I often hear, “I just can’t write,” or “I’m not a good writer.” Writing is like any skill, it must be developed. You can learn to be a writer just as you can learn to be a mechanic, chef or accountant. That said, do you want to learn to be a writer? I wouldn’t voluntarily learn the business of accounting for anything. On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoy explaining the correct use of the semi colon. Seriously.
Business owners and company leaders are busy doing what they do best, so it probably doesn’t make sense for them to immerse themselves in learning a new skill, like writing. I still love the Gallop Strengths Finder book, which argues that we should put our time and energy into what we are naturally good at, rather than trying to become better in areas where we are weak. Duh, right?
Whether it’s a new brochure, user manual, website content, regular blog, white paper or case study, chances are you have some writing that needs to be done. Here are four reasons why you should hire a professional writer:
- Yes, you can do it; it’s not rocket science, after all (did you see that beautiful semi colon?). But in order to write well, and I would argue quickly, you need some training. There are lots of ways to get that training, but it’s probably more worthwhile for you to simply hire a professional writer than slog through the Elements of Style (on my bedside table, no lie). Your writing project (which may be recurring) is going to take you a lot longer than it takes a professional writer. How much is your time worth?
- Also, and I mean no disrespect, your writing isn’t going to be as good as someone who has been writing. Every. Single. Day. For like, years. It’s like hiring a physician who has done hundreds of surgeries vs. none.
- Professional writers can provide a fresh perspective. They have the skills and experience to interview people from across your company – including customers – to gain insight you might not have access to.
- That said, professional writer will be able to adopt your point-of-view. If the project calls for it, your individual style and personality will still come through loud and clear because professional writers know how to “sound” like the person, company or idea they are writing about.
If you have writing projects that need to just finally happen (we know how it is), CHCG can help. Our cadre of writers are skilled and experienced in their filed so that you don’t have to be.
Sage Johnson, Professional Freelance Writer
I credit my early love of writing – and costume jewelry – to my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Nesbit, a stork of a woman who sang, “Clang, clang, clang went the trolley. Boom, boom, boom went my heart.” In junior high, I covered the community college hockey team for my hometown newspaper. I got to ride the bus to out-of-town games with the team – including a certain defenseman – which was payment enough for me. I eventually had to swear off hockey players, but could never shake writing, even when I dipped my toes into other careers (like real estate, long story). My sister says I don’t have a “type” when it comes to guys, and I guess the same is true of my writing experience. I get butterflies at the prospect of a press release on a tight deadline, and I lose all sense of time and space when immersed in a technical paper, case study or cover story. I used to take pride in the commonly-held belief that a journalist is a “jack-of-all trades and master of none.” Although I proudly own my writing promiscuity, I would argue professional writers are masters of The Story. That tall drink of water that enters every room like he owns the damn place. The jaw bone in the tux at the red neck wedding. The perfectly insouciant posture chatting up the bartender. The guy who discusses geopolitics and Packer football with equal passion. Like it or not, we’re all drawn to The Story.
