Are you an old business writer?
- Do you remember when cc: meant carbon copy?
- Do you know what carbon paper is?
- Or worse – you used it
I’ve admitted it – I’m an old business writer.
- I don’t mind telling the world
- It’s one of the perks of growing older
I celebrate my seasoning.
But, if you don’t learn new things, your writing chops will groan in protest.
So, how do you have a writing facelift?
- One that isn’t as plastic as the original Barbie doll
- Which you don’t want to admit debuted during your childhood
It’s easier than you think.
#1 – Embrace technology.
You took a major step forward when you threw away the carbon paper and went online.
Embracing technology does not mean you need to be an early adopter. Camping out overnight to purchase the first whatever gave way to comfort a long time ago.
Revel in all the writing tools at your fingertips.
- Unimaginable resources replace hours spent in a library
- Spelling and grammar checks – while not perfect – are like an extra pair of eyes
- Productivity and time management tools nag better than your worse boss
But, those are the obvious ones. How about these ideas?
- Transition from that static site to a dynamic, interactive one
- Explore online writing opportunities – pro writer or not = it’s great marketing
- Try online and physical recording devices that get better and better
- E-books, tablets and video, oh my
Technology can keep those lines from becoming deeper grooves.
#2 – Get social.
In the past, your mental image of a great novelist probably resembled the following.
- An individual alone in a room
- Hunched over a typewriter with cold coffee
- Crumpled paper littering the floor
The picture may be similar, but now the typewriter is a computer (or mobile device) and it’s talking back.
You have instant access to ~
- Other business owners
- Business peers
- Clients and potential customers
If you’re not a professional writer, you can find the right business writer, and never leave your office.
#3 – Become a Zen Master in writing.
Again, whether you’re a professional or non-professional writer – today’s communication has knocked the old days on its rear.
A good writing facelift keeps the old, but smooths out a few wrinkles.
Lighten up on the rules.
That says lighten – not throw out.
- Don’t attack every typo or faux pas you find on a post
- Learn how to write for online reading
Keep the peace.
Don’t get so comfortable hiding behind your username that you resemble a botox disaster.
- Disagree, but remain professional
- Write like your mother is watching – she might be
- Verify information as factual before launching
Still Smiling
Let’s see what we accomplished.
- We found technology that made writing easier
- We connected with some pretty cool people
- We found peace with the old and we’re still smiling
Now that’s what I call successful surgery.
What have you learned lately?
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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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Oh lordy Cathy, I not only used carbon paper but I’ve used mimeographs and even some sort of gel material… when I thought the self-correcting Selectric was the absolute best. Most recently I’ve been learning how to update the 5 Buck Forum over at About Writing Squared… some days I don’t want to learn more tech 😉 Oh, and I’m also teaching a couple of gals how to move to wordpress – teaching is always a learning for me.
Love this, Cathy. I remember carbon paper and was reminiscing about producing my school newspaper using stencils and a Gestetner machine. 🙂 Most days I love learning new tech and I’m currently learning how to move a site from Joomla to WordPress for a client. I’m pretty grateful for all the improvements, and while I won’t queue all night for the latest technology, I will pre-order on Amazon so it’s delivered on the day it comes out (for some items). 😉
Ah, Anne & Sharon, memories. So nice to have kindred souls for peers. I think that’s a polite way of saying older. 😀
Anne – you’re a shining example of one who continually learns new things.
Sharon – Not only do you keep learning new tricks, but you’re one of those early adopters on top of it all. 🙂
Thanks, ladies, for the comments & memories.
Cathy,
This is great! I remember carbon paper very well. I’ve worked in the legal field for 20+ years, and I can recall swearing whenever I made a typo and had to start all over again. I still have nightmares about UCC-1 forms…lol
Hi Janet: welcome to my blog – nice to see you here. 🙂
I think I was swearing right along with you when I’d end up with smudged fingers, paper and everything else I touched after a bout with carbon paper. 🙂
I remember printing newsletters on gestetner machines and was so happy when technology made that machine unnecessary. I love technology but try to avoid rushing out and buying the latest and greatest especially here in NZ as next week there will be something better.
Hi Roberta: I love this walk through past lives and tools. 🙂 You sound like me in that I love technology, but I am not going to be the 1st in line for the latest and greatest.
Thanks for sharing your story, Roberta.
Cathy,
Thanks for the welcome! Looking forward to stopping by often.
Music to my ears, Janet. ♫ 🙂
Alas, I do not remember carbon paper all that well, but I did type papers on a typewriter at one time. I think your words of advice are wise. No matter whether you are a doctor or a writer, there will come a time when you have to adapt to changes in your profession. My (academic) profession constantly changes, which is probably good for me as it means I am constantly learning and I don’t really fear having to adapt to something new. I really have to literally learn something new nearly every day. Good for you for continuing your journey in new ways!
So by definition, Kristen, I guess you’re not an old business writer. 😀
You are so right that no matter the profession, those who thrive continually learn new things. Thank you for sharing your story.
Ah, reminiscing. At least, you did not fall prey to using white-out on the computer screen, as you became more technologically adept.
Thanks for the laughs- this old dog has always been a first adopter- I leave the early for others….
LOL, Roy. Why am I not surprised you are a FIRST adopter? 😀 Except I bet you didn’t camp out overnight either. 😉
Actually, “CC” still means “carbon copy”. These days, it is more accurate to simply use “Copy”. Oh, come on – it’s just two extra letters.
Hi David: Nice to see you here. Believe it or not, I have actually seen where some refer to it as courtesy copy. And, of course, there are those who have no idea what cc is an acronym for,
Thanks for my morning chuckle. 🙂
How I remember carbon paper! LOL AND my first Barbie! You are spot on with this. I embrace much of the technology but have to admit, I’m old school with my writing. Still like a paper and pen. Some things never change!
Nothing wrong with paper & pen, Martha. 🙂 No need to totally throw out the old – thank goodness. 😀
Thanks for stopping by and sharing the experience.
Cathy, hee! I relate so much. I was reading a book yesterday that was only 5-6 years old about marketing. I cracked up that they gave the reader scripts to use for phoning the media. Most media prefer email pitches today. Oh, it felt like such an old book, but I filtered through it all. The one area I’m challenged by is people texting party invites. That doesn’t sit well with my Miss Manners side.
Hi Lisa-welcome! Good to see you here. Isn’t it amazing how communication has changed? I hadn’t heard the texting party invites, but then I am an old business writer. 😀
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your story, Lisa. 🙂
Howdy there! 🙂 I remember the days of using a typewriter. Hee! I had college internships like that 😉 I still also love writing handwritten thank you notes. 🙂
I sure do, Lisa. Dealing with a typewriter is simply unimaginable now. 🙂 I still write handwritten thank you notes, too. I think it really expresses how much you appreciate the thoughtfulness.
See, some old ways still rock. 😉
I did that stuff in the old days. What I remember most about carbon paper was how I hated getting that stuff all over me. And then there was the mistake, or a thousand, since I was never a good typist. I remember the old clunker typewriters we learned to write on–Royals. I still hit the keys loud enough to hear them clack. Thank goodness for new technology. Great post, Cathy.
Hi Ann-been there – done that. 🙂 I also developed a really weird way of typing because my little fingers were not strong enough to get the dumb keys to type. LOL! 😀
Thank goodness for new technology is right! Thanks for sharing your story, Ann.