Category Archives: Uncategorized

From a humble, one-paragraph memo to a glossy, 30-page annual report, most business communications try to do several jobs at once: to inform, explain, persuade, motivate, sell. The most effective communications operate on several levels. Let’s say you’re writing a memo or email to inform your staff about an upcoming training session. On the face […]

But in a good way, of course. I’m honored that Liz Strauss at Successful Blog has named me a Successful and Outstanding Blogger. As Liz puts it, the SOB Award goes to bloggers who: “… take the conversation to their readers, contribute great ideas, challenge us, make us better, and make our businesses stronger. I […]

“Steve Jobs does not sell bits of metal; he sells an experience. Instead of focusing on mind-numbing statistics, as most technologists tend to do, Jobs sells the benefit.” Carmine Gallo in Business Week: How to Wow ‘Em Like Steve Jobs Benefits answer the most important question, the one your reader, prospect or audience is always […]

“Attract More Customers” is all about using good, clear communications to, well, attract more clients and customers. The 37 Signals gang has a great take on this topic, in terms of your client proposals. Their Get Real approach: Reduce the number of preliminary charts, graphs, documentation, wireframes, and other unnecessary paperwork and trashcan deliverables. Shrink […]

Brian Clark of Copyblogger is right. “There’s no better business in the world than being both the manufacturer and direct seller of your own high-margin product. Information products may be the best product of all, as it takes only your mind and your time to manufacture them…” Read the rest of his post at Darren […]

In the latest issue of his Direct Response Newsletter, copywriter Bob Bly quotes the late Ray Jutkins, a great marketing teacher, as saying one of the best ways to convert a lead into a client is with a personal letter. Write it in a warm and friendly manner, be thorough in your reply, and get […]

Writing good copy is tough. So when the words finally start flowing, you don’t want to blow it by having to stop and look up last year’s 3rd quarter sales revenues, or to look up another word for “appealing.” Instead, just keep writing, but leave yourself a signal. A marker. A reminder that you need […]