The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.
–Thomas Jefferson
What are You Reading?
Are you reading anything interesting right now? I’m fortunate to be reading two very interesting and intriguing books.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain
This impressive best-seller was on my “to read” list ever since it was released in January. Once I finally got my hands on Quiet, it certainly lived up to expectations. Cain carefully portrays the many advantages of introversion — the ability to focus deeply, think creatively, forge strong relationships, analyze risk, listen well and much more. Weaving research from neurology, psychology, sociology and personal interviews, Cain describes how introverts–who comprise one third to one half of the population–contribute to our world but, unfortunately, are often undervalued.
There are many fascinating aspects of Quiet, whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert or somewhere in the middle. I especially enjoyed learning about introversion’s connection to innovation and creativity in the business world. Often, brainstorming sessions with many people is considered the best way to develop new ideas, but research shows that this simply isn’t true. The ideas generated from these sessions generally come from the loudest voices. Introverts and extroverts work best in smaller groups, instead, where they have time to flesh out their ideas until they feel ready to present fully-formed concepts to the larger group. When businesses allow employees the solitude they need–days working from home, an enclosed office or quiet spaces for thinking–collaboration and productivity benefit greatly. Also, Cain explains why introverts tend to make better leaders for extroverted teams, and vice versa, even though American businesses tend to favor extroverts for all leadership roles.
Quiet is highly useful for all business writers who communicate to both introverts and extroverts, for those who work with introverts, and introverts who want to learn more about themselves. Cain passionately argues that we all need to be true to ourselves and pursue projects we’re passionate about with self-awareness. Writing, for example, is uniquely solitary work. For many introverts, this may come easily, while presenting the work to others will take extra preparation. Extroverts, on the other hand, may need to balance their writing work with energizing networking events and lunches with colleagues. With self-awareness, respect for others’ differences and confidence in your personal talents, your business will benefit from each others’ unique strengths and individuals will accomplish more.
As God Commands, by Niccolo Ammaniti
Gritty may be the first word that comes to mind when describing this novel to a friend. Ammaniti’s crime fiction is very popular in Europe, but As God Commands doesn’t follow the standard “who did it?” story arc. Instead, we know from the beginning that Rino, the unemployed Neo-Nazi father of adolescent Cristiano, will commit a crime in an attempt to provide for his friends and son.
The graphic violence and steely circumstances may be hard to handle at times, but the characters’ love for one another is depicted artistically. The cinematic plot torques each character to the absolute limit, until there’s seemingly no other option but impulsive aggression. There’s no doubt that a crime will happen, but the question of who will suffer makes this a true page-turner.
While reading this novel, I’m amazed by Ammaniti’s skill in crafting a perfectly paced and suspenseful story–and wonder how these elements could be better infused into business writing. Fiction writers practice pace and suspense diligently, while business writers tend to focus more on clarity. Speeches, presentations and articles, however, all need to be intriguing if we expect others to read them. Pace and suspense are vital to engaging writing, no matter the genre.
How about you? Have you read a thought-provoking book recently?
Procrastination
Procrastination (Photo credit: MrSchuReads)
We all procrastinate. Creative and business writers, along with other professionals, all do this, even though we need to get things done. There’s a constant struggle between procrastination and productivity, no matter what type of work or writing you’re completing.
Why do we procrastinate? What keeps us from getting things done so we can enjoy the end result and our free time?
When it comes to business writing, I find there are three major reasons why we avoid the work:
- We’re waiting for the “right” motivation or the “perfect” mood to strike.
We all have experienced times when we were “in the zone” and the work seemed to flow more easily. It’s understandable to want that feeling when you have a deadline looming. Yet, this can be paralyzing and prevent you from doing any work or writing. When this happens, set a timer for 10 – 15 minutes and force yourself to write something, despite your imperfect mood. When this is over, reward yourself with a short walk or cup of coffee. Then, do it again. Eventually, you’ll be less concerned with getting “in the zone,” and more concerned with writing. - We demand perfectionism, even at the cost of productivity.
Having high standards is a good thing, but letting them deter you from working isn’t. This type of perfectionism prevents writers from finishing a sentence because every letter isn’t up to their impossibly high expectations. In these situations, I think it helps to reflect on what you really want from the project. Perhaps, you want to produce an innovative way of presenting tired information or create a blog that empowers your employees. Focus on that and trust that you’ll get there, but only after you complete your first draft. - We’re daunted by scope or demands of the task.
Often, writing projects are simply overwhelming for writers. When faced with a difficult or large assignment, take the time to break it down and create a plan of attack. If you’re still procrastinating afterwards, think about what exactly intimidates you. Is it the size of the project? The amount of time you have to complete it? The pressure to succeed? Once you recognize this, you can take steps to improve your situation, such as delegating.
