Deborah A Bailey - Writing Services Central

< Deborah A Bailey - Writing Services Central

The Writing Resource

January 2008 | Vol 2 Issue 1

In This Issue

Hi! I hope you enjoyed the holidays. I've been busy getting my goals in order - not resolutions, mind you! I want to write more, and spend more time doing things I really enjoy.

I've also been keeping up with my to-do list, which really helps to keep me on track. What are you adding to your routine to ensure that this year you make real and lasting changes? Give yourself time to think about it, and then get started!

Once again I'd like to welcome everyone who's subscribed in the past month. If you have any ideas for topics you'd like to read about, send me an email with your suggestions.
Enjoy this month's newsletter, Deborah

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1. New You, New Resume - Part 1
2. Blogging 101
3. Grammar Minute - Getting Possessive With It
4. What's New at Writing Services Central
5. About Writing Services Central

NEW YOU, NEW RESUME - PART 1

If you're planning to get a new job this year, it's time to start on your resume. It's always best to keep your resume updated, even when you're not looking for another job. Get into the habit of updating your accomplishments and skills so that your resume is always ready.

Here are some tips:

Group your top skill sets into a summary.
Create a professional email address (using your name - no nicknames) to include with your contact information.
Use past tense - even when describing your current job.
If you're posting your resume online, don't encourage identity theft by including too much personal information.
Gear you resume towards the job you want, not the one you have now.
List your most recent job first.
Check spelling and grammar - don't depend on your spelling errors being caught by spell check.

In the next issue we'll look at what to include in your resume when you're making a career change, what to include if you're a freelancer, and how to utilize "action verbs" in your job descriptions.

Writing Services Central provides resume review services. Contact us today to learn more.

BLOGGING 101

A blog, or "web log" is an online journal.

Why start one?

To report on newsworthy topics.
Share information about your profession, interests or hobbies.
To promote your book or business.
Participate in the internet community.

If you want a basic example of how powerful the web has become, consider that this newsletter has subscribers around the world! Shows how the internet has opened up global communications, doesn't it?

It is generally easier to make blog posts since you don't have to know HTML. Often entrepreneurs will use a blog as their business website since it is a very low cost way to get up and running.

Posting
A post of 200-500 words is a good length for online reading. Online readers tend to scan, as opposed to reading every word. When posting use fonts and colors that are easy on the eyes. Format your posts into smaller paragraphs of 3-4 sentences. Make use of white space and headings.

Frequency
Try to post at least once every week, otherwise it may be hard to get regular readers. However, with RSS feeds ("Really Simple Syndication") your readers can receive your blog posts by email, or opt to receive alerts when there's new content.

If you are not up to making regular posts, you may be better off using a newsletter for your marketing. The nature of a blog is more immediate than a website, and your readers will expect regularly updated content.

Content
Whatever you put on the internet will be open to anyone who wants to locate you or your work. Don't put anything out there that you don't want to share with others. Check your posts for grammar and spelling.

If you're promoting a business be sure to add content that is meaningful for your readers, otherwise they won't keep visiting. For instance, if you have a food business perhaps your blog can feature recipes or serving suggestions. A writer may post book tour information or news about when a book will be published.

For more information about setting up your blog:
Wordpress
Typepad
Blogger
Feedblitz

"Hope is like a road in the country. There was no road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence." - Lin Yutang, writer

GRAMMAR MINUTE - GETTING POSSESSIVE WITH IT

It can be confusing to indicate the possessive, especially when it comes to plural nouns. Grammar rules also have exceptions!

A plural is a way to indicate that there is more than one of a thing. The possessive requires that you add an apostrophe "s" (in most cases) to show possession.

I have 3 companies. - "Companies" is a plural noun.

I have my company's newsletter. - "Company" is a singular noun and doesn't end with an "s," so add the apostrophe "s" to show possession.

There is a managers' meeting on Monday. - "Managers" is a plural noun that ends in "s," so add the apostrophe after the "s" to show possession.

One exception to the rule is with the word, "it."

Its - The possessive form of "it" does not use an apostrophe.

The store is closing its doors next week.

It's - A contraction of "it is" does use an apostrophe. In this case the apostrophe is used to substitute for the omitted letter, "i."

It's going to snow tomorrow.

WHAT'S NEW AT WRITING SERVICES CENTRAL

New Services
Communications coaching for small business owners and "solo-preneurs." Trying to build your business but feeling overwhelmed with your marketing efforts? Got a domain name, but not sure what to put on your website? Do your business cards still look homemade?

We've all been there! You've got to start someplace, but you don't have to do it alone. Let us help you refine your marketing materials so that you can be free to grow your business. Visit us here for more information.

Resume Reviews
Making a job change in 2008? Get a resume review and receive a set of multi-page recommendations that you can use to update and polish your resume. Reviews will only be available at a reduced subscriber rate until January 31, 2008. Request your review today.

Blogs
Don't forget to visit the Women For Hire Network for my posts as the "Career Changer" blogger. Career Changer blog
Find out about transitioning from employee to business owner at the Hidden Gate blog.

Writing Q & A
Have questions about writing and editing? Submit your questions for the "Writing Q & A" section of this newsletter. Selected questions will be featured in upcoming issues. Send your questions to dab@writingservicescentral.com.

ABOUT WRITING SERVICES CENTRAL

Deborah A. Bailey is a professional writer and owner of Writing Services Central, LLC. Her company provides communications coaching and content editing services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to boost their marketing communications and accelerate the growth of their businesses. Learn more now at www.WritingServicesCentral.com.

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Publisher:
Writing Services Central, LLC
PO Box 6955
Piscataway, NJ 08855
732-560-3647