This article was written by Linda Dessau, an editor, ghostwriter and writing coa’ch.
Linda is the lead trainer for the HotSkillsVATraining ‘Writing & Editing Basics for Virtual
Assistants‘ training program.

In the last V-Scoop, Linda talked about how writing issues like grammar errors, misused words, typos or readability problems could be affecting your credibility, your clients’ success and the growth of your business.

Today she’d like to turn the tables and look at what is possible when you write well and use writing effectively in your business. Here are examples that apply equally to the writing you do for yourself and the writing or editing you may do for your clients:

1. When you write about what you know best and help other people understand it better, you build your status as an expert in that area.

2. When you write all of your marketing messages about that same topic, you strengthen the unity (and results) of your message.

3. When you write about the answers to your readers’ questions, they will think of you first when they need more help.

4. When you write about solving these problems, you awaken your creativity for other new ideas.

5. When you write for the way people read on the web, they will keep reading.

6. When you write a clear set of instructions, people will follow them.

7. When you write each email as a precious conversation, people will always be glad to hear from you.

8. When you write out the details instead of assuming someone knows what you mean, you minimize the risk of false assumptions or misunderstandings.

9. When you write with a unified voice, you and your client are a powerful force.

10. When you edit with an eye for professionalism and readability, you and your client both look better!

We’ll be covering all of these points and more in the upcoming Hot Skills VA class – Writing and Editing Basics for VAs, with Class 1, Claim Your Expertise (points 1-2), Class 2, Writing for the Web (points 3-5), Class 3, The Basics of Clear Communication (points 6-7) and Class 4, Basic Editing. I hope you can join us!

Linda Dessau, CPCC, is an editor, ghostwriter and writing coach. She is the author of The Customizable Style Guide for Coaches Who Write, and the editor of VOICE, the newsletter of the International Association of Coaching. Linda has been writing for the web since 2003, and created “You Talk, I’ll Write” in July 2005 to combine her passion for coaching with her gift for writing.