Content is King
Ever read that professional bio and wonder if someones mother wrote it? Or that mission statement that should just have SNORE! as the water mark? Writing content is not the easiest of tasks. I will go so far as to say that it is something that should not be attempted by some even though it is subjective. Whether writing for clients, colleagues, or just for plain old fun here are a few standards I follow:
1) Less is usually more. Rephrase: less is more.
2) Removing emotion is a good idea – unless it is in reference to animals or babies then there is more wiggle room. (that usually only applies to non-profit groups though)
3) Don’t write when you’re angry….that just never works! Go for a run or punch a heavy bag first.
4) Do NOT fake it until you feel it. There is always somebody smarter, faster, and bigger. It will catch up with you.
5) Do NOT use a professional format, or perceived professional format as opportunity to criticize your competition. Bad, bad form.
6) If you’re going to quote or provide statistical information be a giver. Give credit where it is due.
For example: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” excerpt from ‘Oh The Places You’ll Go!’ by Dr. Seuss
7) Grammar and spelling. Yes, people notice.
8) It is really annoying when links don’t work. It may be hard to avoid because not all of us are tech-y type people but whenever possible make your links actually take the reader somewhere.
9) When you’ve worked on the same piece for too long and all you see are zero’s and one’s, you have two choices: walk away and come back when you’ve cleared your mind OR if you must publish/forward/submit due to deadlines have someone that cares about you proof read it first. By ‘cares about you’ I mean they will be honest and tell you when it is bad.
10) Not everyone will like what you write. My suggestion: get over it.
