Can power users make or break a new product, even before it hits the shelves? When developing your marketing plan, give some consideration to how power users (usually the early adopters) will relate to your product. Why is this important? Power users, especially if they have a blog, social capital, or newspaper column, will be […]
Monthly Archives: August 2011
Hands up who likes speaking in public? In front of strangers. Hearing your own voice as you speak. ‘Do I really sound like that?’ And then ‘working the room’, making connections, swapping cards… trying to be interesting, pleasant, assertive, and diplomatic. It’s not easy on a rainy Tuesday night when you could be at home, […]
I don’t know about you but I feel it’s time to bury ‘killer’ headlines. Once upon a time… killer was fresh. It had an edge. Attitude. But then it went mainstream. A bit like Talking Heads. Remember Psycho Killer? David wouldn’t write that now… or get away with it 🙂 Why Killer Headlines? Is there […]
Fonts. The one thing every sees but no one seems to notice. When I started in writing, it was generally accepted that Times New Roman was THE font to use for printed manuals. No ifs, buts, or maybe. Times New Roman size 11. I wonder if things have changed. Do we now prefer serif fonts […]
Yesterday one of my friends asked me on Twitter if I still have time to read fiction? Or do I read business books only? Books are my guilty pleasure, especially the Classics, History and Philosophy. But I still read a ton of fiction. Here are ten of my favorites. My 10 Favorite Novels of All […]
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Aug
Aug
If you’ve no budget for marketing but an hour to spare, write a case study. Here’s why. Case studies are one of the most effective tools you can use to promote your products and services, especially if you are on a limited marketing budget. 19 Case Study Templates for only $19.99 Learn more about this template […]
Do you freeze when sitting down to write long reports? While most of us can write short emails, status reports, and project plans, writing long business documents can be more difficult. How do you start? Here’s a four step approach for writing long documents. It makes it easy for you as the writer and more […]
24
Aug
Aug
‘Why are business plans so hard to write?’ Before I answered the email I thought about it for a moment. I used to hate writing business plans but now find them much easier to write. As business plans are still the same, maybe it’s me. So, what changed? Download Now – Buy Here! [Learn more […]
22
Aug
Aug
No one will thank you for it. Unless you’re asked… and even if you are asked for advice, pause for a moment and consider why you’ve been asked. You might be surprised to find that what you’re about to say… … could later come back to haunt you. The reason I wrote this post is […]
You have to admire Jennifer Hudson. When most celebrities go from ‘full-bodied’ to size zero, there’s a backlash, especially from loyal fans who feel they’ve sold out. Jennifer seems to be the exception. As a business writer, I try to look at situations like this. What makes it so different? What kernel of an idea […]
Ever feel that social media is a waste of time? It sounds like heresy to say it, especially with experts telling us every day that we must have Facebook pages, twitter conversations, and linkedin networks. But here’s another way of looking at social media. It’s to do with ROI. Who Benefits From Social Media It’s very simple. […]
How many times a day do you get distracted? Here are some tactics to reduce the number of distractions so you have more time to focus on what matters most. The key is to blend these tactics into your working day as frequently as possible. Then refine what works best for you. 17 Ways to […]
Which is better – one extra hour in the morning or one the evening? Staying up one hour late doesn’t mean you gain an extra hour’s productivity. In fact, you may be eating into tomorrow’s resources. Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to your performance, creativity, and ability to cope with tomorrow’s stress. Here’s […]
Wouldn’t it be great if you could influence others a little bit more? Not total mind control but agreeing with your point of view, taking more action, following your advice. 5 Persuasive Business Writing Techniques The problem with persuasion is that if you use it incorrectly it comes across as coarse, bullying or heavy-handed. Think […]
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