WRITERS AND COMMUNICATORS IN 2017

Although a handful of people are no longer interested in pledging to make New Year’s resolutions, there are some goals that Writers and Communicators should always subscribe to.

1)   BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER

Last year I lost my laptop that was half backed-up. I don’t want to talk about it. All I know is that you don’t want to be in my position. Therefore, place this at the top of your list. Please, don’t put your hard work at risk, folks. Back it up. Do it now!

2)   NO MORE VERBOSENESS

In today’s digital world, the challenge is no longer finding the information we need, but has, instead, become finding information that is presented in a clear and easily-digestible format. Keep your earned and owned content concise and to the point to help position yourself and as a true specialist in your space. Consequently, whether you’re speaking out loud or writing thoughts down, it pays to be brief.

3)   READ MORE

It’s not a cliché, just do it; read more. “Can I be blunt on this subject? If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that,” Stephen King said so. Essentially, if we always keep a book handy, there are plenty of opportunities to read, as long as we learn to take satisfaction in small sips as well as in long swallows.

4)   DISRUPT

The communication industry is evolving more rapidly than ever as it offers bags of opportunities to test out new tools, services and platforms. Additionally, well-rounded, integrated communication programmes are becoming more-and-more popular with clients. As such, try and challenge yourself to learn something new this year, and encourage your team members to do the same. The more disruptive and knowledgeable you are as a team, the more impressive and valuable you’ll appear to your clients and target market.

5)   TELL SOMEBODY WHAT YOU’RE WORKING ON

I advocate this for a number of reasons. Firstly, you’ll be drawing a line in the sand. When you tell somebody you’re writing a book, they will not forget. They’ll ask you how the book is coming along. Frequently. This makes you accountable to actually write the damn thing, which can provide some additional motivation to get your butt in a chair and start typing.

You’ve got yourself to blame if things don’t work out. All the best for 2017!

@Cuemanbeing