One easy method for easing your workload

If you received a classical education, or if you simply enjoy mythology, you will recognize this story as the Greek myth of Sisyphus. Poor Sisyphus never catches a break. His arduous task repeats itself daily for eternity.

My question to you is: Why are you behaving like Sisyphus?

I often talk to writers and corporate communicators who do the same thing again and again every week—seldom recognizing that they are doing unnecessary work. Whenever I hear from writers or editors who are frustrated about having too much to do, I ask, “Do you have any content templates?” Usually, the reply is, “What does that mean?”

Here’s the scoop.

Similar to a graphic template, a content template is a form letter or document that sits on your computer to expedite communications you create repeatedly. For example, I have a “request for an interview” template that resides in one of my Outlook folders. Whenever I need to interview someone for a story, I simply fill in the blanks and send it off: