What the People Say
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"Jackie sat with me while I brain-dumped into her notepad and a few days later I had 85% of the words you now see on my website. To prove the value, I had my first sale within one week of the website being live."
Derek White, Dynamic Energy Assessors
"Excellent - It's more focused and easier to read than my original draft."
Geoff Miles, Hammonds
"Very good presentation, original and keeps your attention. I shall of course steal your presentation style if I ever have to do the same."
Mark Henderson, Henderson Biomedical
"I found last night's presentation extremely useful and entertaining. I really get the idea of online networking, you'll see me online soon!"
Ray Heath, Ray Heath Design
'A Visit to the BBC' by Laury Burr - a review of my recent social media presentation
More reviews at:
Which Web Design Company
The Best Of Bromley
Review me at:
WeCanDo.Biz
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What we can learn from UK advertising at my Bad Ads blog
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Greetings!
Entertaining and informative, that's what I aim for in this 'Writing Without Waffle' newsletter. Here's what Jackie Groundsell of 1230 said about the last issue: "An excellent read, with a chuckle as always". Let's hope I've done it again with this fun-packed edition! JackieP.S. Please let me know if you'd prefer this newsletter in plain text. |
 Why 'networking' is a naughty word
I'm tired of networking. I do like being invited to things. I enjoy catching up with people I know. I love meeting new people (especially when they just want a friendly chat and are not trying to 'sell' to me). And I get 98% of my business via people I know.
However, I just received yet another leaflet promoting an event as 'an opportunity to network'.
Networking (or 'notworking') has got itself a bad name through over-use (so has 'solutions' as a business name or in product copy. If I see that one more time I'll scream. Oh look, there it is again. ARRRGH!)
Some people claim that networking is 'not about sitting around having a nice chat'. Oh, isn't it?
My definition of networking is 'meeting people and having fun'. Because if you don't enjoy it, there's no point.
Watch '6 Degrees of Separation' on BBC iPlayer
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What not to write
Website response to a customer enquiry about whether it sold blank CDs:
"We are currently in the process of consolidating our product range to ensure that the products that we stock are indicative of our brand aspirations. As part of our range consolidation we have also decided to revisit our supplier list and employ a more intelligent system for stock acquisition. As a result of the above certain product lines are now unavailable, whiles potentially remaining available from more mainstream suppliers."
Please send me your suggested improvements to this pompous verbosity.
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Oddle Poddle
Last month, I included some Unwinese for your delectation and delight. This month, let's practice our 'Bill and Ben speak'.
Flopperpop: Flowerpot
Haddop: Hello
Slogalog: Slowcoach
Doomoddlestop: Oh Your Majesty
Icklekickles: Icicles
Ippop Weeb: Little Weed
Clareklop: Scarecrow
Waddle oo tikoo dop? Gloob a waddle a hop: What do you think of that? Gloves as well as a hat
Nigloo Lawdlepop: Nigel Lawson
Migly Fachoo: Margaret Thatcher
Priddly Daidy: Princess Di
Nibble Kidlop: Neil Kinnock
Prid Charbly: Prince Charles
Teddly Wogglelip: Terry Wogan
Mikloo Parkypop: Michael Parkinson
Sootly Lollipop: Sue Lawley
Bobawop: Goodbye
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On a Personal Note
At a recent seminar, I was reminded that you have to ask for what you want. As I get 98% of my business via word-of-mouth, one thing I want is referrals.
I was also reminded that you have to cross-sell your services so people know the full range of what you offer. Like McDonald's "Would you like fries with that?"
So here's a reminder of what I do:
I specialse in words. Words that work. Words for websites, brochures, leaflets, newsletters and even speeches. Any words you need to promote your business better.
I also do training in marketing and networking skills.
And I do a bit of corporate work, such as interviewing, facilitating workshops, and copywriting (yes, more words).
So, who do you know that may need my services? Please pass me their details or recommend me to them - because if I win business from someone you introduce me to, there may be a little something in it for you too!
It could be a win:win:win situation.
Thanks in advance, and Bobawop until next time!
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