NOVEMBER 2008

Marla Ink News

Your Credibility Is a Terrible Thing to Waste

When I was in high school, we thought we were absolutely hilarious when we changed the name of our English textbook from A Guide to Good Grammar to A Guide to Gooder Grammar.

At least we intended it as a joke. If you look at the current state of business writing, though, it might not seem so funny. One recent study found that 60% of business letters and emails go out with grammar, spelling and punctuation errors.

I suppose that with more communication conducted via email these days, it’s tempting to think that sloppy writing and careless grammar have become almost acceptable. If you’re concerned about your brand, image and credibility, however, there is no room for unpolished or unprofessional writing in any of your business communications. 

From emails to sales proposals to your website, you communicate your brand and brand promise in everything you write. A typo here or there isn’t going to bring down the brand, but if you consistently fail the “Are you smarter than a 5th grader?” test with unclear, poorly constructed emails and proposals, you’re not just sacrificing clarity for convenience; you’re sacrificing your credibility—and the potential business it can bring.

Also in this issue: 

• Brand Saboteurs
• Starting a Corporate Blog
• Marketing and The Economy