Few of us who work for a living escape the need for business writing.
- Emails
- Social media
- Business blogs
Any time we write for and about our work, we become business writers.
Scary thought? What’s scarier is if you don’t think about your business writing.
If the thought of business writing has you breaking out in hives, take a deep breath.
The following are 3 tips for finding business writing Zen.
Tip #1 – Attain business writing enlightenment.
Words are powerful.
When we ignore or resist their power, we darken the path to success.
- Our message is lost or misunderstood
- We forfeit credibility
In today’s world where more than 140 characters is wordy and text-speak rules, some reject the power.
- Business writing is boring
- Too bad if someone does not know the meaning of J/K (just kidding)
They N2H (need to have) it their way.
I believe in being yourself in your writing. But, make sure you’re not the only one getting the message. And take care in what message you’re delivering.
- Think about your business writing
- Become enlightened to the power of words
You do not need to be the next William Shakespeare to harness the power of words.
- If you are uncomfortable writing, practice
- Consider taking a writing course
If that seems overwhelming, narrow your focus. For example, take a course or buy a book on writing better business emails.
Acknowledge that your business writing does matter.
Tip #2 – Develop your business writing insight.
You attained enlightenment to the power of words.
Now, discover insight for releasing that power in your business writing.
- Keep your writing simple
- Keep your message clear
- Keep your style uniquely yours
Keep it simple
Successful tweets master the simple message.
The following are suggestions for keeping emails simple.
- Think before writing – What is the purpose? What do you want readers to do?
- Keep the subject line short/informative – What is the email about? Avoid using previous subject lines that no longer apply.
- Get to the point quickly – Insert the important information at the beginning, not the end of your email.
- Spell out words, use punctuation – Use simple formatting, like bullet points, bold headings to simplify reading.
- Include your contact information – Don’t force readers to look up your phone number
Keep it clear
Stay focused on your message.
If you tend to wander in your speech, beware of repeating that pattern in your writing. Wandering thoughts confuse your reader.
Write for your reader to keep the purpose of your message clear.
Keep it uniquely yours
Each of us has unique gifts to offer.
- Technical knowledge
- A good sense of humor
- An ability to make people comfortable
Capture your unique gift in your business writing.
If you are the go-to guy on all things technical, learn how to share your knowledge in an easy-to-understand format. Bounce your writing off non-techies for feedback. Ask what they don’t understand.
See your writing through the eyes of your reader. Use your skills to answer their questions and meet their needs.
Tip #3 – Find business writing balance.
Some purists make it their mission in life to write the wrong of every typo and perceived miscue in grammar or punctuation.
Others cite rules that never were.
- Respect good grammar and structure for better business writing
- Bring balance by bending the rules for better style
This tip is not an excuse for blasting good grammar.
Good grammar organizes our words and brings clarity to our message.
When your reader is your focus, you can find balance between good grammar and a bending of the rules.
Be bold – start that sentence with And.
Balance personal style with professionalism.
Seek Wisdom
Professional writers know the value of seeking help for better writing.
The following are a few business writing resources for professionals and non-professionals.
- Business Writing Blog – Lynn Gaertner Johnston’s business writing tips
- Grammar Girl – Quick and dirty tips
- The Chicago Manual of Style Online – great resource for formal writing
You can also sign up in the sidebar for post updates and receive your free copy of How to Be a Business Writing MVP: Your Playbook to Better Writing.
What business writing tips or challenges do you have? How do you find business writing Zen?
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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.
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