While sometimes you'll have dozens of content ideas, other times you'll find yourself staring at a blank computer screen, grumbling that it’s publishing time again. Well, have no fear! Here are 11 quick (and good) content ideas for when you’re in a pinch.

1. Give real-life examples. Describe a problem you’ve solved for a client/customer, and use that as a springboard to offer more general advice. Show your readers how you’ve helped customers address challenges — “case studies” if you will. This positions you as expert in your readers” minds more than your coming out and saying so.

2. Think of three areas in which you’d like your clients to think of you as a resource. Now develop content in those areas. For example, as a professional copywriter, I really enjoy working on Web sites. To help encourage my clients and prospects to hire me for these projects, I published several articles on how to write Web copy that sells.

3. Read industry publications for ideas. Are there any hot issues in your field right now? The more controversial, better. Don’t be afraid to offer your own opinion — your readers want to know it. After all, YOU are expert! ; )

4. Jot down 8 questions your clients have asked you in past. You know, ones they ask you over and over. Answer each in a short article. If you publish weekly, that’s two months' worth of content, right off bat! And if you can’t think of any questions, send all your current clients/customers a quick e-mail, asking them what topics they’re most interested in learning more about.

5. Learn anything neat lately from an industry conference, workshop, seminar, or insightful article? No one says you have to reinvent wheel of information! Pass on any gems of advice you’ve learned elsewhere — just give them full attribution. Or give your opinion of event or article itself — your readers will appreciate your frankness.

An easy way to follow-up powerfully and automatically is to turn these folks into e-zine subscribers. This ensures that you'll have chance to repeatedly teach them how great your products/services are while building their trust in you.

But how do you "capture" people in person? Remember, you can NEVER sign someone up unless they specifically ask you to be signed up — it's unethical.

So you need to encourage people you meet in person to join your list, and make it easy for them. And I have three successful strategies to share with you.

1) Advertise Your E-zine on Your Business Card (or Brochure) Nothing gets passed around at a networking event more than good old business card. But what's on BACK of your cards?

Nothing?

Well, from now on you're going to use that valuable real estate. Next time you print new cards, use flip side! Create a brief message that promotes your e-zine and gives information on how to subscribe. When someone you meet looks at your business card again when she's back at office, she'll be much more likely to subscribe when she sees reminder on your card.

As an example, here's what I have on back of my new cards:

"Promote your business with an e-zine! Sign up for FREE biweekly tips at www.EzineQueen.com."

BONUS: This strategy also gets these people to visit your Web site, which they may not have done otherwise.

If you aren't ready to print new cards for a while, use your computer to print your message onto labels, and affix them to backs of your cards. Cheap and easy!