Get Better at Business Writing

With texting, IM, Facebook, LinkedIn and use of other social media on the rise, more folks are entering the workplace without good business writing skills. Their idea of a closing salutation is "C U" ("see you" for the non-texters in the audience!).

We think it's important to provide new employees with some guidance on what your expectations are with regard to business writing. Our list would start here:

1. What formats are appropriate for communicating in the company and with whom? Written memorada? Email? Formal Letters? Reports? the company's Social Network Site?
2. Who is your audience and what do they need to know? Any communicaton should keep in mind the audience in terms of what to say and how to say it!!!
3. What tone does the company expect business correspondence to take? Is it an informal organization, or a formal one? Do you use a different tone with customers and suppliers, or not?
4. Are there standards for whom to copy on communication, or where people should be referred for additional information? Are there templates or other job aids?

Setting out expectations for workers helps them get it right the first time!! But even when you do, you will find that many workers just don't know how to - well - WRITE. How to organize a letter, create paragraphs, flow a document from one topic to another, can be intimidating for workers who have nightmares about school essays and reports. Providing samples can be helpful here so keep a file of good examples handy.

We also recommend our free booklet on Effective Business Writing. It is a great resource for employees who are uncomfortable or unskilled in business writing. We have many more communication resources in our ReadytoManage Webstore. Find the store at www.readytomanage.com or click here to browse our communication resources .