I’ve had a few days away in Berlin, which was definitely some R&R time for me. But when you’re a small business owner, then you’re never entirely off. And as content is my business, then ideas and inspiration are my stock in trade.
Thankfully, ideas are all around, particularly when you’re somewhere new. Or maybe when you’re in switched off mode, things appear differently to you. So, while I wasn’t really actively hunting for content, then there were all kinds of things that might get worked into future posts. Here’s some ideas I’m mulling over:
Great content is a (half) marathon
The excuse for being in Berlin was for my (then) partner to run in the half marathon. Which he did, successfully. These events always make me marvel at people’s efforts. How some make it look so effortless. The sheer grit and determination of others to just keep going. The camaraderie and support.
I am sure that there are some rare beings that can whizz through a half marathon with no effort and get a spectacular time. For most, it takes training and effort.
There’s a parallel with content. Of course, your first piece of content may go viral and make your fortune. For most, it takes turning up, every day, making great content and having great conversations with your tribe. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep having great ideas. Keep going.
Tell your story wherever you can
I loved this place, which is the Happy Go Lucky Hotel. Sadly, not where we were staying. But I love that the building becomes part of the story, the ethos.
It wasn’t always like that, looking at their website. The original facade of the hotel was very dull. It would have been ok to have turned up at. But how much more exciting when you turn up to this? I can’t decide whether to book a Darth Vader, a Storm Trooper or a rainbow heart next time.
Just goes to show you can turn everything you do into part of your story. Where else could you tell yours?
Ideas and sunshine
Of course, when in Berlin there are many things you want to get to see. This time I went to the East Side Gallery for the first time. I took quite a lot of different photos of different pieces, which inspire different possible ideas.
I love this one. To me, this is about when the idea is right, it makes the uphill climb easier. What do you see?
Be human
Another one from the East Side Gallery. This is definitely in line with my frequent call of making the most of your own voice. I wrote about a great brand that had lost its voice, lost the nature of being a human in its content. Get human is the best idea in all kinds of things.
And if you’re in Berlin in and want to be reminded of what happens we forget to be human, then I highly recommend the stretch of wall, and its fortifications, along Bernauer Straβe.
Your story is not finished
Almost back to the marathon analogy, and so true. Your story is not finished. You can always find new ways of telling your story, not to mention new parts to your story. Keep thinking and adding to it.
So, just five things, that took seconds out of the day. I wasn’t hunting for them but was open to seeing stuff. I may use everything I saw, and I might not. What I’m hoping for is intriguing, eye-catching and interesting stuff that isn’t necessarily the same as everyone else’s.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that you have to take off on a city break to find great content. Just always be open to seeing stuff.
Where did you spot something for content recently?
