Writing 4 You

the power of the press (release)

2012-01-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

I've blogged about the importance of press releases before, and today I came across this article: 4 Reasons Press Releases Are A Powerful Tool on Momeo.

It's always good to spread the good word about news/events associated with your business or organization!

read me! subject line do's and don'ts

2012-01-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: dave from morguefile.com

How many email messages do you receive in any given day? Now, how many emails do you actually open? Which ones end up in the trash? Which ones to you open and actually read in full?

Having an email marketing strategy is a must. And part of that strategy—besides deciding who will receive your messages and how often you want to communicate with them—is writing a solid subject line.

I could write a lengthy post on this subject, but you’ve probably got a lot of email to read, so I’ll keep it brief. :) In a nutshell:

Do…

- Think of your subject line as a headline. It’s really the same kind of thing, so check out a newspaper for good ideas on how to present a subject line that grabs your readers’ attention.

- Tell recipients what they’re going to read when they open your message. If you're promoting an upcoming clinic in your store, say so. Don’t advertise the clinic in the subject line but write your message about a clearance sale. This will only confuse your readers.

- Be concise. You’ve (only) got about 50 characters at your disposal, so use them wisely.

- Personalize. Some subject lines include the recipient’s name. Others note the sender’s name. Either way, be clear about whom the message is for, and whom it’s coming from.

Don’t…

- Use exclamation points in your subject line. Or if you feel the need to do so, stop at one. Messages that use multiple exclamation points scream spam.

- Use all caps, either. YOUR READERS WILL THINK YOU ARE SHOUTING AT THEM!!!!

- Include words in your subject line that are spam-like. Free, call today, and act now will most likely cause your message to end up in junk mail folders.

Hope these tips helped, and good luck with your upcoming e-mail marketing campaigns!

Oh, and slightly off-topic: if any grammar purists (like myself) are wondering about the title of this post and my use of apostrophes, I looked this up. Read about the "correct" way to write dos/do's & don'ts/dont's if you wish!

work smarter, not harder

2012-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

That's my mantra for 2o12. When I reviewed my workload for 2011, I was at first thrilled to see the number of projects I had completed. Then I compared this list to my earnings. Hmmm, I thought. Not bad. But how can I be even MORE productive?

There are tons of opportunities to increase your productivity. Quit hitting the snooze button and get out of bed. Turn off Facebook (tough one, I know) while working on your computer. And if you blog, find a way to keep the time you spend on your posts to a minimum--preferably without reducing quality.

This is something I decided to work on for this year, so I was happy to see one of the folks I'm following on Twitter, Michelle Shaeffer (@MichelleShaeffr) blog about this very thing. She's got some great tips on her article Six Secret Strategies for 15 Minute Blog Posts. Check it out.

Here's to a productive, successful 2012!

apostrophes, again

2012-01-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

I'm not just a word nerd--I'm also a bit of a grammar cop. Which explains why, after several years, I physically altered a decoration that makes our front door its home during the winter months--I just couldn't stand it anymore. The piece is a cheerful snowman, and it was a gift from, I believe, a family member. On the body, in personalized in bright red letters, it reads: "The Hart's."

Woah. That's just wrong. Unless the snowman is implying that it belongs to us, as in "The Hart's snowman"--and I don't think it is--this little apostrophe just made a big boo boo. Which is why I recently took a piece of white electrical tape (same color as the snowman's body), cut it to size, and placed it over that intrusive mark.

There. Much better. Now the greeting correctly reads: "The Harts."

And I've just admitted to the world how silly I am. Or not. What do you think?

(For more info on apostrophe/possessive use, check out Grammar Girl's article here.)

newsletters are not dead

2012-01-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

It’s true that social media takes the (communication) cake these days. Businesses and organizations are embracing Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn by the thousands. And that’s great, because these are all excellent ways to stay connected.

But social media isn’t everything—it’s only part of the publicity game. Newsletters are still powerful marketing tools, and you can distribute them online (e-newsletters or ezines) or go the traditional route by printing copies.

No matter which format you choose, newsletters are a good way to reach out to your target audience. They’ll see your name on a regular basis and thus remember you. Just be sure to keep a few things to keep in mind when planning your publication:

Know why you’re publishing a newsletter.
Are you trying to motivate employees with internal information? Do you want to keep clients and donors updated about your organization’s services? Knowing why your newsletter exists will help you maintain focus by providing information your readers will find valuable.

Provide quality content.

You’ve probably heard the statement “content is king.” It’s true, so be sure to think about the type of information you will to include. Some ideas:

Note how to find your organization online. Links to your website, blog, Facebook and Twitter pages are good ways to show readers that you exist in a variety of platforms.
Offer valuable information. Articles providing problems/solutions and special offers give readers something to take with them after they’ve finished reading (think useful knowledge via articles or savings through discounts).
Feature case studies staff profiles. Let your readers get to know your company on a personal level, either through “meeting” employees or providing testimonies about how you’ve helped others.

Publicize.
How will readers find you? Tell them! Have a sign-up space on your home page for ezines, keep a copy of print newsletters in your office or waiting area, and mention your publication on invoices and billing statements.

Other tips for newsletters:

Set a publication schedule and stick to it.
Keep your newsletter relatively short. Three to five articles is plenty per newsletter.
Make it easy to read. Write for the format in which it will appear and make it visually interesting with logos, graphics, pictures, etc.
Keep it scannable: use headings, bulleted lists, bold text, etc.

Do you publish a great newsletter already? We'd love to share it with our readers. Or send us a link to your publication if you'd like some feedback on how to improve, and we'll provide it for FREE!

work from home? with kids? read now!

2012-01-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Do you work from home while caring for your children? I'm proud to be a WAHM (work-at-home-mom) but I will admit it's tough sometimes. Ok, who am I kidding...it's tough MOST of the time. That's why this article really hit home: Blogging with Kids: 9 Tips and Tricks to Keep You Sane.

Although the title of this piece is what got my attention, you can substitute "blogging" with whatever it is that you do, actually...the basic principle is the same. If you work at home and have little ones around, you know that it can be difficult to focus and be productive when the demands for juice, a game of hop-on-pop/mama, and snacks are relentless.

How do you deal with balancing your work with caring for your children?

twaining for twitter

2011-12-30T19:32:00.000-08:00

I've been reading up on Twitter the past couple of days. It's time to expand my social media scope once again, and since the big T has yet to grace my computer screen, I figure it's time to dive in. So, fellow business owners...do you Twitter? Do you feel it's helped your business? What resources do you recommend for learning the ropes? Who do you follow?

single vs. double spaces

2011-12-19T07:36:00.001-08:00

For quite a while now I find myself succumbing to the trend of using one space after periods rather than the traditional two spaces. It seems many folks are going this route, and some guidelines even specify to do so. One of my LinkedIn groups recently debated the issue here.

Some are in favor of the single space, some are attached to double spacing, and some are ambivalent. What's your take on the issue?

resources for writers

2011-11-18T13:04:00.001-08:00

Are you a writer? Doesn't matter what you write: fiction, non-fiction, essays, blogs, personal journals, academic papers...at some point, you will need to look something up. Here's an article to help reduce time searching for quality resources:

http://brownstonepublications.com/blog

I "like" it!

2011-11-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

I did it. I finally set up a business page on Facebook. It's a wonder it took so long since, like many people around the globe, I have somewhat of an addiction to the thing.

Anyway, if you don't mind, I'd love to up my "likes" on this page. Check it out! (And thanks in advance!)

punctuation speculation

2011-10-27T12:07:00.001-07:00

They're little, but they're mighty. They have the ability to entirely change the meaning of a sentence. And they also have the power to make a respectable business look a bit less credible. We're talking about punctuation, folks. Let's look at a few examples to show how an intended message can quickly be misunderstood when punctuation is used improperly--or when it's missing entirely. Here's one example you may have seen already:

Let's eat, grandma!

vs.

Let's eat grandma!

Hmmm. I'm doubt many of you are particularly interested in sampling your own grandmother (or anyone else's!), so I'm pretty sure the first sentence is the correct one. See how important that little comma is?

