Six Things I Learned Creating 6 Months of Content in Advance
Call me crazy, but here’s the thing… as your business starts to grow, so does the importance of creating a plan and a system for your content. A few months ago, as a part of my preparation for my maternity leave, I decided that - in order to take care of my business while I was away and feel cool, calm, and collected in the process - I would create six whole months of content in advance! Sounds crazy, right? Well, maybe, but it’s also meant more time, less stress, and more ease for me, my family, and my business. Totally worth it.
Here are six things I learned in creating 6 months of content in advance:
ONE. Better But Scary Things Ahead.
Before all of this, I was spending a ton of time and energy creating content, but it wasn’t very effective, focused, or attached to my paid offers. It felt good at the time, because it was forward moving, business-building action… but it was also safe and time consuming. What I discovered was that my resistance to creating content in advance was tied to the fact that, without that item on my to-do list, I’d have more time on my plate and more of a reason to take brave (and scary) actions!
TWO. Mind the Gap.
In the process of creating content in advance, you’ll see gaping holes in your business that you’ve never noticed before. You’ll be tempted to fill all of them. Because let’s face it… updating your branding, website, social media strategy, current offers and funnels? We’ll they’re so much more fun (and a whole lot less risky) than following through on this big project that will uplevel your business. Here’s my advice: see the holes, wave hello, write them down on your to-do-someday list, and fill only the ones that are absolutely necessary. Then? Continue on with your brave action, lady!
THREE. FOMO Hits Hard.
I worried… if I plan in advance, how will I keep things relevant? How will I keep up with the trends? Will it take the joy out of showing up in my business? The truth is that planning your content in advance doesn’t mean that you can’t shift things, show up, or improvise in the moment. What it does is give you the option to not have to spend so much time or feel the pressure to create should life or business get busy!
FOUR. Release Control, Embrace Imperfection.
More than ever, this journey has forced me to create more and worry less. For that, I am completely and utterly grateful.
FIVE. Hello, Insecurity!
Usually, I’m a fairly confident person, but there’s something about planning and creating in advance that feels so permanent and professional. In those moments, my inner critic comes out. Was I qualified? Was I prepared? Am I creating the “right” things? For me, this project was 30% systems and strategy and 70% mindset. Fortunately, I pushed past the insecurity. When I did, I was so surprised - sitting down to record my foundation content pieces took less than five hours! I firmly believe that inner-confidence is essential, but sometimes there’s a time and a place to just do-the-thing and let our feeling catch up. You might just prove your insecurity wrong.
SIX. Batch + Outsource.
When you’re creating content on such a large scale, trying to do it all yourself will drive you crazy. This project - creating 6 months of content in just a few weeks - has forced me to delegate more and become more efficient by batching and outsourcing. Not only did batching and recording 10 videos at once help them to flow together better, but it meant that I only had to do my hair, set up my camera and mic, and get myself mentally prepared ONE TIME instead of ten.Want more? Get started with the first step-- that's being smart about how you repurpose your content. In my free PDF, The Creative Content Workbook, I show you how to turn one piece of original content into 10 impactful pieces with ease. Download your free guide here.