Repurpose that!

Now’s the time of year when escaping the hustle bustle of everyday life is top of mind. That might mean work or school or any daily routine. For me, it means exploring new scenery — a drive to a different city, a trip around the lake, hiking a new trail or even train travel. My new experiences also mean content for my writing.

Repurpose: to give a new purpose or use to

I’ve talked about writing prompts to get your writing juices flowing, but how about the idea of repurposing ideas or content and save yourself some work in the process?

In my blogs, I write about communications and small business; topics I’m passionate about. I draw content from my many years in communications and branding and what I’ve learned working with small business owners.

But there are other ways I turn experiences into content for my writing. Like these, for example.

• As a Toastmaster member, my learning path requires me to write speeches. I leverage my adventures for topic starters. That might include work experience, small business ideas, hiking trips, travel, etc.
• Some of my speeches feed my blogs. Sometimes my blogs feed my speeches. For example, I recently delivered remarks about summer adventures and how they provide fodder for speeches. Now I’m blogging about it.
• I enjoy the mental and physical aspects of hiking. That content is great for my social spaces, particularly TikTok. I also used the experience of my most epic hike for a contest speech. (Imagery is also a bonus, like the shot of St. John’s, Newfoundland above).
• By starting my own passive small business, I draw ideas to write web content and future blogs.
• Thinking about my communications background, leading a talking circle for international students learning English was a natural fit.

Adventures expand the way we see and interact with the world. They allow us to see the world differently. How can you repurpose your experiences for writing content and save yourself some work?