Business Writing Courses: What to do First
(First published as a Google Knol, July 2008)
If you're looking for business writing courses, you should start with self-examination. In other words, identify exactly what you want from the business writing courses. Let me give you an example, from a slightly different context.
When I first started selling my newsletter writing and publishing services I was not at all successful. I would visit potential clients; they would invite me to make a presentation, which I did; and after a few questions they would promise to get back to me. Needless to say, they rarely did.
My sales success changed dramatically when I adopted a consultative sales approach. Instead of doing a dog and pony show, I would ask their permission to ask questions, and they would give it. Then, over the next 30 to 40 minutes I would ask all kinds of questions about the company or organization, about their plans for a newsletter, and lots of related questions. Then, I would spend 20 minutes or so addressing the issues raised during my questioning of them, and show examples from my portfolio of newsletter work. Finally, I would do the 'closing', which is asking for their decision. After a consultative 'presentation,' I usually got the contract, on the terms I wanted. And my clients got the kind of newsletter they wanted.
The difference? Few potential clients knew exactly what they wanted when I walked in the door, they just generally knew they needed a newsletter of some kind. When they responded to my questions they began to narrow and focus their newsletter goals, and were able to do it on the fly. By the time I finished my questions, they knew exactly what they wanted, and I knew exactly how to meet their needs.
So, before you go looking for business writing courses, spend some time trying to identify exactly what you need. Here are some questions that will help you do that:
* Do I want to generally improve my writing skills?
* Do I need address specific issues in considering my overall writing skills?
* Do I want to solve a specific problem?
* Do I need to solve that specific problem right now?
* Is there a specific audience I need to convince?
* Am I trying to change minds, or simply reinforce existing beliefs/ideas?
These are the kinds of questions you'll find helpful, if you ask them before you start checking business writing courses. You may be able to add questions or criteria of your own that will help as well.
Let's now take a look at some of the responses you might have to those questions. First, are you looking for general writing improvement, or do you have a specific weakness or situation you want to address. On my business writing courses site, for example, I offer 3 Easy Ways to Power Up Your Writing, which is a general type of course. On the other hand, How to Craft a Communication Strategy addresses a specific situation or need.
Both of these courses are based on booklets, which means they provide quick, but limited help. If you wanted broader, longer-term growth in your writing skills, you would look instead at multi-session courses, or book-length materials. Similarly, if you're looking for broader growth, you might check to see if coaching is available with the business writing courses you choose.
In summary, you're most likely to achieve your writing goals if you take the time to identify exactly what you want before searching for business writing courses.
More Business Writing Courses Resources
Courses
3 Easy Ways to Power Up Your Writing
How to Craft a Communication Strategy
Contact Us:
How to get in touch with Word Engines Press Inc. and Robert Abbott, for information about our business writing courses, and more
http://www.business-writing-courses.net/contact.html
Business Writing Courses ©Robert Abbott, 2008 All Rights Reserved
