Restrictions from COVID-19 lockdown are starting to lift, some children are returning to school, and businesses are beginning to reopen tentatively. It’s all a bit weird and nerve-wracking, but it’s something we shall all experience in our own way over the coming months.
We’ve all adapted to this new way of working and living. Not once in my 48 years did I think that a trip to Tesco would be the highlight of my week! However, here we are. The many Zoom meetings and networks I’ve attended over the recent weeks have changed significantly. In the beginning, there were furrowed brows and many tears (mine included), whereas these days there’s an air of determination and fighting spirit. We are all awakening to this new dawn refreshed and raring to go.
Life can be messy
One of the biggest questions I’m asked is ‘what on earth should I write about?’ That might be for blogging purposes, newsletters to subscribers, or content for social media platforms. Some of my clients want to keep their content professional. However, when their personal lives have been running around in underpants during a Zoom meeting, smearing chocolate buttons up the curtains, or painting the dog with a sharpie, it can be tricky.
I’m fortunate that my three children are grown-up (college, university, and work age), and I’ve never been so relieved to avoid the home schooling phenomenon. All parents have my utmost respect for surviving such a task. With older children comes the variety of music blaring from behind closed bedroom doors, the eating of snacks 397 times a day, and the thump of Tic Tok moves thundering through the ceiling. So what can you write about when the line between professional and personal life is messy?
Be honest and authentic
My advice is to stay true to your authentic self and write about it! The good, the bad, and the ugly. Remember, any content you share on your blog, social platforms, or on your website is written with your target audience in mind. The trials and tribulations going on in your house will, no doubt, be happening in your customers’ homes too.
Turn that into entertaining, uplifting, or helpful content. Here are a few examples:
Your audience will be going through similar experiences and could be feeling unsettled, nervous, or anxious. To discover that you, a respected and trusted connection, is feeling the same way can be enough to give them a boost of confidence.
Don’t underestimate the power of honesty in your written content. After all, people buy from people.
What I did to entertain my audience
Here’s a list of things I’ve done during lockdown, and how I’ve shared it with my audience:
That’s a small portion of my lockdown antics, but it’s kept my audience engaged and communicating throughout the pandemic. I’ve always used humour as a coping mechanism, and it appears my audience appreciate that judging by the fantastic comments I’ve received.
Talking about our current situation, especially as we leave lockdown and begin to ease back into the world, is more critical than ever. Using your experiences and sharing this with your clients or customers will not only keep you and your business in the front of their mind, but they’ll probably thank you for getting them through the tough times.
Embrace the chaos and use it to your advantage, and when your professional and personal lives collide – write about it!
Need help putting it into words?
If you know what you want to say but struggle to put it into words, I can help. It’s my job to ease your personality into your brand storytelling via your blogs, newsletters, social media content, or website copy. Want to find out more? Get in touch for a FREE 30-minute consultation call or email me via authorshelleywilson@gmail.com
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2 Comments
That was a great article indeed. I tend to write about my life stories in a David Sedaris-esque sorta way, so these extra tips would come in handy on finding more topics in my personal life. Thanks for sharing, Shelley!
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Stuart. I love using humour in my stories as it helps you (and your reader) relax and enjoy the content. Keep Sedaris-esquing (I know it’s not a word but it kinda works!), and I’m glad you’ve found some topic inspiration.