Today I received my first Christmas card. I was surprised to see it in the mailbox; it was hardly December. The tradition of sending Christmas cards dates back to the 1800s when local artists would paint ready-made cards to send to family and friends. I love sending cards. I’ll get my hands limbered upContinue reading “Handwritten or typed?”
Tag Archives: writing
Strengthen your reputation and build credibility online
As a small business owner, you work hard to build a business you’re proud of. You’ve set your goals, identified your target market and defined how you’re going to differentiate yourself from your competition. Part of your business planning should include a marketing strategy — how to tell the world what you’re up to andContinue reading “Strengthen your reputation and build credibility online”
How to get stuff done
We all have “stuff” we need to get done — work stuff, family stuff, friend stuff, your stuff! The list goes on. One of my favourite ways to get stuff done is to make a ‘to-do’ list. It means mapping out my day and striking out each task as I accomplish it. Today it was:Continue reading “How to get stuff done”
Writing for who and how
There are as many reasons to write as there are ways to write. You might be writing a book — a memoir, a “do-it-yourself” guide, a work of fiction or history. You might be writing an assignment for school, an email to your team or an invitation to your next epic party. You might beContinue reading “Writing for who and how”
Narrow it down!
I’m often asked how I come up with a topic for my writing, followed by how I narrow down the possibilities. I have to admit, sometimes it’s just a random thought that pops into my head. Other times I draw on an experience. I’ve also learned a few techniques along the way to draw outContinue reading “Narrow it down!”
Where do you place your modifiers?
When you’re writing, it’s important to express your thoughts in a way that doesn’t create confusion. You want your messages to be understood and to inspire or influence. Like getting the comma in the right spot, where you place your modifiers is just as important. A modifier is a word or phrase that modifies —Continue reading “Where do you place your modifiers?”
See the goal. Achieve the goal.
The best way to reach a goal is to start with a clear picture of what you want to achieve. Is your goal to buy a house in the next five years, take a vacation or maybe chip away at a pile of debt you’ve accumulated? Whatever your goal, you’ll need a plan to getContinue reading “See the goal. Achieve the goal.”
Five reasons to write!
“I can shake off everything as I write. My sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” ~ Anne Frank There are many good reasons to write. Here are some to consider. 5. It’s a great way to record memories.You’ve had a great vacation. You visited little towns and shops and learned so much about the areaContinue reading “Five reasons to write!”
Don’t leave without a word
There may come a time when you’re ready to leave the business. This could happen for a number of reasons. Perhaps you’re contemplating retirement or maybe you’re just ready to downsize and spend more time at the cottage with family. Whatever your reason, don’t leave your customers hanging and wondering what happened to you. You’veContinue reading “Don’t leave without a word”
Let’s talk jargon
Language is flooded with words that reflect lifestyles, cultural groups dialects, professional practices or occupations, and those that we just plain make up. Jargon is great, if you’re talking with individuals familiar with the business, topic or area. If you’re communicating to a broader diverse audience, using jargon can lead to confusion. Merriam-Webster defines jargonContinue reading “Let’s talk jargon”
Writing for you. 