Published December 2000

Use small steps to leap over ‘getting started’ hurdle

A survey recently was conducted in which more than 10,000 professionals were asked what most bothered them about the writing process. The overwhelming answer: getting started and getting organized.

In this column, I will address the first of these two issues — getting started — by sharing some tips from my book, “Business Writing That Counts!”

If you do not have a system that gets you started with a writing project, time and (ultimately) money can be wasted.

Do any of these scenarios ring true? You stall by cleaning the office, you schmooze with co-workers or you just plain circle the computer without a plan. These six tips may help you get over the “getting started” hurdle:

n Remember the reader first and foremost. You can be a brilliant writer, but if your words do not connect with the reader, you are (or, I should say, they are) lost. Think: Who is the reader and what do they need to know, rather than what do I want to tell them?

Keep an image of your reader in your mind’s eye. How does your reader feel or think about your topic? What position do they hold in the company? What information do they really need to make a decision? Remember, you are engaging them in a conversation so that what you want to have happen will happen when they receive your document.

n Next, consider your purpose. Complete this statement: My purpose is (what) so that my reader will do (what). Is your purpose to persuade, inform, explain or entertain?

And what do you want your reader to do with your message? Pick up the phone? Sign the contract? Or just file your document? Decide before you put pen to pad or fingers to the keyboard.

n Next, think about the major points you want to get across in your correspondence. Be clear and concise. Get to the point quickly. Frame your document around your key points. For example: your two new billing procedures that need explaining or the five reasons your customer should contract with you rather than your competition.

n Then, start with whatever section is easiest for you. You could start with the body of the document, write the ending and then come back to the beginning. Writing is not a sequential process, rather it is recursive.

n Give yourself a time limit, approximately 20 to 30 minutes, to just get your draft down. After that period of time, take a break. Give your document time to get cold. Then double space your text and print it out. (Never trust the screen as your editor.) Give it a read and continue. Do not spend time “correcting” yet.

n Last, tell yourself that no one will read the first draft and that though this is a necessary and sometimes daunting chore, you’ll get through it.

I leave you with this: Think about your business. What are the hidden costs in time lost while you circled the computer? The amount of waste — of time, money, energy, plus missed opportunities — from not getting started and getting writing is inestimable.

So, here’s to good writing!

Dr. Julie Miller has helped thousands of individuals and organizations transform their writing skills while reducing the amount of time spent on individual documents. She can be reached at 425-485-3221 or visit her Web site, www.DrJulieMiller.com.

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