An Eye for Content
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Writing as a Service
Friday, February 12, 2021
AM I A PROPOSAL WRITER? YOU BET I AM!
We live in a specialized, compartmentalized world where it is easy to get pigeon-holed. But I submit to you that the pandemic has leveled the playing field to a great extent. We can now work from home (and see each other's homes) as we meet via Zoom. There is less need to "dress for success" and impress each other. Women have even stopped wearing as much makeup, if at all. And we continue to chant that we're all in this together. You get the picture...
So when I was recently asked if I can write proposals, my response was, "Of course I can." Just because it is not spelled out in ALL CAPS, bold at the very top of my resume--nor do I promote this skill as my primary forte--I approach proposal writing like any other job request. And that's always with the necessary gusto, research (if needed), SME interviews, reference to a template or go-by, etc.
My existing clients across diverse industries know and understand that I can write about virtually anything they hand me. It's not up for discussion whether my writing or editing skills are transferrable to proposals...they just are! In fact, I recently edited a technical proposal that was submitted to NASA. I also wordsmithed a batch of 10 proposals to promote the sale of technical research studies. And in the past, I worked on proposals for the Arizona Department of Transportation, as well as the FDA. Now, if that's not proposal writing, I don't know what is.
It comes down to whether I should bill myself as an official "Proposal Writer" (which usually means higher pay), or continue as more of a generalist Technical/Marketing Copywriter. I think the latter suits me, as I enjoy the mix and the variety of writing assignments. But I do offer proposal writing as part of that mix, at the same rate of any other type of writing. Such a bargain!!!
If you're planning to submit a proposal in the near future, let me know and we'll face the challenge together...it's not rocket science:-)
Be well,
Deborah
eye4content@gmail.com
Mobile 832-868-6100
Monday, January 25, 2021
WORDS HAVE POWER
We have recently seen how much power our president has just by virtue of the spoken word. As individuals, we have similar power in what we say to ourselves and each other. Taking it a step further, "You are what you say you are." Whether you're a writer, public speaker, or business leader, this concept can work for you, in every aspect of your life!
In the business realm, it can help boost confidence (internally) and let others know what you stand for (externally). If you don't step out there and openly declare who you are, it leaves room for speculation. On the other hand, when you boldly take responsibility for owning your brand, you get to control what other people think of you.
It starts early in life, when you apply for that college you wish you could go to. How you portray yourself in a 500-word essay can override any test scores; it's that powerful a tool. Follow that up with applying for your first job (and every job thereafter) with a powerful resume and cover letter, along with an in-person/Zoom interview, where you get to tell "your story."
It's not considered bragging (and so what if it is) when you tell the truth about yourself, don't hold back, give it your all. Both the written and spoken word have equal power! So, be brave, be bold, speak up, and speak out in ways that positively and powerfully define who you are. We all need to let our voices be heard. If not now, when?
Let me know how I can help craft your message in a blog, newsletter, video script, or whatever gets you known for who you are. Email me at eye4content@gmail.com.
Friday, November 27, 2020
Writing to Beat the Pandemic Holiday Blues
Holidays can bring on the blues, as we miss loved ones no longer with us. This is especially so for those who have lost family members or friends to COVID-19. And my heart goes out to you, as I am no stranger to loss. Then, there's the daunted expectations, when others don't show up, or act the way we want, or buy the right gift.
This year brings the added challenge of isolation, as we attempt to celebrate apart from one another. After the Zoom sessions are over (and believe me, they are great mood lifters), how can we cope with feelings of doom and gloom as we move forward to a (hopefully) brighter 2021?
I believe that writing is a great remedy and a way to find solace this time of year, or actually at any time. As a professional writer, I have writing projects I'm working on for clients, in addition to my novel writing endeavor. Both of these activities help me forget about the virus, if only for a short while. I get in the "zone" and the next time I look up, it's hours later!
You can do the same by writing in a journal, composing a letter or email to a friend you haven't seen in awhile, or something cool I've heard of lately...take the perspective of being 100 years old, and write advice to your "younger self." Besides being cathartic experiences, you will be surprised how uplifting it can be to get your thoughts down on paper (rather, into the computer).
Finally, try writing your goals for the coming year. This is more than casually making new year's resolutions that more often than not are forgotten. It means coming up with measurable actions and steps you can take to accomplish specific, attainable goals. Then refer back to your list in the months ahead. Things may change, and goals may be adapted, but the written word makes it more real.
Happy Holidays! and
Happy Writing!
Your writing partner,
Deborah
Monday, October 12, 2020
Building Blocks of Success: Quality & Integrity
High quality products and services
An integrity mindset
What do you promise your clients?
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Are You Selling Yourself?
If you're not using the COVID-19 "downtime" to sell yourself, or your products/services, it's a missed opportunity. Smart companies are using this time to re-write their website content to increase SEO and grow market share, and savvy individuals are similarly re-writing their resumes/LinkedIn profiles in case their jobs don't pan out post-pandemic.
It's kind of like cleaning out your closet. No one wants to do the heavy lifting, even though the outcome will make life easier. That's why professional closet organizers and places like Ikea and The Container Store are so popular. They take some of the hassle out of the de-cluttering chore...from planning to execution.
So, if you're not inclined to sell yourself or don't know the first thing about marketing, why not hire a professional writer to help figure it out? There, I'm selling myself via this very blog post. It's easier than you might think!
From years of experience working with small to large (Fortune 500 ) companies, I've boiled it down to a three-step process: 1) Review what you've got, 2) Talk about where you want to go, and 3) Make it happen.
Don't wait to start selling! Contact me to discuss your writing needs today (832-868-6100, or eye4content@gmail.com).