TO RELUCTANT OR "ACCIDENTAL" WRITERS:
If you must do your own proofing, and if time permits, set the copy aside
for a while, so you can proofread it with fresh eyes later.
If you question your own grammar abilities, get a qualified person to look
at your work before you release it.
Remember to reread and spell-check your emails before clicking Send.
The more important the communication, the more important it is to have
someone else look at it for errors.
Learn how to write better by taking a business-writing course or workshop.
For now, you can learn to recognize and avoid many common writing
problems by reading the free writing tips at my website. (Good news:
They're written in plain English-no confusing grammar terms!)
TO WEBMASTERS:
It's hard enough being a master of design and programming--know when to
have someone else look at the business website to locate grammar,
content and formatting problems, so your professional credibility
doesn't suffer.
TO SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS:
Your website is often your best marketing tool. If you have one—or if
you want to create one—make sure it communicates clearly and error
free, provides what visitors want and need, and achieves the purpose
you intended.
When you have an operational website, do your key pages include,
within the HTML code, a site description and keywords, so search
engines can find these important pages for your would-be visitors?
A surprising number of websites don't have these in place. How do
those businesses expect prospects to find them?
TO CIVIC-OFFICE AND CORPORATE STAFF:
If the document is an important communication or will be copied and
distributed, and you have no proofreader on staff, outsource that
task to a qualified professional.
TO COMMUNITY LEADERS:
Not everyone has staff skilled at troubleshooting written communications
before they reach your peers and constituents. Know when to outsource
the editing, proofreading, and formatting.
TO EDUCATORS:
You work long, hard hours, so errors can slip into your writing that
you may be too close to the work to notice. At such times, assistance
from a professional proofreader/copyeditor will help maintain your
credibility.
Academic and other professional journals want error-free manuscripts.
Improve your chances of being published: Just before submission, get
help from a copyeditor.
TO BUSINESS-SUPPORT SERVICE OWNERS AND VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS:
Skill sets vary. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses; know when to
outsource to a specialist or make a direct referral, rather than
attempting the task yourself.
THE FOUR AGREEMENTS
Years ago a friend recommended The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz
(Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc., 1997). This small book, derived from
ancient Toltec wisdom, contains four refreshingly simple principles for
living a good, ethical life. I do my best to follow these principles and
consequently am happier and more fulfilled. The Four Agreements also
apply at work, as you'll see. (Note: The Four Agreements are quoted
directly from the book; the comments that follow each agreement are my
own interpretation of how they relate to business.)
"Be impeccable with your word." Whatever you say in your business
dealings should be truthful. Say only what you mean; no positive purpose
is served by telling lies. If a truth is unpleasant but still ought to
be told, tell it kindly. Another aspect of this agreement is to avoid
gossip: Don't start it, don't listen to it, and don't repeat it. Imagine
how much more pleasant your office environment will be!
"Don't take anything personally." You have your business agenda; your
customers and business associates have theirs, which may differ from
yours. You also don't know—you can't know—what kind of day other people
have had that is affecting their interaction with you now. Recognize this
and you won't have unrealistic expectations of others. When you follow this agreement, think of yourself as being coated with Teflon, so nothing bad can stick. But Author don Miguel
Ruiz says it best: "When you are immune to the opinions and actions of
others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering."
"Don't make assumptions." We've all experienced the pitfalls of basing our
business actions on wrong assumptions. There is nothing wrong, however,
with asking enough questions to clarify a situation or the scope of a
project or to establish mutual understanding. All that information serves
a positive purpose: It helps you improve your work because you know exactly
what is expected of you, and it improves your relationships with customers,
co-workers and other business associates.
"Always do your best." This is the simplest way to feel good about the job
you do. Realize that "your best" can vary from day to day. If you're not
feeling well, for example, you may not accomplish as much as usual, or your
work may not meet your usual quality standards. Forgive yourself: You have
done the best you can under these circumstances, and no one—not even you—should expect more. Ruiz says, "Under any circumstance, simply do your best,
and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret." How freeing!
Following The Four Agreements at work will create a refreshing business
environment—one you'll enjoy being in each day. Does this sound bold? Just
try it and see for yourself!
ALL MY BEST Business and Nonfiction Copyediting
"Get the Results and Respect Your Writing Deserves!"
5852 Oak Meadow Drive, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714) 777-1238 ~ www.AllMyBest.net ~ AllMyBest@earthlink.net
Helping businesses, writers, publishers, printers, marketing/advertising/PR professionals, speakers, consultants, researchers, sales professionals, organizations, teachers, students, private individuals, primary contractors and more!
Resources:
* An interview with Smith by Entrepreneur.com
http://tinyurl.com/yp66oe
* All My Best Writing Tips
http://www.allmybest.net/asp/writing-tips.asp
* Frequently asked questions about copyright from the Library of Congress
http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/
* Literary definitions and quotations from Bartleby.com
http://www.bartleby.com/
* Publisher of The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz
http://www.amberallen.com
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