Let the writer in

Many people (small, big or no business owners) think they cannot, should not, or better not write. This is wrong.

Business, at its core, is a channel for communication, a channel between systems. So is writing. It is realizing new connections, reinforcing existing ones and at the same time discovering and mapping new touch points.

Not writing is missing a great opportunity

I won’t lie and say that everyone can sit and start crafting written masterpieces right away. What I would like to convey is my fervent belief that the key for the door that leads to authenticity in the age of constant connectivity is writing (in a blog, on social media, in your emails). And the master key is cherishing and respecting any urge that you have to express yourself and become part of a neverending conversation.

There is a magic wand

Texts are organic beings, you don’t create your good text mechanically, following a formula. A text that touches minds and hearts is  the result of a rare synthesis for which there is no simple or precise recipe. There is, however, a magic wand that enchants any writing and it is being sincere.

The only one that could get and use this magic wand is your inner writer. It is only your genuine urge to talk and listen that will turn the pumpkin into a beautiful golden vehicle for your message.

For that to happen, though, you really need to let your inner writer in. This is not easy. You have to be ready to care and commit. You will also need to establish some processes  in order to be more willing to share what you think with words (not only with products, services and innovations) and thus create authentic, shareable and appreciated content.

Armoury of things to present myself with everytime I try to run away from writing

In case you decide to give writing a try and start transforming the world around you into words, so that you can communicate with your audience, I would gladly lend my armoury to the newly set free writer in you (yes, the brave new text needs something borrowed). This armoury consists mainly of notes to myself:

• Reason number one for you to write is the urge to share something with the people on the other side of your text.
• Don’t worry that you will fail, of course you will. Do you manage to do something right the first time you do it? Every time you write it will feel like it is for the first time, but the more first times you have, the easier it will be for you to start (and fail and then start again…)
• Read and research everything that you are not sure about. Don’t leave sentences or thoughts that are not crystal clear to you.
• Leave time for editing and don’t be afraid to procrastinate. When your rational self says: “But there are deadlines”, just answer that procrastination is processing time and stop pushing. Valuable thoughts and things take time to evolve. Text is no different.
• Whatever you do, do not hurry to publish if you feel you need some more time. And don’t say things in a way you usually wouldn’t if you were talking face to face with someone.
• Remember, your writing is not about you it’s about the people you are conveying your message to. And usually it is more about “How?” than it’s about “Why”.
• Your writing will not be brilliant if you follow rules, imitate or try to reach specific examples. Your writing’s shining will come from elsewhere – from your sincerity and openness.
• Be gentle to yourself and to your readers. Respect others. Give them all you possibly can. And then start all over again, with the same intensity of caring and commitment.

Last but not least, here’s a metaphor that can help those who have decided to stop keeping their inner writer in custody: Writing is skating on a vert ramp

Text is around you and in you. Let the writer in.

Please, people (small big or no business owners), find time for writing. The lines on the blank sheet are not rods, they are paths to be walked with your voice and your vision. That is right. And that is real.