No matter how hard a company tries to create and promote a compelling brand, and no matter what they do to get your business, they often lose sight of the fact that their reputation hinges on every employee or representative who has contact with customers and prospects. So why is it that so many companies … Read more
Want a simple way to write more clearly and effectively? When you begin to write a letter, a memo, or an email, write it to your mother. Or you could write to your best friend or your Aunt Agatha. The key is that you want to write to someone you know instead to of a … Read more
When I mention the malady known as “death by PowerPoint,” nearly everyone nods. We’ve all been subjected to a variety of excruciating presentations that aren’t improved by the speaker’s use of that popular presentation software. I could list several examples, but the one that ticks me off the most is the goofy slide that’s stuck … Read more
At times, businesses have to deliver bad news to customers and other stakeholders. In most cases, the best way to do it is just get it done, and move on. A solid business relationship will nearly always withstand one instance of bad news. Some time back, a service provider with whom I’ve worked for years … Read more
From time to time, I share embarrassing mistakes writers shouldn’t have made. I don’t target well-meaning amateurs — only professional writers and editors who should know better. Some recent examples: A September political newsletter from the Indianapolis Business Journal referenced a candidate forum by noting, “It wasn’t a true debate persay; all of the questions … Read more
Whether someone is creating something for work, for school, or for any other purpose, nine times out of ten, their struggle begins with the first words they need to put on the page. Some people call it writer’s block, although people who write seriously will tell you that block is an entirely different animal. Fortunately, … Read more
Think you’re unique? Great! Think you’re very unique? You’re not. That’s because there’s no such thing as being “very” unique, or “somewhat” unique, or “more” unique than the other folks. The word “unique” is powerful because it has one meaning. Something that’s unique is “singular” or “one of a kind.” Only one. No others. No … Read more
One of the best copywriters I know has few pet peeves about the craft of writing but makes an exception when it comes to exclamation points. She believes we should all be allotted a limited number of them at birth, and once we’ve exhausted our supply, we can’t use any more. It’s her way of … Read more
In a magazine column a couple months ago, I cautioned local business owners about the dangers of using their businesses as vehicles to promote their political beliefs. I noted that in today’s fractious climate, making your business political can cost you business without you realizing it. Other things I’ve seen business owners do are similar. … Read more
“Our primary objective for our new website is to have a cool design that will catch people’s eyes.” That’s a bad idea. “How can you say such a thing? We want to stand out.” No, you don’t. You want to connect. “What do you mean?” Tell me why you have a website. “Excuse me?” Why … Read more