Originally published May 2018. Updated February 2024. Something has been lost in our hurry-up world: attention to detail. And some of the most important business writing advice we need to learn by heart is that details do matter! Details matter because paying attention to details saves time for the writer and the reader, and protects the credibility of the businessperson and the brand. Paying Attention to Details Takes Time but Saves Time Details, shmetails, right? We’re in a hurry! Maybe, but the time we save by going so fast can...
Originally published July 14, 2017. Updated January 5, 2024. Proofreading! It is guaranteed to improve your writing at work! I’m serious! If you only changed one habit this year to be a better, faster writer, get into the habit of proofreading everything you write, and I mean everything. “But, Sharon,” you’re probably thinking. “That makes no sense because that will slow me down, not make me faster.” OK, yes, but no, because when you catch your mistakes, you avoid confusion which saves time,...
I have a goal. It might sound morbid to you, this goal, but it is realistic. My goal? When I die, I don’t want any need for a garage sale. I am of an age that friends have parents who are dying, and those friends are stuck sorting through all kinds of what we’d call crap if we’re being honest. I don’t want anyone to have to go through that on my account. So, I am trying to slowly but surely make sure that I only live with things that can be recycled if not wanted (like books) or donated (like quality clothes, dishes and furniture)...
We’re celebrating the launch of a free proofreading course with proof proofreading matters! Proofreading shmoofreading, blah, blah, blah… If that’s your attitude toward this critical communication tool, read on to learn how typos can cost businesses millions of dollars—and even damage careers. How Proofreading Protects Your Brand…and Bottom Line Proofreading is important to you as an individual and to your company, for several reasons (some quite costly!). For an individual, proofreading protects (or even builds) your credibility....
I saw this sign while at a local hardware store waiting for some lumber to be cut. It would be one thing if this sign were scrawled on a piece of cardboard using a felt-tip marker. Then I could excuse the errors as being the result of some harried employee hurriedly writing these safety instructions. However, this sign was professionally printed and hung, and is probably one of many hanging in the different locations of this particular hardware store chain. That in and of itself is sad, that money and effort went into creating this...
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