Dean Cothill

Tag: Now here is where Creativity AND Innovation come in

  • The Content Creation Process Made easy

    The Content Creation Process Made easy

    If you’re reading this, chances are you’re someone who is interested in creating content – whether it be for a blog, social media, or any other platform. And if you’re like me, you may have found the process of coming up with ideas, organizing them, and then actually putting them into words or pictures or video or music, to be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when there is a deadline at hand. New Years. Christmas. Easter and everyone in-between.

    But fear not, my friend, because I am here to tell you that the content creation process doesn’t have to be so daunting. In fact, it can be downright enjoyable (yes, you read that right). ENJOYABLE!

    Over the years, I have learned a thing or two about how to make the process of creating content more manageable, and I am excited to share those tips with you today.

    First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the content creation process is just that – a process. It’s not something that happens overnight and it’s not something that you should try to rush through. Instead, try to embrace the journey and enjoy the ride.

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating content? Maybe you’re not sure where to start or what steps to take. If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with the content creation process, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

    In this blog post, I’m going to break down the content creation process into three simple steps. By following these steps, you’ll be able to easily plan, create, and publish your content with confidence.

    So, if you’re ready to streamline your content creation process and start creating amazing content, keep reading. I’ll guide you through each step and provide tips and tricks along the way.

    What are the 3 steps of the Content Creation Process?

    • Creative
    • Content
    • Communications Platforms
    The Content Creation process by Dean Cothill

    On the one hand this is a chronological process but its also so important to look back and keep the flow going…

    1. The Creative

    So whether it’s a new ad campaign or sermon series, or new ideation project of any kind, this is where the magic happens.

    In the creative space, there are no rules. Yes you heard me, no rules. No dream is too big, no idea is too crazy. This is creation in it purest form. Dream. Go Big. Get food and coffee for everyone. Get your favourite snacks and get the team in a beautiful place and come up with every idea under the sun.

    Put it all on the wall. Every idea. Every single one.

    The beauty of the creative process lies in its unpredictable nature. It is a journey of self-discovery, filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. It is a process that requires us to let go of our need for control and surrender to the unknown. It is in this surrender that we are able to tap into our true potential and create something truly beautiful and authentic. The creative process is a dance between the conscious and unconscious mind, a collaboration between the logical and the intuitive. It is a process that allows us to connect with our deepest desires and bring them to life. It is a journey that teaches us to trust ourselves and our vision, and to have faith in the unknown. In short, the creative process is a breathtaking, wondrous adventure that has the power to transform us and the world around us.

    2. The Content

    • Graphics
    • Photos
    • Videos
    • Graphic Design
    • Interior Design
    • Copy

    Here is where the method meets the madness. In the Creation Narrative in the book of Genesis we see that The Spirit hovers over the water and brings order to the chaos, the earth is formless and void. We can all the ideas in the world but if they aren’t ordered and structured, they will just remain ideas.

    So you and your team have a CREATIVE LIST now, you then choose and grab the best ones that line up with what you guys wanna do, now the question is, how do you communicate those ideas to the world? Video maybe? Some still images? Blog posts? Each creative idea must find a “vessel”.

    3. The Communications Platforms

    Here quite simply, videos go to particular places (Social media platforms). Words go to particular places. Graphics also go somewhere else. If the team has decided that video is the medium that will be used, here are some questions then. As a team you guys have settled on which social media platforms you guys wanna and need to be on. You can read more here.

    • How long is the video?
    • Do we make one long video and break it down into smaller shorter content pieces? Can we :screen grab” images from the video?
    • Can we use the audio from the video for other platforms?
    • Will we shoot is 16×9 or rather look at specifics for short form video platforms?
    • Do we then take that video and grab still from it for social media posts?
    • How does the video then define the narrative for our copy and blogposts?
    • What goes on YouTube and what goes on IG or TikTok?
    • From the copy and voice overs we have created, how many tweets can we get?

    All these questions inform our content creation funnel…

    Content Creation Funnel by Dean Cothill

    Here as we go down the funnel, the prices of content “become smaller” and the platforms for the communication process also changes. Audio goes here and video goes there, still go there and copy goes here. Here we will use various forms and make sure they work well together on that specific platform, like your blog or website. The “look and feel” of the video can be used for stage and interior design layouts. All the pieces of the puzzle slowly start to fit together.

    So you have actually only created “1 piece of content”, a 3 minute video, but it informs everything else about the project and actually makes our lives much easier down the road.

    In a nutshell – a content creation funnel is the creation and circulation of helpful content – blogs, social media posts, videos, newsletters – to current and prospective visitors and guests! (See image 1)

    Other tips include to keep a running list of ideas. This could be a physical notebook, a document on your computer, or even just a list on your phone. Whenever an idea pops into your head, jot it down. This way, when it comes time to actually sit down and create content, you’ll have a wealth of ideas to choose from.

