What are your tips for writing a really good business communication?

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   Paul Maplesdenposted 12 years ago

   What are your tips for writing a really good business communication?
   
   I'll be creating a series of hubs all about creating great business writing and communication; what tips do you have about really good communications?
   
   I'll add a few to start us off, I believe that a good business communciation should have:
   
   1. A clear call to action for the reader
   2. Be in an 'Active Voice'
   3. Use 'inclusive' language (We, you, us etc.)
   4. Understand it's audience
   
   WHat do you think?

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2. 85

   ajwrites57posted 12 years ago

   Hi Paul Maplesden. (Go Pens!) I think a few more ideas are:
   1. Clarity--Keep it simple and be very clear about the action or principle.
   2. Concise--Be brief
   3. Use strong action words--Use adjectives that have punch.
   Good idea for a Hub!
   Good luck!

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      Paul Maplesdenposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent points, thank you.

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      ajwrites57posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You're welcome.

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3. 80

   sherrituckposted 12 years ago

   Know your audience.  Think about the type of message you are sending and how the audience will accept the message.  Think about your audience's level of knowledge and don't confuse them with too much technical jargon.

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      Paul Maplesdenposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      All good advice, thanks.

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4. 54

   datajhonpriposted 12 years ago

   We use an abbreviation 'KISS' (Keep it simple silly). And I think that is the answer you would like to hear.

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      Paul Maplesdenposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It's certainly best to keep complexity out of it.

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5. 75

   JanMaklakposted 12 years ago

   To be read by business people the articles will need to be brief and to the point.  Remember though that a very short article will not be indexed by Google so keep the article to about 500 words or more. 
   
   Business people being busy will not take the time to research the topic unless it is crucial to their business. With Goggle you will need to have your article found so it will need to end up on page 1 or 2 of the search results.  I use a product called Inbound Writer (online) to SEO my articles.  You get 4 free per month per email address and then the price gets way to high for any hubber to use.
   
   I also think business owners want answers to specific questions with step by step reading for clarity.  There are too many marketing articles that have no real outcome.  (Just like so many SEO articles as well).  You try a title like "5 Ways Get Other Business Owners in your Neighbourhood Buying from You"
   
   If you research article writing you will find that all of the major bloggers are using the "5 Ways" (or 6 or 7 ways) article titles with a lot of success.
   
   Most article writers tell you to make the title irresistible.  How could you resist a Hub titled "Gain  20% more market share by tonight"
   
   Hope that helps!
   Jan

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      Paul Maplesdenposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's an excellent, very thorough answer, thanks Jan.

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   ReneeDC1979posted 12 years ago

   I would say timing is everything - the topic should be relevant.  Ask yourself, "how would this article be important to the reader?  Can they use it as a meaningful reference for their current and near future business practices?"

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