Business Writing

Good Advice on Not Texting

Straightening my office bookshelf this weekend, I found a news clipping I had saved because of its wise words from advice columnist Carolyn Hax. Although she was advising a wife on texts between her and her husband, the advice applies to texts in business. She wrote: And you both badly... Read more →

Communicating Bad News: Malaysia Airlines

This week Malaysia Airlines sent a text message to the loved ones of passengers on the lost Flight 370. TV comedians and pundits suggested that sending a text message was insensitive in such painful circumstances. What do you think? Was texting insensitive? Here is the message Malaysia Airlines sent, according... Read more →

What a Difference a Hyphen Makes!

Before I arrived at Pasco Airport, I receive an email from National Car Rental, the company I always use for my car rentals. The message said, "No counter bypass: Proceed to the rental counter to pick up your vehicle keys." Because I so often read messages that do not include... Read more →

Case Study: Ccs Drive Freelancer Crazy

A blog reader wrote to me recently with an issue that drives her crazy. Please read about her situation and share your opinions and advice. As usual, I have disguised the situation slightly to maintain the individual’s anonymity. “Naomi” wrote: A couple of my clients, both at the same organization,... Read more →

Don't Email About "Cooking the Books"

Today's New York Times has a front-page story "4 Accused in Law Firm Fraud Ignored a Maxim: Don't Email" that reminds us of a rule we know well: Don't put anything in writing that you would not want to see on the front page of the NYT, on everyone's screen,... Read more →

True-False Test on Meeting Notes

Do you get stuck when writing meeting notes and minutes because you don't know how much to include? Do you record everything hoping not to miss anything? Take this true-false test to help you consider what belongs in final meeting notes and minutes. True or False: Generally meeting notes should... Read more →