We've had this exciting idea percolating for awhile: to help sole proprietors and small businesses use their written communications to focus their business and attract the right clients.
Here are a few tips on presenting your idea, business or yourself to the world via a web page or other written communication--and they aren't about grammar or punctuation (although these are important, too).
Tell the truth, and tell it beautifully. Don't worry so much about slick communications, whether it be a website, brochure or nonfiction manuscript. If you want slick, that can come in phase two. Phase one is about selecting the words that match your vision, which can actually help hone your mission.
Simplicity wins. Big words and elaborate descriptions don't build credibility. Think clarity, think economy of words, think ease-of-reading. Focus on getting your message across in as few words--and as little time--as possible.
You can't be all things to all people--a fact that applies to your written communications in the same way it applies in life. Too often, we make the mistake in thinking that if we cast a broad net we'll catch more fish, but that might mean that we catch the wrong fish! Not only is this more trouble than it's worth, it isn't fair to the fish! We're interested in helping you develop the right kind of net. Be really specific about the benefits of your product or service and who you are best positioned to serve. This is just as much about mission as it is about written representation or your organization.
For example, we know that in creating this special focus we will attract individuals and small organizations that want to use their written communications to get to the next level, and we are excited about that. Is that you? Can you benefit from focusing on how words represent your goods or services? We help people who want to attract the right clients so they can build their business, so they can attract more of the right clients so they can build their business, so they can attract more...and build more...and so on.
If this is you, we'd love to hear from you: gotwords@wordmountain.com