Setting your sights on a target gives you power and direction
The web is full of ‘how to’ advice on better blogging and for the most part the recipe goes a little something like this: publish frequently, provide useful content (ideas) and
I don’t disagree with the recipe, the problem is that for the most part anybody with something relevant to say can do this and so here then lies the problem: If everyone follows the same advice then what is distinctive about your blog? about you?
To counter this, the recipe I follow for my innovation blog is very simple: Declare war on your enemies.
Pick an enemy
An enemy can be a mindset, ideologies, concepts, another blogger or person with whom you don’t agree with, a brand, a competitor, etc you get the picture. For me personally my enemy is my country’s (Mexico) ‘more of the same’ ‘me too’ copycat behavior and fixed mindset. A recent post might provide you some clues into why this is the case…
Have a BIG idea
The key is to have a BIG idea that counters your enemies POV and then present it in a better or different way. The clarity of ‘declaring war on your enemies’ strategy fills you with direction and purpose which feeds your passion because when you have an enemy you have something you are displeased with to shoot at.
An example is Apple’s ‘I’m a Mac/I’m a PC’ ads that paint Microsoft as boring, people took notice because Apple took a stand and it ignited passion in their fans…people love a good fight!
Don’t be afraid to polarize people
Not everyone will agree with what you have to say and when you take opposites you’ll create enemies and as terrifying as this sounds, it’s actually a good thing because you’re making your stand and people take notice. The key here is to arouse yours and others emotions!
Brand yourself or be branded
This strategy is working for me and has resonated with some of my fellow tweeps such that a few weeks ago I was surprised to see @ThinkTank_ (innovation consultancy) tag me with the ‘innovation insurgent’ moniker on a tweet! I was extremely happy to see this as it clearly states what I’m about and soon other tweeps gave me their thumbs up 
Although I know I don’t put enough useful information (in my opinion) and could do a better job of presenting actionable ideas, I think my blog presents a distinct and authentic POV as everything I post there is clearly directed at the things I’ve encountered in my young personal as well as professional life.
This strategy can work wonders for you too but there’s a difference between being useful and passionate, being useful can get you going but being passionate can propel you new heights! Any of the (___) for Dummies! books is useful, Leading the Revolution by Gary Hamel on the other hand is passionate; mix the two together and you have Seth Godin!
Bottom line is be passionate in your blogging!
Action steps:
- Direct your energies towards a frustration you have and declare war on it. As stated above this can be a person, competitor, idea, concept, etc, we all have one.
- Search for people who fit your frustrations and pick a fight. These can be ‘opinion leaders’ who’s egos are getting too big and you might just be the one to give them a wake up call.
- Declare war on yourself and challenge your own assumptions. Keep your mind moving as you’re likely to spur some competition and you need to keep yourself on your heels to counter and learn.
To conclude I leave you with a quote that speaks the truth: Where all think alike, no one thinks very much by Walter Lippman
http://twitter.com/jorgebarba/status/11458881984
What say you?
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