Let's face it — we don't like working out. No matter what new fangled Wii Fit device or belly bustin’ technique hits the market, we still hate interrupting our daily work routine to break a sweat. But what if we could get paid to work out? Well, you can, and I'm going to show you how through a new concept I call “exer-preneurship.” It's a new way of looking at exercise that keeps you fit and paid at the same time.
Yep, that's me. Suited up, Blackberry in hand and ready to build my business and my body on my elliptical trainer. Let's start with blogging. It's one of my favorite exercise routines. That's right, I blog while I exercise, and it's one of the best things I do for my business.
I come up with new post ideas, brainstorm business attraction strategies and even draft blog posts while working out on my elliptical trainer. In effect, I am expanding the benefits of exercise from keeping my body in tip top shape to keeping my business fit. I call this technique “exer-preneurship.” Here's how I do it.
The Tools
First you need a device to capture your ideas. My preferred gadget is my Blackberry Tour smartphone. I just can't type fast on those sexy little iPhones, but if that works for you, go for it. You can also use the Droid, the Glisten, the Tilt or whatever works for you.
Next, you need creativity. And don't tell me you don't have any. I've heard it said that, ” Everything you learned in business school or in corporate America can be outsourced, except creativity,” and I believe that.
An open, exploring mind is your only real competitive advantage. Use it.
Finally, you need your towel, water bottle and whatever else helps you function as you workout.
The Process
Follow these steps or use them to hack out your own.
- Get comfortably settled on your chosen piece of exercise equipment.
- Open the “Notes” application on your phone.
- As your mind and body move through the repetitive exercise motions, the creative energy will flow more freely. Use it to come up with a gripping headline for a great blog post that will share something you are really passionate about. Record the headline in your notes. If you come up with more than one, include them all. You can go back later and choose the best one.
- Bang out a general outline for the post’s content. Start with an introductory paragraph, then fill in the outline with body copy. To keep things moving, avoid editing or checking spelling and grammar at this point. Keep the creative energy flowing and focus on just getting the material out. You can edit the post later.
- Once your draft is complete, email it to yourself for further editing on your computer. I use an email address created specifically to capture draft blog posts. That way, I finalize them without distractions. I use notes@mydomain.com.
Blogging Is Just the Beginning
In addition to blogging, there are plenty of other “exer-preneurship” tasks you can perform while working out. If you're working out next to someone, ask what words he or she would type into a search engine to find a business or a blog post like yours. Consider using those words in your next post or site update.
Listen to an inspiring business seminar or book while you work out. Create a list of potential guest blog post opportunities or add new things to your marketing tactics list. (You do have one of those, right?)
Draft your next press release. Call your virtual assistant and hand off a specific task to him or her.
Send a quick reminder to a prospective client or potential collaborator.
Set up a referral introduction between two colleagues.
The possibilities are endless.
Done!
Of course I composed the first draft of this post while I worked out. I also got a ton of other stuff done. Like I always say, “It's better to wear out than to rust out.”
Now you should have some motivation to keep moving, not only your business but also your body.
Question: Are you an “exer-preneur?” How do you do “exer-preneurship?”
