I’ve been sharing some of the writing mistakes that people make on public signs etc. for a while now on my facebook page and in my newsletter. It makes you laugh how silly the errors are.
It’s not so silly when people make themselves look foolish on their facebook posts – or in their business communications – because they aren’t being careful with their spelling and grammar.
Do you tell them, and risk being labelled a “grammar nazi,” or do you ignore it, and let them continue to make fools of themselves? I still don’t know the answer.
I do know that some people get offended if I offer to proofread something for them – surely, I am not suggesting that they need help with WRITING?
It’s a tricky area. It takes a wise person to know when they may need some help.
But that’s what I do – I help people with their business communication, and a big slice of that is business writing.
So here are some tips if you are a business owner, or if you are a manager.
The esteemed Stuart Goldstein a Senior Corporate Communications Counsellor for over 20 years said, “Writing effectively is not an academic exercise, it is a business imperative.”
Whether it’s writing a business proposal, communicating your latest team successes, or writing a business process document, your success relies on how well you engage your audience.
To do this requires good writing skills.
Writing effectively means:
· Knowledge of the basics of business writing,
· A clear and concise style,
· Knowledge of grammar and structure,
· Knowing how to choose the best format for your communication,
· Knowing how to grab and hold your audience’s attention.
Whether it’s writing reports, memos, job procedures, performance appraisals, letters, proposals, meeting agendas, minutes, memos, brochures, ads, speeches, articles, powerpoint presentations or e-mails, writing is a daily job responsibility.
Doing it well is a critical to effective management.
Written communications are a reflection of professional image.
You can’t afford to let your business communications get lost in the crowd—not if you want to inspire your customers to buy, encourage your employees to work harder, or simply invite associates to a business luncheon.