Writer’s block is a frustrating phenomenon that just about every content creator, marketing professional, and communications expert has had to deal with.

“You can’t write that lead. You feel like you’re crafting the same content you did yesterday. Wait, or was that last week? You can’t imagine how to find another way to talk about your core topic,” says Content Marketing Institute’s Ann Gynn.

How do you get yourself out of this rut? Instead of staring at your blank screen, try some creative tactics recommended by marketing professionals.

André Rampat, director and cofounder of CorporateLeaders Communications, recommends grabbing some building blocks—such as Lego blocks—and labeling each one with a relevant word. Put together random blocks and see if the string of words sparks a new angle on an idea.

“The idea is to get away from the linear thinking and play around with different ideas and connections that you might not have ever thought of,” Rampat says. “All the combinations—and resulting ideas—can be examined and expanded to see if they can be viable.”

If you lack motivation to complete a project, try to find one element of it that’s interesting—or at least unique—to spark some inspiration.

“This can be tough, but typically one piece relates to my life or catches my attention. Once I’ve found that element, I research the heck out of it and focus on that concept,” says Tyler Tassinari, digital marketing director at Three29 Web Design and Digital Marketing.

Prepare Your Communications Team for the Next Challenge

Is Your Communications Team Ready for 2020’s Next Big Crisis? https://t.co/Htxz4Weuu6 #npmc

— Nonprofit Marketing Guide (@npmktgd) June 25, 2020

Certainly 2020 has thrown its fair share of challenges at organizations and their communications teams. But new challenges surely lie ahead, which means organizations need to be ready to respond.

“Your organization should have a designated crisis team that you can mobilize quickly if needed. This group will likely include your CEO or executive director, your head of communications, and your board chair,” says Peter Panepento on the Nonprofit Marketing Guide. “This group should be considered always on call and empowered to make rapid decisions about how it should handle a crisis.”

Other Links of Note

Want to better connect with your team? Drop these common work phrases, says Yessi Bello Perez on The Next Web.

One way event planners can continue to market and grow their networks during the pandemic is by using content, says Rafael Indyarta on Association Chat.

Changing your brand’s perception requires an always-on content marketing approach, says Marketing Insider Group’s Michael Brenner. He breaks down the key steps to this strategy.

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