Politics is the poster child for death by committee.

• Reasons for debate are forgotten
• Discussion is lost in meaningless rhetoric
• Motives remain buried under layers of diversion

Recently, in About Writing Squared Forum, writer friend, Lori Widmer, shared what can happen when too many individuals chime in on business writing.

• You take a perfectly good draft
• Strangle the life out of it
• Leaving nothing worth saving

Death by committee.

Even if you are a small business owner, collaborating with Got Your Back colleagues for editing is good strategy.

However, do not bog down your writing projects.

The following 5 tips help avoid business writing death by committee.

#1 – Designate who is in charge.

Place one person in charge of the following responsibilities.

• Defining the goals and objectives
• Reviewing proposed changes
• Making the final decision on content

It doesn’t need to be the same person every time.

For example, if the business writing is of a technical nature, the person with the technical know-how could hold veto power.

On the other hand, if the business writing is an article, the person with the byline may have final sign-off.

#2 – Assign committee members.

Every project should have members with assigned roles and responsibilities.

• Identify subject matter experts
• Know who does what – e.g., provides research or data or does the actual writing
• Define editing roles – e.g., the fact-checker versus wordsmithing

The person in charge has the final word.

#3 – Stop gate-crashers.

Has this happened to you?

• You’re part of a hard-working committee
• You set goals and timelines
• You accomplish all

Only to have a late gate-crasher overturn all your hard work.

Frustrating, isn’t it?

In an effort to validate their existence ~

Gate-crashers bring business writing projects to a screaming halt.

#4 – Rate your edits.

Assume you are the person in charge.

You want the writing project to stay on track, on time, and on budget.

Take a look at the edits the committee suggests and ask the following.

• Do the edits add value?
• Are you meeting your objective?
• What will appeal to your ideal reader?

Then ask if the delays are worth it.

#5 – Apply the marketing litmus test.

Your ultimate goal in business writing is reaching your ideal customer.

Your final business writing test applies the marketing litmus test through the eyes of your customer.

1. Who are you?
2. Why should I care?
3. What problem(s) are you going to solve for me?
4. What makes your product/service different from any other?
5. Prove it.

Pass the marketing litmus test and you achieve better business writing.

Bust Filibusters

Whether you do your business writing yourself, delegate it in-house or outsource it to a professional business writer, delays are deadly.

Assemble a committee of support who understand your goals and objectives.

Avoid death by committee by employing the 5 tips.

1. Designate an in-charge person.
2. Assign committee members.
3. Stop gate-crashers.
4. Rate your edits.
5. Apply the marketing litmus test.

 What tips do you have for keeping your business writing alive and vibrant?

====================

Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

=====================

BigStock Photo Credit