This week's plan to do list

This week’s plan to do list (Photo credit: the green gables)

While scanning Time.com I noticed they currently have a list of “11 Great Secret Service Code Names.”  I couldn’t resist.  I had to read this list – love the whole Secret Service spy thing!  It got me thinking about lists.  Not my To Do list –I don’t want to spend anymore time thinking about that list than I absolutely have to.  (Although I confess I love crossing things off that list.)

Do we like lists because they are short, pithy bits of information?  Or does the appeal lie in our review and private debate about what items on the list we agree or disagree with?  Or is it just natural curiosity and desire to learn something, even a little something?  There’s also the happiness associated with making a (good) list – I find I am constantly updating my social media accounts with lists that I believe “I’ve” made…Hmm, free reign to brag – without seeming too, uh, braggy?  (For example, when Vermont is named one of the US’ “most healthiest” states, I always post that list on my Twitter feed or Facebook page.)

Maybe it’s all of the above.  In any event – lists get attention, so you may find them useful content in your business communications.  Whether you are blogging, distributing a press release about your industry or organization, or writing an article for print or online publication, lists get attention. And they make great content for your social media accounts as well.

Here are few that recently caught my eye – and why:

Terrifying Diseases that Could Kill You Right  Now.  Why this one caught my attention is pretty self-explanatory – especially since I am a hypochondriac.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Writers. My job involves writing, so of course I needed to know how many of these habits I practice routinely.  (But I’m not sharing how well I fared.)

The Best New Fall Shows.  I LOVE TV.  I had to know what I should be watching this September and October. What else can I say?

Things You Should Never Admit to Your Kids. I looked at this list because I have a compulsive need to verify my shortcomings/successes as a mother – and realized that this was a humorous list.  I also have a compulsive need to  feel better about my parenting in general, so the humor was instantly appreciated.

The 15 Most Valuable College Majors.  With a college-bound (hopefully) senior in high school, this list was valuable.

I have a close friend who used to sell kitchen supplies at home-based parties (the Tupperware sales approach that you may recognize.)  She told me that one of her most successful sales techniques was to announce at the beginning of each party that there were “five essential tools for every kitchen.”  Then she would proceed to demonstrate each of the tools in a tasty recipe.  You can guess how here sales turned out – she sold the most of those “five essential tools” every time.

In short, lists work (even “To Do” lists.)