Do This Before You Start Making Content

David Baker, in his book "The Business of Expertise," provides an insightful exercise that can be a game-changer for anyone looking to create valuable content. He introduces a concept that is somewhat similar to a military exercise called "Drop and Give Me 20." In the military, this means that if you're in good physical condition, you should be able to drop and give 20 push-ups right now. Baker translates this idea into the realm of professional expertise.

Step 1: Brainstorm 20 Valuable Things You Know

Think about 20 things in your life that you know well enough that they could be valuable to someone to the point where they would pay you to know those things. Sit down and meticulously brainstorm these 20 nuggets of wisdom or skills. This is the foundation of creating your content.

Step 2: Structure and Outline

Your first time articulating an idea should not be on camera or in front of an audience. Take your time to build a structure and outline what you want to say about each of these 20 things. This will help you present your information more coherently and clearly.

Step 3: Research and Support

Find supporting information for your topics. This could include conducting additional research, finding relevant quotes, or citing credible sources. Doing so will add more depth and credibility to your content.

Step 4: Create Meat on the Bones

Once you have your structure and supporting information, you now have meat on the bones of your content. This enriched content will make you sound more informed and credible.

Step 5: Choose Your Platform

The beauty of this exercise is its versatility. You can do this on any platform—be it a blog, a YouTube channel, a podcast, or social media. The key here is to be prepared and well-informed before you hit the "publish" button.

With these steps, you can produce content that is not only informative but also credible and engaging. By preparing adequately, you set yourself apart as an expert in your field.

Keywords

Expertise
Valuable Information
Content Creation
Structure
Research
Credibility
Platform

FAQ

Q: What is the "Drop and Give Me 20" exercise about?
A: It's a method introduced by David Baker in his book "The Business of Expertise." The idea is to brainstorm 20 things you know that could be valuable enough for someone to pay you for that knowledge.

Q: Why should I not articulate my idea for the first time on camera?
A: Your first time articulating an idea should be well-structured and researched to make sure your content is coherent and credible.

Q: How can I add depth to my content?
A: Add supporting information, conduct thorough research, and include quotes and credible sources to make your content more robust.

Q: Can I apply this exercise on any platform?
A: Yes, this exercise can be utilized on various platforms like blogs, YouTube channels, podcasts, and social media to create well-prepared and valuable content.

Q: What's the benefit of this exercise?
A: The main benefit is creating content that is well-informed, structured, and valuable, setting you apart as an expert in your field.