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When was the last time you had an assignment? One of the great benefits of content marketing is getting published without having to go through a query process. While freelancers live and die by the query letter, many full-time writers are assigned projects by an editor. While I love the autonomy of publishing my own content most of it through my blog – being "on assignment" can be really valuable.

I was recently asked to speak on the topic of social media and privacy. I readily agreed to do it even though most of my experience with social networks is focused on practical advice for business usage. I wouldn't normally have tackled the privacy issue but the obligation to stand up in front of scores of people and speak with authority motivated me. It also proved invaluable for my content efforts.

Here are seven ways an assignment invigorates your content marketing:

1. Puts you in research mode
I'm a social media practitioner with several years of practical experience. I have strong opinions about privacy but I needed to do a fair bit of research to write and present intelligently. Going into research mode definitely gives depth to my blog posts and lends a desirable quality to my content.

2. Tests and expands your network
One of the first things I did when assigned my topic was to reach out to my network for help. Within hours, I had great resources and introductions to new people I wouldn't have encountered if I'd attempted to do the research on my own. While a network may seem like an intangible thing, an assignment will return tangible results. People I have never met willingly shared their content and research notes. It's a wonderful benefit.

3. Exposes holes in your network
Getting help when you ask for it is fantastic. Perhaps more valuable is not getting what you need. When you lodge an appeal and your network doesn't come through, you have a valuable indicator to spend more time cultivating the right followers to fill the gap.

4. Opens you to a new audience
Writing on a different topic or a different angle on a topic you usually cover allows new readers to discover you. I've had several new followers on my Twitter account and new subscribers to my blog post since I started writing about privacy. I've also got new keywords on my blog and on my Slideshare account which are bound to attract new viewers.

5. Extends your credibility
Delving into different areas of your expertise and working outside your normal comfort zone works to enhance your overall knowledge base. When you do that, you've also enhanced your credibility. Your audience recognise your efforts whether you're blogging, presenting, writing a white paper or publishing any other content.

6. Forces you to change your focus
One of the hardest things about content marketing is coming up with the goods for new content. Some people call it writer's block; others refer to it as content fatigue. When you accept an assignment, you start viewing things differently and the creative juices are stimulated. Not only will your blogging be invigorated, you'll probably be inspired to create other content, as well.

7. Opens new avenues
Your content will enjoy new readership and, as a result, new opportunities will arise. My last blog post on Social Media and Privacy was picked up by Social Media Today. The same day it was published, a producer from the BBC World `Have Your Say' radio program contacted me through Twitter and email with an invitation to participate in an on-air radio discussion in London. If I hadn't taken the assignment, I never would have received the invitation. Note: I wasn't available for the discussion but the producer made a point of telling me he'd be in touch in the future.

The take-away
Generating original content can be an extremely demanding exercise, especially for the majority of us who don't do it as a full-time job. While taking an assignment can increase an already busy workload, the benefits are immeasurable. Reach out to your readers and customers and ask them what content they'd like you to publish. You might be surprised at how well being `on assignment' works for your content marketing efforts.

When was the last time you were `on assignment'?

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Image credit: A-levels (concept) (notes) by orangeacid, on Flickr