What's the difference between business writing and just about every other kind of writing, be it writing fiction or non-fiction, or even technical or academic writing?

The difference is this: Business writing has a goal. It has a purpose. You are not writing to inform or entertain people. You are writing to convince them to do something.

Perhaps you are a government director or manager and you are writing to your employees to get their support for a new project. Or maybe you are writing a brochure to get stakeholder buy-in for a new program.

Do you run a business? Maybe you have to write something designed to attract more clients or recruit new employees.

Or, maybe you work for a non-profit or association and are writing something to increase donations or the number of volunteers working for you.

Whatever your role, your business writing is about getting results.

For example, you can your audience about a new program you want them to sign up for, but unless you write in a clear and compelling manner with a goal of convincing them to get on board, your program is likely to flounder.

In the non-profit world, just telling people you need help or money won't cut it. The competition is too stiff. You must write with a purpose-that is, to convince them you are worth their time and money.

Similarly, simply telling people about your business and its products and services is just not enough. You must give them a reason to buy. That's your goal.

So, the next time you sit down to write, start by focusing on your goal. Print out that goal in large letters and tape it to the wall above your screen. Then--and only then--start writing. Every word, sentence and punctuation mark should be geared toward reaching that goal.

Not only will your writing be more interesting, you will also be more likely to achieve success.