1. When you dot your “i”‘s and cross your “t”‘s, you look smart, credible, and professional, and customers will be more likely to bring you their business.
2. If you mind your “p”‘s and “q”‘s, customers will take you seriously. Misspell or misplace words or punctuation, and you’ll send the wrong messages. To those who know better, such errors can make you and your business look laughable.
A few years ago, The University of Notre Dame, known for its Fighting Irish football team, sold souvenir soda cups at the team’s season opener with the phrase “Figthing Irish” on them. They soon apologized for the error, which caused them some embarrassment, and promised cups with the correct spelling would be available at the next home game.
3. Lenders are more likely to loan money to potential business owners who write their business plans well. Also, when customers understand your message, selling your products or services will be easier.
4. Don’t be a grammar slouch. Would you attend a wedding or other formal event with a stain on your shirt? To English experts, linguistic laxity is the equivalent of a fashion faux pas.
5. Proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation keep people reading. I’ve lost count of how many times poor editing has distracted me while I’ve read a magazine, a newspaper, or a business Web page. It’s definitely a way to make a memorable impression, but not a positive one.
Quotes
“If you have any young friends who aspire to be writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with a copy of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.” ~ Dorothy Parker
“Grammar checker — a software program that is not needed by those who know grammar and virtually useless for those who don’t.” ~ Richard Turner
Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.
Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com
