Is your writing action packed, descriptive and clear?

As a proofreader, I see a variety of writing styles: biographical, conversational, gimmicky, humorous, informational, scholarly, technical, and more. Exceptional authors draw their audiences in with liberal use of action verbs and attention to details. Outstanding technical writers satisfy readers with accuracy, well-placed prepositions, and a firm grasp of the end user’s primary language. Both make it easy for others to follow along.

Anyone can write “Some assembly required.” Spice it up with action verbs and make it more accurate by saying, “If you don’t have all weekend to devote to assembly, hire an expert to assemble this for you. Otherwise, grab your receipt, jump in your car, and exchange this product at the point of sale for something fully assembled.” You can have even more fun with this if your target market is technically inclined or thrives on a challenge. Leave the assembly directions out of the box or forget to mention “Hammer B into the narrow slot on C BEFORE nailing A and B together at point D.” They will provide their own colorful language, saving you time and effort.

If you are stuck using passive verbs and non-descript language, do a search online for “action verbs list” or “descriptive words list.” Use these tools to put some pizzazz in your prose.

What if I can’t write?

What can you do when your business (or your boss) requires good writing and you can’t write? Use the same strategies you would use if you broke your arm (the one connected to your dominant, writing hand).

• Make an audio recording
• Create a video
• Do a podcast and have someone else interview you on the topic needed
• Ask for help from family, friends, colleagues
• Hire help
• Enlist others to write for you
• Dig up previously written material to tide you over until you are ready to write again
• Take painkillers that give you weird dreams and use your dreams as prompts OR as excuses not to write

 I’m not entirely serious about the last one, but I do know the other strategies work as well for stuck writers as they do for the injured.

Get clients with great word-of-mouth marketing

The most frequently asked question among business owners might be “How can I get more clients?” Variations on this include “How can I make more money?” and “How can I increase sales?” The answer is the same for all three questions: don’t ignore the impact of word-of-mouth marketing.

Word-of-mouth marketing takes many forms and can be accomplished in multiple ways. Seek testimonials from satisfied customers. Get referrals from networking friends. Ask your LinkedIn connections for recommendations. Pursue excellence and win awards in your industry. Volunteer your services and share your expertise to contribute to your community while widening your circle of acquaintances. Keep your promises and over-deliver to ensure glowing feedback.

Referrals from satisfied customers are a huge asset. Improve your word-of-mouth marketing by asking yourself these questions and then taking action:
● Do I ask for testimonials and permission to use them in my marketing (on my Web site, in printed material, on a sales page)?
● Do I ask my networking friends what kind of person their ideal client is so I can refer them AND ask them to refer me to my ideal client?
● Have I set up a LinkedIn account, created a profile, and sought recommendations to add to my profile?
● Am I actively upholding the standards of excellence established for my industry?
● Have I done any virtual volunteer work that demonstrates my expertise?
● Do I give back to my community or am I perceived as always seeking my own gain?
● Do I keep my promises?
● Do I go beyond what is required?
● Do I communicate regularly with clients so I can be proactive in helping them succeed (which will help me succeed too)?
● Do I resolve customer service issues before they become huge problems?
● Do I stay in touch with prospects and former clients so they think of me when they have a need?

Let other people’s praise speak for you and your business.

Money-saving and educational technology

I love technology and how easy some tasks become with working technology. I appreciate the people who develop new technology and those who mentor others in its use. I enjoy mastering new technology, and  I encourage my clients to make use of technology to streamline their business processes.

So I was thrilled to see Small Business Trends’ 51 Tips for Saving Money on Technology compiled by Anita Campbell. I saw some favorites on the list and some I’ve been meaning to try.

For educational technology, I rely on input from my favorite teacher, a middle school Spanish teacher. You can check out cool tools for the classroom (and for some business applications) at her blog  and on Twitter if you follow @SrtaLisa.

Enjoy.

Third Quarter Results Challenge for Entrepreneurs

Are you excited about your third quarter results?  If so, congratulations and best wishes for an even more spectacular fourth quarter. If not, challenge yourself to take immediate action for the final quarter of 2009.

Your action plan should include the following:
● The big picture of where you are and where you want to go
● Knowledge of what is working for you and what isn’t (and the courage to get rid of what doesn’t work)
● A clear list of business-building priorities
● Year-end goals and goals for each priority in the year 2010
● Step by step plans and/or firm deadlines for achieving your goals
● A support team (colleagues, mentors, educators, anyone who can help you achieve your goals)
● Up-to-date financials that include money to invest in tools, technology, and staff to achieve your priorities
● A commitment to not be distracted by good things when you are intent on pursuing what is best.

May you look back three months from now and be thrilled with your end-of-year results.