Do This Before You Start Making Content

Introduction

In the book The Business of Expertise, David Baker introduces an exercise called "Drop and Give Me 20." This phrase, reminiscent of the military command challenging a soldier's physical fitness, is adapted to a mental exercise meant to help you discover your own expertise.

Discover Your Value

The concept is simple: sit down and list 20 things that you know well enough that someone would pay you to learn from you. This exercise helps you identify the valuable knowledge and skills you possess. Don't rush this process. Take your time to reflect and jot down these 20 things meticulously.

Structuring Your Thoughts

Your first attempt at articulating these ideas should not happen spontaneously in front of a camera. Instead, take the time to build structure and outline your thoughts. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Brainstorm and List: Spend time identifying your 20 valuable knowledge areas.
Outline: Create a structured outline for each topic. Define what you want to say clearly.
Research: Support your ideas with research. Find quotes, data, and other sources to back up your points.
Draft: Write a detailed draft incorporating your outline and research.

Adding Substance to Your Content

With your structured thoughts and supporting materials in place, your content will have more substance and depth. This approach ensures that your final output is well-rounded and informative, making you sound like a knowledgeable expert.

Platforms and Presentation

Finally, consider the platform where you'll be sharing your content. Whether it's a blog, video, or social media post, having well-prepared content will make a significant difference.

Keyword

Expertise
Content Creation
Value Identification
Research
Structured Outline
David Baker
The Business of Expertise
Valuable Knowledge

FAQ

Q: What is the "Drop and Give Me 20" exercise about? A: It's an exercise to help you identify 20 things you know well enough to be paid for, reflecting on your areas of expertise.

Q: Why should I avoid articulating my ideas spontaneously on camera? A: Planning and structuring your thoughts helps you present your ideas more clearly and confidently.

Q: How should I start outlining my ideas? A: Begin by brainstorming your 20 valuable knowledge areas, then organize these into a structured outline.

Q: How important is research when preparing content? A: Research is crucial; it supports your ideas with credible information, making your content more informative and trustworthy.