AdrienneMoch.com The Write Stuff


	News You Can Use And the President Is... No, I'm not referring to Barack Obama. I'm honored to announce my new role as president of the San Diego chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). I look forward to working with my excellent Board of Directors to grow our group and add value for our members. If you're a woman who owns a business in San Diego, you really should check out NAWBO. Our monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month. You can learn more at nawbo-sd.org. Client Focus: Lubasha Design Lubasha Chabansky is a certified Internet and Desktop Publisher, something that is a big differentiator for her. Lubasha's award-winning designs showcase her ability to seamlessly blend creativity and functionality. Visit lubashadesign.com to learn more. You Can Still Run a Tab If the idea of having an editor-on-call intrigues you, you definitely should become a Run a Tab client. The process is simple: You send me items to edit, anything from a sentence to a page or two. I promptly return my edits, sometimes within minutes, but always within 24 hours. I send you one invoice at the end of the month. All your writing reflects your professionalism, for a modest investment. Call (619) 291-4645 or e-mail adrienne@adriennemoch.com if you want to learn more, or you want to open your tab.

The Write Stuff
Winter 2009 Volume 5 Issue 1

Three Tips to Start Your Year Off Right

January always seems to be a month when people want to make new starts...so why not include enhancing your writing skills to your list of resolutions? Here are a few tips to get you going.

1st Versus 3rd Person
While there is technically no right or wrong tense to use for your written materials, the decision you make will affect the way your readers react. I was surprised that one of my clients thought using 1st person is arrogant...and that is certainly not the case.

I recommend using first person as a rule, especially on websites and in correspondence. It creates a warmer, more personal tone. Which of the following sounds more inviting to you?

We will always be there to provide great customer service. (1st person)

ABC Company will always be there to provide great customer service. (3rd person)

Neither is incorrect...but the 1st person sentence is less formal and more conducive to relationship building.

Bullet Consistency
Bullets are a great tool to use to enhance readability, but you need to make your list consistent. For instance, the things I liked best about being at the Winter Classic were:

Seeing a great hockey game
Spending time with my nephew
Being a part of history at Wrigley Field

Note that all three points begin with an "ing" word. That's being consistent.

Hyphenate!
The poor hyphen; so many of you don't use it. Here are a few phrases that warrant hyphenation:

first-class customer service
next-generation product
third-party relationship

See the trend? When a noun is modified by the previous two words, they should be hyphenated.

I hope your year has gotten off to a great start. If you need a talented, responsive and economical writing or editing resource, please think of me. Visit adriennemoch.com to learn more and call (619) 291-4645 to discuss your needs.

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