10 tips for faster, better business writing

Let's give your business writing a one-two punch. Here's your pep talk for better, faster business writing.

First, let's establish that words have incredible power to connect. Writing is the core of building business relationships. When you use them right in your business, you establish thought leadership, build brand credibility, and ultimately attract your ideal clients. 

As a professional writer and editor, I've lassoed sentences for companies like HP, Sony, and Microsoft in my former corporate life. I lead a writing team in my own business. I've also been a university adjunct instructor for communication classes ... so you can say I've picked up a few tricks for punchier business copy. Here are 10 for you!

10 quick tips for better business writing

1. Power-punch your first words. With an attention span less than that of a goldfish, people don't stick around for words that don't grab them immediately. Hit it hard in the first line.

2. Picture your people. Who is the audience for your blog post, email, Insta post, etc.? How can you speak in their language?

3. Stick to your purpose. Don't know why your reader should care? Neither will they. Be clear and deliberate about your message.

4. Catapult ideas with strong verbs. The trick to punchy writing is NOT in adjectives, or the describing words. It's avalanching sentences with verbs that matter. (Notice what "avalanching" does in that sentence?")

5. Write tight. Every word counts! Cut out fluff.

6. Say less whenever possible. Enough said.

7. Type your thoughts. For speedier writing, whip out those words as fast as they come to mind. You can tighten them up after they're on the page.

8.  Pay attention to punctuation. Getting grammar right really matters. Know when to break the rules, gracefully.

9. Dish out to your best ideas. Give, give, give and you'll be surprised at how your writing generosity pays off. People are drawn to caring thought leaders. 

10. Proofread, proofread, proofread. Everyone needs an editor. Double check everything you write before publishing and if it's especially important, have a second set of eyes review it.

Let me know: Which of these tips will you use for your business? Any writing tips YOU would like to share?

Why appreciation needs to be part of your business: Send a ripple of gratitude with #MamaMailLove

You know those people in life who make you feel truly appreciated, and how you’d do anything for them? This post is about how you can BE one of those people as you lead your business.

In another phase of my career, when I was working my way up the corporate ladder, I noticed something intriguing about leaders. Some are exceptional at offering gratitude, winning their team’s trust, loyalty, and hard work. Other managers miss the mark on appreciation, and drive their people away.

We’re not talking about some soft-skill bumbo-jumbo. Appreciation is tied to monetary outcomes. A study in Psychology reveals gratitude is one of the most accurate predictors of job satisfaction. When individuals feel appreciated they are more engaged, and highly engaged organizations are 21% more profitable.

On the flip side, when managers get gratitude wrong, organizations pay for it. As this Tedx Talk shares, a mighty 64 percent of recently departed workers left their jobs because they didn’t feel appreciated. That’s an expensive mistake!

My published study on gratitude in the workplace

This idea intrigued me enough to make it the topic of my master’s thesis and dedicate two years to researching, writing, and sharing about it. My published research, “Perceptions of Thanks in the Workplace,” became an internationally recognized study on the way employees receive expressions of gratitude from their managers.

I did an in-depth survey of 883 full-time employees and conducted three focus groups, digging in to find out, “What form of gratitude works best?” and “What mediums of gratitude should be avoided?” which led me to shining the light on seven dark sides, or ways that managers get gratitude wrong.

The results surprised me.

When asked about six different mediums (verbal one-on-one, verbal in a group setting, tangible gifts, handwritten notes, electronic notes/email, or monetary rewards), the most craved form of appreciation was not extra money.

Employees ranked VERBAL one-on-one as their MOST wanted form of appreciation. "Thank you" is free, but those two words are valuable!

You can see more about where I've shared this research here, and highlights from the study here.

Why appreciation matters in YOUR business

I’m climbing my own ladder now, so I don’t have a manager. I’m my own boss, and the fact that you’re reading this means you’re probably entrepreneurial, too. As a mamapreneur, you can take what I found about gratitude at an organizational level and apply it to your growing business—and even your family.

Remember, people want to be recognized as important and valued. Everyone has their own appreciation preferences (think of it like their gratitude love language), but you can’t go too wrong when you’re being sincere. Sincerity comes down to being specific, timely, and personalizing your message.

When you give authentic appreciation to clients, partners, vendors—anyone who helps you in your business—you give them much more than mere words and a reason to feel good. You give them:

• A reason to remember you and your business (because genuine gratitude is rare)
• A reason to be loyal (they’ll want to come back for more)
• A reason to share about you and refer business your way (who doesn’t want to work with a grateful person?)

The world needs more “thank you” cards: 💌  Introducing #MamaMailLove

Knowing how important appreciation is in business, I’m really excited to announce our free gratitude-centered campaign hosted by The Mama Ladder™ International: #MamaMailLove.