    Finally, don’t be afraid to get brave and have fun with the process. Content creation should be an expression of your thoughts, ideas, and personality. Don’t worry about perfection or trying to please “everyone” – just focus on creating something that is authentic and true to you and your team.

    So there you have it – a few tips to help make the content creation process a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. I hope they inspire you to embrace your creativity and start creating the content you’ve always dreamed of. Happy creating!

    Much love

    Dean

  • What are some things that are preventing Church Growth at the moment and what could help? (Part 1 of 2)

    What are some things that are preventing Church Growth at the moment and what could help? (Part 1 of 2)

    There are many factors that can affect church growth. Here are nine potential issues that may be preventing church growth:

    1. Lack of a clear vision or mission: If a church doesn’t have a clear sense of its purpose or direction, it may be difficult to attract and retain members.
    2. Lack of outreach or evangelism: If a church is not actively reaching out to the community and sharing its message, it may struggle to attract new members.
    3. Poor communication: If a church is not effectively communicating with its members and the wider community, it may be difficult for people to understand and connect with its mission and vision.
    4. Limited resources: A church with limited resources may struggle to effectively minister to its members and attract new ones.
    5. Ineffective leadership: Poor leadership can demoralize church members and make it difficult for the church to move forward.
    6. Disunity among members: Disagreements and conflicts within a church can create a negative atmosphere and discourage people from joining or staying involved.
    7. Lack of relevance: If a church is not addressing the needs and concerns of its community, it may struggle to attract and retain members.
    8. Competition with other churches: In some areas, there may be a lot of competition among churches for members, which can make it difficult for any one church to grow.
    9. Negative reputation: If a church has a negative reputation in the community, it may be difficult to attract new members.

    Now here is where Creativity AND Innovation come in…

    But first a Bible story…

    For 3 points, who was the first person in the Bible to receive the Holy Spirit? It was a young man by the name of Bezelel. Bezalel possessed such great wisdom that he could combine those letters of the alphabet with which heaven and earth were created; this being the meaning of the statement (Exodus 31:3): “I have filled him … with wisdom and knowledge,” which were the implements by means of which God created the world, as stated in Proverbs 3:19, 20. By virtue of his profound wisdom, Bezalel succeeded in erecting a sanctuary which seemed a fit abiding-place for God, who is so exalted in time and space (Exodus R. 34:1; Numbers 12:3). The candlestick of the sanctuary was of so complicated a nature that Moses could not comprehend it, although God twice showed him a heavenly model; but when he described it to Bezalel, the latter understood immediately, and made it at once; whereupon Moses expressed his admiration for the quick wisdom of Bezalel, saying again that he must have been “in the shadow of God” (Hebrew, “beẓel El”) when the heavenly models were shown him (Numbers 15:10). Bezalel is said to have been at least thirteen years of age when he accomplished his great work (Sanhedrin 69b); he owed his wisdom to the merits of pious parents; his grandfather being Hur and his great-grandmother Miriam, he was thus a grandnephew of Moses (Exodus R. 48:3, 4).

    INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY. The same Spirit that was at the beginning of creation, is the same Spirit that is placed in Bezelel and is the same spirit that is in each of us. (RUACH-ELOHIM – if you’d like to Google a little)

    So what does this mean for church leadership?

    Innovation and creativity are important in church leadership for several reasons:

    1. To keep the church relevant and engaging: Innovative and creative approaches can help the church stay relevant and engaging in a rapidly changing world. This can help the church attract new members and keep current members engaged and invested in the church’s mission.
    2. To adapt to changing circumstances: Innovation and creativity can help the church adapt to changing circumstances, such as the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This might include finding new ways to connect with members and deliver services, or developing new programs and initiatives to meet the needs of the community.
    3. To better serve the community: By thinking creatively and innovatively, church leaders can identify new ways to serve the community and meet the changing needs of those around them. This might include developing new outreach programs, partnering with other organizations, or finding new ways to address social issues.
    4. To foster spiritual growth: Creativity and innovation can help church leaders find new ways to engage and inspire members, which can lead to deeper spiritual growth and connection to the church.
    5. To attract new members: By embracing innovation and creativity, the church can become a more attractive and welcoming place for new members, particularly younger people who may be looking for a fresh, relevant approach to faith.
    6. To foster collaboration and teamwork: Innovation and creativity often involve collaboration and teamwork, which can help church leaders build stronger relationships with one another and work more effectively as a team.
    7. To inspire and motivate: Creativity and innovation can inspire and motivate church leaders and members alike, leading to greater energy and enthusiasm for the church’s mission.
    8. To better use resources: Innovation and creativity can help church leaders find more efficient and effective ways to use resources, such as time, money, and personnel, leading to a more impactful and sustainable ministry.
    9. To stay true to the church’s mission: By embracing innovation and creativity, church leaders can stay true to the church’s mission and values while also adapting to changing circumstances and the needs of the community.

    See soon soon for part 2…

    Grace and peace

    Dean