Current Brochure for Your Message Doctor

Click the pic for a larger, readable view.

Sample Signature

Here's the guy's current email signature.
Honest, Very Affordable, Automotive, Computer and Handyman Services….Period.

I would say ...

Automotive, Computer and Handyman Services -
Honest. Affordable. Period.

OR ... I might like to see it like this:

Automotive, Computer and Handyman Services -
Affordable. Honest. Period.

___________________________________

This was a little freebie for a new guy in the network group.
He liked the second one better. Me too.
Sometimes it's just a nuance thing.
Sometimes it makes the message loud and clear.

ER - It's no accidnt ....

That's exactly what I said to the guy that wrote this line. He's a member of a networking group I'm with. No reason to call him out on it. It was probably just an .... WAIT! He could have prevented this.

Proofread - it's what I do. Let's do more.

Testimonial

David, you are the best!

I very much appreciate your time as you sift through my message and make your gentle corrections. It makes my message a bit more clear to the reader and of course that's always a very good thing.

Thanks once again,
Sandy

Proofreading and editing blog posts

Sandy Walden writes. And she feels she needs a fresh set of eyes to look over her stuff.

It takes some of the pressure off. I'm glad I can be here to help.
She wrote it all and I made a few comments.

Here's our first work together. Simple. Just a few minutes. It helps.
Click on it to read the sample.

She also coaches. Call her. You can feel better, too.

Serenity Life Coaching
Sandy Walden
www.SandyWalden.com
(414) 378-8764

Top-50-Marketing-Blogs-To-Watch

http://tinyurl.com/62e827

Testimonial from Egan New Media

I had a client project that needed to be revived. It had stagnated due to gaps in communication and changing goals along the way. It was awkward to have to go over the same ground yet again to bring clarity to the project. The result was an unclear objective.

I asked David to step in and work his magic. Having not worked with him before I was not sure what my results might be. He quickly cleared the blockage. The project got moving forward and the client was energized because David had helped him focus on the things that were important to his business. That left me free to attend to the website design and construction. The result was a successful completion to a project that had been dead in the water.

Tom Egan
Egan New Media

Testimonial - Ventura Sports Group

"I knew the theme; but couldn’t put it in words on paper. David and I had a couple phone conversations and he wrote what I wanted to say. It was a simple and easy process. In addition, he gave me a couple ideas I hadn’t thought of. I will call him again."

~ Roger Christoph,
Ventura Sports Group

Like This

Sometimes, before we start writing, we need to have a plan. And getting that out onto paper is something I can assist with. Katie and I sat and talked big plans. After while what needs to be known and done next begins to emerge. Now, we have created lists. There are questions to ask. There are items to prioritize. We're getting there. It takes sitting down and talking.

It starts like this ......

First Labels

I've secured some prescription vials and have made my first sheet of labels. Just in time for DREAMS. Very exciting. Now, off to find the proper mints.

ER - Greem field

"Barter." That's what I said to the lead guy at the breakfast the other morning. "Barter."

Actually, I made a whole sentence out of it, but .... I offered a few professional hours of my time in trade for my first annual dues to the Chamber. The look on his face indicated that he probably would not even run it past anyone else in the organization.

So, they leave the spell-checking and proofing to the volunteer webmaster.

-----------------------

-----------------------

Simple Proof

The ReallyGoodFreelanceWriter wrote an article for SOHO.
Part of the compensation was a spot on the website. Apparently.

SOHO did not proof the URL. As you can see in the pink oval highlights, there is an extra letter in the link.

The actual link reads: www.reallygoodfreelance R writer.com

Therefore, linky no worky.
Some compensation.

Sioux Falls - plural - with an 's'.

I met a gal from the new Wisconsin location of LoAnn's Marketing, Inc. I went online to check it out. Found the typo. Called her. No response. Emailed the home office. Twice. No response.

They finally fixed it. Never did hear from them. Probably should have sent an invoice.

YooHoo. Hello. It's Sioux Falls - plural - with an 's'.

Lorum Ipsum - a sample of Track Changes

Often I find myself most useful in the initial brainstorm and then the clean up afterwards. In other words, we can hammer out your latest idea and I can shine it up.

With Track Changes feature in MS Word you get to see what you wrote and what I changed. You can agree or not. It's your message. We can send these files back and forth until we have chosen just the right text for your purpose.

Proof and Edit Mark Up

I have offered a free peek at a potential client's business text as an introduction to my services. Rather than spend time editing I would take a screen shot and highlight it in Photoshop. If they saw that they could make a better impression without too much work they might put me to the task. It was the best idea I had at the time. The picture is an example of what it could look like.

One of the problems is not using actual typo markup - which both parties need to know in order for it to be effective. The problem with the pink dots is that they can mean anything and everything. The pink dots require a story to be told verbally or written down. Might as well just do the editing then.

I am pleased to say that I have found a better tool with the MS Word feature called Track Changes. I've used Macs forever and had not thought to look into Word. I only bought it in order to open attachments from PC users. Sometimes it takes a while to get to a new place.

Track Changes

MS Word feature seems to be the tool to use for proofing and copy editing. Studying it now.

Quick edits - How it works .....

M. K. needs a quick turn around on handwritten, special invitation text that gets and inserted with the printed invitation itself.
Happy to be of service.

Here are my edits in red and his emailed draft below.


It would be my greatest honor for you be my guest at this special event. I had your best interest in mind as your home inspector and now I want to show you how a 30 year mortgage can be paid in 10 years; legally and without changing your minimum monthly payment.
I’m doing it and so can you. You have to see it to believe it.

Please RSVP soon. Seats are filling fast.
Sincerely,
M. K.