Ah, the commonly confused "your" vs. "you're."Not to be crass, but this is a fun one (courtesy Terribly Write):

I saw this next one on Facebook first (and I "liked" it, of course!), but it could have originated anywhere. Again, apologies for the foul language, but I believe this gets the point across:

"An apostrophe is the difference between a business that knows its shit and a business that knows it's shit."

These are just a few examples of punctuation gone awry, and I'm sure you could provide many more. Feel free to share grammar goofs you've seen--or perhaps even made--here!

the business of small business

2011-10-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

I guess I was, in a way, destined to become an entrepreneur. Or at the very least, I set my sights on working for a small, locally-0wned company. Because when I look back, that's all I've ever done. Here's a quick overview of my job history (excluding a smattering of part-time summer jobs and student-worker stints in college):

As a junior high student, I had a paper route delivering my hometown's weekly paper. I think I made about $15/month--but it was money I earned on my own, and that felt great. I still have fond memories of waking up before sunrise, donning my walkman, and trudging through the neighborhood, placing papers on doorsteps or, in wet or snowy weather, inside storm doors.

In high school I worked for a local commercial cleaning company, scrubbing and scouring offices, corporate bathrooms, and and assortment of bank lobbies. I definitely learned to appreciate those who harbor behind-the-scenes type-jobs.

After college I landed a job as a customer service rep at a family-owned music store. I was there for four years and learned a ton about treating customers with respect and how to work as part of a team. In a way, it was this job that allowed me to hone my writing skills in the commercial world as I created flyers, brochures, and even wrote an article for a music trade magazine.

Although these jobs required totally different skills, they all have one thing in common: not one of these companies is owned by a big-time corporation. They're all local products of their respective communities, and are all very in touch with the folks they deal with on a daily basis. I took many experiences away from each job, but the singular message I've kept in mind is that through hard work and treating people well, a small business can indeed be successful.

So here I am, many (exact number undisclosed :) ) years later, running my own business. And after having this opportunity, it's hard to imagine doing things any other way. Plus I have total respect for other small business owners. I try to patronize them whenever possible.

How about you? What types of small business to you support?

the coffeehouse writer

2011-10-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Aaaah...here I sit, undisturbed (i.e., no young children calling, "Mom! Mom?") with a cup of steamy coffee before me. I've got my laptop. I've got my cell (which I just used to take a call from my husband, who informed me of an incident involving our two-year-old, her diaper, and a certain mess that resulted from her taking said diaper off...but that's for another post). I've got ideas flowing for a project I'm working on.

Where am I? Certainly not at home. I'm at the local coffeehouse. As much as I love working from home, sometimes I love working away from home more. The change in scenery does wonders for one's concentration level...and the caffeine doesn't hurt, either.

As my mind wandered a few minutes ago (can't seem to avoid that fate!), I began considering changing my business name from Cassie Hart Copywriting & Editorial Services to something more, well, business sounding. Without my name included. I came up with Coffeehouse Copywriting. Given the fact that I am, indeed, a coffee junkie, and that I enjoy the atmosphere of coffeehouses, the name seems to fit. Of course, I'd have to get all new business cards and re-create my website, which I don't really have time to do. But it's a viable thought for the future.

All this leads me to a question for my fellow biz owners: how did you come up with your business name?

business x 2

2011-10-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

How many entrepreneurs do you know who run more than one business? The more entrepreneurs/solo-preneurs I meet, the more I notice folks really taking charge of their own careers. This sometimes means adding a second "job" just to make ends meet, but more often it means having two careers because they have a passion in different areas. Sometimes the two paths are related; sometimes they're not.

I'm one of those folks. I've actually been playing music longer than I've been writing professionally. For a while I worked full-time at a music store and played lots of gigs. Then I left my job, went back to grad school and supplemented my meager assistantship with my gig income. After graduating, I launched my freelance writing career while continuing to play music as often as possible. Then I had my first daughter and the music had to be scaled back a bit. And then the economy tanked, plus I had another child, and gigs became almost non-existent. It was sad in a way, but since I was busy with other walks of life, I didn't miss the music aspect that much.

But then I played a gig this summer. And I reunited with some very good music friends. We had a blast playing our gig at the Uptown Normal Farmer's Market. And I decided I wanted to do this again. My husband convinced me I needed my own website and since he's a smart one--and a successful musician/composer as well--I took his advice.

Enter Cassie Hart & Friends: The Official Website. It's a long time coming, but now it's live and I'd love for you to check it out!

I realize this post doesn't have much to do with copywriting. But it's got a lot to do with my life. If you are reading this because you're a friend, you'll probably be happy to hear I've taken this step. If you're reading because you are considering hiring a writer and you happened to stumble on my blog, thanks for your consideration! I hope this post provides another look at me and the areas I'm passionate about.

I'm looking forward to embarking on not only new, interesting and challenging writing projects, but to jumping back into making music again. Here's to you, readers, and to whatever stirs YOUR passion!

do projects ever make you feel...grateful?

2011-09-27T14:47:00.001-07:00

As I research information for a blog post for one of my clients, I realize I've got it pretty darn good. All my basic necessities are taken care of. I have a roof over my head. I have food on the table. I have a great husband and two awesome kids. Our home environment is safe. We love and respect each other. Sure, we get frustrated, irritated, and angry sometimes, but we find a healthy way to resolve our differences.

I've been learning about National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (observed in October) and the more I read, the more grateful I feel for my life. Some folks aren't so lucky. Some are involved in hurtful, abusive relationships and they--and their children--are suffering. It's a sad and potentially disastrous situation. And it needs to stop.

If you know of someone who needs help because of physical or verbal abuse, let them know that you are there to offer support. Here are a few resources to pass along:

Child Abuse Hotline
800.25.ABUSE
217.524.2606

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Family and Community Resource Center

Put yourself out there to help someone else. You'll be glad you did.

Lemme hear you say, "Waaaah!"

2011-09-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

All word-type-people utter this from time to time, usually when staring at a blank page as writer's block takes hold of our minds. Those of us who work from home with small children, however, often experience it another way:

Child: "Waaah!"
Parent: "Shush, it's time for your nap."
Child: "Waah! No nap! No nap!"
Parent: (pleading) "C'mon, Sweetie...just lay your head down and rest. Mama/Daddy's got work to do."
Child" "Waaah! Don't care! Not tired!"
Parent: (along with child) "Waaaaaah!"

This post inspired by my here and now...I've got a list of projects to tackle and my two-year-old is calling from her crib. Sigh. (Or even better, "Waaah!")

So, how do you work-from-home types handle getting stuff done with kids in the mix?

sadly outdated, sorely missed?

2011-09-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

I'm guessing this (semi-defunct) blog wasn't missed too much. I've done nothing to promote it (short of a link to my website) and I've not been very dedicated to it in general for an assortment of reasons. Does any of this matter? Not really. Because this blog is back! I've had an epiphany of sorts, a bit of inspiration, call-it-what-you-will...but I'm ready to hop on the blogging bandwagon once again. So...are you ready for this? Check back super soon for tips, info, and what-have-you in the wonderful world of writing.

names, names, names

2008-11-20T08:27:00.001-08:00

You know how someone named James might be Jim, Jimmy, Jamie, etc? Or a Catherine might be nicknamed Cathy, Kate, Cat, or (yes even) Cassie?

A recent project opened my eyes to the many options one has when naming not just people, but departments within schools. If anyone ever needs to know what exactly to look up when reserching art & design schools and their departments, here's a short list of possible titles:

Art
Studio Arts
Art & Design
Fine Arts
Media Arts
Arts & Letters
Creative Arts
Graphic Design
Visual Arts
Digital Arts

There are more, but I left my main list (I started keeping track) at my home office.

Anyway, just thought I'd share this tidbit with you.

insurance issues

2008-10-23T09:35:00.001-07:00

Ok, fellow freelancers. I need to hear from you on this one.

So we (we meaning my husband and I, not we as in business partners) received a letter from our insurance company yesterday informing us of a rate increase for 2009...which figures out to be a 25% increase. That's right, my friends. 25%. That's huge. It's ginormous. It's insane. And it's totally uncalled for.

I will be calling our provider later today to ask some important questions. (Why are the web site quotes so different from our actual raters? What justifies this enormous increase? Do you really think people are going to be able to continue to pay for this service if it keeps going up and up and up in leaps and bounds? Who can I talk to--who can give me actual answers--about this problem? Because it is a problem...a BIG one!)

