Here's why I write and how I do it
Enjoyed my content so far? Here's why I do what I do.
Enjoyed my posts so far? I haven't shared this before, but here's why I write on LinkedIn - and how I write.
Not your typical LinkedIn posts
It won't take long for you to notice that I don't write like others on LinkedIn.
- I don't use AI to churn out content.
- I don't post inane stuff.
- I don't reuse my posts.
- I give credit where it's due.
- I don't write about stuff I can't add to.
And I don't even have anything to sell you!*
*Should I?
Why I write
In April 2023, I realised with a start that I've never written for myself despite writing professionally for 15 years.
Sure, every day I punch out:
- EDMs.
- Blog posts.
- White papers.
- Marketing collaterals.
- Thought leadership content.
And so I started writing daily on LinkedIn - I'm now on day 533 of my streak.
Other reasons:
- I'm honing my writing.
- Writing clarifies my thoughts.
- Comments help me learn more.
- Sharing improves my understanding.
- I enjoy interacting with like-minded folks.
How I write
The problem with most news reports is the huge amount of banal, self-congratulatory details. I personally can't stand them.
So I do this instead:
- Stripe away the superfluous.
- Flesh out pertinent details.
- Explain why it matters.
- Add in personal insights.
- Structure for ease of reading.
Most important though, is this: I write posts that I myself would enjoy reading.
What encourages me
Of late, I've asked a few of my friends what they liked about my posts. Amazingly, everyone gave me a different response.
Here's a few of them:
- You make people think.
- I understand the issue now.
- I enjoyed the insights you shared.
- You help me understand the industry.
- My husband was impressed by what I knew^.
^Feedback of the year.
What next
I'm convinced that the future of news isn't bland, regurgitated content that AI can write. But interesting, insightful stuff that's fun to read.
- For now, know that I'm extremely encouraged by the thoughtful comments many of you shared.
- And for those who've called me or texted me - because you can't publicly comment, keep them coming.
I don't know everything. But I do know that through these interactions, any ignorance on my part won't last forever.
What about you? What would you like to see more of?
