Statistics would show (if there actually was such a statistic) that a huge number of blogs on the web haven’t been updated since Al Gore invented the Internet.

(True, Gore didn’t really invent the Internet, but then why is so much technology based on an Al-Gore-ithm?)

Many executives, PR people and entrepreneurs start a  blog with all good intentions, posting weekly, then monthly, then every couple of months, then “I don’t remember the last time I posted something.” This makes your site out of date and doesn’t reflect well on your organization. You’re missing out on the benefits of content marketing.

But it’s not so easy to find something to write about, right? I have a simple procedure that will stimulate your creativity, getting you past your writer’s block and back into the grove of blogging.

Here are five creative questions. Pick one and write out your answer. Make it at least 300 words. That’s the first post on your newly resurrected blog. Then pick a second question — and that’ll be your second blog post.

1. Where did you get that idea?

You’re the head of a successful company. Tell us what inspired you to develop the product or service that made you rich.

2. What did you do yesterday at 3:30?

You could blog about your job title or description. Boring!

On the other hand, Lia Lehrer tells me that a very effective interview question focuses on a single moment. Perhaps you were on a call with a prospective client. Write about your sales pitch. Or maybe you were reviewing plans for a new product introduction. Blog about how you select new offerings. (If you were taking a nap, you could write about work-life balance.)

3. What was your first job in high school?

Obviously you are no longer a grocery store bagger, but when you were in that job I bet you learned something about responsibility, customer service and punctuality. Write about it.

4. Who taught you an important lesson?

Your mother, your college economics professor, your mentor…at least one of them encouraged you to do better. An homage to the person from whom you learned it can give your customers insight into why your firm is the right match for them.

5. Which movie character made the greatest impression on you?

If it’s Dopey from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” consider selecting someone else. On the other hand, if it’s a character who exemplified great leadership or severely screwed something up, you can write about how these talents, or lack thereof, apply to the business world.

Start Typing

Let’s not overthink this. The Five Question Technique is just a quick way to find a simple topic that, without any research or team meetings, you can discuss in a way that will engage your customers in your work.

This is what the experts call “content marketing” — using storytelling to build your brand. I can help you think through the five questions that would be the best for you, and in so doing, work with you to jumpstart your nearly forgotten blog. Contact me to learn more.