The Snapshot

The Problem: Staring at a blinking cursor because you feel like you have nothing new or brilliant to say.

The Fix: The Sent Folder Shortcut — A method for capturing the high-value expertise you already share with clients and colleagues.

The Result: Rapidly filling your to-write list with authentic, validated ideas without starting from scratch.

The Insight

You don’t have an ideas problem; you have a capture problem. Every day, you explain complex concepts, solve problems, and offer strategic advice in your sent emails, Slack threads, and client calls. That is your most valuable content. It is already written, already validated by a real person, and already reflects your expertise. Content creation isn't always about inventing something new—it’s about harvesting the work you’ve already done.

The Method: The Sent Folder Shortcut

1. Mine Your Outbox

Look for any email longer than three paragraphs. Usually, these are responses where you’ve explained a process, defended a strategy, or answered an important question. Copy that text. You’ve already done the intellectual labor; now you just need to format it for a wider audience.

2. Transcribe the Natural Version

If writing feels like a chore, stop. Record yourself explaining a concept to a client or colleague (with permission) or just talk into a voice memo app. Note: AI is excellent here for transcribing the audio. It captures your natural speaking voice—which is usually more engaging and less corporate than formal writing.

3. Edit the Insight

Take that raw material—the email or the transcript—and identify the single core nugget of advice. Clean it up, add a headline, and deposit it into your content bank. You now have an asset that can be used as a LinkedIn post, a newsletter segment, or the foundation of a larger guide.

Note: Suspect I’ve done just that here? You’re right. This field note started as an email to a client who felt "stuck."