While there are many more specific reasons for procrastinating, I think most business writing-related procrastination falls under these categories. No matter why you procrastinate, it’s important to remember that writing is difficult. It’s challenging and you can only rely on yourself to get it done. Remind yourself that this is normal, take a deep breath — and get back at it!
What are your strategies for busting procrastination? Do you have any tips for preventing it?
Poll: New Ideas
Literary writer, Anais Nin, once said, “My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living.”
Ideas for business writing can come about in the same way. Sometimes you think of great ideas while working on another project, taking a break or when you’re outside of the office all together. Other times, however, sitting down and writing is the best way to develop and test new strategies, concepts, topics or ideas.
Pursuing fresh ideas is vital for producing engaging and vibrant writing, whether a novel, email or power point presentation. Do you find yourself thinking up new ideas outside work? Or are you struck by them while writing?
Related articles
- The Courage to Start (migrentrepreneurwomannetwork.wordpress.com)
Like this:
If the writing is honest it cannot be separated from the man who wrote it. Tennessee Williams
5 Benefits of Blogging for your Business
Every business, large or small, has a wealth of information about their products, services and how they benefit customers. Today customers and clients really want learn as much of this information as possible before handing your their hard-earned money.
Blogging is one of the best platforms to communicate this information and share stories of how you help the community, how customers use your product in creative ways or build success with your services.
While it’s hard to gauge the financial benefits of blogging, it promotes your business in many ways:
- Establishing your company’s voice and brand. Your blog can develop a highly professional, knowledgeable — and human — voice for the business. By promoting your brand with conversational and approachable language, you’ll establish trust. A great example is Stonyfield Farm’s blog.
- Hearing directly from your customers and clients. Blogging is a great way to create a dialogue with your customers. It’s a space where readers can easily comment on your articles, thoughts and ideas; they can also share stories and pictures about their experiences and successes. One of my favorite examples is Sharpie’s blog, where customer’s artwork created with their markers are showcased.
- Becoming a resource for customers and clients. By writing about what you know — your area of business — you’ll establish yourself as an expert in the field. Readers will return to your blog again and again to learn. Eventually, many “repeat readers” will become customers. People Impact Practices’ blog about leadership exemplifies this.
- Marketing yourself for little cost. Blogging is inexpensive and there are many important benefits. You can introduce new products, showcase successes and help spread great publicity.
- Creating an online presence. Search engines prefer sites that are regularly updated, so blogging gives your site’s ranking a boost.
Creating and maintaining a great business blog is hard work, but the benefits mean it’s worth the work. With a bit of planning and some time spent writing, your blog will add value, strengthen your brand and increase profits.
Related articles
- Creating a Corporate Blog People Want to Read (dannybrown.me)
- 25 Non-Financial Benefits of Business Blogging (businessesgrow.com)
Like this:
When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing.
- Enrique Jardiel Poncela
Best wishes for an enjoyable day of writing!
What Makes Your Writing Professional?
In business writing, I find that “formal” and “professional” styles often become confused, or even believed to be interchangeable. Often, people feel they need to write with a large vocabulary and formal phrases so that they “sound” professional.
Journalists must follow the Associated Press‘ rules and academics rely on The Modern Language Association or The Chicago Manual of Style. Business writers, however, have no set standard to follow. Perhaps this is because all organizations do business a little differently.
So let’s take a moment to consider what professionalism means, regardless of the type of business you work for:
- Responding to situations in a timely, skillful and respectful manner
- Acting with integrity, honesty and transparency
- Making decisions with sensitivity to the context and audience
- Shaping actions and decisions to support the organization’s larger objectives
The last two elements really speak to writing style; the organization’s unique objectives, context and audience should sculpt your writing style. Many organizations today want to be perceived as contemporary, personable and moving with the times, so a straightforward and conversational writing style makes sense. Many formal phrases — that came about when business was conducted via telegrams and letters — are no longer needed.
That’s not to say that formality doesn’t have it’s place, but it’s not always necessary for effective and professional business writing. What matters most is that you are clear, cogent and contribute to your organization’s image and productivity goals.
Workbook for Organizing Writing Projects
Extensive business writing pro
jects require careful planning and organization. When you take the time to plan, you’ll save time writing and produce a better final product. However, organizing them can be very challenging if you don’t know where to start. I spend lots of time and effort creating detailed plans for presentations, manuals and other larger communications — and have found a system that works well for me.
Fill out the form below to receive a free copy of my Workbook for Organizing Writing Projects!
Related articles
- Organizing Large Writing Projects like J.K. Rowling (betterwritinginbusiness.com)
Talk Normal
Check out my review of Tim Phillips’ book, Talk Normal, over at Fuel Your Writing.
Have a wonderful Friday!