But what I'd like to know from you, fellow entrepreneurs, is if you buy your own insurance, how have your rates increased this year? If you're willing to share, by how much? How much longer do you think you can actually afford to buy health insurance? What other solutions have you considered? What do you think needs to be done?

This is a huge problem in our country. I'm not going to spout my political views on the subject. I'm just wondering how many others are in the same boat and how you're handling these inflated costs. Thanks in advance for your comments.

the blog is back (again)!

2008-10-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

After a year plus of neglecting this blog, causing it to join probably thousands of other lost blogs in cyberspace, I've decided to resurrect it. This is partly due to a book I'm reading, The Corporate Blogging Book by Debbie Weil. If you've ever considered publishing a blog for your business, this a great read to help you learn how to go about it.

Web 2.0--interactive, user-generated, online content--is huge right now. Blogs were at the forefront of this type of technology when they first emerged several years ago. Other popular Web 2.0 methods soon followed (MySpace and Facebook are notable right now). Blogs are still going strong--and they aren't just for teens searching for an outlet to bemoan the trials and tribulations of adolescence anymore. Many businesses--both large and small--are jumping on board and putting blogs out there for everyone to see.

This includes me. While I've been a blogger for several years, I've not been consistent about keeping this particular medium up-to-date. That's primarily because, as I've mentioned before, the number of hours I have to dedicate to personal projects as a work-at-home-mom (WAHM) ebbs and flows. When I'm not chasing after my two-year-old, I'm working on writing projects. And I need to meet deadlines for my clients first, so other things tend to fall by the wayside, including my own marketing tactics, like this blog (yes, blogs are indeed a form of marketing!).

But now I'm inspired and ready to blog again. I'm back in the saddle and ready to rumble. I want to get some dialogue going! And I'd love to hear what you have to say about blogging for business. What cool blogs have you come across? What do you like about them? Have you made an effort to offer feedback as you read your favorites? Why or why not? Talk to me!

off-peak hours

2007-02-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

Since becoming a mom I've had to make numerous adjustments to my schedule. One of the biggest involves my working hours. No longer can I hang out at my desk all day or bop out to a networking event in the afternoon on a whim. I've become what I thought I never could: a night owl.

Thta's right, aside from an hour or two in the morning that I somtimes manage to sneak in before my husband leaves for the day, the majority of my work is done between 9 pm and midnight. I've actually adjusted pretty well, but one problem I've encountered concerns taking phone calls from clients. Most folks aren't in the office that late. And trying to have a phone conversation with a 10-month old clamoring around the office just isn't productive. I love email, but I realize not everyone wants to communicate that way--at least not all the time.

So I'm asking for your help...how do you hand the demands of working in a home office while balancing your relationships with clients and your kids?

2007-01-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

This is embarrassing, but it's been so long since I've posted I completely forgot my login name for this blog. Eeek, so much for staying on top of things!

I don't know about you, but for me, 2006 was a pretty crazy year. Much of it had to do with the arrival of our daughter last spring. She's a healthy, happy baby, and I'm thankful for that. But as any parent knows, infants are a lot of work! I didn't realize how difficult it would be to juggle the demands of motherhood while running my writing business from home. I had to be available whenever my daughter needed me, and I certainly didn't want to miss any deadlines for my clients. But there are only 24 hours in a day, so something had to give—and that something was this newsletter. That's why you haven't received a WriteTips issue in a little while (if you are a subscriber) or why you haven't seen a recent issue posted on my site. I blew one of the rules I urge anyone who publishes a newsletter to follow—determine a publication schedule and stick to it.

But now, being a more experienced mother (having an older baby who can entertain herself for bits of time helps a little, too) and being more than ready to get back in the saddle work-wise, WriteTips is back on track. I'm glad to be back, and it's great to correspond with you again. Here's to a wonderful New Year for you, your family, and your business!

email blessing, email curse

2006-03-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

Does anyone write “real” letters anymore, now that email seems to be the preferred form of communication? True, it’s fast, efficient, and low-cost—and for most of us, there’s no way we would give it up without a fight. One common problem, however, is that because email messages are often typed and sent hastily, sloppiness tends to creep in: words are misspelled, sentences are incomplete, and grammar is less than perfect. This isn’t the type of impression any professional wants to make via writing, whether making initial contact with a potential new client or a co-worker in another department.

So, let’s revisit the original question: does anyone actually write, stamp, and drop a letter in the mailbox anymore? The answer is a definite yes. After all, you still receive a stack of mail to sift through every day, right? Depending on the situation, a number of instances are often better suited for tangible letters rather than electronic communication. Here are just a few examples:

Cover letter (with resume)
Job acceptance letter
Character reference letter
Pay raise request letterMarketing/sales letter

Today's tip: remember to communicate with your clients and customers in more ways than just using email. Receiving an actual letter will make them remember you!

resources for everyone!

2006-02-22T06:45:00.000-08:00

Are you responsible for writing duties at work or for your organization? These basic desktop references are good for everyone to have on hand—they’ll make the writing process easier!

Dictionary - A good dictionary is indispensable, and a must-have reference tool for your desk, no matter what profession you’re in. Merriam-Webster is a good bet, and an online version is also available at www.m-w.com/home.htm.

Thesaurus – Looking for another way to say it (whatever it is)? Crack open Roget’s International Thesaurus for a variety of wording choices. Over 330,000 words and phrases in 1,075 categories are included, and updated editions (most recent: 6th edition) keep up with trends in today’s ever-expanding vocabulary.

Style manual - Your company might have a corporate style guide, but it may not address every issue that tends to crop up when writing. One source I like to use The Chicago Manual of Style, which provides guidelines for creating lists, special characters, punctuation, plurals, acronyms, and much, much more.

have you hugged a writer today?

2006-02-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

There really is a holiday for everything! I just learned that Feb. 6-10 is Freelance Writer Appreciation Week. Read up on other "different" holidays here.

pondering freebies

2006-01-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Everyone likes to get things for free. And free stuff is available everywhere. I know I've lost track of how many pens, travel mugs, and coffee cups I've collected from local businesses during the past year.

I also like to offer free items to my clients, but do they really need another keychain? Even though I do have those available (they're coupled with a pen and measuring tape portion...very handy) I realize not everyone needs more stuff cluttering up their desk. So I've devised two useful pieces information that I'll be handing out to new and prospective clients this year. Basically, anyone who contacts me to set up a free initial consultation to discuss their writing needs will receive a report called 10 Tips for Polishing Your Prose.

And for those folks who secure my services, I want them to trust me, and to realize that I'm not out to clean out their budgeting account. Thus, I've created a tip sheet called How to Save Money When Working With a Copywriter.

I'm hoping that this information will be something clients can actually use...and at the same time I hope it makes them feel more at ease as they begin to work with a new vendor. Maybe they've never partnered with a copywriter before and are a bit nervous. I don't want my clients to feel nervous...I want them to trust me. And to secure their trust I work hard to provide proof that I am indeed an experienced, dependable writer. I'm there to do a job for them, and my goal is 100% percent satisfaction and beyond.

Here's a question for you business-wise folks: what types of additional value do you offer to your clients?

2006 business planning

2006-01-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

It's a new year--hope everyone is having a good one so far. I've been spending quite a bit of time analyzing aspects of my business. What can I do better? What new things should I try? How will I implement my ideas? If you're a business owner, you are probably having similar thoughts.

But just thinking about these important items isn't enough...you have to write them down. At least, I have to write them down. So I've got a list going. It's divided into various categories, and I'll be making sure I check off completed tasks. Here's an example of the maing areas I intend to cover:

Clients
Customer Service
New Services
Continued Education
Marketing & Networking

One goal I've reached already is an overhaul to my ezine, WriteTips. Thanks to Branmarc Design this newsletter has got a fabulous new look. The first new issue will go out January 15...if you aren't a subscriber yet, please let me know that you'd like to receive this free publication!

Until next week....

how's your customer service?

2005-12-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

There's one thing (ok, there are many things, but this is a BIG one) lacking in the business world today: customer service.