And here's his draft.
-----------------
As your home inspector, I always have your best interest in mind when it comes to your biggest asset, your home. I am sending this special invitation to an event that is changing my life positively. 17 months ago I purchased a system told me I could pay my $136K 6.5% 30 year mortgage in 8.5 years without changing my minimum monthly mortgage payment. To this day, this is 100% TRUE.
It would be my greatest honor for you be my guest at this special event presented by the co-founder to see how a 30 year mortgage can be paid in 10 years.

Please RSVP seating limited.
Sincerely,
M. K.

------------------

Thanks, M. K. Glad I could help.

Snow Flyer V.2

We needed another version of the copy for mail order rather than church collection plate. After a little thinking about all the info we needed to gather, we came up with this.
Click here for printable version. http://tinyurl.com/6l3f6g

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ER - More than enough

Bielinski has a billboard. It reads like this:

______________________
More.

One word says it all.

Bielinski Builders
______________________

If one word really does say it all ... why did they add more words?

I have more questions now than if they just left it where they started.

Either they don't trust the reader to get it, or they think they overpaid
the designer and are trying to get their money's worth, or ...

I don't know. I think they broke it. What do you think?



(Their website is carrying the theme. At least they have continuity in mind.)

Sample Sponsor Endorsements

Roger of VSG wanted a few more testimonials. He said "Pretend you're Klement sausage and you're working with Miller Park."

So, I wrote up some samples for him to approve or edit. I guess it's up to him to find who the citations actually belong to. I'll keep you in the loop.


“I wouldn’t have thought it. Sponsoring the AirHogs at QuikTrip Park has been one of the best local partnerships we’ve taken on in a long time. A great value.”

“Sponsoring the AirHogs has enhanced our image in the community. We’re rooting for their team now and I’m glad we got the chance.”

“People do business with people they know. And being a sponsor at QuikTrip Park puts us on the same team. We can feel it. Go AirHogs.”

We Put Fans in Stands

Tom Egan of Egan New Media introduced me to Roger of Ventura Sports Group. I really liked writing for Roger. He knew exactly what he wanted to say. When we wrote the testimonials he knew what he wanted to City Developer to say. And that was different from what the Field Manager or the General Contractor would say.

Roger puts the whole thing together from the bare ground to the baseball game. And while he is less concerned about fans than the individual teams are, I gave him the idea that what he does could be said like this: "We put fans in stands."

That's all mine and I am pleased to say so.

P.S. While I may have written the testimonials, it is my understanding that the individual persons authorized the use of their names and agreed to the statements.

Copywriting - General Services Brochure

Version 1.0 of my general services brochure.
I'll have to link up a PDF for you. Not today.
I think you can read my writing if you click it.

Through Process to Product

I recently gave a short presentation to a B2B Networking group.

I wanted to give a brief idea about what I do and use the remaining time for more questions and answers than is customary.

So, I spent some time in the clip art looking for a way to tell a story. Seems reasonably well received and I am still getting feedback. Click the image and get the whole, colorful story.

You can see whay I am not a graphic designer. Actually, it might have worked better with more time and space. Another week and the 11 x 17" tabloid sheet and it might have been something to talk about. Ah, well ....

Through Process to Product - Side Two

I took a couple screen shots of some copy I did for Ventura Sports Group.
I wrote the testimonials and the operator and developer pages on the site.
http://www.venturasports.net

Fundraiser Flyer

Another addition to the sample pile. Wrote it up and laid it out. Cleared it with the money people so there will be the fewest misunderstandings as to the procedure.

Editing Advanced Learning Concepts

This is why I write and edit. I get to meet and work with people like this sometimes. Fascinating stuff - this brain work. She originally supplied over 500 words. We gently got it down to this.

Editing Elite Nutrition

Originally, there were no guidelines that indicated that the provider would need to keep his or her comments to less than 200 words. This was a case where we went back and forth in process a bit.

Editing - P. Clason

Some providers were responding to the questionnaire without much need for an editor. Patricia Clason is one of those.

Raw Testimonial

This testimonial needs a little editing but it's heart felt, hits the mark and I'm leaving it right here for the moment.

It's out for a little re-tooling as we speak.

"Damn, boy. You never cease to amaze me, coming up with the most relevant url's imaginable. ... Thanks again for the lead. You surprise the 'stuffings' outa me sometimes."
~ James Grant, Mechanical Engineer, Georgetown, TX

__________________________________

Sometimes it's difficult asking for testimonials. Your Message Doctor can ask on your behalf. Who are your best prospects among your customers and what would you like them to say about you? Call me. And I'll call them. We can get this done. It's a simple research interview.

Do You Really Need a Website?

You may do well with an internet presence. But, do you need a website?
Maybe so. Maybe not.

However, websites are getting sold and then abandoned. It sounds hot. It adds another layer to management. Another line on the budget.

And maintenance is critical.

Who will update your website. How much and how often? Who is the administrator? You or the firm that sold you on the idea?

Some of us can get by very well with a blog. Or, a domain name and a blog. Simple. Do-able.

Did you know you can email messages to your blog directly from your email program? Is this simple fact making it easier to decide?

Call Your Message Doctor. David @ 414-282-7185 - we can prescribe just the fix. By the way, let us not sell short, we can certainly provide web design and hosting services if that's what you need. Let's talk about it.

Testimonial

"David White has worked on a number of projects for us over the years. In each and every case, he's demonstrated his abilities as a great listener; a creative writer with fine intuition and a surprising ability to use fresh, yet appropriate metaphors. I highly recommend David."

- George Lottermoser, Lotter Moser & Associates - www.imagist.com �

How We Operate

First we determine what you need and when you need it.
We talk and you define the parameters.
We list the services that may come into play.
Meetings. Research. Interview. Draft. Edit. Proof. Rewrite.
We set time and other budget parameters.

