If the writing you want to do is work related, it is much easier to decide what to write. You may have a directive to follow and a subject matter that is required for marketing collateral, advertising scripts, or even a white paper. Still, you will need to narrow down the subject matter until it is finite enough to give the attention to detail that is necessary when writing down the information.

Work-related writing will require a study of the message that needs to be portrayed. I suggest that you always take the customers viewpoint whenever you write. The customer can be either internal or external, there is no difference. Everyone reads from their own point of view, not yours.

Think about the WIIFMs (Whats In It For Them). No matter what the subject matter, you have to pique the client interest or they will not read your work. The question may now be, How do I know what the customer wants?

Customers want information about products and services that concerns their problems. They also want to know the benefits and maybe something about the features. They also want to be coerced.

When was the last time you looked forward to reading a product users guide, the tech sheet that came with something you purchased, or the brochure before you purchased anything. The reason is likely there was either hype with features or just the facts, nothing to entice you to read.

So what do you write? You write about what you know. If you know a lot about a product you sell, then write about that product. If you know a lot about managing people, then write about that. The important message here is to write about what you know.

Most often, you will not be required to write something that does not affect you or your job. The subject matter will likely be at hand and if others work for you, then have them avail themselves to fill in the blanks. Writing is easy as long as you are comfortable with the subject matter or can surround yourself with the experts.

If you do not know enough about a subject, then you will have to do some research. That means locating information and reading about it. Getting ideas and keeping track of your sources.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D.
http://www.BlueprintBooks.com