If you want to lighten the mood and make your readers smile, write about things that make you laugh. This can be a great way to connect with your readers on a personal level and make your blog more memorable.

So . . .

You may be wondering if it’s ethical to use generative AI to help you come up with ideas for posts. Yes, it’s perfectly fine for inspiration for posts — however, your posts in your blog need to be written by YOU, not AI. Your readers will appreciate it, I promise you.

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Keeping Organized in Online Courses

Several years ago, when I was teaching up to ten online courses at a time, I said this: “If I was paid a dollar this semester for every time I heard/read a student say this, I’d be rich. Well, at least I’d have enough for daily Starbucks.”

It’s so confusing having an online class! I can’t ever remember when things are due…

Online courses have become even more popular in the past few years, for painfully obvious reasons. Even if you are an on-campus student, it’s likely you are taking one or more courses online.

The best advice I have for you is this: create a Google Calendar for yourself. (Here’s how.) Your Google Calendar is available from any computer, and it can automatically synchronize with all popular smartphones — which means that you’ll have the ability to know when things are due no matter where you are, 24/7.

Check your online course(s) to see when you have the following:

  • Synchronous lectures (where you are required to log in at a specific time to participate in class)
  • Asynchronous lectures (where the lecture is recorded, and you need to review it by a specific date)
  • Assignments due
  • Quizzes/exams due
    • Be sure you know if the date and time on the exam are when you must START it or FINISH it.
    • Do you need a proctor? (If so, do you need to schedule one on your own?)

Create a calendar entry in your Google Calendar for each item that is due. Set interim deadlines for yourself for larger projects. TIP: You can tell Google Calendar to send you a reminder about any deadline you choose.

You might even want to set a reminder to touch base with your professor, either by email or phone.

And that’s all there is to it. At least, except for the “completing the assignments” part.

Hope you found this helpful.

(NOTE: If you have another calendar method you prefer, and it already works well for you, USE IT. No need to switch. But if you’re having trouble staying on top of your classes, try this method. It’s how I keep myself organized.)

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Top 100 L&D Professional Nominee: Please Vote by November 1

<Shameless plug> I have been nominated for the TOP 100 LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL AWARD. Please vote at https://www.onconferences.com/vote-ld

The Top 100 Learning & Development Professional Award is a peer-voted award that is determined by peer observation of work. Winners represent some of the top learning & development professionals in the entire world.

Please consider voting for me if you have observed me exhibiting any of the following:

  • Made a considerable impact on their organization and/or previous organizations.
  • Made strong contributions to their professional community through thought leadership.
  • Innovated in their role/career.
  • Exhibited exceptional leadership.

</Shameless plug>

Thank you!

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8 Tips for How to Read a College Textbook

A textbook is not a mystery novel. It’s perfectly okay — and even ENCOURAGED — to skip to the end of the chapter/book to see how things turn out.

Here are eight tips for how to read a college textbook:

  1. After reading the title of the chapter, read the chapter preview. In here, you’ll typically find a list of objectives for the chapter, which will let you know what to focus on as you proceed.
  2. Flip through the entire chapter, reading the headings and subheadings only.
  3. Read the chapter summary at the end of the chapter.
  4. Take a look at any discussion questions provided by the author.
  5. THEN, and only then, go back and read through the entire chapter once. Read it beginning to end, without taking notes. Yes, I said to NOT take notes the first time through. Your goal here is to get a complete view of the chapter’s information.
  6. After your complete read through, then go back to the beginning of the chapter, taking notes on the important parts. How do you know what’s important? You will know this by what you have seen in the summary, headings/subheadings, summary and discussion questions.
  7. Finally, even if it’s not required by your professor, create learning journal entries for the chapter by answering the discussion questions. (Definitely use the textbook to help you answer these questions; this is not a test.)

And my eighth and last tip is that if you have an enhanced e-book (rather than hard copy), the publisher often provides practice quizzes and additional resources. Take advantage of them — you’ve already paid for them!

What other advice would you offer to a college student who is reading a textbook?

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Interview with a PR Practitioner

For this assignment in PRCM 2400, you will choose and interview a public relations professional.

In our course in Canvas, submit a Word file with your 500-word (minimum) recap of the interview. In addition to the recap, you’ll need to provide me with the PR professional’s contact information (name, title & company, phone number and e-mail address) at the top of the first page, before your recap of the interview.

Due Date: See our course in Canvas

You may conduct this interview face-to-face interview, via Zoom or phone. An interview that is e-mail or text-based only is not acceptable.

