Did you know October 20 is National Day on Writing? Created by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), this special day “celebrates the importance, joy, and evolution of writing.” Look for a flurry of tweets using the hashtag #WhyIWrite.
Whether you’re a writer of books, blogs, or business reports, take time to reflect on the quality of your writing. Is it clearly written? Is it free of spelling errors and other blunders? Will it achieve your objective? Will it resonate with your audience? If you’re trying to improve your writing, consider the guidance from these books. They will help to ensure that your “practice makes perfect” rather than “practice makes problematic habits.”
When it comes to writing, follow Nike’s advice and “just do it!” Write. Edit. Repeat. Happy National Day on Writing! Having a clear, concise, error-free website is imperative. Even better, it doesn’t have to break the bank – or your budget.
Consider allocating a small amount in your 2017 budget for editorial services. When is the last time someone reviewed your website (or your “evergreen” printed marketing materials)? I frequently spot mistakes in these areas—even ones that spell check would catch. While minor errors may not be the end of the world, their presence subconsciously lowers your level of professionalism to your customers and prospects. When you’re trying to close the deal, doubt is the last thing you want standing in the way. Depending on the size of your site or your printed pieces, editorial reviews can be completed quickly, which translates to inexpensively. That fresh set of eyes makes all the difference, and your prospects can keep their eye on the prize. If you’re interested in getting a quote specific to your project, let me know. Signs—especially those in foreign countries where English is not the native language—are often ripe for editorial correction. This “Mind Your Head” sign from Cambodia isn’t incorrect; it simply isn’t what we would expect to see in America. Particularly, the verb “Mind” evokes a British approach (Mind the Gap). Other common signage wording comes to mind:
Still, I love this photo and its presumably unintended double meaning: “Mind Your Head.” Don’t run into things or give yourself a concussion. And, take care to fill your head with knowledge, positive thoughts, and new experiences (like visiting Cambodia’s magnificent temples and ruins!). In honor of National Punctuation Day, remember these five quick reminders to make sure your messages are spot on:
If you're itching for more helpful reminders, I like this 16-point list from Inc.com. A wonderful article from Harvard Business Review about the impact of bad business writing and how it is ruining productivity.
Bad Writing Is Destroying Your Company’s Productivity By Josh Bernoff Enjoy! |