We can do a simple proof and edit from your writing or we can create a marketing plan.
Project management may include print projects and web. We have solid associations with graphic designers, photographers, printers, mailers, and web people if and when we need to bring them in.

We'll provide an array of options and price ranges.
As options are narrowed, the price range is narrowed.
We'll provide a bid letter so we all know what page we're on.
Rates for writing are $75/hr and the work goes quickest when we stick to the plan.
We get fifty-percent down to start.
If and when projects are abandoned we will be paid for work completed.

ER - About the Emergency Room

This is the place where I store samples of some of that stuff that just plain went wrong.

I've been a little busy lately, but I'm sure if I dig around a little I can come up with something new. You're welcome to email me samples if you like.

DavidWhite@ Your Message Doctor dot com

Wellness Incentives - Elite Nutrition

Here's another edit I did for Wellness Incentives. John first provided a long, rambling piece and we had to get it down to a couple paragraphs. Got it. And can't wait to meet the guy in his store. I like what he's offering.
______________

Elite Nutrition is a new, specialty vitamin health store with a full organic smoothie bar. We carry a very wide selection of the very best products in the industry. Our everyday discount program is the best out there.

It is the job of our expert staff to be able to intelligently answer your questions and show you the scientific literature to verify the information we provide. We cut through the confusion, give you the real story and teach you that prevention is key.

Come on in and let us show you the research and the products so you can improve your health and prevent disease. We guide people on what REAL food is and how to exercise. We are also weight loss expects. So whether you are looking to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, lose or gain weight, detox etc., we can help. And our expertise is always free.

Also, please stop in for a delicious all natural smoothie. We have 30 recipes on the menu and also have wheat grass shots and fresh carrot juice.

http://wellnessincentives.com/elitenutrition.html

I'd be happy to show you what we started with. Give a holler.

Wellness Incentives - Advanced Learning Concepts

I had a short assignment with editing and project management for the Wellness Incentives Guide. Dr. Judy's text (below) about her business offerings was originally over 500 words and we got it down to less than 200.
________________

Dr. Judith Davis is a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in assessing and improving brain function. By training the brain, clients can make significant improvements in many areas of life including learning, decision-making, patience, memory, planning, organizing, impulse control, self-responsibility, etc. Training a brain actually activates stem-cells in the brain. Within 3-months of brain training, new and dedicated brain cells are activated and engaged in learning.

Wellness is a dynamic and active choice. Choosing to engage in healthy activities improves many aspects of life. Diet and exercise are activities that have been well researched and found to promote wellness and health. The newcomer to the health and wellness field is the BRAIN. Research is confirming the positive results of choosing to engage and train the brain.

For the past 20 years Dr. Davis has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with the intention to support growth, development, and learning. Advanced Learning Concepts offers state-of-the-art, hands and brains-on-training to take control of your life. Give us 20-minutes to show you how to make the most of your life!

http://wellnessincentives.com/advancedlearningconcepts.html

Testimonial for IDS

Ben Rucka was looking for a testimonial for his IDS website. He gave me the name of the project manager, I called him and we had a great chat. Here's what I wrote up for IDS.
________________________________________

In 2003 Implant Direct LLC determined that they needed door
security and Sameer Saggar was put in charge of getting that
done.

Mr. Saggar says that Ben Rucka, Instant Data Systems, "was
only person I could find that was doing what we needed."

"I went on Yahoo.com actually and searched on 'barcode
reading', 'door systems', 'door security', first in Los
Angeles, then California. Nothing came up. I broadened the
search and this Wisconsin firm, IDS, came up. I
clicked on it, read about it, did a little bit of homework
on it and a saw what they offered."

"Actually, they were the only one that came up at the time.
Their prices were reasonable. The fact that he was willing
to come out here and actually do the working himself was a
pretty positive thing for us."

Implant Direct needed five doors originally. While Mr.
Saggar thought that Wisconsin was a long way from
California, IDS had exactly what was needed.

"He flew out here and we spent the better part of a week
together." And after the installation was complete.
"The door system worked great." says Saggar.

"I get in here early," Saggar says, "I'd call him he was always
available at any time and he was always very helpful."

And because he was supporting and upgrading the software, Ben Rucka
kept in touch with Implant Direct after the initial installation.
Good service generally gets rewarded.

"We decided we needed to add some more doors," Saggar said.
"There are local vendors now, but my experiences with him, his
familiarity with the system and with what he brings to the
table." IDS got the next call.

"The first time we did this we had to bring in a computer.
Now he just carries a USB key with the upgrades."

"Ben's energetic and enthusiastic about what's doing.
We couldn't be happier with our door system."


For more info, contact:
Ben Rucka
Instant Data Systems

Toll Free USA 877-395-7415
Phone USA 414-423-0680
Fax USA 414-386-7913
250 N. Sunnyslope Rd. Suite #300
Milwaukee WI. 53005

ids@instantdatasystems.com
http://www.instantdatasystems.com

A Marketing or Customer Service Story?

Provide your customers with high-quality products they can
individualize and make their own. They will sing your praises. They
will help you make your sales. They will form groups of other like-
minded individuals - all making loud roaring noises - ten thousand
songs with your name in every refrain.

Can you be Harley Davidson?

Perhaps not.

More importantly .....

Can you be you?

Talk-ability

Secret to Word-Of-Mouth

A short Review from Content Marketing Today

http://tinyurl.com/6l8xrg

Harley Davidson Free Press

It's the weekend of the 105th birthday in Milwaukee and Harley is all over the news.

If you want to get free press like Harley does you have to take such good care of your customers that they feel special as a group. Then they will do your talking for you. They will carry your brand like a flag. They will tattoo your name on their forehead. Your name. Why? You made them feel special; individually and as a group.

