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20 Writing Prompts for Newsweek Expert Forum Members

Publishing your expertise on a respected site like Newsweek.com is a great way to position yourself as an authority in your field. You've got a built-in audience looking for insights. But what, exactly, should you write about?

Use the 20 prompts below to uncover the specific topics on which you can offer unique expertise. Each question may elicit several ideas, so as you look through the list, jot down all of your ideas. (For instance, you could create a doc called "article idea bank" so that each time you're ready to start a new piece, you have inspiration available.)

  1. Every time you solve a problem in your organization, you've learned something that you can pass on to other leaders. What's the latest problem you solved? How can others use your techniques to solve similar problems?
  2. What is one way you've improved productivity or engagement within your company? What can readers learn from this example?
  3. What is the best advice you can offer other leaders on a topic of your expertise?
  4. Explain why a common misconception is faulty.
  5. What's the most important thing you know about your clients or customers?
  6. What is a current trend shaping the way you conduct business? How should others respond to this trend?
  7. Make 3-5 predictions about what's coming in your industry.
  8. When hiring for [insert a role here], what are the most important things to look for, and why?
  9. What are some unique ways you have improved your organization's relationship with its customers, and how might other businesses do the same thing?
  10. What factors are important to consider when developing a partnership between a business and a community or social good organization?
  11. How did a recent technological, political, or cultural change affect your business? How did you adapt, and what can others learn from this?
  12. On what issue do you find yourself disagreeing with popular opinion? Why?
  13. Ideas are easy to come up with, but how do you execute them? What ingredients are needed for execution?
  14. Describe a mistake you made as a leader, and explain what choices you would make differently, and why.
  15. What marketing or sales tactic works really well for your industry, and why? How have you used this tactic?
  16. What is the #1 management tip for leaders in your industry? Why?
  17. Think of something big you've accomplished lately, and how you did it. Create a step-by-step how-to that others seeking similar success can follow.
  18. Teach readers one high-value business strategy that you use daily.
  19. Many executive professionals find insights in business books, podcasts, or events. What's something you've learned recently that has inspired you to take action, and how did you implement the idea?
  20. Think of a challenge specific to your field (for instance, HIPAA compliance for healthcare companies) and offer tips for managing it.

Any time your mental well is running dry, come back to this list and consider your recent successes to get the ideas flowing again.


This post is part of a series on how Newsweek Expert Forum members can best utilize their personal branding and publishing benefits. If you're not yet a member, see if you qualify

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