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These beautiful words by Amanda Gorman, the National Youth Poet Laureate. Read them again for inspiration. They're not "just words." When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade. We've braved the belly of the beast, We've learned that quiet isn't always peace, and the norms and notions of what just is isn't always just-ice. And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it. Somehow we do it. Somehow we've weathered and witnessed a nation that isn't broken, but simply unfinished. We the successors of a country and a time where a skinny Black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president only to find herself reciting for one. And yes we are far from polished. Far from pristine. But that doesn't mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect. We are striving to forge a union with purpose, to compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man. And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us, but what stands before us. We close the divide because we know, to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside. We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another. We seek harm to none and harmony for all. Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true, that even as we grieved, we grew, that even as we hurt, we hoped, that even as we tired, we tried, that we'll forever be tied together, victorious. Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division. Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid. If we're to live up to our own time, then victory won't lie in the blade. But in all the bridges we've made, that is the promise to glade, the hill we climb. If only we dare. It's because being American is more than a pride we inherit, it's the past we step into and how we repair it. We've seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it. Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy. And this effort very nearly succeeded. But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated. In this truth, in this faith we trust. For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us. This is the era of just redemption we feared at its inception. We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour but within it we found the power to author a new chapter. To offer hope and laughter to ourselves. So while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe? Now we assert, How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us? We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be. A country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free. We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation, because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation. Our blunders become their burdens. But one thing is certain, If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy, and change our children's birthright. So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left with. Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one. We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the west. We will rise from the windswept northeast, where our forefathers first realized revolution. We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states. We will rise from the sunbaked south. We will rebuild, reconcile and recover. And every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful will emerge, battered and beautiful. When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.

I'm going on vacation tomorrow and taking a much-needed break from the day-to-day madness that seems to be part of my work life. Deadlines for no apparent reason. Projects that were "on hold" suddenly coming to life. Prospects that didn't return ANY calls or emails popping up and saying "let's do it NOW. I suspect you know exactly what I mean. I'm heading out, and while I know that I'll be doing a wee bit of work, this whirling dervish will slow down a bit. There is no blog emergency for me to handle. Here's why: I finished all of my client deliverables days before they were due so when I return home I won't be overloaded with deadlines. I alerted everyone that I was going away and gave them ample time to get in their last-minute requests. My "brand" is one of extreme timeliness so no one feels stressed about getting their work. I expect to head out free and clear, do some reading and writing while in the air, and take a break from the grind. How do you handle your vacation plans? Do you find yourself working while on your trip or do you wrap things up before you head out?

Content writers are keen to use words that have impact, especially emotional impact. I don't know of many words that can "pull you in" more than the word "help." What do you think about or do when you read (or hear) that word? For me, the word "help" prompts me to pay more attention, to read more or listen to what is being said, and I read or listen more intently than I might otherwise do if another word was used instead. Fundamentally, I consider myself to be a helpful person. I'm ready with my time and energy and willing to pitch in and lend a hand when I can be of assistance if you just ask me. It's no surprise that many fundraising appeals utilize the words in their outreach to donors. Effective fundraising plays to emotions. The same is true with networking. "Can you help me" or "here's how you can help me" are statements that get attention and prompt your fellow networkers to, you guessed it, help you. Some people have told me that they don't like to use the word "help" because they don't want to seem "too needy." That's all fine and good but what it you really need HELP. Why would you use words that have less impact and won't generate as much attention and positive response. Be careful with the words that you use and yes, ask for what you need! It's a good way to get the response you want!

Fact - I'm the queen of anecdotal, short-form social media and blog posts, snappy sales letters, and "grab-attention" newsletters. As for deep dive case histories, technical articles, and content-heavy websites, well. they're not my thing. That's why there are several people that do the content creation at Wordswork Copywriting. Each of us has our unique strengths and can execute flawlessly when tasked with writing something that falls within our "space." When it doesn't, one of our other team members will take on the assignment. It's a terrific division of labor. If you're a solopreneur or owner of a small company, you probably don't have a "team" of writers that can do different types of writing. In some situations, the best strategy is to outsource the content development to writers that specialize in what you are looking for. It's a case of the square peg in a round hole. You get the idea. We can send you samples and would be happy to explain how we can meet your unique requirements. Trust me, you don't want me to write your academic white paper, but a team member can. Want to talk? Connect with me at 516-445-1135.

Many of our clients are excellent writers. They don't have the time to create their own content. They can maintain an editorial calendar for a few months but then they get too busy, and their blog and social media falls apart with weeks and even months going by before they post again. I understand their predicament. They want to do their own writing and it takes a lot for them to admit that it isn't going to happen. All of us have things that we can do and would like to do, but simply don't have enough time to get to everything that needs to be done. When that occurs, we need to focus on "mission-critical" work and outsource the other tasks that can be done by other resources. Like content creation, for instance. Don't burnout by taking on too much or take time away from the work that only you can do. Find a resource and share the burden of content creation with them.

They say "a picture is worth 1000 words" and I must agree. Even though I'm a writer and not an artist or photographer, I know that my blog posts and social media get extra visibility and comments because of the picture I've included. This is a cheap shot. Who doesn't like a cute toddler:)

I'm pretty certain that my background and expertise in sales training and consulting helps me to develop more effective content. Content that turns likes into clients. Client that prompts engagement. Content that is compelling and gets the blood flowing. Watch the video. You tell me. Then, ask us to write a free LinkedIn post for you.