How many times have you entered a retail establishment or restaurant, only to be (not) greeted by a dejected employee, who doesn't smile and say hello, but who instead grunts an incoherent "hey" and refuses to make eye contact?

Customer service today is often terrible, and I fear it's only getting worse.

Don't let poor customer service afflict your business! If there's one thing you can do to stand apart from your competitors, it's offer outstanding customer service--and train your employees to do the same. I came across this book the other day, which has all sorts of good advice: "Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service" by Kristin Anderson & Ron Zemke. Read more about it here.

I'll be incorporating many of these tips into my own business practices. I'm ready to knock MY customers' socks off!

eBooks

2005-11-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

There's a new craze in online reading, and it's called the eBook. Writing an eBook allows authors to bypass traditional publishing routes, which of course has advantages and disadvantages. The upside is that anyone can publish! And the downside? You guessed it...anyone can publish. However, it's worth pointing out that there are quite a few poorly written books in print, too. As with any publication, readers need to be selective when choosing exactly what they want to spend time reading.

That said, I'm jumping on the bandwagon as well. I'm preparing to unveil my latest eBook: The WriteTips Guide, in the near future. The book is a collection of 12 articles that appeared in my ezine during the first year of publication. I've already made an offer to WriteTips (ezine) subscribers for free copies, so if you aren't yet a subscriber don't worry, you can still get on board and receive your free copy. Just email me!

blogging for business

2005-10-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

Like many business folks with online presence (which is, these days, most of them) I have become quite fond of blogging. Not only do I keep up with contributing my own thoughts online via one business and two personal blogs, but I have a list of useful/entertaining blogs bookmarked as well.

Lately I've been perusing blogs with a marketing focus. It seems there is no shortage of knowledgeable individuals in this area, so I'd like to share a few gems with you. Hopefully the tips offered here will help you promote your small business, too.

Duct Tape Marketing - Marketing expert John Jantsch posts often and always offers insightful ideas that are quite practical when you think about it. Problem is, many of us don't always think this way!

Publicity Hound - Who want's free publicity? (Me! Me! Yo, over here, me!) You'll find resources and ideas galore here.

Smart Marketing - Just came across this the other day while doing background research on marketing companies for a client. Smart guy, smart marketing.

Sept/Oct WriteTips issue

2005-10-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Finally, it's finished! The Sept/Oct issue of WriteTips will be delivered to subscribers' inboxes tomorrow morning. Check it out to learn how to beat the "Bad Brochure Blues"!

october updates

2005-10-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy couple of months, which explains why I still haven't gotten the Sept/Oct issue of WriteTips out yet. Not to worry, it's coming!

The past few weeks have landed several new clients ranging from website to brochure content. I welcome it all wholeheartedly...the opportunity to work consistently on a variety of projects is what keeps the juices flowing!

I've updated the What's New section on my website, so be sure to check it out. I've also got links to a couple of newly archived articles via Dynamic Graphics magazine's brand-new site. If you're a designer you've got to check it out. The resources are unbelievable!

That's it for now, more as it happens.

when it rains, it pours

2005-09-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

How much work does it take to overload a one-person operation?

I still haven't been able to formulate a solid answer to this question. My best guess is...it depends.

I've been a pretty good judge of workload-type situations in the 2 years I've been in business (full-time) for myself. Some weeks are busier than others: some are relatively slow, some are comfortable, and others are crazy-busy. This week is moderate. I'm working on two projects, a newsletter and a product review article. But I've got 3 meetings set up during the next two weeks for potential work (two possible web projects and a new marketing company, which could mean a variety of work if all goes well). Plus I received a call yesterday about some possible brochure work.

It would be great if all of these potential projects come through. The reality is, however, that every meeting doesn't necessarily lead to work. Some folks are just scoping out their options and others may decide to do it themselves (that's a professional copywriter's biggest competition, by the way). But it's important to continue setting up meetings because you just never know...work may result, your card may be passed along to an acquaintance of the person you met with, you may make an ally in the business world, etc. You just never know.

So, I'll attend these meetings, put my best face (and writing samples) forward, and hope for the best. Best being enough work to keep the cash coming in, but not so much that I have trouble meeting deadlines. Today's moral: know when to say when.

back in the game again

2005-09-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

After a week or so of rest I'm ready to return--full force--to the writing world. And a few projects have already reared their heads: quarterly newsletter issue, a possible web content project, and a bi-monthly column for Dynamic Graphics magazine (DGM).

I've been a contributor to DGM for about 3 years. The mag has recently overhauled its website, and I noticed a few of my past pieces are now available online. Check out these articles from the ever-popular Makeovers Issue:

Vitamin Cottage

Music @ Noon

And of course, I'm jumping back into the networking game (not that I ever really left it...). BNI & the Chamber of Commerce will help with that, as will a new organization I've helped found, the Home Based Business Professionals Association. I'm anticipating a very exciting, busy fall!

vacation notice

2005-08-16T08:20:00.001-07:00

Summer has just been crazy...that's why I haven't been very dilligent about blogging on a regular basis. But things are finally starting to slow down a bit and I will be taking some time to get my bearings back in order and plan for the remainder of the year. I will be on vacation from August 22-September 4. Once September 5 rolls around I will be prepared to once again meet with potential clients, discuss, and accept new projects.

Hope you're having a fantastic summer!

catching up

2005-07-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I posted. I seem to be behind in everything except work, and I'm trying hard not to fall behind here! I'm working on a major editing project that has dominated much of July and will continue to do so through August. I'm accepting smaller projects during this time, but larger projects will have to be put on hold until I've completed the editing work.

This means that WriteTips is going to be late this month. I'm thinking of going to a bi-monthly format, anyway, since I seem to have less and less time to spend on my ezine. I certainly don't want to disontinue publishing it, but I do need to find a way to balance everything, and the bi-monthly schedule might be the best way to go.

Hope everyone's summer is going well.

the catch-up blog

2005-06-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

I've allotted myself a half hour this morning to casually play around on the Internet. This normally includes checking my personal email account, getting my strip fix of For Better or For Worse, and reading up on my favorite blogs. This last item reminded me that I haven't posted here this week, so here goes. Thought I'd provide an update on current projects:

1. I've got a speech looming over my head...on July 12 I'll be speaking at the Association for Women in Communications. I'm still working on my presentation outline, but I'll essentially be addressing ways to make your marketing and promotional copy more effective.

2. In July I'll be working on a major editing project and will probably begin the 6th or so. I won't know how extensive the work will be until I get into it, but chances are I'll be shying away from other time-consuming projects until August. Smaller jobs, however, will be welcome!

3. Writing/revising brochure content for another client.

Other news: I got the good word yesterday that my article on jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton will be published in the next issue of Windplayer magazine. I actually conducted the interview and wrote the piece last fall, so I'm certainly ready to see it in print!

Have a safe & happy 4th of July!

3 simple networking tips

2005-06-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

June is flying by! I guess that's partly because I've been busy writing copy for a couple of website projects--one of which just went live this week--plus newsletter and article work. In July I'm supposed to begin a major editing project, so the summer is looking quite good.

I've updated the What's New page on my website, so if anyone is interested in specific project details, that's a good place to look.

And of course, I've been networking like crazy. Can't get enough. You never know what might lead to business! My general rule(s) of thumb when talking with new contacts:

1. Ask what they do/what their business is. Listen--really listen--to their response.
2. Exchange business cards.
3. Smile.

Yup, it's that simple. Just be friendly and professional. With everyone.

And that's my tip for the week. Enjoy the weekend!

to join or not to join?

2005-06-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

When I first went freelance, I immediately decided to join my local Chamber of Commerce. At the new member orientation, I was approached by a woman who invited me to visit her BNI group. I visited twice and decided that this group would also allow me to develop relationships with other professionals, so I joined. I'm still very active in both groups as an Ambassador for the Chamber and President of my BNI group.

I've attended several other organized groups, and if I could join them all, I would. But most require dues and of course, time. Because both are limited, I've had to shy away from other potential sources of networking, referrals, etc. I did, however, recently decide to take part in a small start-up group in town for home-based business owners. We had our second meeting today--I believe this will be an excellent resource not just for making business contacts, but as a support group for other people who work at home.

