Well Hello, and Happy October. I’m back from honeymoon and raring to go - which is a nice feeling as I wondered if I would be!

While I was away I had vowed not to make any reels on Instagram. But (and this is probably no surprise), I did!

Because, well, I think I’m a bit obsessed with content.

As one of the songs we use on there goes, ‘Everything is content, everything is content… don’t forget to film it…’

I simply couldn’t not see things as content. From the waves on the Durness coast, to the statues at a fancy hotel.

And I don’t regret making the films I did! I definitely had a case of content FOMO.

The question is, is everything really content?

It’s actually worth noting that content is the same as ‘content’ - happy. But content doesn’t always make me happy. Does it make you happy?

Making, creating, loading, then watching to see what reaction I get - it can be quite stressful!

The thing with content is, we can be so focused on making it that we forget the ‘why’. We’re so busy with the doing of it we forget the reason we’re creating.

I am often so caught up in using a trending audio, that my message can get blurred.

Many people have a content plan, and I do make one each month. I write down key dates, days, plans and things I want to promote.

But the nature of content is that it’s ever-changing, and I think the journalist in me is used to adapting to the news.

And as many of us realised, when something huge happens in the national news, we have to change our content schedule to keep up with, and respect that.

The death of Queen Elizabeth the Second showed us that we often just need to step back - that content isn’t the most important thing. That some days, dancing on Reels or TikTok isn’t appropriate.

While planning is a good idea, I’d also caveat that it’s important not to let the news take over your plans. Do you really need to make spooky reels because it’s Halloween ‘month’?! Or, actually, does your business have nothing at all to do with anything spooky?

Making content for the sake of it, or to satisfy a hashtag or national day can be a waste of your precious time.

As can spending hours on video - I often find the ones I make on the go, in a rush, even, do best! It’s something we have to keep our eye on - if we’re going to create the content, don’t forget to see how it performs, or who shares, likes or saves it. See how it’s working for you to add that into the future plans you make for your content.

So, how to find a balance with the content feels?

Here’s three things I would advise:

1: Think first and foremost about who you are trying to reach. Who is the target customer or client? Do they care?

2: Plan a skeleton of content. Look up special calendar days, then think of how YOUR business relates. Perhaps you could talk about taking the fear out of business for halloween, for example. Be open to shifting things around, and think about how to spin that day or event to showcase your offering. Having the bones of the month’s plan means you won’t get too distracted by that new audio or a curveball in the news that’s not relative to your business.

3: Follow content creators for inspo. Following the people who make content for a living will show you how it’s done, plus they often share ideas and tips.

Do you content plan? Do you get content FOMO? Let me know!

And if you’d like to talk about YOUR content plans, get in touch to chat about a new offering I’m planning where I’ll help you kick start your content and get going with everything from blogs and reels to Linked In and more…

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COMING UP IN OCTOBER

One on one coaching

I have opened my diary for one on one coaching. If you are considering bringing coaching into your life for your business and freelance plans, then give me a shout and let’s set up a call!

Coaching is powerful - I warn you, you’ll discover things that’ll get you planning, moving and doing! Clients who are stuck, worried, nervous, un-confident are now showing up for their business, and telling me how much coaching has helped.

Get in touch to set up a chat about how coaching can help you.

CV workshops

There are three CV workshops for freelancers this month. Two are for anyone who is a freelance writer, copywriter or journalist and the other one is specifically about small business CVs. Yes, you need them too!

Come and join me to find out why you need one, how to begin it and how to make it stand out in a very crowded market.

All the workshops bookable via Eventbrite

Group Coaching spaces now ready to book!

Freelance Fire is group coaching for anyone who works for themselves. You don’t have to be freelance, you could run a small business. It runs with just five people so we all have a chance to share and collaborate. It also includes a CV audit, and a one on one session, plus email contact through out November.

If you feel like you’ve lost your spark, and even like you might want to ditch freelancing for good, this course will help you find focus, commitment and oomph!

Full details and booking link here

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I’ll see you for a mid-month missive!

Jenny 🌵