Fascinating post by Mark Schaefer over on LinkedIn on the creative economy and the myriad folks who’ve become content creatives.

It caught my eye partly because I’m one of those creatives – well, at least in part because I publish content to share ideas that I find important, start conversations with others, and generate business.

Yes, content creation isn’t a career for me. It’s just part of what I do: it helps me connect with others, generate leads and find new customers.

Mark Schaefer talks about the professionalism and increasing professionalisation of the online content “space” in such a way that it made me think that it’s starting to be a bit of a land grab.

There’s money out there but what with more and more (young) people turning to content creation as a way of forging a career, is there any space left for something just thinking of getting started?

Yes, there is. Of course there is!

But it’s not (necessarily) the glamours life-style that some YouTubers might have you believe.

In fact, it takes work and commitment. Like any job!

I’ve been podcasting for nearly three years now (!!!), writing for far too many years that I care to think about, and have enjoyed every minute of it.

But it’s not all glamour! There are times when I struggle to sort the audio recorder for my podcast that it sends my editor running from his headphones.

And there are times when I stare blankly at the screen, wondering where the next three pages of the book I’m working on are coming from.

So take it from me, if you want to try out being a content creator, go for it.

Just remember that you’re going to need:

1. Absolute determination – because it ain’t easy!!
2. Sticking power – because it’s all about the long haul.
3. An interest in analytics – because while you don’t necessarily need to be a conversion and reach Jedi master (from the get-go) , an awareness of what’s working and what’s not working is 100% important if you’re not going to end up flaying around the hinterland of the internet
4. Good ears – because it helps to listen to what’s being said, what’s not being said, and who is doing the talking in case you want to agree, disagree, join in or just plain ignore them.
5. A furtive imagination – because, let’s face it, you’re going to have to find your creative niche because it’s getting harder out there to be heard.

Are you stuck in your day job and dreaming of being a creative?

Or maybe you’ve just got an idea that you, well, feel you need to itch.

Don’t let anyone get in your way of joining the gang.

Posts like Mark’s might make you think that there’s no room for your ideas, no place for your creative content.

But I say, “Go grab your swim suit, your goggles and towel and jump headfirst into the stream of creative content creation”.