bye-bye, blogger’s block

Contrary to our name, which is all about the possibilities, we’ve been having the blog version of writer’s block over here. Notes have been taken, read later, and discarded. Tabs have been opened (oh, the tabs which have been opened) and ignored until our browser crashed or our system needed a reboot (half of us use OSX so it doesn’t happen very often, but it does happen). Research has begun on various and sundry topics, only to be abandoned once it became clear that we are not experts on, say, venture capital or auctions. This is a problem lots of business bloggers face. How can you be regarded as an expert in your field if there are gaps in your knowledge?

We have a secret for you: experts aren’t experts on everything. Here are our tips for banishing blogger’s block (oh, the alliteration) and jump-starting your writing career.

1. Get rid of qualifiers. Read through your post and take out any instances of “I think” and “In my opinion.” You know more than you think you do; sound like it.

2. Post something. Anything. A stale blog is a dead blog, and by the time you’ve come back into the fray your readers may not be reading anymore.

3. Stick with what you know. You started your blog for a reason, right? Maybe you’re working for a mega-corporation; maybe you’re starting your own business. The everyday things that annoy or inspire you are ideal post fodder.

4. Make a list. Look at us, taking our own advice! Lists are a great way to cut knowledge into tasty bite-sized morsels. Good for everyone, and diet-friendly too.

And, finally:

5. Take five. Or, more acurately, twenty-four – hours, that is. Close your blog editor, turn off your RSS feeds, give your computer a well-earned day off. It’s easy to get bogged down and lose sight of what inspires you. Taking a break can clear your mind and make that post you’ve been stressing about come out of hiding.

Once you’re ready to fire up your laptop and try again, there are some great articles out there to get you going. Copyblogger has 5 Simple Ways to Open Your Blog Post, which has some great advice for hooking your readers. Functioning Form passes along some semantics to avoid in Dead Words Walking. Finally, LifeDev titles a post The Best Blogging Advice Ever. Period. and with a statement like that, how can we not believe?

Take it from us: blogger’s block is a pain in the ass. But, just like an actual pain, you’ll feel a lot better once you walk it off.