We face a lot of the same issues. Nobody tells us to be at work at a certain time. We can work in our pajamas if we want. These may sound like perks (and indeed they are), but think about it...it's easy to sleep in until noon and not get dressed or showered all day. But that's not very conducive to keeping a business running, so you have to make yourself adhere to some sort of discipline. And you have to do it alone, usually. This support group will address issues that we, as home-based biz owners, face. We'll talk about what works for us and what doesn't, how we overcome challenges and how we manage to wear the many hats that sole proprietors often do.

I think it'll be a good thing for all of us.

referrals and you

2005-05-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

I've learned that referrals are a fantastic way to land new business. I'm a member of BNI, a premier referral-based organization, and it's been wonderful for growing my business.

You don't have to be a member or a structured networking group to reap the benefits of referrals, however. You just have to let people know what it is that you do and when you do work for someone, do a great job. Exceed their expectations. Give 'em a bit more than they think they'll be getting.

For more tips on gaining quality referrals, check out the May 27 post on the Duct Tape Markeing blog.

May issue of WriteTips

2005-05-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last week the May issue of WriteTips was distributed to subscribers' inboxes. This month's article talks about the 3 steps to writing great copy in the feature article, Whip Your Copy into Shape.

Not a subscriber yet? Join the team!

And next month WriteTips turns 1! That's right, we've been publishing tips for writers and non-writers alike for a year now. We'll be offering FREE stuff to celebrate, so again...if you aren't signed up to receive this ezine yet, you'll be missing out! More information will be revealed as June approaches. Stay tuned!

what's in a Google?

2005-05-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

You never know where you're name will turn up on the Internet. This morning I decided to Google my name to see if any new links to my website appeared, and I found one really great promotion for my services. Thanks, Marketingtool.com!

Speaking of Google, if you'd like to see what other sites link to yours simply type...

link: www.yourdomain.com

...in the search box. You'll see a listing of websites that provide links to yours. Not all linking sites will appear, but you'll be able to get an idea about who may be helping you market your site.

a new day, a new look

2005-05-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

If you've been here before, you've probably already noticed that this blog has a new look. I decided to ditch the dots (former background images) and go with a cleaner, more segmented style.

In changing templates, however, links posted on the "old" blog didn't automatically transfer. I'll be adding a new and improved link section soon, so check back in the near future for this information.

I've got a few bits of news to share:

New client: Calahan Solutions. Stephanie Calahan, president, is a professional organizer. When we first met, I was almost embarrassed to ask for an explanation of her job. I figured an organizer, well, organizes, sure. But organizes what? And how? Stephanie was great, though. She offered an overview of her approach to working with clients to help them achieve optimal efficiency via eliminating clutter, unnecessary tasks, and much more. She works with and businesses and individuals and does so much more than just color coordinate their closets, like the HGTV shows portray. And in just a few short weeks, Calahan Solutions' website content will give a glimpse of her talents. Stay tuned for more info!

Melanie Crabill's press release appeared in both the Panatagraph and this month's B2B magazine. She's enjoying positive responses from locals about her news (CRS certification for realtors)...thanks for printing this, local pubs!

More news as it happens. Thanks for checking in.

nametags R us

2005-05-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

As a writer, I specialize in communication. Written communication, that is--I can spin a decent yarn for print or put words on your screen that'll make your business shine. I'm not, however, much of a speaker. I'm not a wealth of ideas for marketing schemes, either. Which is why I'm always looking for inspiration from books, newsletters, magazines, websites, blogs, etc.

When I find something worth reading, I figure it's only fair to share the information with others who may benefit, also. So here's todays resource: check out Scott Ginsburg's, a.k.a. "the guy with the nametag" site, appropriately titled Hello My Name is Scott. He's a communication/networking expert: speaker, author, motivator. He's got a lot of good info to share and a great sense of humor, too.

Check out his website: http://www.hellomynameisscott.com/
And his blog: http://www.hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/

Good stuff here. Truthful. Practical. Entertaining. Enjoy!

writing tip

2005-05-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a tip for anyone who has to write on-the-job (or for school or pleasure for that matter):

Before submitting any type of important document--article, press release, etc--for publication or review, try putting it down for a while. I recommend leaving it be for a couple of hours at least, and if you can distance yourself for an entire day that's even better. You'll come back with a fresh set of eyes and a fresh perspective. You may catch simple things--duplicated words, spelling or punctuation errors--or more involved items--unclear sentences or poor organization--that weren't apparent after staring at your work for an hour or more.

This tip was inspired by a project I'm working on currently. Just spent a couple of hours on a revision and before submitting it to my client I'd like to step away for a bit and review once more later this afternoon. This way, I'll be able to provide a solid piece of work devoid of possible embarrassing errors and/or clarity issues.

new portfolio items

2005-04-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to note that I've got a few new writing projects posted on my online portfolio, including:

Benefit Planning's new newsletter, Health Bulletin
Sales letters for Wind Portraits, Inc. and Diane Ruch

Thanks for checking in.

website updates

2005-04-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the April (late) issue of WriteTips, now you can check it out in the WriteTips Archives. The feature article offers ideas for creating content for your ezine, including:

1. Editor's notes
2. News updates
3. How-to articles
4. Tips
5. Interviews

I should add that the publication schedule will be changing slightly. WriteTips will continue to be published each month, but I'm no longer promising the first of every month as the delivery date. As a one-person operation, sometimes my ezine duties fall by the wayside as I work to meet deadlines for clients. Rest assured, however, that I will still provide issues on a monthly basis, and I'll still try to publish by the 1st of the month, but there may be times when I can't complete an issue until a bit later.

Other website updates include the What's New section. I'll also be addition a sales letter segment to my portfolio page very soon...I'm just waiting on permissions from clients to include their logos.

typography help?

2005-04-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of pitching a few ideas to the editor of Dynamic Graphics Magazine (DGM) for an article about typography. The next issue (Aug/Sept) will focus on different sorts of type, and I'm in the brainstorming process as I try to think of a few topics of interest to graphic designers along these lines. If anyone cares to offer a suggestion or two, I welcome your thoughts! Likewise, any websites or other resources anyone might know of that would be useful in my research will be appreciated. Feel free to email me with feedback.

Thanks in advance for your help!

a writer's work

2005-04-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been eagerly awaiting the April issue of WriteTips, please note that it should be delivered to you inbox by this afternoon. It's my goal to have everthing formatted and sent this morning. And I'm not getting up from my desk until that's done. Period.

This morning I gave a talk at my BNI meeting. Instead of offering "how-to" advice about writing (as I've done in the past) I decided to let the group inside my head for a bit as I offered a glimpse of my philosophy of/approach to copywriting. I addressed several issues, but I really hope folks are beginning to understand (if they don't already) that writing is so much more than just putting words down for the world to read. It also includes planning, organizing, researching, drafting, editing, interviewing, prioritizing, and so much more.

I'll be updating my website this week, so watch for some new portfolio samples and an updated "What's New" section.

ready for business

2005-04-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

Whew! Made it through 2 solid weeks of nothing but deadlines, ending last Friday. I decided to take the weekend off--a well deserved break if I do say so myself--and enjoy the beautiful spring weather that recently arrived.

So, now I'm rejuvenated and as promised, I'm reporting back in on April 11 to announce that I'm ready to take on new projects. I do have a few things to work on this week--a sales letter, some web content, and of course the April issue of WriteTips, but I'm still open to schedule meetings to talk shop. Marketing. Writing. All that good stuff.

I'd also like to give a nod to a few new clients:

Benefit Planning Associates
Just finished the first issue of the BPA Bulletin, a newsletter for this company.

Wind Portraits
Owner Wayne Winders is a very creative & able photographer in the Bloomington-Normal area.

BranMarc Design, Inc.
This company's website isn't live yet but will be soon...as soon as I finish the content!

More as it happens.

next available work date

2005-04-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

Things have been moving steadily along during the past couple of weeks, so I need to announce that my next date of availability to start new projects will be April 11.

In the meantime, I'm happy to continue discussing potential projects with folks.

Also, the April issue of WriteTips will be delayed until later in the month. I've been working to meet several deadlines and haven't been able to devote the time necessary to create an informative article for my dedicated readers. Thanks for your patience, and I promise the next issue will be on its way shortly.

