Errors: What you shouldn’t let slip through the net

First impressions count. It’s something which is drilled into us from the very beginning of our lives. From dressing presentably to writing presentably; what we put out into the world is important as it shapes others’ opinions of ourselves.

This is why when I see a tweet or message which – when following a previous post sharing information – apologises for content errors; I feel the content shared is immediately undermined. As is the individual sharing it to an extent. 

You wouldn’t attend a business meeting with your clothes on backwards, then re-visit the meeting to apologise for such an oversight. So why put out something which is less than perfect?

I’m not saying for one second that accidents don’t happen. Because such errors are, by definition, accidental. What I am proposing is that when sharing content of any kind, a series of proof checks are done. Whether it’s an email, press release, newsletter, article or blog post; proof checking is a critical stage.

Here’s my list of basic checks which you should run with everything you share:

• Run a spell check: The tool was created for this purpose – there’s no excuse not to use it.
• Name check: Double check every individual and company’s name mentioned in your work. Is there a corporate rule book which explains whether capital letters should be used within the company name? Is an individual’s name spelt unusually?
• Word count: Have you been asked to keep your contribution to a strict word count? If so, stick to it. The limit is there for a reason and your recipient will be grateful to you for having listened. 
• Consistency is key: Whatever practice you begin with, ensure you stick to it throughout. If you add full stops to the end of bullet points, keep doing it. Capitalised a particular word mid-sentence – ensure this is kept the same in every subsequent use.
• Grammar: It’s tricky to get your head around. Using a style guide has helped me no end. The Guardian has a good one – it’s easy to use and totally free on the paper’s website.
• Credit where credit’s due: If you’ve used someone else’s figures, reference them. Also, make sure to add quotation marks where necessary!
• The once over: Once you’ve checked all of the above, read the piece through again. Look for spacing errors, paragraph consistency and anything which may have slipped past you so far. When you’re totally happy, get a colleague to check your work if appropriate. Often just having a second pair of eyes on work highlights errors which you might have missed.

Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted. Make sure your work creates the impression you deserve and aspire to. Every time.

The Apprentice: Why a basic approach would be better

When it comes to the BBC’s Apprentice – I am well and truly hooked. 

A fan from the very first series, I haven’t missed a single episode of the series which sees UK business leader, Lord Alan Sugar, recruit a business partner from a handful of hopefuls. The applicants all boast impressive resumes; business start ups in their teens, selling products to the British aristocracy and owning multiple businesses, are claims which present these men and women as the best British business has to offer. Yet time and again, they make errors which leave us viewers, quite simply, speechless.

Whatever the task presented to the would-be business partners, a common (and fatal) error is often made by someone. This series, this has ranged from mixing up inches and centimetres when purchasing a flag, to failing to consider the target audience of a trade show when selecting which products to put on display. 

Time and again, these individuals with proven business prowess make the most simple of mistakes. Mistakes that leave us all wondering how on earth they ever made the process. But after all’s said and done, it’s important to remember how easy it is to critique from the sidelines. So often when faced with the need for a snappy decision in the flesh, it’s only with hindsight that we’re able to plan out what actions we should’ve actually taken. Human intuition is not robotic – it is liable to fault every once in a while. That’s what makes us who we are. Taking the time (however briefly) to stop and think is what often marks the difference between success and failure. 

With this in mind, I thought of a few tips which, if considered for every task on The Apprentice – or indeed in real life – could lay down the path of logic needed to make better decisions:

• Consider your audience: Who would buy the product or service you are promoting? Know your audience and be mindful of their preferences, spending habits, time frames and demographics every step of the way. 
• Keep to time: Have you promised work to a deadline? Make sure you give yourself enough time to meet expectations. If it genuinely looks like you won’t be able to complete the task in time; give people a heads up. They’ll be far more grateful for having being warned.
• Detail, detail, detail: Whether it’s errors of measurement, grammar or spelling; details count. Failing to get the small stuff right gives the impression that bigger tasks will be beyond your capabilities.
• Service with a smile: It may seem basic, but if you don’t look like you’re enjoying what you’re doing, others won’t enjoy/buy it either. 

As I said, these are basic tips. But every action has to begin with solid foundations. Whether we’re on The Apprentice, or going about our daily business, taking time to start from simple groundings could help you go a long way.

When is it ok to add an emoticon?

Love them or hate them. 🙂 them or 😦 them. Emoticons have been a part of our written interactions for a good few years now. 

It’s often said that a picture can speak a hundred words. But does this still ring true when it comes to a few colons, hashes and parentheses placed in a comical order?

If I’m totally honest, I’m a fan of a good emoticon. In spite of working in an industry where the written word is something I spend every day utilising and improving on, there are simply some cases when a smiley face can sum things up far better than anything I write ever could.

But that doesn’t mean to say that emoticons are always appropriate. Oh no it does not. :-l I would consider emoticon-free zones to be: 

• Articles
• Press releases
• Promotional material

Essentially, anything customer-facing. 

These small icons of emotion shouldn’t be used to break down barriers, but blossom out of relationships perhaps made less formal over time. Consider them the body language of the written word – something we’re in control of when it counts, and relaxed about when it’s appropriate to be so. 

What’s your perspective on emoticons? Share your thoughts with me below or maybe tweet me at wise_judy. Thanks 🙂