Write for You News & Notes Words Working for You
October 2007/Vol. 3, #7

Welcome to the latest issue of Write for You News & Notes, our monthly newsletter. Here you will find tips on writing, business, and life. If you have any writing questions or if you'd like to share any books or favorite links with our readers, send me an e-mail. And be sure to check our web site for ways that we can help you with your business.

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Nancy Passow

in this issue
  • Book of the Month . . . Knockout Presentations
  • Wondering Why They Didn't Call Back?
  • Hey, Universe, It's Me!

  • Wondering Why They Didn't Call Back?

    Recently someone left a message on my answering machine; he said "This is [name], call me back at [phone number]."  No explanation of who he is or why I should call him back.  Needless to say, I didn't.  Want to make sure that doesn't happen to you?  Here are a few tips for leaving voice mail messages that will be returned:

    • Give your name and phone number at the beginning and then repeat them at the very end of the message; if it's a complicated name, spell it (slowly).
    • Even if you're returning a call, leave your phone number (make it easy for them to call back).
    • Speak slowly and clearly, and pause, particularly after your name and during the phone number.
    • Keep it short and simple - get to the point; don't make the listener wade through a long explanation.
    • Make sure you explain why you called and why the person should call back.
    • Indicate when is a good time to call you back so you can avoid playing telephone tag.
    And while we're talking about voicemail, what message is on your answering system?  If you have a dedicated phone line for your business, your message should include your name and business name and a request that the caller leave a message (you can also include alternatives such as your web site address).  If you're going to be away from your phone, tell your callers there might be a delay in getting back to them and offer an alternative.

    If you use your cell phone, or another phone, for both business and personal calls, be very careful about your answering system message. You still need to have it sound business-like.  And wherever or whatever your message, keep it short and simple -- you don't want your callers hanging up in frustration before they leave their messages.


    Hey, Universe, It's Me!

    I saw a wonderful sign in front of a church recently: "Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape."  What a great reminder to go with the flow.  If plan A doesn't work, there's always plan B.  Sometimes you are even pleasantly surprised to find that plan B is actually better.

    My background as an engineer has all the advantages of being a problem solver, looking at details.  It also has the disadvantages of worrying things to death and obsessing over those details.  Lately I have really been working on "letting go" and giving things out to the Universe.  There is a certain point when you have to say, "I've done all I can do" and then just send it out there.  And guess what?  Not only does the world go on spinning, but everything actually comes together and works out.  And how nice it is to be able to enjoy when that happens instead of agonizing over all that might have been.


    Book of the Month . . . Knockout Presentations
    Knockout Presentations

    Diane DiResta shares her secrets for speaking in public in her book Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz.  Public speaking is listed by many people as their number one fear.  Diane helps to banish this fear with her advice on preparing your presentation, staging your presentation, and overcoming nervousness.  Diane also covers special situations including chairing a meeting, delivering sales presentations, media interviews, and videoconferencing.  The book is very interactive with exercises, checklists, and case studies.

    Quote of the Month: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." Will Rogers

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