Life -- Take Notes

Everywhere you go, every situation you're in, every interaction you have is potential material for a radio commercial.

Keep a notebook handy, or carry a small recorder, or just use the video in your phone. During the day, simply note your activities -- called wrong number, argued with lawyer, met with child's teacher, got stuck in traffic, lost messages on answering machine, read great article on radio commercials...

Pay attention to and list: interesting characters, bits of conversation, styles of speaking or interacting, strong emotions and conflicts. Write down or record as many details as you can at the time of each encounter, while the impressions are fresh. Later, categorize these by types of situations, characters and possible clients.

Before you file the notes, add any possibilities of exaggerating or extending the interest in each. Write down possible clients or types of advertisers this slice of life could work with.

Character: How does the train conductor act when he comes home? He announces everything in a barely understandable run-on sentence.

Situation: What would it sound like if a traffic helicopter reporter were reporting your activities?

Interaction: You get pulled over for speeding and the state trooper is someone you dated in high school.

Go to your file whenever you need an idea for a spot and you'll never run out of ideas. It's your life. They're your notes.