One Little Marketing Strategy That Reaps Big Results
I love writing. No, let me put it another way, I love words. Writing is the one skill that I am grateful for. Yet, I’m the first to admit that I’m not a great writer, but just an okay one. There are people who take the written word to a whole new level, and while I aspire to be able to do that, it’s still far from me. To me, writing is a struggle. But in this day and age, writing is a necessity. And in spite of all of our advances in technology, the ancient form of communication via writing is more important than ever. After all, content is king.
I’ve been thinking a lot about writing lately because I’ve been reading; well- well listening via Audible.com, to the book What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s an anthology of articles that Gladwell had previously written for the New Yorker magazine. Gladwell has a gift for writing that echoes the great writers of the past, Hemingway, Bradbury, Fitzgerald, Faulkner, although Gladwell focuses on nonfiction.
Using a blank page as a canvas and the written word as his paint, Gladwell paints pictures of people, events, and ideas that captivate his reader. When reading Gladwell’s work I can feel my brain cells literally dance from excitement for he has a way to awaken them in ways that other writers haven’t. I don’t fall in love with Gladwell, but I fall in love with his words, as an art collector falls in love with an original Monet. I anticipate each word with sheer delight, marveling at how he intertwines the words to create a masterpiece of writing, a literal work of art.
Of all the things I learned in high school and college, I’m thankful for learning how to write, every day. Writing as been the most effective marketing strategy that I have used to grow my business, hands down, regardless of what platform, Twitter, Facebook, book, blog, ebook, how to article, etc. Because of writing, Egypt is on its way to democracy. Writing is powerful.
What do you think about writing? Do you love it? Hate it? Who are your favorite writers, bloggers, and authors? I’m always looking for the best of the best. Share them here.
February 15th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
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February 15th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Wendy,
I totally agree with you… “Writing is powerful” But, as a business owner, that is where I struggle the most. Not that I don’t have anything to talk about? As a business owner, and economic down turn survivor “I’ve seen a lot” Over the last 7 years, I’ve learned to switch gears almost over-night and adapt to the fast pace changing world of technology and business.
My major struggles are delivering the message as simple and natural as possible without over complicating it with “tech-talk” so in other words “Putting it in simple English”.
But in a world where we constantly use tech words out of context, it is very hard to keep up with the world and delivering a powerful message via words.
February 15th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
LOVE IT!
Especially when I write parenting humor. The stuff just hits me at weird times.
I also love that you can teach thousands at a time with the written word.
February 15th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Ms. Kenney:
Writing has helped me keep my sanity…although some that know me well would debate this.
I’ve been writing lyrics since age 12 (I’m 44 now). The melodies are in my head and I’m working on getting some of them recorded. I shared them on Scribd.com at http://www.scribd.com/JRConley and have gotten some feedback and followers. It helps me sort out my thoughts.
For business, I’ve struggled hours over one letter for the right words and editing it. Thanks for the article, John.
February 16th, 2011 at 11:45 am
On writing:
It’s one of those things, like exercise, that you avoid then afterwards you feel great. You get that “I should do this more often!” feeling~
February 25th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
I could not agree more on the importance of writing, especially when it comes to promoting your business. Not a week goes by that I don’t communicate to a business owner that they need to through a little pizazz into their promotional copy. Identifying key customers and prospect is job number 1 in my line of work but creating compelling ad (and telling a great story) is a close second.
Few people have a natural gift for writing. It, like anything else, has to be learned. In my ad writing module at http://www.directmailsecrets.net I stress the necessity to create urgency with the reader. If you don’t already know how to do that, instead of spending money on a course, keeping a daily journal is a GREAT way to get started.
March 19th, 2012 at 4:03 am
I enjoy your writing style really loving this internet site. “Doing easily what others find difficult is talent doing what is impossible for talent is genius.” by Henri Frdric Amiel.
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