Yes, you have to have a good product and service.
No, you don't have to do it for a hundred years.
You can do it with a smaller group in a shorter time.
Start with your customers, for instance.

Dance Dance Dance

Off to the Square Dance Convention today.
It's just 25 miles down the road this year
so, no big packing fiasco and overnight bills.

I'm giving a presentation on building a blog.

Who? What? Why? When? Where?

Computers & Communications
for Dance Clubs
11 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday
in Room 104, Computer Lab

And, why, after all?

We'll do the 5W's, remember plain text,
deconstruct a flyer, and build a blog.

It's a beta eBook on building a blog.

_______________________________

Extend Your Message

My friend and business associate George recently surprised me by
getting up at whatever time he had to so that he could drive from
Mequon to Oak Creek by 7 a.m. to take some still photos of our first
ever JoeNetworks In-House event at JRA recently.

Wow. That alone is commendable. I mean ... this is volunteer time we
are talking about.

Anyway, later that same day, he put the still shots into a slideshow
with effects and a week later we sat down to talk about JoeNetworks.

Here's a way to extend your message beyond the audio podcast but not
all the way to full video.

Take a look and imagine it's you and your situation. What can you do
to extend your message?
What do you need people to know, think, do when you have more than 30
seconds for your elevator speech?

http://tinyurl.com/5fgkbn

Then, take a look at some fine images here: http://www.imagist.com/blog

Then, call Your Message Doctor when you need help with your script.

David L. White
414-282-7185

Envelope Quotation

I've been in printing for 30 years and this is a first.

I got a call for an envelope quotation today.

She wanted straight text in black ink printed on one side.

The size is 22-1/2" x 15".

I said something to the effect of "What?"

She repeated it and I said I'd never heard of such a thing and she seemed to think she might not be talking to the right person and I assured her that 'we have experts'.

And I went on to say again that I'd never heard of such a large envelope - at least not in use by the type of organization she was calling for.

She remeasured her sample and gave me the same exact numbers. And here's where the communication comes in.

When she sent her Word doc, with copy as a sample, I see that the rulers indicted something on the order of a 6 x 9" envelope.

Well, there we go. Now, we can quote the job. 

P.S. She's originally from South Africa and I think she must be using the centimeter side of the stick.

Guy Kawasaki on 10 ways to use Linkedin.

Guy Kawasaki on 10 ways to use Linkedin. 

http://tinyurl.com/35qu7f

DavidWhite@YourMessageDoctor.com

http://www.YourMessageDoctor.com

"Care for your words and they will care for you."

414-282-7185

Social media - a slide show

http://www.slideshare.net/mzkagan/what-the-fk-social-media

Who vs. How Many?

Is it all about quantity?

http://tinyurl.com/3qnfdz

Your Hard Drive Will Fail

This just in from GLi ....

the drive went out to Gillware Inc in Madison yesterday 1300 - 1600
buckaroos to get the data off and of course had to buy another drive
to put it on (200) plus 50 to ship the dead one - Lesson: Assume all
hard drives WILL fail.
Develop a very regular back up strategy.
Assume that the backup strategy has more importance and higher
priority than the work itself.

Of course I thought I knew that and had a good strategy.
But my strategy failed for the most recent (important active files)
work.
I attribute the strategy failure to my being more involved in the
work than the backups.

Hear my loud voice - YOUR HARD DRIVES WILL FAIL

Back up often

All the recent electrical storms required many power-downs. Many (too
many) occurred during normally scheduled backups. When I powered up
to get back to work the backup program would tell me that I needed to
readjust things; but "I" had to get right to work figuring that the
next scheduled back up would catch it all up.

Learn from my hard won lessons.

Man, I like this guy.

Seth Godin and One Swell Foop

http://tinyurl.com/5yt2lz

Press, News, Media - Release

A friend of mine recently took a new sales management position at a
software company. He's been there several months and there are good
feeling on both sides.

His boss asked him to put together a press release. He says it's kind
of fallen off the to do list what with all the other duties. Our
conversation took a turn and we did not explore this further.

Sometimes I think projects get stuck for want of a little
information. I know I have questions and while he might already have
the answers I wonder if it's not the writing of the press relase
that's the hold up. It might be other missing information.

(Not that I don't believe he's already got a LOT to do.)

Is it just those few scant words that go into the People on the Move
section? Maybe there's a head shot.

Such-and-such, Inc., of Here-and-There, has added So-and-so, as Sales
Manager for the Wisconsin and Minnesota territories.

If that's all it is, then the next step is who to tell.
Who needs to see the 'press release"?
Who is the audience? Customers? Competition? Corporate peers?

Is it readers of the Green Bay Press Gazette?
Business Journal?
Corporate Report Wisconsin?
Small Business Times?
Corporate house newsletter?
Corporate e-newsletter?
Corporate web and/or blog?
Some or all of the above?

Here, the press release might turn into releases - plural. The
business publications might run the shortest version. The house might
want something with a bit more story. So, look into the company
history a bit. See what's been done before.

It's tough to start the writing when you don't know what your readers
are reading. If all you need is the short story then the work is
almost done.

Ah, but the research continues. Who are the editors? What's their
format? Schedule? Contact information?

So, you think a writer is a writer because that's what the writer
told you. "I'm a writer." A writer is a researcher, an interviewer,
an analyst, and then a reporter of the information. But, before there are
any answers, there are questions.

Aren't there?

When you need this kind of help Your Message Doctor is here for you.

End note: Some are saying that the term press release is changing to
media release. This is the latest news.

Document your activity and keep moving

I had a face to face meeting recently with Katie Felten.
I'd met her a month ago at a LinkedIn Live training/networking/event
at the Perk and Pub in Elm Grove. And am glad I did.

