Don’t Shoot the Messenger
“You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that: it’s an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.” — Rahm Emanuel
Whether or not you care for his politics, the man makes a good point, and we’re seeing excellent examples of crisis communication during the coronavirus pandemic. This is a time for organizations to instill confidence in their customers, project empathy and provide valuable information.
Your inbox is probably full of such communications; I know mine is. But I’ve experienced something over the past few weeks most of you probably have not — I’ve had the chance to write and edit a number of these messages.
I’m not seeking a pat on the back (especially not now) or even your admiration, but I’m going to take this opportunity to offer a shout out to all professional writers. No one gets into this professional to become wealthy — or they probably shouldn’t — but because they simply love using words to create content in ways non-professionals cannot.
Unfortunately, because everyone has some level of ability to write, many people don’t comprehend the significant value to be had by using a professional for important business communications like websites, marketing collateral, blogs, proposals and more. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a prospective client say, “I decided I’m going to write the copy myself.”
But in times of crisis, like this one, I bet most if not all organizations turned to a professional to write or edit their message for clients — a decidedly good move. My message here? Don’t wait for a crisis to learn what a difference it can make to work with a professional writer or editor. And stay safe.
Tips for Working from Home
I’ve worked at home since 2001 — the first three years for someone else and since then as a freelancer. I know many of you are facing this reality for the first time, so to help you out, I wrote an article featuring a few tips for success. For example, you really shouldn’t work in your pajamas; I find that to be a production sapper. Check out the full article here.
Choose Wisely
The English language is full of homonyms — words that are pronounced the same but spelled differently with different meanings. If you make the wrong choice, you can look foolish. Take waiver and waver, for example. Waiver is a noun with meanings that include intentional relinquishment of a right or privilege, a dispensation or a deferment. Waver is a verb that means to move unsteadily back and forth, to vacillate or to tremble in sound.