Oriental Rugs & Business Writing
Oriental rugs are beautiful -- whether you look at them from across the room or down on your hands and knees. Up close, you can get lost marveling at the intricacies of the designs.
Financial communications usually require boilerplate disclosure information as intricate as the swirls and arabesques of a fine Persian carpet. But since business communications are usually intended to sell something -- an idea, product, feeling or investment -- you must write in a way that keeps the reader focused on the big picture.
Business writers need to err on the side of more spartan communications. Well-written, engaging, and action-oriented, while simultaneously spartan.
These articles should help:
From public officials and CEOs doing the perp walk to the humbled Toyota, today's agitated world creates situations ripe for effective apologies. Yet, we too often find ourselves at a loss.
Next time you need to apologize, turn to John Kador's book and blog
I had the good fortune of talking to John last summer and have heard him interviewed on this topic. He'll show you how and why leaders who willingly and skillfully apologize make more money, enjoy longer careers and create stronger relationships than those who don't.
Email, Snail Mail and Sharing
Some interesting developments for those who want to blend best practices from email, social media and old school direct mail.
First, there's an interesting study about whether email or social media links are shared more widely.
Second, for my readers in the financial services professions, here's a case study of an insurance brokerage that did well with snail mail.
And last, here's an article on why people might not be reading your stuff anyway. Is there any news in your newsletter?
Having trouble coming up with a list of things to share with clients and prospects on a regular basis? This might help.
No, I'm not talking about improving Johnny Cash's lyrics. I'm talking about a monthly PIMCO newsletter with an article by that name.
The author, Wm Gross, gives bold investment advice based on global research, which, while no doubt brilliant, could have used a good editorial sweep by yours truly. Although Mr Gross didn't ask in advance, I went ahead anyway.
I also offer several writing prompts for advisors, traders and investors based on the report.
The PIMCO Ring of Fire includes the US, Japan and six European countries whose public debt is most likely to reach 90% of GDP (with an ensuing 1% fall in growth). Mr Gross says to avoid these countries in favor of Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Australia. Mr Gross says these countries are “considered to be most conservative and potentially more solvent, with the potential for higher growth.”
It doesn't look so good for the home team.
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