Anyway, she expressed a need to exercise her news a bit and called me to recommend a regimen or some supplements.

Supplements are key. No one approach has it all. The regimen is 'keep
at it'.

And ...

It'll take an extra bit of work on our part because she's already
pretty fit. Just Google Katie Felten and see for yourself.
Or ... hit it here - http://www.mkelive.com/mke/

What she really wants to do in the short term is move appropriate
relationships to her associates, tie in as a LinkedIn trainer, and optimize her personal brand.

She's already on some recurring print and web calendars. And is
presenting LinkedIn to my Chamber Marketing group next week.

She says she's not a writer ... but she certainly is a communicator
and plenty tech-savvy. Sometimes all that's needed is a little encouragement and oversight.
And, as I was leaving our two hour meeting, her advisory board was
showing up.
This one-gal band has her own advisory board. See?

In addition to her monthly training spots I am recommending that we
put together an ebook for sale and give-away on her site and possibly do a video trainer-
taster suitable for YouTube.

And she needs to be blogging more often.

That's my vitamin B and band-aid for everything lately. More
communication. Not less.

Your Message Doctor is operating.

New Business

Your Message Doctor is:
• negotiating an editor spot with a local wellness provider directory
• assembling drafts and polishing presentations with a local
marketing group
• editing web and brochure text for Sarah of "I Do" Photography
• writing content and facilitating B2B networking for JoeNetworks.com
• preparing web content and collateral for ProfePat.com
• wondering "What can I do for you?"

Call or stop in at a JoeNetworks event. We'll figure it out.

http://www.JoeNetworks.com/calendar

Wednesdays - Breakfast at Benny's
7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Thursdays - 5 Star Coffee
7:30 a.m - 8:30 a.m.

email: David White @
Your Message Doctor .com
414-282-7185

Writer for Hire

Writing happens near the end of a process that often includes,
thinking, planning, meeting, proposal, research, interview, draft,
proof, edit, etc. That's what I mean when I say I do freelance
business writing.

Press Release? News Release? Media Release?
Your message can take many more forms these days. You can wait around
to get famous or you can be the media. Supplement your customer
service with more communication.

Pop Quiz

Prospects, leads and new business aside, how do you communicate and
give value to your current customers so that they are willing, even
happy, to talk about you to their families, friends and associates?

( Hint: One of the popular answers on the list you create will be All of the Above.)

What's News With YOU?

What's News With YOU?

• You call me. We set a time to talk.
• You share the best news of the day.
(Passion - what you give and share).
• I write up our interview.
• We decide who needs to hear it and how to get it to them.

You get to find out if I get it. Free.

Your passions about the topic is what translates and resonates with
your reader.

There is fine print to the offer. The first specification I can think
of is it will be a relatively short conversation. �

The value? You tell me.

Email Checklist

Could I have written a list like this?

I imagine. Many of the words wold be similar if not the same.
Since he's already done it - I'll just point you to it.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/06/email-checklist.html

http://tinyurl.com/6l5emx

Yudkin on Writing

I've subscribed to Marcia Yudkin's weekly email on marketing and
writing for a couple of years. I like the way she writes. I like the
way she thinks.

She says she's considering ditching the word writing because it plays
such a small part in the whole process.

She doesn't say what she proposes to replace writing with. Thinking?
Doesn't look particularly solid on a business card. Maybe that's why
there are so many consultants running around.

I've pulled three paragraphs below.

I'm considering ditching this word, because so much of what's
required to produce effective text - on a web site or
elsewhere - has nothing to do with crafting phrases,
sentences or paragraphs. Instead, it's thinking.

...

Only after rigorous thinking like the above does a so-called
copywriter go to work on the right words. Thinking dictates
how you create navigation options, provide information,
address concerns and orchestrate the ordering process.

....

Without rigorous thinking, writing is little more than
shouting at the wind.

....

So, I went looking for her blog and it's in password-protected space.
Apparently she's good enough to charge for her thinking.

Yes.

Time Warner Launches Bandwidth Cap

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20080603/tc_nf/60098

Writing - start with a classified ad

Seth's post on how thinking about writing begins to get it off track.

Think about what you're writing as if it were a classified ad.

You're paying by the word.

And, if you're not holding the reader's attention, it's costing way
too much.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/06/start-with-a-cl.html

Southeast Creative Growers Association

Funny. And worth the 4 minutes.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hgYwTELj-fs&feature=email

Skype

I had a chance to start skyping on a small scale in early March of '08.

I am not a power user - at least not yet.

So far I like it a lot. I've not used the video
but the voice and chat have been fun and useful.

You can be in touch at < your message doctor > ..
actually I think the address is yourmessagedoctor

Say hello.

Seth riffs on Marketing

Here's an old hash
that still has some flavor.

A little exercise for your message.

http://tinyurl.com/6yptbx

Caring

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of
the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the
questions.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and
actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These
are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But
the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with
the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are
the ones that care.

Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.

-----

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already
tomorrow in Australia."
Charles Schultz

The Voice Examiner - VX2

The Voice Examiner
An E-Zine from Your Message Doctor

To: Associates, Clients, Friends, members of
South Suburban Chamber of Commerce, and guests.

_____________________________________________________

JoeNetworks - B2B Networking - Open to the Public
Bring your smile and some cards. And your own name tag.
And a friend.
Admission: Just a cup of Joe.

