Somewhere in the grammar guardian world, a purist has fainted over that headline.

I promise if you hang in there with me, you will understand.

• Today’s business writing is not your father’s business writing
• Okay, maybe that should be your grandfather’s
• As my dad used to say – everything’s relative

One huge benefit about this era of blogs and social media is business writing has become more personal.

Business writing done right is personal.

Professional writer or business owner who writes – writing for you makes you a better business writer.

Connect with you and you win.

Let’s explore why.

Why Do Your Write?

What is the reason you create business writing?

• To develop leads?
• To generate sales?
• To educate others?

Regardless of why you write, you need the reader to read it.

You do want readers to read your business writing, right?

Put a face on that reader and speak to your reader.

Imagine you are speaking to your reader directly. Ask your reader ~

• What grabs your attention?
• What keeps you reading?
• What motivates you to take action?

I know, writing for your reader is nothing new.

You’re right.

But, then why do articles like Why Is Business Writing So Awful? go viral?

Because most of the time, we forget to write for you.

Tips on Writing for You

#1 – Get literal.

One simple tip for remembering to write for your reader is literally use the word you.

Recently, I wrote a resource document for a health care organization. The targeted reader was a hospital executive.

• The original copy was in third person – think the impersonal they
• They do this – they do that
• In other words – boring

Replacing the impersonal third person with the second person you made a huge difference.

• Instead of hospital executives discover proven success strategies
• Replace the copy with as a hospital executive, you discover proven success strategies

That simple change makes the writing personal.

If I’m a hospital executive, I’d like to discover proven success strategies. Especially before they do.

#2 – Picture this.

So, you’ve heard the advice before about putting a face on your reader. But, do you do that?

Pick up your latest business writing and share with us the name of your reader. Can you do that?

How can you get personal if you do not know the person you are writing for?

• Is there an elusive prospect you’d give you right arm to land as a client? There’s your picture.
• Is there a trusted mentor you could share your writing with? Would you be confident in sharing it? Think of your mentor when editing your writing.
• Is your reader a figment of the ideal client? Create a lead character and make that the picture of your ideal client.

Then when you are reading your writing aloud, picture that person standing in front of you.

I guarantee you’ll reach for the edit pencil a time or two.

#3 – Take it personally.

We all get busy. Professional writers know we do not always practice what we preach.

I’d love to tell you that the edits on that health care document started with my own editing process.

The truth is my long-time client said the copy seemed to be lacking something. It wasn’t bad. She just wasn’t as excited as she usually was to release it.

Talk about a wake-up call. 

No matter what a writer tells you, we do take it personally when we receive that kind of feedback.

I am thrilled I have the kind of relationship with my client that offers honest, constructive feedback. It makes me a better business writer.

Think about the person you picture reading your business writing.

Get inside the head of your reader where honest reaction goes unchecked.

• How does that person respond?
• How do you feel about his or her response?
• Take it personally

Better Business Writing

When your reader becomes real, your business writing becomes more personal.

• You want to grab your reader’s attention
• You work to keep your reader engaged
• You want to understand your reader’s motivation

You write better when you write for you. 

What tips do you have for better business writing?

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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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