“The difficulty … is not to write but to write what you mean…” Robert Louis Stevenson
Hi, I am Kathleen Rand, a Senior Proposal Writer with BHM Healthcare Solutions. I am new to the BHM team but not to writing. After I graduated from college, it was common for people to ask me: ‘What are you going to do with an English degree?’ Well, what I did was write…a lot. For over fifteen years and for various organizations, I wrote just about everything from marketing materials to technical manuals, from educational curriculums and student catalogs to policies and procedures, from training documentation to government grant submissions. Do you know what I mean?
Do You Know What I Mean?
Do You Know What I Mean?
It turns out that communicating effectively – writing what you mean – is a marketable skill. Even in today’s digital age of texting and smartphones, a well-written presentation or proposal, one that is clear, concise and accurate, cannot be underestimated. It can translate into the close of a deal, the addition of a new client, the reward of state or government monies.
I plan to present a three-part series discussing the impact of writing in the business world, more specifically the significance of solid business proposals. I will share tips on how to create a persuasive value statement that will truly differentiate your organization. Further, I will examine the elements essential to successful proposals, and those that aren’t. Finally, I will evaluate the writing process in whole: from defining the basic steps necessary to organize a proposal to assessing the importance of word choice and sentence structure.
Tips To Keep Your Audience Interested
Here are a few tips to keep your audience interested in your content and keep your writing fresh and exciting:
- Compelling Headlines: Grab your audience’s attention with intriguing and relevant headlines. A compelling title sets the stage for an engaging read.
- Clear Structure: Organize your content with a clear and logical structure. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to make it easy for readers to follow along and find key information.
- Visual Appeal: Incorporate visually appealing elements such as images, infographics, and videos. Visual content breaks up text, making the blog more interesting and accessible.
- Conversational Tone: Write in a conversational tone to connect with your audience. Avoid overly technical language and strive for a tone that feels like a friendly conversation.
- Interactive Elements: Encourage reader interaction with polls, surveys, or calls to action. This not only engages your audience but also invites them to participate in the conversation, fostering a sense of community.
I am excited to jump into the BHM blogosphere and look forward to the journey with you.
