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HOW TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS WRITING A TWIST OF THE NOSE
 Category |
: Writing |
 Times Read |
: 67 |
 Date |
: 13 March 2008 16:15 |
What happens when you twist someones nose? To begin with, you get their full attention. Nodistractions. No mind wandering.Thats why its important to put a nose-twist into yourown important business communications. HERES HOW NOSE-TWISTING WORKS You have a brilliant idea for marketing a new product.Now, it needs to be put into writing for consideration byother decision makers. (Note: Im not suggesting that only marketing people havethis type of writing challenge. Anyone...includingyou...will one day have to distribute some importantinformation, sell something [perhaps yourself], orencourage the adoption of an idea. Effective businesswriting is an important skill for any successful businessperson...no matter what career path youve chosen.)Many people might start out their idea proposal somethinglike this. Following is an idea I feel will be effectivein helping to market the new Axtec product. Now doesntthat get the blood pumping.Instead of this kind of ho hum opening, try sayingsomething provocative, such as: Six months after launch,our new Axtec product could capture a 20% market share byputting into action the following promotional idea.Or, you could ask a question like, What is the onefeature about the new Axtec product that could catapult itabove all competition?Naturally, you need to have some basis for your claims orquestions. You dont want to be caught exaggerating. Ifpeople suspect you are trying to con them into readingsomething, your day on the stage is over. Here are several other excellent ways of giving yourimcoms a nose-twist in addition to the provocativestatement or question:1. Open with a story - The story might setup a problemyour proposal would help solve. If youre uncertain howthis works, read a copy of Readers Digest. Many of theirarticles begin with a narration. 2. Provide a startling statistic - Just make certain it isstartling. Conventional statistics seldom deliver much of anose-twist.(The following suggestions assume your imcom is beingdistributed as hard copy.)3. Include a sample - If the subject of your imcominvolves a product or product sample that is easily gluedto a letter or first page of a proposal, this is anexcellent attention getter. Products might include a newgrade of sandpaper, stronger plastic, new fabric...etc.4. Alter the paper - I have punched holes in letters, cutoff corners, even burned the edges of an imcom in order toattract attention. Just make certain it ties in with yourheadline and subject. None of these suggestions are considered standard businesswriting techniques. And thats the point. Being a littleunconventional can make your imcom the standout businesscommunication of the day. Just avoid being cute or clever.That almost never works.Remember, developing your skills as a business writer willput you miles ahead of the crowd, no matter what your jobor business. It should be as much a part of your work-a-dayworld as the language you speak. Even a small investment indeveloping these skills will bring huge returns in futuresuccess. About the Author Doug C. Grant is the author of the new e-book, `How toMove from Cubicle to Corner Office with THE SECRETS OFPOWER WRITING. A FREE preview plus details on receiving aFREE Blue Pencil Edit for one of your own imcoms isavailable by e-mailing: mailto:edit@newbieclub.com |
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