Thanks for your business!

networking: love it or hate it

2005-03-28T07:13:00.000-08:00

In the ever-present debate about the good, bad, and the ugly of networking, responses seem to be either in the love it or hate it camp. I'm definitely pro-networking, and I've used it as a tool to help build my business.

Check out Bob Bly's blog for a discussion about networking vs. talent.

ezine update

2005-03-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I added 2 new back issues of WriteTips (my monthly ezine) to my archives page. February and March are available online, and I'll be working next week to have the upcoming April issue in subscribers' inboxes.

I also updated the What's New section of my site. You can read up on a few of the projects I've been working on here.

I apologize to anyone whose computer shows my website's body copy in Times New Roman. I created the page in Dreamweaver, and I've got Arial set as my font choice in CSS. Arial shows up on my screen, but for some reason every other computer I've viewed my site on shows TNR. I've tried to fix the problem several times, but so far I've had no luck. If anyone has any tips about how to get this under control I'm all ears. Thanks in advance!

I'm a writer, not a webmaster. Sigh.

i'm a crappy writer...and that's ok!

2005-03-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

I'm currently in the midst of several projects, all of which seem to have deadlines around the same time (April 1). This means I need to be efficient with my time. I can't just sit in front of the computer screen and stare blankly at a white screen--with nary a word on it--just because I don't seem to have any idea about what to say at the moment.

That's right. Even writers experience writer's block often, at least temporarily.

And with three or four impending deadlines, I don't really have time to stare at a a blank screen and worry about when the next surge of inspiration will hit me.

The solution, I've found, is to just write something. It doesn't even matter what, really. It can be grammatically incorrect, it can have spelling errors, and it can even be incoherent. "Wow," you may be thinking. "And you make a living doing this? Writing crap...and people pay you for it?!"

Well, yes and no. I do write my share of crap. But mind you, this crap is confined to my drafts. Nobody sees these but me. And I revise every draft several times. (Just as pop & country sensations Nelly and Tim McGraw sing on their recent hit: over and over again.)

Revision is a huge part of the writing process. I don't know anyone who can just sit down and churn out perfect prose on the first try. There's always a new way to say it, a different word that will work better, a better way to organize those paragraphs.

So, sure, if any of my clients saw draft #1 of any of my work, they'd probably high-tail it out of the coffee shop where I hold most meetings before their espresso and bran muffin were delivered to the table. But they won't see these ramblings, because I take the time to refine every bit of text I type.

And eventually, I'm satisfied enough to present this prose to my clients for review. They give me feedback, and the revision process begins again.

This may sound obnoxious to those who don't care much for writing, but for folks like myself, it's actually kind of fun.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to re-read this entry just one more time...or maybe twice more...wait, I don't like that intro paragraph...and is the tone too casual? And......

pleased to meet you...

2005-03-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

As educational coordinator in my BNI group, I try to offer meaningful advice about networking, marketing, etc. each week. As I searched for a bit of inspiration online last night, I came across several sites that offered handshake analyses.

Perfect! I thought. Everyone shakes hands. Haven't you ever received the "limp fish" handshake? Or the "power-crushing grip" shake?

As I snickered at the thought of all the silly handshakes produced by people who should know better, I began to wonder, hey now, wait a minute...what kind of handshake do I have?

I couldn't answer this question. How do you analyze your own handshake? So I decided to check out a few more descriptions, present my findings to my BNI group, and ask everyone to shake their neighbor's hand after introducing themselves prior to their infomercials. While this exercise was meant to benefit everyone, I was secretly dying to know what category I fell into.

Turns out I'm sort of an over-the-top shaker. My right hand travels slightly above my shaking partner's and stops when our hands meet. I'm neither a crusher nor a limp fish. I guess I've got a combination shake, then. Not sure if that's good or bad...perhaps I'll practice at the Chamber of Commerce After Hours event tomorrow night.

For more descriptions about handshakes, check out these links:

http://www.footinthedoor.com/handshake2.htm
http://www.connectuscanada.com/icebreaker3.htm

marketing tips for small biz

2005-03-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

As a small business owner (very small...as it's just me!) I understand that funds for marketing can be hard to come by.

I just read an article offering 7 tips for spreading the good word about your business. The best part: putting these plans into action will cost you very little...just an investment of time, and not big $$. Check it out here: http://www.entrepreneurslife.com/

Happy marketing!

March issue of WriteTips

2005-03-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday subscribers received the March issue of my ezine, WriteTips. This month's feature article discusses style guides and how using/creating one can make your company's written communications adopt an air of professionalism via one simple idea: consistency.

It's consistency that helps streamline your marketing materials, which enhances your business' identity. It's this identity--i.e. familiarity--that convinces prospective clients to trust you. And it's trust that convinces people to use your services and/or buy your product.

Intrigued? More explicit tips for creating style guide (the how-to process, not the theories behind it) are found in this feature article, "What's Your Style?" If you don't already receive my ezine, be sure to sign up now--you won't want to miss another issue!

new portfolio sample

2005-02-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

I've just updated the Portfolio section of my website to include the Home Sweet Home Ministries brochure. Thanks to Ashley Haffner for her design work and Infinity Print Group for handling printing duties.

More Portfolio updates will follow soon, hopefully within the next week if I'm able to obtain a PDF of the new brochure for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. I completed the copy in January and the Chamber staff has been working with a graphic designer and printer to finish the project.

I've decided to keep only 2 writing samples per category in my online Portfolio--I think doing so helps maintain simplicity on this page. If anyone is interested in viewing additional samples, however, I'm always happy to provide more upon request.

thanks to you, and to you...

2005-02-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

Seems as if I'm always talking about what a busy week I'm having. The past week hasn't been much of an exception, but I have finally had a few minutes here and there to break for coffee. You have to take time for the really important things, after all.

As I continue to grow my business, I find myself involved more often not just as a writer, but as a project manager as well. I've worked with a few excellent designers and a great printer on several projects, and I feel confident that the extra hands I look to in order to see a project from start to finish are the best of the best. And recently I met with a new designer (well, she's not new exactly, she's been working as a graphic designer for several years--but she's a new contact for me) who is also interested in working together when projects arise. She's a full-time freelancer designer, and she lives in town, too, which may prove to be beneficial.

Being a self-employed sole practitioner is tough at times. There's no one but yourself to blame if something goes wrong, no one else is going to drum up business for you (although referrals are certainly useful), and there isn't anyone to finish the work for you if you get behind. You've got to be on top of your game at all times.

One thing that helps is to keep a support network available at all times. My #1 supporter is my husband, who was all for my crazy idea to quit working for someone else and try my hand at running my own business. Other supporters include the folks I turn to for advice about writing, management, marketing, networking, general business issues, and much more. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who has helped with questions, concerns, and problems. In many ways, it's all of you who have helped me get my business up and running---and who continue to help see me through every day. Thanks!

urgent: request for testimonials

2005-02-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today I'd like to ask for a bit of help. I'm working on writing some copy for a magazine insert--sort of an advertisement for various magazine subscriptions--and I'm looking to collect testimonials from folks whose careers have, at some point in time, been influenced by information/articles found in magazines. If anyone can offer a brief description about how you've used this sort of information to improve your on-the-job skills, know-how, and general performance I'd love to hear from you...please email me directly.

I'm on a pretty tight timeline so the sooner I receive some responses the better. Thanks, thanks, thanks so much in advance!

HSHM brochure completed

2005-02-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

After several months of working with Home Sweet Home Ministries to produce an updated brochure, I'm please to finally have a copy of the finished product in my hands. Thanks to Michelle from HSHM for the job, and a huge thanks Ashley Haffner for her design talents and to Infinity Print Group for handling printing duties and color consultations. I'll post a visual to the portfolio section of my website soon.

Other business news
- I'm pursuing several new writing projects, many of which focus on the health care industry. One project in particular that I'm very excited about is for Benefit Planning Associates (BPA). We'll be developing a quarterly newsletter for BPA clients.

- I will be assuming the position of President for my BNI chapter as of April 1. I've got a great Leadership Team assembled, and all members have lots of ideas about how we can grow our chapter...which in turn means growing our businesses!

General news
- Got Debbie Weil's ezine today. As always, she offers some wonderful information about business blogging. Check out her Q&A section here.