Schedule your interview at least a week before this assignment is due, preferably two. PR professionals sometimes have unpredictable schedules, and it’s possible that you may need to reschedule.

Include an introductory paragraph that introduces the PR professional, including title and company, educational background, etc. Mention your connection to the professional (how you found him/her) and how you conducted the interview (face-to-face, Zoom or phone).

After the interview is over, send your interviewee a thank you note. Handwritten and snail mailed is preferred; emailed is acceptable.

Questions/Topics you need to ask/include:

  • What’s a typical week like? (If no week is typical, then what was last week like?)
  • Tell me about a project you worked on that you are especially proud of.
  • What do you do to keep current in the PR industry?
  • What do you wish you would have known before starting your career in PR?
  • How important is writing in your career?
  • What are your thoughts on the importance of thank you notes?
  • What three tips would you offer someone just starting out in PR?
  • Additional required information to include in your paper
    • After interviewing this person, are you (the student, not the practitioner) more or less likely to want to have a career in PR? Why?
    • What did you write to your interviewee in your thank you note?

Some questions you may wish to ask:

  • Did your education prepare you for working in PR? How?
  • What has surprised you the most about working in PR?
  • How has PR changed since you entered the field?
  • How does technology affect your daily work?
  • When your company is hiring for an entry-level PR position, what makes a candidate stand out?
  • What professional organizations are you involved in? (For example, PRSA, IABC, etc.)
  • Ask for feedback on your resume

Some things you may wish to do:

  • Include a photo of your interviewee. (This can be a photo he or she provides or one that you take yourself.)
  • Link to your interviewee’s LinkedIn profile and/or blog.

Questions?

barbara_is_listening

[NOTE: This must be an informational interview that you conduct this semester. Do not “recycle” an interview that you conducted during a previous semester.]

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Is Your Content Dry as Toast?

Wondering how to take your content that might be a bit dry and make it better for your listeners to learn from? Here are a few suggestions.

  • Tell stories rather than list info when possible
    • Share bold/extreme, relatable examples to stress why your info is critical
    • Are there horror stories you can share that will express the risks of them not paying attention to and using your information? If so, use them.
  • Change format of your presentation to a top 10 list of FAQs on your topic
    • Make the questions sound like they actually would be questions from your learners
    • Ask colleagues who know little about your topic to assist with questions they have
  • Let learners know there will be a quiz at the end
    • This ALWAYS gets people to pay closer attention
  • Use infographics/charts if you need to share numbers
    • Much better than just saying the numbers or showing a too-small Excel sheet
  • Provide LESS content on your slides
    • This will help encourage folks to LISTEN to you, rather than just read the bullets
  • Share a handout or link at the end with the dry but important info
  • And finally, don’t bullet point your learners to death

What other suggestions do YOU have?

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Image Credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1605646

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10½ Ways to Learn the Most in a Virtual Training Session

Even though most of us are beginning to return to the office now, virtual training sessions will continue in many organizations. Here are 10½ ways to help you get the most from a virtual training session.

  1. Book time on your online calendar so that others in your organization will know you are unavailable during the training time. PRO TIP: Add in an extra 15 minutes after the class for your own reflection and wrap-up notes on the training.
  2. Let others in your home or office (ones who don’t have access to your calendar or who you know won’t bother to check your calendar) know that you will be unavailable. PRO TIP: I like to put a sign on my office door letting people know I am in training and when I will be done.
  3. Minimize your distractions. PRO TIPS: Close all browser tabs except for the one(s) you will need during training. Turn off notifications to your computer, phone and watch — if at all possible.
  4. Hydrate! PRO TIP: Have easily accessible double the amount of water you think you might want to drink during the training time. (See Water and Learning: Does Staying Hydrated Help You Learn? for more information on hydrating is important for your brain.)
  5. Move around. Yes, I know this might sound counter-intuitive. Unless your training requires you to have fingers on the keyboard constantly, stand up and stretch often. And when there is break time, walk around your office or home, rather than staying at your computer. PRO TIP: Use a standing desk. I almost can’t recall what it’s like to work while seated all day. (See Movement and Learning for more information on how movement helps your executive brain function.)
  6. Ask questions. For most synchronous training sessions, you will have the opportunity to ask and answer questions either via chat or by voice. PRO TIP: Even if you aren’t able to ask questions live during the session, jot them down as they come to mind, as you may be able to ask them after the session.
  7. Do your prework. Pay careful attention to any emails you may receive from the trainer, as you may need to follow specific steps prior to the training session. PRO TIP: Do the prework at least a day before the session, just in case you run into any issues with software installation, etc.
  8. Show your face by turning on your webcam. For smaller virtual training sessions, your trainer may want to see your face as you are participating in the course to help determine where possible areas of confusion are. PRO TIP: Blur your background if what’s behind you might be distracting to others.
  9. Provide feedback. The best trainers will ask for feedback both during AND after the session. PRO TIP: Be candid in your feedback so that the trainer fully understands what you learned and how you felt about the training.
  10. Take handwritten notes. Research has shown that when you take handwritten notes, you paraphrase more than when you type your notes. Paraphrasing helps you retain the information longer than typing verbatim. PRO TIP: Plan ahead to have fresh pens (in multiple colors, if you’re like me) and a nice notebook handy. (See New Findings Inform the Laptop versus Longhand Note-Taking Debate for more details.)

