The $100 MBA Show: MBA2490 – How to Make Time For Content Creation in Your Business

Host: Omar Zenhom
Release Date: July 5, 2024
Duration: Approximately 14 minutes

Introduction to Content Creation Prioritization

[01:12] Omar Zenhom:
Omar opens the episode by addressing a common dilemma among entrepreneurs: the struggle to find time for content creation amidst the myriad responsibilities of running a business. He emphasizes the critical role content plays in brand building and audience engagement, stating, "Content creation is crucial for building our brand... to engage with our audience and drive growth." Omar draws from his extensive experience of publishing over 2,400 podcast episodes and managing two seven-figure businesses to establish his authority on the subject.

1. Prioritizing Content Creation

[02:30] Omar Zenhom:
Omar underscores the necessity of treating content creation as a core component of business strategy rather than an optional task. "Treat content creation as a core part of your business strategy, not just an afterthought." He shares insights from his tenure at Webinar Ninja, where consistent content was pivotal to their growth. By dedicating specific, non-negotiable times each week exclusively for creating content, Omar ensured that content remained a top priority. He advocates for time blocking as a productivity hack, advising listeners to "put it in your calendar and make the time for it." This structured approach prevents content creation from being sidelined by other business activities.

2. Delegating and Outsourcing Content Tasks

[05:15] Omar Zenhom:
Recognizing that content creation involves multiple steps beyond ideation and production, Omar advises entrepreneurs to delegate or outsource non-core tasks. He explains, "Focus on the content creation and let somebody or some people take care of the rest." This includes editing, mastering audio, rendering files, uploading content, and even marketing. Omar suggests leveraging existing team members by identifying tasks they can take on or hiring freelancers and agencies to handle specialized roles. He recommends creating a comprehensive task list to determine which aspects can be outsourced, thereby allowing business owners to concentrate on what they do best.

3. Leveraging Templates and Tools

[07:45] Omar Zenhom:
To streamline the content creation process, Omar highlights the importance of utilizing systems, templates, and tools. "Templates provide a structure that you can follow, reducing the time spent thinking about a format." For instance, he mentions using standardized blog post templates that include an introduction, key points, examples, and a conclusion. Additionally, tools like Canva are recommended for creating visually appealing social media posts quickly. By implementing these resources, entrepreneurs can focus more on content quality rather than getting bogged down by formatting and design decisions.

4. Repurposing Content Effectively

[08:50] Omar Zenhom:
Omar discusses the benefits of repurposing content without compromising quality. He cautions against "hacky" repurposing that diminishes content value but emphasizes that thoughtful repurposing can extend reach and engagement. An example he shares is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s podcast, where an AI voice replicates Arnold’s to transform his weekly newsletter into an audio format. This approach ensures that content remains high-quality while being adapted for different platforms. Omar advises, "Repurpose your content in a way that doesn't lower the quality, but in fact enhances your work and gets it out to more people."

5. Avoiding Overwhelm and Maintaining Consistency

[11:09] Omar Zenhom:
In the latter part of the episode, Omar addresses the risk of overwhelming oneself with content creation. He recommends starting with manageable goals, such as one blog post or one video per week, rather than attempting to produce daily content. "At the start, nail the systems and nail the cadence and nail your consistency and reduce the load." Once a consistent rhythm is established and the underlying systems are in place, entrepreneurs can gradually increase their output. This phased approach ensures sustainability and prevents burnout, allowing content creation to become a lasting component of the business strategy.

6. The Power of Batching Tasks

[13:30] Omar Zenhom:
Closing the episode, Omar introduces the concept of batching—performing similar tasks in dedicated blocks of time to enhance efficiency. "Batching allows you to get more done because you're just focused on doing one type of task." For example, he batches planning sessions separately from recording sessions to avoid the cognitive fatigue associated with task-switching. By organizing tasks into distinct blocks, entrepreneurs can maintain focus and improve productivity, making the content creation process more manageable and less time-consuming.

Key Takeaways

1. Prioritize Content Creation: Treat it as a core business strategy and schedule dedicated time blocks in your calendar.
2. Delegate and Outsource: Focus on creation while delegating editing, publishing, and marketing to team members or external agencies.
3. Utilize Templates and Tools: Streamline processes with standardized templates and efficient tools like Canva.
4. Repurpose Thoughtfully: Extend content lifespan and reach without compromising quality by adapting it for various platforms.
5. Maintain Consistency Without Overwhelm: Start with achievable goals and gradually scale up as systems and rhythms are established.
6. Batch Similar Tasks: Increase productivity by grouping similar activities, reducing mental fatigue from task switching.

Notable Quotes

• Omar Zenhom on Prioritization:
  "If it's important, make sure it's on the calendar. If it's not on your calendar, it doesn't actually happen." [03:45]

• On Delegation:
  "Focus on the content creation and let somebody or some people take care of the rest." [06:00]

• Regarding Templates:
  "Templates provide a structure that you can follow, reducing the time spent thinking about a format." [07:55]

• On Avoiding Overwhelm:
  "At the start, nail the systems and nail the cadence and nail your consistency and reduce the load." [11:15]

• About Batching:
  "Batching allows you to get more done because you're just focused on doing one type of task." [13:50]

Conclusion

Omar Zenhom provides a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs aiming to integrate consistent content creation into their busy schedules. By prioritizing content, delegating tasks, leveraging tools, repurposing intelligently, maintaining a sustainable pace, and batching similar activities, business owners can effectively manage their content strategies without overwhelming themselves. These actionable strategies empower entrepreneurs to enhance their brand presence and drive business growth through disciplined and efficient content creation.

For more insights and practical business lessons, visit The $100 MBA Show.