- Are you a McLean County Chamber of Commerce member? If so, check out these coupons for Chamber member-to-member coupons and save in many, many ways!

That's the wrap-up for today. More as it happens.

new links

2005-02-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

I've added a link section to this blog...look in the left-hand column on this page. I've included links to a few businesses I've worked with on various projects. I'd recommend these folks to anyone for printing, web design, or general design needs--visit their websites or give them a call!

new website updates

2005-02-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

I've just spent some much-needed time updating my website. You'll find

- 2 new testimonials
- updated What's New section
- January 2005 WriteTips issue archived

Also, the February issue of WriteTips was sent to subscribers' inboxes this morning. Apologies for being a few days late--I was a bit behind due to working overtime on the DGM article, but I'm just about caught up now. If you haven't signed up to receive monthly issues of WriteTips, I encourage you to get on board now!

I also just completed an article for Business to Business (B2B) magazine, a local publication for Bloomington-Normal businesses. It'll appear in my bi-monthly column and is, at this point, titled The Power of Punctuation. This is admittedly not the most interesting topic to write about, but
I did try to address certain issues that I see time and time again in text in brochures, flyers, web content, etc. So as bored as some folks may be who read this, others will, I hope, be able to use the information to improve their own writing.

More as it happens. Have a great week!

workload update

2005-02-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a very busy couple of weeks, which means I'm behind in just about everything except my deadlines. Managed to make those just fine (but who needs sleep, anyway?), with the exception of this month's WriteTips issue...but I'll be working full force on this tomorrow and should have it delivered to my subscribers' inboxes by the end of the week. Thanks for your patience!

Updates on writing projects:

Completed two assignments for Dynamic Graphics magazine and turned them in last night. One is a column of product reviews and the other is a feature about environmentally friendly design/printing practices. The latter involved quite a bit of research and interviews, as I knew essentially nothing about the topic when it was assigned to me. That's what I love about my job...I'm learning new, interesting things all the time.
I believe the brochure project for Home Sweet Home Ministries is finally complete. Almost. The files are now at the printers and will be run shortly.
Another project is about to be wrapped up, too. I provided content for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce new brochure. It's in the final design stages now and should be completed by the end of the month. I'll post images on my website when all is said and done.
Another article for B2B magazine is in the works and due by Monday. I've become a bi-monthly contributor and have been receiving a good deal of positive feedback about my articles.

I'll check back in when the new WriteTips is done and the Jan. issue is posted on the archives portion of my site.

why blog?

2005-01-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy week as I've been scrambling to ingest as much information as possible about environmentally-conscious printing (see previous post). I've talked to several experts already and have a few phone appointments set for next week to speak with others. I also received some samples of prints using soy-based ink and truly, there is no difference between this and petroleum-based ink. It's a fascinating subject, anyway.

Just got Debbie Weil's ezine delivered to my inbox. She's got a link to several great articles about business blogging, but one in particular caught my interest: "Why advertising, marketing and PR pros should blog" by Bob Cargill. See for youself why blogging is the next big thing for marketing businesses. What he says is true. Blogs are an excellent way to communicate with folks, they're inexpensive, humanizing, and infectious. And once you get into it, they're fun! Why not give it a try?

green is the color of money and...

2005-01-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

I'm currently buried in research for an article project about "green" printing...that is, environmentally-friendly printing practices in the design/print industry. What a fascinating topic! I've found several great websites on the subject:

http://www.soyink.com
http://www.conservatree.com
http://www.paperspecs.com

And these are just a few. I've got several experts to call this week who will undoubtedly provide additional insight into (and passion, I'm sure) the subject.

Some of the info I'm uncovering is scary. Who'd've thought that cancer or birth defects may be caused by deinking processes? Who knew that the food chain may be contaminated by waste from paper bleaching routines?

That's what I love about being a writer. You learn new stuff every day. Some of it may be unpleasant, but almost all of it is useful in some way.

major website update

2005-01-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

My business website is now updated. New design, new content, new writing samples, the works. Check it out!

january news

2005-01-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

You know what I love about working from home? The flexible schedule.

I was very productive last night since I simply couldn't fall asleep (should have known better than to drink two cups of coffee after 8 p.m.). So I stayed up until 4:30 a.m. working on one of the two newsletters due out this week. I finished it this morning, after waking up at 9:30 a.m. Too early to start the day considering the night's duration, but I couldn't help it. Too many things were running through my mind. All related to my 2005 writing goals, of course.

Anyway, my Ezine, WriteTips, is complete and it's been sent to subscribers' inboxes. Hope you enjoy the issue! And if you haven't subscribed yet, you can do so here.

The new website, by the way, is just about ready to be launched. Check back in a week or so and the new design should be posted!

Other news: I have been continuing to cruise the web in search of notable blogs. Here are a couple of finds:

Michael Cage's Local Small Business Marketing

Marketing Secret's by John Reese

Check 'em out and enjoy!

marketing in 2005

2004-12-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

As 2004 wraps up, we're all busy planning for the new year. This includes outlining our marketing plans for 2005. (I'm actually taking a break from this very task to type this entry.)

I just received my weekly ezine from Debbie Weil, president and publisher of Wordbiz.com. Her latest article discusses online marketing techniques (read it) and how email and ezines are still going strong. Blogs are excellent means of communication, too---and they're definitely complimented by email and ezines/newsletters, not overshadowed, despite what some folks seem to think. Together, this trio of online marketing tactics can do wonders for your business, including keeping your name in front of your contacts, helping spread your knowledge and in turn boost your credibility, etc.

I'm preparing to send out the first issue of WriteTips (my ezine) for 2005 later this week. If you haven't signed up yet, you can do so now! It's free, and you'll score all sorts of tips to help improve your writing. If you want to see what WriteTips is all about before signing up, you can view archives from 2004 here.

By the way, my newly redesigned website is just about ready. I hope to have it go live by Jan. 1.

Happy new year!

happy holidays!

2004-12-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

There isn't a whole lot going on this week thanks to the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday. Shopping and baking have sort of gotten in the way over the past few days, but that's ok...I finished up a couple of big projects last week, so the break is nice. I've made a point to continue working on the revision of my website, however, and I hope to launch it by Jan 1. This revision is part of my plan to streamline my promotional materials. I've got a great new logo, thanks to Rebecca Richardson. It needs to become part of the website, though, and that's a big reason for the overhaul.

Happy holidays, everyone!

On fairness to clients

2004-12-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

What I love about being a writer is the diversity my job brings. No two days are the same, and no two projects are alike.

For example, this week I put the finishing touches on a media kit for a client, attended a BNI networking function (and attended a holiday party for this group...'tis the season!), revised a brochure/flyer package for my local Chamber of Commerce, and met with a potential client about writing web copy. I also finished an editing project...let me share with you this experience.

Over the summer a fellow showed up at my door. Keep in mind that I work from home and don't typically see clients at my home office. I try to meet with them at their place of business or in neutral territory, such as the local coffee shop. So it was a bit strange to see someone on my doorstep, waving a piece of paper with my address scribbled on it and claiming the library had given him my name as a typist. He was writing a novel--longhand--and needed someone to type it for him.

I politely explained that I don't offer those sorts of services. I pulled out the Yellow Pages and gave him information for two typing services, as well as the local university's English department. An undergrad would be happy to earn some beer money, and a grad student would probably love to have the opportunity to eat well for a few days.

He was satisfied and thanked me, and he left. I did not hear from him again until he showed up again on my doorstep two weeks ago. This time he had the typed manuscript in hand and wanted me to proofread it.

Now, I don't promote my services to individuals, really. I try to work with businesses, mainly, for several reasons. But this fellow was insistent that I had to do this for him.

I had a couple of projects scheuled to be wrapped up that week, and of course Christmas is coming and I hadn't (and still haven't!) started my shopping, so I figured why not, in a few days I'll have the time and could put the payment towards something nice for my husband.

I took his manuscript. I reviewed it and called him the next day to let him know it would take about 5 hours (it was just about 75 pages) to proofread. We met again (at the coffee shop this time), signed a contract, I collected my deposit, and began the work.