Full disclosure, I'm not a LinkedIn consultant so the information I'm providing is borne out of personal (and often, frustrating, experience). According to LinkedIn, there are 774+ million members on the platform. Here are some statistics to give you the scope and power of LinkedIn. It's mind-boggling, isn't it? Well, it is for me. I post regularly on the platform and by regularly I mean at least once a day. I lean heavily on my content, once in awhile I'll repurpose someone else's post, and less frequently, I post a link to a business news story that captures my attention. I tend to mix up my content as well, and include straight-forward business posts (i.e. 10 Ways to Sell Better, 5 Networking Truths), with much more personal story-telling that often has a business moral. I try to inject humor and humanity in equal doses and find the act of writing these posts very cathartic. I look closely at my statistics and here's what I have learned: My personal posts get many more views and much more engagement than my business posts. I think people like to know the "person behind the post" and my straight business posts leave them cold. My personal photos are more effective than any stock photography, even when the stock photos are higher quality. The comments that I receive are worthy of my comment back, and so I do, creating the foundation for a "real" relationship. My profile is a work in progress. I'm not embarrassed about the one I have posted now, but know that I can improve upon it. I've started "real" relationships based on connections I've made on LinkedIn. In almost all cases, my new contacts tell me that it was my content that drew them in. LinkedIn has leveled the playing field for all of us. It's a place where you can amass a large following but, as with any marketing endeavor, your following is of little value unless you know how to "work it." Content is important, but strategic follow-up is more so. Hone your sales skills so you know what to do when your content starts to get traction. Want a free post for LinkedIn? Contact me and we'll work one up for you.

People are always asking me how I come up with my ideas for blogs and social media. They're amazed that I can continually come up with things to write about. When I tell them that it's no trouble at all, they are immediately skeptical, and are quite sure that I ponder for hours trying to arrive at suitable topics. Nothing could be further from the truth. For instance, this morning I was out for my daily run. As usual, I was listening to Spotify and Pandora, and using the music to help me maintain my focus and momentum.My "go-to" music is rock, disco, and occasionally, rap. The lyrics are less important than the beat, but this morning as I listened to the lyrics from a Carole King song, I recognized it as a great premise for a social media post. I jogged a bit more and recorded a voice message where I set forth what would be the foundation of the post, and when I returned home 30 minutes later, I was ready to finalize the content and schedule the post. Pretty easy, or at least it was for me since creating content is right in my sweet spot. How about you? Are you challenged by coming up with topics or finding the time to craft your blog or social media posts? Many of our clients work with us because a catchy tune is just that, a catchy tune. They look to Wordsworkcopywriting to turn tunes into content, ideas into messaging, and create the communications flow between their company and prospects. We'd love to share some ideas with you. Q4 is in our sight lines and may be the perfect time for you to launch a social media campaign and create new business opportunities for the year ahead.

If I had a dollar for everyone that has ever asked me if blogging will get them clients, I would be on easy street right now! Writing (currently referred to as "creating content":):)) does not provide any guarantee that you'll be able to generate clients and revenue. That particular fact is right! Creating content increases visibility and recognition. It provides you with a platform to showcase your subject matter expertise and thought leadership, and while both of these are positive, they do not automatically result in clients. It's important to understand this lest you become disappointed or discouraged. Try to keep those emotions at bay. Visibility and recognition are essential for winning new business. Being considered a subject matter expert can result in speaking opportunities that can, in time, lead to new business. Thought leadership can position you ahead of the competition. The point is that you should not discount blogging and posting on social media simply because it is not a surefire method to win short-term business. Despite the patience that is required and the lack of guarantees, it is still a tactic that should be pursued. If you don't enjoying writing, or feel that your time is better spent in other pursuits, outsource your content development and spare yourself the agita of a never-ending editorial calendar. While writing is the right thing to do, stressing over it is not.

I am frequently asked, can I get new business from my blog or newsletter? My honest answer is maybe. I don’t mean to be coy, nor avoid answering the question, it’s just that maybe is as accurate as I can be because there are too many variables to be definitive. Let’s just say, it won’t hurt! Good content can help to establish you as a thought leader and subject matter expert and can assist in opening doors to speaking opportunities and new client introductions. It can also keep you visible and recognizable on social media, where you should be regularly repurposing your content. Your potential “reach” is vast, probably vaster than you need, but it is there for you to leverage and grow your exposure, brand, and business. Not for nothing, but why on earth would you let such an opportunity pass you by? The time and effort required to write consistent content can be the deal-breaker for many, but there are ways around this dilemma: 1. Use an outside resource 2. Hire an in-house content developer But don’t give up on the idea. The upside is too great. Get started today. Let me know if you need a list of 10 Ideas for Content and I'll get one over to you. But remember, start TODAY. The longer you put it off, the longer it will take to get the traction you need and for writing to become a habit.

We live in a transactional world, and it drives our business environment. What did you do for me last? Was it good? Maybe great? Was it disappointing? Gone. Boom. Continuity, the assumption of value, is hard-fought and hard-won. The simple truth is - you must earn the right to be read. And you should assume this is true every single time. If I have followed you and read your stuff before, I’ll open the email or read the headline. Maybe scan the subheads to see what’s in it for me. But if it doesn’t deliver, if your content doesn’t deliver the goods immediately and transparently, your potential reader, your prospect or customer, is walking out the door. On to the next. This is reality. And if I wasn’t hitting a nerve, you wouldn’t have read this far. So now what do you do. I suggest 3 things: 1. It is what it is. Have confidence in who you are and what you’re doing 2. Be prolific. Do I need to explain this? 3. Put a bee in your bonnet. Plan out your editorial calendar. Look back to your previous content – what works and what didn’t work. What was written that your readers found valuable and what was written because you thought it was brilliant? Content works in developing relationships, moving prospects and customers along the consideration cycle, developing a preference for you, how you think, what you do.