Working in business means dealing more with sales and profit margins, and less with writing or articulate literature. Most fail to realise that the challenges involving better sales or marketing is closely related to how effectively we communicate via emails, written media, or content advertising platforms. With that in mind, the following guideline may help in avoiding confusion in all written media by aiding you in getting your message across to your stakeholders.

Understand what constitutes good business writing

A common malpractice surrounding good business document is that we tend to think using serious and complicated phrasing, relying on proprietary terms, etc. will help our case. But it couldn't have been further away from the truth. Keeping the sentences short and succinct is of utmost importance to make our messages heard and for the main idea or request to get highlighted.

Keep note of your audience

You are writing your piece to sell to or convince the other party; you must take note of that before you begin. Setting the tone of the topic entirely depends on your audience and what they already know, especially when you determine the terminologies you want to use. While writing to a particular person, organisation, or group of people, look for ways to personalise the write-up by considering their interests and predominant predispositions.

Stick to a structured approach

Proceed with the write-up with a logical flow in it, which will be easier to do if you make a rough draft of it beforehand by jotting down the key points of focus as a roadmap of the whole thing. If you are confused as to how to present your words, you'll likely confuse your readers too.

Cover only the essentials

The people working in business fields are very busy and distracted. In essence, people at the receiving end of our business writing will look for the core message your write-up or email contains, and not stress too much on whether it looks ultra-professional in style. Therefore, make sure you present your main idea as soon as possible, and avoid including all the details as though this is the only chance you'll get at it.

Read up from reference papers and materials

Being up-to-date with newsletters, journals, papers, magazines and other well-written material every day while paying attention to their style of writing, addressing, and word choices will take you a long way in improving your writing skills. Resources like Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Forbes, etc. and simple grammar books like Fowler's Modern English Usage, or Wren and Martin's English Grammar books will definitely help. 

Seek expert opinion

Getting help from experienced business professionals who have worked and dealt with business writing may help you identify possible areas of improvement and mistakes. Besides, re-reading and editing your pieces, and constantly revising them will help identify the patterns of common errors you make.

Eshanee is currently completing her BBA from IBA, DU. Reach her at eshanee333@gmail.com.