This project--which I thought I had reviewed thoroughly enough to quote an accurate, fair rate--ended up taking 12 hours. I was, thankfully provided with an electronic copy (which saved time as I could make changes directly rather than scrawling notes on paper), but English was the author's second language and there were lots of changes to be made regarding basic sentence structure. The project took more than twice as long as I expected.

But I will not charge him more. The error was mine. I should have been more thorough in the review of his book. I will eat the additional 7 hours of work. (Yikes.)

Maybe it's because this is the season for giving that I'm being accommodating. But I don't think so. While other situations may have warranted a discussion about boosting my fees, this isn't a business with a big marketing budget. It's just a guy with a dream--to publish a piece he's worked very hard on for some time. He even hand-wrote it, for Pete's sake!

In the end, it's all about fairness to clients. Well, it's about making a living, too, of course. But fairness is what will earn you a decent reputation. It's what'll bring clients back for more. Deliver what you promise, when you promise it. That's not to say there isn't room for negotiation, but every situation is different and this fact should be recognized.

There isn't enough fairness in the world as it is. Anything I can do--personally or professionally--to help the ratings in this department is worth it.

Just don't ask me to type your manuscript for you.

And if you request an estimate on a project, please don't be surprised if I quote a range of the dollar amount next time!

Happy holidays!

Website update

2004-12-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

I've updated the "What's New" section of my website...please visit if you're interested in seeing how a freelance writer manages to keep busy!

Also, I received a very nice testimonial from a Diane Ruch, a local realtor for whom I wrote a holiday greeting letter. She included the letter with a free calendar to clients on her contact list. In her own words:

"Cassie, thank you so much for the perfectly written letter! It was the exact message I wanted to send along with my business calendars. Thank you also for convincing me that it's ALWAYS a good time to ask for a referral; even when I send a gift. What would have taken me weeks (and I still wouldn't have been satisfied) only took you a short time. I see why you chose this career, you are terrific!"

Thanks, Diane. That's super nice of you!

WriteTips December issue

2004-12-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

The final issue of 2004 WriteTips ezine was sent this morning. This month we're talking about ways to make sure your business web site is functioning at its best. A well-planned, well-written website is the ticket to getting potential customers' attention...how does yours measure up?

I'll file this issue in the archives next week. If you haven't subscribed to WriteTips yet, why not get on board? It won't cost you a thing!

Bly's blog

2004-11-29T13:50:00.000-08:00

Yet another notable fellow has hopped on the blogging bandwagon: Bob Bly, master writer and inspiration to freelance copywriters everywhere (including yours truly) has launched one of his very own. (Visit it.)

This is further proof that more and more folks are taking business blogging seriously. According to one source, Bly had been skeptical about entering the blogosphere. Now he's apparently decided to take a stab at it. If you check the comment section you'll see that he's enjoying a good deal of response--which shows that people do read these things, after all!

Of course, Bly is a major figurehead in the copywriting world. People know who he is and they respect and trust his opinion. Follow his new blog or any other of your choice and you'll see how this relatively new method of online communication can help your business establish a presence on the web. And not just any presence, but that of an authoritive figure, an expert, and a leader. All this looks good in your customers' eyes.

So what are you waiting for? If you have questions about blogging for your business, or if you want to dive in but aren't sure you can come up with content regularly, contact me. I'd love to help.

New service: website critiques

2004-11-16T07:39:00.000-08:00

Websites. If you’re in business, it’s pretty much expected that you have some sort of presence on the Internet today.

That said, there are a lot of poor websites in cyberspace. Some common problems include:

Inconsistency
Each page has a completely different look/feel. As a result, business identity begins to diminish…and potential customers begin to forget whose site they came to or even why they are there in the first place.

Poor/confusing navigation
If a visitor has a tough time maneuvering through your site, chances are she’ll leave it for good. We’re busier than ever today and our attention spans are decreasing, so make it really easy for visitors to navigate around your site.

Weak content
Your website exists to communicate with your customers: to provide them with information about your product or services and to persuade to do business with you. Poorly organized and written content will hurt—not help—your business. Examples include typos and misspelled words, lack of headings to separate chunks of text, and not breaking large pieces of information apart. Writing for the web is not like writing for print materials…a whole new set of rules is required.

Thinking about the effectiveness of your website? We now offer website critiques. Contact us to get feedback on design, usability, and content aspects of your site today.

Get organized!

2004-11-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Organization is, perhaps, the most difficult part of any job. It's an ongoing process. And you may feel as if there just isn’t enough time to plan for this very basic—but very necessary—task.

I occasionally fall victim to poor organizational skills. I have lists upon lists scrawled on Post-it notes, and sometimes I can’t remember which note contains urgent to-do activities and which includes important tasks for the week, but not necessarily for the day. This is compounded work-at-home issues: laundry, dirty dishes, yard work…all of which are actually nice breaks from my daily desk-time but can end up sucking up way too many minutes.

But most of the time, I’m pretty good about organizing. I’ve got files on all my clients—past and present—and a system for keeping track of potential work. Really, I have no choice but to be organized in this area. Not being able to answer a client’s question when it arises or being unable to find the second revision of Company XYZ’s brochure copy is bad for business. And since it’s just me running the show, I make an extra effort to be on top of things. No reminders from anyone…except for additional scribbles on Post-it notes. (What can I say…it’s an addiction of sorts.)

Having problems staying organized with your own time and resources? Check out these tips from Carol Halsey for prioritizing and organizing. http://www.pilestofiles.com/articles.html

Newsletters for president

2004-11-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

I did my civic duty by casting my political vote this morning. Hope you did, too.

Now I'd like to put in my vote for newsletters. At the end of each month, it seems all my newsletter duties begin to surface once again. I currently serve as editor of 2.5 newsletters (the .5 is a volunteer position for one organization I'm involved with, and I'm set to resign after the final issue). Since they all come due around the same time, my schedule gets pretty frantic.

As editor, it's my job to assign, follow up, write, edit, and assemble content. The hardest part is following up--when you're in charge of contributors, it's no easy task to make sure they submit their information to you in time to put together the piece and ship it off to the printer. Especially if they are contributing out of the goodness of their hearts (i.e., for no pay).

But all bottlenecks aside, I really enjoy the process. It's just a lot of work. But totally worth it.

Does your business or organization have a newsletter? If not, why? Newsletters provide an excellent way to communicate with customers or employees. You can motivate, inspire, inform, and entertain with a well-planned, well-written newsletter. Give me a holler if you'd like to learn more about the benefits of publishing one of your own.

Here are a few of the newsletters I currently produce:

Illinois Heartland Chapter STC: Heartline (quarterly)
Central Illinois Jazz Society: Jazzscope (monthly)
Cassie Hart Copywriting & Editorial Services: WriteTips (monthly)

November ezine preview

2004-10-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

I've just finished the November issue of WriteTips, my monthly Ezine. This month's topic focuses on business blogs. It addresses questions such as:

What is a blog?
How do I start blogging?
How can blogging be an advantage for my business?

I've also added a few links to notable blogs from both business and casual perspectives. If you haven't signed up to receive WriteTips yet you can do so here. Did I mention it's free?

You can also preview archived issues here. Please note that the recently released issues won't appear in the archive section until the following month, so if you're eager to get the scoop on business blogs right now, sign up today!

Holiday letters

2004-10-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

Even though the end of October has yet to arrive, it's not too soon to start thinking about the holidays.

Last week I wrote my first holiday letter of the season for a client. She's prepping her mailing list, which includes family, friends, and past & present customers. She'll be including a free, refrigerator-sized magnetic calendar in the package. The letter is brief--it simply wishes her prospects a happy holiday season and lightly asks for referrals.

Her timing is perfect. The package will be mailed in early November (the first page of the calendar starts in Nov.) and she may be one of the first folks to wish her target group season's greetings. She'll stand out because her letter won't come with a zillion other holiday cards...and because she's giving away freebies!

Have you thought about putting together your holiday mailer yet?

Welcome to Writing4You!

2004-10-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

After reading many interesting tidbits about business blogging, I have decided to give it a whirl for my writing business. I'll post as often as I have time to do so, and I'll provide an account of current projects, problems & how I solved them, and other useful pieces of information related to writing. I look forward to communicating with potential, past, and present clients!