Together, let's start a ripple of gratitude at home and in small business. From November 13-20, 2017, sign up for #MamaMailLove and we'll send you a letter with a blank thank you card, so you can pass on the love. You'll also see instructions on how to invite your mama friends and receive up to 16 more free thank you cards.

Sign up here to join #MamaMailLove, and THANK YOU for reading!

(Feel free to share this post. The more, the merrier. Thanks!)

Love, 

Crystalee

The Problem with Perfectionism: Let it go, mama!

Have you ever held off starting something (like your dream business) because you were scared you couldn't do it perfectly? Or beaten yourself up emotionally because you made a mistake? Or spent so much energy trying to impress others that you aren't actually YOU?

I've been there. In fact, I call myself a "recovering perfectionist" because I used to be far too hard on myself. But I've learned as a mamapreneur to let go of perfectionistic tendencies. There simply is not time to focus on my failings, and I no longer feel I need to.

The problem with perfectionism is it stops us from progress. 

Perfectionism robs us of our potential. And that's tragic, because we can never get where we want to be if we don't take the first step.

It seems our picture-perfect culture is ripe with wanting to look/be "perfect." Filling little squares with posed images causes documented "compare and despair," yet it is still so enticing to put our very best face forward. 

We say, throw that perfectionism out the window. Shatter it, and be surprised at how refreshing it feels to be really YOU.

Listen up: Here's my not-so-perfect podcast interview on Plaid Radio.

In a newly released podcast interview with Plaid Radio, hear my uplifting conversation with Sarah Webb, president of Plaid for Women called, "Perfectionism: If you've got it all together, this is not for you." I think you'll love it. It's one I'm repeating for myself when those perfectionist tentacles try to reach for me.

There's no need to be perfect. Just be you. That is always enough!

Interview on Plaid Radio: Why I traded the corporate ladder for The Mama Ladder™

After several good years in the corporate world, when my first baby came along, I felt super torn. I'd worked hard at my career, earned a master's degree, won international awards for my work ... but this new precious person was (and still is) my proudest achievement. I refused to miss her babyhood.

Although I'd negotiated to work from home two days a week (thanks to a great manager), I felt constantly torn between being an employee and being a mom. I wanted to make a change, but wasn't sure how. Sometimes when we deeply desire something, surprise doors open.

I was unexpectedly laid off, due to corporate downsizing.

My girl was one and I was 15 weeks pregnant with my second baby at the time. Fast forward a year later, after having my baby, chipping away at self-doubt, changing my mindset, investing in mentors/training, and taking bold action ... I got a business license.

Now, instead of climbing a complicated, full-time corporate ladder, I’ve created my own ladder that fits my mamahood. My talented team of writers and I help remarkable people and organizations tell their story. We have a lot of freedom to work when and how we want, and deliver high-quality content for our growing list of world-class clients.

Listen to my recent interview on Plaid Radio to hear: 

• How I work less, enjoy better compensation, AND enjoy the privilege of motherhood
• My daily mamapreneur routine and why it makes me so happy
• What I tell myself when things get tough in business (spoiler alert: it happens!)
• My experience working with a business partner
• Why shifting from employee to business owner puts you in the power seat

The Mama Ladder™ International is all about mamas helping mamas. Want help translating your corporate world skills into your own business? Let's connect.

Much love, 

Crystalee

On being BOLD as a Mamapreneur: Lessons from a Tech Summit

IT’S NOT EVERY DAY YOU MEET SOMEONE WHO’S TRANSFORMED AN IDEA INTO A $1.8 BILLION BUSINESS.

Earlier this year I did, and we shook hands.

Josh James, Founder and CEO of Domo, gave me a compliment every female entrepreneur wants to hear. Here's what he said and what I learned from it.

We were at the Silicon Slopes Tech Summit, a two-day event for Utah’s booming technology industry. The inaugural event was held at The Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, and nearly 5,000 attendees heard from tech and business experts. 

I walked in wearing an emerald green dress and new boots, ready to find new clients. I came prepared, with a curated target list of potential clients and business cards at the ready. I told myself, “I’m getting three new clients out of this. Ready, go!” 

Looking at the crowd, I’d guess only 1 in 10 were women.

THE PERK OF BEING A GAL IN A SEA OF DARK-SUITED MEN IS YOU STAND OUT. WITH THE GOAL OF MEETING NEW CLIENTS, I DIDN’T MIND BEING NOTICED.

In my first five minutes there, I practically bumped into Domo’s Josh James, a visionary business leader who took his company from inception to IPO to $1.8B sale. I knew his face from Twitter and had seen him in the news. He's something of a legend in Utah. Later that day I would see him on the main stage, interviewing the President of Pandora, but this was our 10 seconds together. I wasn’t going to miss it.

“Oh, it’s you. Hi, Josh James. I'm Crystalee,” I said, trying to sound brave as I extended my hand. 

