Define Your Online Strategy By Thinking Like A Chef

Sharing a message with people online is a lot like following a recipe:

1 part creativity, 2 parts distribution, 3 parts networking.

Ever wonder how a single chef and his crew can turn out hundreds of dinners in a few hours from the confines of a cramped kitchen? Here’s how…

Hyper Organization + Creative Thinking

Anthony Bourdain describes a day in the life of a chef in his book Kitchen Confidential.

He wakes up at 10 minutes to six each morning with his daily prep lists running through his brain.

His kitchen is organized with military precision, everything in its place.

This hyper organization doesn’t squelch creativity though. Just the opposite.

Having a carefully laid out plan lets you play and be more creative since you don’t have to waste time looking for your tools.

Set Up Your Online Mise En Place

Chefs refer to their stock of tools and ingredients that get them through service as their mise en place.

Here’s a checklist for setting up your own online strategy:

1. Define the idea I want to share

2. Where will I publish the idea (blog? ezine? newsletter? press release?)

3. How will people find my content?
(Hint: Facebook, FriendFeed, Twitter, Digg, Delicious, Reddit, Sphinn).

4. How can I keep the conversation going after my content is published?

5. 70% Rule
(If I am 70% sure my content is ready, it’s time to publish and share)

Kitchen Confidential

If you love to cook (and eat), check out one of my favorite books.

Photo credit qmnonic