I took English in school. Why would I need business writing coaching?

Do you remember the Battle of Hastings? Maybe a fuzzy 1066. How about trigonometry? Doubtful. Same goes for English class. After all, for many of us, it’s been a while. For others, they never learned it.

Everyone needs a tune-up from time to time, but few take the time. Improving our writing is like cleaning the basement: We know it needs to be done, but things just keep piling up and we get used to the chaos. In other words, familiarity breeds unkempt—which is exactly what happens when our grammatical slips are showing.

Think of it this way: Just like a major league ball player, you’re already good, but with a little coaching, you can be great.

I write every day. Why do I need a tune-up?

Good business writing is more than stringing words together. It’s about communication. getting the words right to get the results you need. Not just with your clients and customers but with yourself. The process of thoughtful writing helps you clarify your thoughts. It helps you get to know yourself better.

What kind of problems does business writing coaching address?

I often work with clients who are:

Embarrassed by poorly written letters and reports on company 
     letterhead.
Frustrated by inappropriate—and even illegal—e-mail.
Worried about lost sales and prestige due to ineffective writing.

Through business writing coaching, they are able to turn those situations around.

Writing skills are essential. They’re the mortar that sets the foundation for effective communications in the business world. When we write well, we can persuade, educate and inspire our peers, bosses, customers—even our bankers!

Why worry about writing when a quick e-mail or text-message will suffice?

But does it? Does text messaging expand our thinking? Build rapport and relationships? Do a few terse words foster an essential human connection between clients and suppliers for those inevitable times when disputes arise?

Because of e-mail and text-messaging, we are writing more than ever. Last year American workers sent 1.4 trillion e-mails, many of which replaced face-to-face meetings and telephone conversations. That means our words now have to work even harder because e-mail comes without tone of voice or facial expressions, gestures or inflections. No smile to soften the news. No handshake to seal the deal. Every e-mail and letter, report and proposal is dependent on words to communicate its message. But only if we choose the right words.

What can you teach in four hours that I didn’t learn in four years of school?

Maybe the most important part of business writing coaching is addressing the fear of writing (which, incidentally, is often caused by unthinking teachers at school). I’ve seen grown people quake at the thought of having to write something. They fear the censure of a boss, the derision of their peers or a painful reminder of their lack of such basic business writing skills.

Fear leads to procrastination, which steals time from an already overwrought workday. Procrastination leads to dashed-off documents, which can lead to lost opportunities, misunderstandings and lawsuits. I can show you easy techniques to overcome fears and build confidence.

For even more reinforcement, the Association for Creative Business Writing (AFCBW) offers year-round, 24/7 support in the workplace.  It's the perfect complement to coaching and training.

What other business writing issues do you cover?

Getting started – easy techniques to jumpstart your writing and results
Planning & organization – how to write less by planning more.
Editing techniques – good writing is really good editing, which will get you the results you want.
Adding extras for excitement – add vivid verbs and colorful stories.  People will want to read 
    what you've written, which leads to better results and an improved image.

What kinds of documents can business writing coaching help with? (And yes, you can end a sentence or question with a preposition!)

While formats vary, the principles of a well-written letter, for example, are the same as those for a well-written report. That means once you learn a few key elements of organization and structure, you’re empowered to write all these documents:

•  Letters
•  E-mail
•  Blogs
•  Web articles
•  Reports
•  Brochures
•  Newsletters
•  Sales materials
•  Web content
•  White papers
•  Direct mail
•  Press releases
•  Advertising, and much more

How does business writing coaching work?

First, I analyze a piece or two of your best writing. That’s the fastest way to find out what you’re doing right. Then we work on areas where you can improve. For example, I often find that people use a lot of passive voice and/or weak verbs.

I understand that everyone is busy, so I don’t make up homework. I get you to pay attention to everything you write at work. Then, you send me new samples, which we discuss either by phone or e-mail.  Along the way, you discover your true voice and writing style.