“Well, that’s a bold dress,” he smiled at me.

It was such a simple sentence, but I walked away feeling as if he’d handed me a $100 bill.

How’d he know that’s the word I was going for?

BOLD.

That interaction spurred me to approach a CEO of another big company, one on my target list, letting him know about my services. I passed my card out to potential collaborators, clients, and old friends. It felt good.

More than a year in, business ownership is still a brave new world for me, but I believe in being fearless, even when fear may be bubbling under the surface. I believe we’re stronger than what frightens us. I believe that conquering fear is where the real fun starts in life.

Last year I decided I was done with letting fear stand in my way. It was time to spread my entrepreneurial wings.

 Letting go of fear leaves a wide open space for freedom. I’ve never been more excited about my work. I wake up on Mondays looking forward to helping my clients. I love what I do. I love the challenge of learning new things, the variety in my schedule, and living on my terms. I love that because I manage my time and talents, my kids get the best of me.

BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR HAS LIT A FIRE THAT LIGHTS UP ALL SORTS OF SPACES IN MY SOUL.

By no means do I have business ownership all figured out. I'm making mistakes and learning new things every day. I think that's part of the fun.

I DO believe in myself and my ability to help others creatively tell their story. I do this through the written word and strategic celebratory events. I feel confident about that, and others are noticing. Even a billion-dollar-company leader. 

So that’s the lesson for the business-owning ladies out there:

BE BOLD, GIRL.

Dress the part. Act the part. Show up like you mean it. Fake it for now if you have to.

You got this. And know that you don’t always need to feel bold. Sometimes it’s scary starting a business. We wrote an eBook to help you with that! Check it out here.

3 Rookie Advantages: Why You Don’t Need To Know Everything To Start A Business

Thinking about starting a business, but not sure how? No worries, Mama. Here are wise words from mama of four, and bestselling author and president of the Wiseman Group, Liz Wiseman, on how you can use being a rookie to your advantage.
 
Earlier this year, on the hunt for a helpful business title, “Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work” jumped off the bookshelf. It offered validation for my learn-as-I-go method.
 
I'd seen the author speak before, but imagine my surprise when I saw she'd be a keynote at the Silicon Slopes Tech Summit, which I planned to attend. So I did the natural thing. I tweeted her.
 
To my delighted surprise, she tweeted back the next day, inviting me to lunch. WOW! What an honor. (Take note: Twitter works!)

The power of your “Rookie Smarts”

There’s liberation in not needing to know everything. Even more, Liz’s book argues it is better for business. Here are some takeaways for anyone who has a desire to start a business (or apply for a different work position or tackle a graduate program – whatever it is!) but isn’t sure how.

ROOKIES HAVEN’T BUILT UP A LAYER OF FEAR.

“People fresh to a problem haven’t convinced themselves that they can’t solve it.” (pg. 53) For those of us who are figuring out business as we go, there’s fearless freedom in admitting we don’t know it all. (Who does?!)

ROOKIES ACCESS MORE KNOW-HOW.

“Rookies, with little to lose and everything to gain, seek out help and reach out to experts who can guide them and augment their deficiencies.” (pg. 87) In fact, Laz shares how they ask many more people, much more often. “When you ask an expert, you get one expert. When you ask a rookie, you get a network of experts.” (pg. 79)

ROOKIES FIND WORK TO BE PLAYFUL.

“Perpetual rookies have a different mindset. When they grow up they want to be a kid—permanently young of heart and mind.” (pg. 160) My three-year-old is currently learning her numbers and letters and I see how thrilled she is to learn. It’s FUN. I'm also having so much fun learning new business skills.
 
Liz’s book isn’t just for those “new” to owning a business or working for a great brand. Those who’ve been at it for years can turn up the dial on their curiosity and become what she calls “Perpetual Rookies.” But that’s another post.

Lunch with author and executive advisor, Liz Wiseman

When you've admired someone from afar, it's always interesting to meet them in person. I watched Liz deliver her successful Silicon Slopes keynote, tweeting her many gems on leadership. Anyone with kids will appreciate this one: “Parenting is the ultimate leadership … you don’t get to hire or fire them.”
 
Afterwards, Liz was as enjoyable up close as on the keynote stage. I ate lunch with Liz, her husband, and a small group of friends from different stages of her life. She shared great stories. I noticed how she had learning apps on her phone, was fully present, and her ability to help everyone at the table feel important. She really lives her message. She’s a true multiplier.
 
Liz taught me to embrace being an entrepreneur rookie. I'm owning it! Business “mistakes” merely mean I’m taking action and learning. And learning is a lifelong pursuit I never plan to stop.
 
So carry on, friend, in whatever new business venture you want to try. Have fun! And don't be surprised if you discover real advantages to NOT knowing what you're doing in business.

Still feeling scared about starting a business? Check out our eBook, made just for you, Mama!