DRIVE TIME

• Tuesday - 4/15/08 - 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Dunn Bros Coffee - 2345 W Ryan Rd, Oak Creek, WI
(Between I-94 and 27th St. across from Pick 'n Save)
Fair Trade - Free Wifi

• Thursday - 4/17/08 - 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
5 Star Coffee
7358 W. Rawson Ave. Franklin WI
Fair Trade - Free Wifi

AFTER HOURS

• Wednesday - 4/16/08 - 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Houlihan's Restaurant & Bar
6331 S. 13th St. (13th & College) in the Radisson.
_____________________________________________________

We heartily suggest signing up to JoeNetworks calendars.
Just email: joenetworks @ aweber.com and confirm the follow-up
email that arrives from AWeber.

P.S. I've been checking out networking groups lately.
My long-time friend and associate George has posted some
photos of recent events.

http://imagist.com/writers_meetup/
http://imagist.com/mke_live/
http://www.imagist.com/blog/

_____________________________________________________
SPECIAL REQUESTS

Thanks to all that responded about the laser printer service request.
I think it's all under control now. ~ David White

_____________________________________________________
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

HUNGER TASK FORCE needs 75M snacks and 100M juice boxes.
Contact Renee at Hunger Task Force
renee @ hungertaskforce.org
414-777-0483 x 6502

Tell her Your Message Doctor sent you and thanks for passing this along.
_____________________________________________________

We're passing this info along for an associate.

April 15th 2008 FREE SHRED DAY at Minuteman Press
Get your papers together!

PDF Flyer here: http://yourmessagedoctor.com/shred-day.pdf

Minuteman Press
6213 S 27th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53221
Phone: 414-761-9711
Fax: 414-761-9718
E-mail: info @minutemanpress.biz

---------------------------------

David White
Your Message Doctor

Local: 414-282-7185
Toll-free: 800-642-9050
Fax: 414-282-7186

www.yourmessagedoctor.com
yourmessagedoctor.blogspot.com

"Care for your words and they will care for you."

PANERA GIFT CARD FIND-A-TYPO CONTEST WINNERS

We have a couple winners to announce. Mona E. found the word February
misspelled. It was exactly the 3rd word in the newsletter. Jessica W.
found the word psychologist misspelled.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you all for reading along.

Thanks again to Ben Bauer of Panera on South Howell for donating a
couple $10 gift cards to our readers.

Attracting attention to typos is not really a good idea. You might
have guessed as much. We'll roll out a differrent contest soon.

Stay tuned. Watch your p's and q's.

*******************************************************************
The Voice Examiner from Your Message Doctor - APRIL 2008
*******************************************************************

EMERGENCY ROOM - Don't Let This Happen to You

My wife and I had brunch with a couple nieces in Elkhorn on a recent Sunday.

I went to Google maps and looked for restaurants. I looked at three
of them and they all had problems with their websites. There were the
usual typographical errors, which certainly need fixing, and links to
menus that did not work. My search included a restaurant with a
domain name that went nowhere when I clicked it. ERROR 404 Not Found.
Cannot be good for business. Why bother? Pull the plug or get it fixed.

I hope that's not the case with your site. Had a recent check up?

Well, hang on. Here's how you get that done ......

***********************************************************

NO-COST-CHECKUP - PROOFREAD AND EDIT YOUR TEXT
Find the Bloopers before they make the DVD.

We figure it might be more helpful to do some actual work on your
project rather than have an open-ended consultation or a review of
work we've done for others. Thirty minute proof and edit. No cost.

This text check-up is our our get-to-know-you offer. One per customer.

By the way, we went to Fiddlesticks Cafe com. Sarah had a caramel
waffle of some sort. Pat had the Bananas Foster. Emily had a burger
which she would not let me taste and I had the Riviera omelette.
Nice atmosphere, reasonable service and good service. Oh, yeah, and
the food is why we will go back.

YOU: MAKING THE NEWS

YOU: MAKING THE NEWS

Believe it or not, in your rightly-sized corner of the world, you are
making news all the time. How often do those bits of publicity get
overlooked in the daily grind?

Possibly most of them if you don't know who your audience is. It's
not everybody. You can't reach them. They don't care and you couldn't
handle them all if they came by.

Who needs to hear from you more often? Your customers. The people who
get it because they already got it. And potential customers.
Especially those that requested information.

And just how much is this whole program going to cost? One thing at a
time - first you have to get used to seeing the news items, in your
own business, as they are planned and executed. You can keep your
eyes out for the news as you begin to assemble your best possible list.

More in the next issue. Or, give me a call if you just can't wait.

********************************************************************
The Voice Examiner from Your Message Doctor - APRIL 2008
********************************************************************

Urgencies

Add up enough urgencies and you don't get a fire, you get a career. A
career putting out fires never leads to the goal you had in mind all
along.

I guess the trick is to make the long term items even more urgent
than today's emergencies. Break them into steps and give them
deadlines. Measure your people on what they did today in support of
where you need to be next month.

If you work in an urgent-only culture, the only solution is to make
the right things urgent.

... Seth says.

http://tinyurl.com/384ay5

ER - Elkhorn #1 of 3 - Marketing Emergencies

We were headed down to Elkhorn last weekend for Sunday Brunch with my nieces.

I did the Google maps search and narrowed the search with the term Restaurants.

Among the many that came up were Fiddlesticks Cafe, Sugar Creek Inn,
and Wild Flower Cafe.

The Fiddlestickscafe.com website has 4 text links for Location,
Breakfast Menu, Lunch Menu, and Dinner Menu - all broken. When you put the mouse over the 'button', the address for the link shows that each file is located on the web designer's F drive, not on the internet where it belongs. Also, they are using a Hotmail account as their main email address. Seems they could use something like info@fiddlestickscafe.com.

We went to Fiddlesticks because Sarah had been there once. She said the food was fine. It was brunch time. We ate from the breakfast menu.

Sarah had a caramel apple waffle - I think. Tasty. Pat had Bananas Foster which were very good. Emily had a bacon burger which I was not able to taste. It must have also been very good considering the way she was hanging on to it. And I had the Riviera; a Spanish omelette.
I would order it again. That good.