10½. Never EVER rely on the session recording. Even if the trainer lets you know that the session is being recorded for your use after the class, technology sometimes fails. PRO TIP: Participate in the course as though there will be no recording to review afterward. You don’t want to wish you’d paid better attention during the live session. 

What other tips would you share on learning the most in a virtual training session?

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15 Questions Interviewers Love to Hear

An interview is a two-way street; both the interviewer and candidate are trying to learn as much as possible about each other in a short period of time to determine if there is a fit.

Sometimes job candidates get so wrapped up in trying to develop stellar answers to questions they anticipate being asked that they neglect the flipside of that: coming up with great questions to ASK their interviewers.

Below you’ll find a list of questions to put in your (metaphorical) back pocket the next time you’re being interviewed. Many thanks to colleagues and friends who helped me pull this list together for you. (PRO TIP: Write down your questions before the interview.)

  1. What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?
  2. How has the company changed since you joined?
  3. Why do most employees leave the company?
  4. What could you tell me about the company that I couldn’t find out by Googling?
  5. Tell me about the team that I would manage.
  6. Is this a newly created role? If so, what led you to create the role? If not, tell me about the shoes I would be filling.
  7. What else can I answer for you to help you make this hiring decision?
  8. Tell me what your onboarding process is like for new employees.
  9. Which other teams in this company would I be working most closely with in my new role?
  10. What types of professional development opportunities does your company provide?
  11. What can I do in the first 90 days that shows you made the right decision to hire me? (Ashleigh Rankin)
  12. What specific challenges or problems you would like me to address immediately? (Jack Leblond)
  13. What is the most impactful action a new associate can take in their first 30 days in the role to be successful? (Stephanie Haney)
  14. Tell me about your most successful employees and what they do that makes them so successful. (Ryan Shea)
  15. And ALWAYS remember to ask this question: What is your timeline for the next steps in your hiring process?

Image Credit: Free Stock photos by Vecteezy

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Video Meetings: Boon or Bust?

For almost six years, I’ve been the only remote member (employee, then contractor) for my company. Though I used to work in our office in Arkansas when I lived in the area, my family moved back to Wisconsin, and I was able to continue my position remotely. Not only do I live 750 miles away, at times I feel even further away.

Then, COVID-19 hit. My office in Arkansas where everyone but me worked suddenly shifted to 25 separate home offices. My co-workers were now remote, too.

Our video calls over the past two months have been SO helpful for me to engage with my co-workers. Previously, we communicated primarily via email and phone calls. The calls were primarily conference calls where I was on speakerphone with a roomful of folks in a conference room. Not being able to see faces while we talked, knowing everybody else could see each other, was challenging at best.

Via LinkedIn today, Amber Naslund shared “The reason Zoom calls drain your energy.” The headline alone made me want to dive into the article. One key thought stood out to me:

“Most of our social roles happen in different places, but now the context has collapsed,” says Petriglieri. “Imagine if you go to a bar, and in the same bar you talk with your professors, meet your parents or date someone, isn’t it weird? That’s what we’re doing now… We are confined in our own space, in the context of a very anxiety-provoking crisis, and our only space for interaction is a computer window.”

So even though I have greatly benefitted by video calls with colleagues, I can relate to the content in this article. I know my colleagues, who aren’t used to working from home, are already suffering a bit from the energy drain of being on camera multiple times a day.

My Advice: One thing that helps me is that I only do work video (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) calls from my home office. And I always do social calls from elsewhere in my home — kitchen, living room or sitting area in my home’s entryway, depending on who I am talking to.

What kinds of things are you doing to help avoid burnout from video calls?

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