%% date:: [[2022-01-03]], [[2022-08-14]], [[2022-11-02]], [[2023-01-04]] %% # [[Idea Generation]] The initial barrier to [[Content Creation]] is coming up with a good idea. However, **ideas are cheap**. The best idea is worthless if you can't convey it well. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4zrs_vVRwD4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ## Frameworks ### [[Personal Knowledge Management]] I'm putting PKM here, but it's not *just* for idea generation-- it's a system for thinking and producing on its own. In the context of idea generation, however, cultivating a [[Zettelkasten]] or [[Second Brain]] is the best, most organic way to come up with ideas for the following reasons: - Topics in your PKM are already topics you're interested in. - You're never starting from nothing if you let ideas build up naturally, bottoms-up. - A good PKM facilitates linking ideas in novel ways. ### [[The Endless Idea Generator]] The Endless Idea Generator is [[Ship 30 for 30]]'s method for quickly listing topics that you can create content about. Their focus is short-form written content, but the framework works with any type of content. ### [[Forms]] Create common templates out of popular work you come across. Thinking in terms of forms and templates helps you not start from an empty page-- it's often easier to fill in a form than to write from scratch. ### Listen for signals Numbers aren't everything, but they are *something*. You should never let numbers overwhelm your creativity, but numbers also give you feedback that you may not be able to get anywhere else. Pay attention to what people respond to and double down on it. You can also increase the chances of signals being returned by: - Distilling your content into shorter-form content with short feedback loops, like Twitter. [^ship30] - Setting up ways to gather metrics and reviewing them regularly. - Soliciting feedback within the content itself, and making sure others have a way to respond. - Use sites like [Answer the Public](https://answerthepublic.com) or community forums for your niche and pay attention to what people are asking. [^davella] ### Embrace randomnness Sometimes, the chaos of randomness can kickstart creativity and get you out of creative ruts. Using [[Random Tables]] that are tailor-made for your industry or topic can help spark ideas you might not have otherwise thought of in the same context. ## Bangers and ~~mash~~ fillers Not every idea is a good one-- but they don't all have to be. Realistically speaking, it's very difficult to come up with a fantastic idea *and deliver on it* with every piece of work. Instead, [[Matt D'Avella]] suggests thinking of ideas in terms of bangers and fillers. [^davella] Bangers are ideas that you *know* will be hits, but they take a long time to flesh out. Fillers are ideas that are still good, but may not have universal appeal and may be easier to produce than bangers. When creating content, accept that you'll make a larger amount of fillers than bangers, and this cadence will be more sustainable. ## Related - [[Idea generation for thought leadership content]] [^ship30]: Bush, D. and Cole, N. (2022). *Ship 30 for 30*. [[Ship 30 for 30|The course]]. [^davella]: D'Avella, M. (2020). *Master YouTube*. Retrieved from https://slowgrowth.com