I also had printed out the problem with their website and included a business card. It was a little busy and i was not able to meet the owner. Perhaps next time.

ER - Elkhorn #2 of 3 - Marketing Emergencies

Sugar Creek Inn, as represented by foodspot.com/sugarcreekinn, has a
paragraph where the spaces that should be between the words are
filled with "&nbsp", as in:

"Amenities: Banquet Facilities,&nbspChildren's Menu,&nbspFish
Fry,&nbspGift" On and on it went.

And, Sugar Creek Inn is just 4 miles off the interstate highway -
just not the highway shown on the map. It should be I-43 not I-94.

Not that I couldn't have figured it out.

You can be sure that I will update someone besides you, dear reader.

It's my job.

Elkhorn #3 of 3 - Marketing Emergencies

From the Google restaurant searches in Elkhorn, WI.

Wildflower Cafe‎

www.wildflowercafeelkhorn.com/
Error 404 - Not found
Your browser can't find the document corresponding to the URL you
typed in.

Fiddlesticks.

That's where we went instead of the Wildflower.

Fwd: Web sites are opening up college classrooms

>
> Tim,
>
> Last time we met I told you about the article I read in the Journal.
>
> Web sites are opening up college classrooms
>
> Here it is http://tinyurl.com/2umh3d
>
> Thought it mght be interesting.
>
>
> dlw
>

Portfolio

While most of my current writing samples appear as Samples here on the blog, I also have a couple pdf's that you can look at here: http://yourmessagedoctor.com/portfolio.

Do not add to the clutter, add to the community.

About two weeks ago I caught a link to Seth Godin and read a little something. I clicked up the CountyCat library system and ordered All Marketers Are Liars. I also noted that many, if not all, of Seth’s books are in the Milwaukee County Library system. Yaay Milwaukee.

Since that time (two weeks), I have read another 5 books. They are short and fast. There is some repetition, though not too much. Reading them went fast. Digesting them, assimilating them, putting them to good use is another story. Perhaps a self-styled study is in order. I took a few notes and pulled a few quotes. And before I put them back on the shelves I will scan them again.

Seth is talking marketing. He puts together great stories that bring the history of marketing and advertising to life. And he shows the writhing, painful birth into new media channels.

He is talking about defining oneself by dominating your micro-niche. He is talking about being remarkable. After reading his words, I say "Do not add to the clutter, add to the community."

Naming Rights

I am looking for a word. The word will be the name of my newsletter - email and otherwise. (Yes, I know they say everything is going online, but there's still a little need for a leave-behind. Especially if it's fun, or funny, or useful, or ...)

I wish that the word were both a noun and a verb. It can be both a thing/event or process. It can be the way and the destination.

It can be a command or challenge, as well as the compensation.

And I would like it to be useful to my medical metaphor - that Message Doctor hat I wear.

I was thinking about the word Remedy. Here's a sentence using the noun form and the verb form.

One way to remedy the situation is to discover a remedy.

Yes, well ... a trip to the old (new) Thesuarus might be helpful.

http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/remedy

Mind you, these noun verbs below came from clicking around in the thesaurus. They are not all covered under remedy.

Thinking about the noun and verb forms will be helpful as you read the list.

eyeball

chart

record

show

sketch

review

outline

update

draft

practice

survey

interview

digest

prime

stock

clear

notice

witness

watch

Some of these words, while meeting the first requirement of noun and verb, do not fit the medical thing very well.

We think of writers writing. We think of them publishing, marketing, selling. Research is certainly a rewarding part of it.

Have I solved my puzzle yet?

No. And, if you have thought of the perfect word, please do tell.

email - Help at Your Message Doctor dot com

What's new?

Some old ways do not work like they used to. What's new?

The old song says Evolve or Die. I say - evolve or not - we die
anyway - so play hard and have some fun.

The On-Purpose Person

Hi Steve,

We were talking about being too busy and what to do about it.

Remember - I said we could practice. I could ask you to do something
and you could say - "Aw, shucks." - or - "Thank you for thinking of me. I'm sorry I can't help you out this time." Or, similar. Praise the person and let them down gently. Just say no is unnecessarily brief.

We also spoke of organization and priorities.
I mentioned David Allen - Getting Things Done aka GTD.

And then I came across this fellow at http://zenhabits.net. I have
not yet begun to dig into it but it seems refreshing, simple, even
minimalist; a way to get things done without carrying around a
weighty set of rules.

And, I mentioned this book - here's the info. The book is in the
County library and you can call up local branch library and have it delivered there.

The On-Purpose Person
Making You Life Make Sense
by Kevin W. McCarthy

I am having trouble finding out what to call this system for
determining the winner. The tennis people call it a draw sheet.

One sheet of paper for each category. The categories below are as
presented in the book. The book says these are guidelines. You can
change the categories: rename them as you wish, have more or less of
them, etc. Write down everything you want to have, do, or be in each
category.

• Physical/Health/Recreational
• Financial/Material
• Family
• Vocational/Career
• Social/Community
• Spiritual
• Mental/Intellectual
• Other

I am having trouble finding out what to call this system for
determining the winner. The tennis people call it a draw sheet.
You've seen it before. Here it is again.

http://yourmessagedoctor.com/draw_sheet.png

Then, one sheet at at time you will do a run-off ... What thing,
outcome, or result do you want more than another?
Then do a run-off from the single result of each sheet.

Just another tool for the set. Use as necessary. Once a year. Once a
week.

You can read reviews about it on Amazon if you have the time.

http://tinyurl.com/2nzazg

Hmmm ....

