Business Writing Is Not For The Grammatically Impaired
Topics: writing, grammar, editing, first impression, professional, grants, articles, web content, E-books
Count the years since you attended the fourth grade. This is not about age; it is about the ability to remember details you learned a long time ago, perhaps 20, 30, 40 years or more. Here is the point. Essential rules of grammar are taught in the third and fourth grades. Are all of those rules still fresh in your mind? Are you certain your grammar skills are strong enough to present clear, intelligent information to your potential customers?
Written work often provides a customer’s first impression of your business. Good writing is clear to the reader and is a powerful expression of your commitment to excellence and detail. In your business, you write letters, brochures, advertisements, web pages, and other communications designed to deliver messages to your associates and customers. It would seem simple enough to write what you want to say, but a comma or semicolon in the wrong place can dramatically change the meaning of your message.
Homonyms, words that sound alike but have different spellings, are liberally misused. I recently received a written comment from a friend about the turtles that live in my pond. The writer inquired, “You mean their pets?” I responded, “Yes, they’re pets.” Little words that sound alike often have very different meanings. This type of mistake is exceedingly common, and catches much more attention than most people think.
Enlist professional writers to help improve your business image. Precious time and money are frequently invested in web sites, brochures, advertising, and documents full of grammatical errors and bad English usage. Here’s the thing: You have a skill or a product that is the heart of your business, and that is where your time and energy are best spent. If writing isn’t your favorite thing to do, then DON’T WRITE! There are many baby boomers around who were educated in the strict old days, when the rules of grammar, writing, and spelling were taught and continually reinforced by stern, single-minded teachers. We will be happy to point out your written mistakes for you. With the “advancements” of word processors, email, and the dreaded text messaging, many of us got a little lazy and overly complacent about the shortcuts. We forgot the importance of proper writing.
Many professional writers are not journalists or English Majors by education, but rather consider themselves “Accidental Writers” because they developed a love for writing and grammar through years spent in various professional careers. Writing services of all kinds are readily available, and tend to be very cost effective. Carefully consider the use of professionals for any written work that needs professional polish, such as, editing, research, articles, grants, proposals, articles, web content, and e-books. If you do not want to involve “hired guns” for your written output, consider a refresher course or two on grammar and business writing.
The first impression your business makes on prospective customers is critical! No business is too large or too small to benefit from a good first impression!
Barbara Fisher crusades against substandard use of grammar, spelling, and basic writing. Barb (barb@azwordsmiths.com) founded Arizona Wordsmiths to help businesses avoid mistakes that compromise the integrity of their written messages. For information go to www.azwordsmiths.com.
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