As a "systems guy", I am always seeking to improve my current systems or to develop new ones that improve my personal productivity or streamline my business operations.  One of my main areas of focus is to produce high-quality, high-value blog post content with minimal effort (yes, this is also called leverage).  Producing and releasing valuable content on a consistent basis is one of the keys to developing a large, engaging and responsive group of followers.  However, writing such content is not always easy and is often time-consuming.  Here's my speech-to-text process for writing a blog post in only minutes.

Years ago, I messed around with Dragon Naturally Speaking (DNS) to try and speak my content ideas.  The technology wasn't bad.  I just didn't like that I had to be tied to my computer.  Ideas pop into my head at times when I do not have my computer around (in the shower, driving, working out, etc).  As a result, I rarely opened my DNS application and fell back on a good 'ole writing approach for my content.  That was...until now.

You already know that I am a huge proponent of Evernote.  I use Evernote on my phone, iPad, and computers and am always looking for new ways to utilize the platform.  In the most recent update of the Evernote phone app, I noticed that a 'speech-to-text' functionality had been added.  As soon as I saw this notification the neurons in my brain began to sizzle.  I'm now consistently and successfully following a simple process to write blog posts faster than ever before.  Here's the exact process that I am now using to produce blog posts (just like this one) in less than 15 minutes.

1. Setup an Evernote account if you do not already have one.
2. Download and install the Evernote app for your phone.
3. Jot down a set of 3-5 "talking points" for your blog post or article
4. Using the Evernote app on your phone, create a new note and click the audio note button.  What you'll probably see is just a microphone.  In order to activate the 'audio to text', you need to hold your finger on the microphone button.  Another little button will pop out that has a smaller microphone inside of a text bubble.  Click that button to activate the 'audio to text' recording.
5. Speak your content into your phone by following the outline that you created.  Don't worry about making a mistake.  Your goal is to dictate as much of your new blog post or article as possible.  Click on the DONE button when you are finished.
6. Enter the blog post title as the subject of the note, add any tags, and then save the note.
7. Open the note on your computer and modify / edit the transcription to finalize your written content.
8. Copy and paste your written content into your blogging platform.

Using this approach, I have been able to consistently produce a 300-500 word article in less than 15 minutes.  When you start out, it may take a little bit more time to write your articles.  However, if you work the process on a consistent basis you'll get better at dictating more complete articles which will reduce your editing time.

Using this approach, I am also able to avoid losing a great article topic that pops into my mind at inopportune times.  I find it easy and efficient to record my thoughts from almost anywhere using my phone.  What do you think?  Comment below and let me know if you use this or another similar process of your own.

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