"A company's best ideas mostly come not from the top, but from lower
level employees. "
– Inspired by Sam Walton

Simple Truths - Johnny the Bagger

A wonderful story about making a difference.
It's good for people. And, it's good for business.

It's not necessarily new unless you haven't see it yet.

http://www.stservicemovie.com/

George Carlin reads more blogs than you do

Catch him on HBO, like, right NOW.

"George Carlin: It's Bad For Ya"

http://tinyurl.com/256bc3

Can you describe your life in half a dozen words?

Memoir in six words

Can you describe your life in half a dozen words?

Here's a fun thing to think about and a few people who thought about
it already.

http://www.salon.com/tt/best/2008/02/29/best/

Free! Why $0.00 Is the Future of Business

Chris Anderson writes a long but interesting overview of his next
book FREE.

http://tinyurl.com/2se78c

My question is what are you providing to current and new customers?

David Allen on Dummy Work

http://tinyurl.com/2xng2g

Seth Godin

I'd been seeing Seth Godin's name around.

Got "All Marketers Are Liars" from the library yesterday.
"Meatball Sundae", another book of his, has been requested.

I like this guy a lot.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/

More on all this later. I am well wowed for now.

Home Page

http://www.YourMessageDoctor.com

About

This blog is to show some of my current work, samples, clients, commentaries, etc.

Please use the Navigate links in the column at the right.
The most useful areas for you may be:
Samples - samples of written text, external links, etc.
Emergency Room - a fun collection of typing gone awry.
Or, go directly to the home page - www.yourmessagedoctor.com

I've been in printing since 1974 and in business since 1988. While most of my marketing has used print materials in our local market, we find this blog helpful as we expand our service offerings into copywriting, proofreading, editing, and related services.

I am happy to announce that Your Message Doctor has just been accepted into membership with the International Virtual Assistants Association. In other words - assisting the assistants.

www.yourmessagedoctor.com

Contact Info

www.ivaa.org
Your Message Doctor, Member

Kick the doctor up a notch

I've had my little doctor caricature a long time now.
Just recently pressed him into service.
On behalf of the Almighty Dollar Bill.
Kinda of a mercenary thing.

A new friend Burt told me I really ought to extend the metaphor - take the medical image another step- have some fun. Burt's got a knack for Guerilla Marketing.

And now I'm looking for prescription bottles and other props.




This was Day One. You're right. I need another picture.
We're new in practice.
Please have a seat.
The Doctor will be with you shortly.

ER - Phychological

I mentioned this door sign in an earlier post. I'm finally getting around to the photos.

The sign on the psychologist’s door has psychological misspelled. He actually pointed it out to me. I told him he would be featured here and he was all in favor of the free spot. Why not? He probably makes more money than both of us combined.

However, if you’re up for a little cognitive behavioral therapy I’d surely recommend Dr. Jeff.

Tell him Dr. Dave says hi. And, watch your language.

Psychological & Counseling Services, Inc.
Dr. Jeff Adamczak
Howell Ave. Oak Creek
414-225-8586

ER - Genuis at the Carter School of Excellence

Yep. That is what it says. G.E.N.U.I.S.
Click on the pic for a closer look. Read it and weep.

Someone we know teaches at the Carter School of Excellence. The website is a tangle of problems. Really. Don't get me started. And, apparently the webmaster did NOT graduate from this place. Now, I don't think it's fair to pick on anybody ... so, you can google it yourself if you've got time.

Just another fine example of our tax dollars at work.

No Webmaster Left Behind.

Need a Ride to Church?

Sample text for proposed new program.

Here's a draft of the possible new offering that was brought up in the last Cares & Concerns meeting.
_________________________

Need a Ride to Church?

Our Cares and Concerns committee is putting a ride board together. Call the office and put your name on the exploratory list and we will try to match you up with a church member from your neighborhood.

And are you willing to give a fellow member a ride? Then call the church office and let us know. And, whether riders or drivers, please remember to tell us what service you prefer to attend.

Did You Know?
Our church insurance policy extends coverage to members driving on church business when the office knows in advance. Once again - call the church office for details.


- END -

Pastor, please brief the office staff on how to handle the insurance info.

And I write ‘call the office’. Perhaps they will simply collect information and put it in the Cares and Concerns mailbox?

This who-does-what was not discussed.

Anyway, here’s a first draft as promised in our meeting last Tuesday.

ER - Where’s your logo, Jim?

In the Business section of the Sunday Milwaukee Journal there’s an article about the governor’s idea about equalized insurance availability for small business.

Some of the the text reads that James Ratchek, owner of Jim's Auto Body in Burlington, is struggling to find a way he can afford to offer his employees insurance through the company.

Here he’s shown, hands in his pockets, looking a little forlorn. And, he’s wearing a Green Bay Packer’s cap and a Harley Davidson sweatshirt.

He has to pay to wear the hat and sweatshirt. He has to pay state taxes, some of which go to subsidize the multi-million dollar corporations. And since he’s not flashing his own badge in the picture, well .... call me, Jim. We can fit you with some shirts and jackets.


How’s your message?

______________________________________


Story: http://tinyurl.com/35bnq7
Picture: http://tinyurl.com/2uacky
Photo/ Kristyna Wentz-Graff

ER - Your SS# on Mailing Labels - Emergency Room

A few weeks back, a State of Wisconsin tax mailing to certain
residents included their Social Security number on the label on the
outside of the envelope. Apparently this is the second time such a
thing has happened. Not a good thing. Another example of cutting
corners by some institution we like to imagine is looking after our
welfare.

We may look at it and call it an employee problem, a failure of
training, or of supervision. Yes, these problems could be systemic.

Finally, we think it's a problem with proofreading.

Label - EmergencyRoom

ER - I'm a EZ Girl - Emergency Room

The bar that sponsors the bowling league is called the End Zone.

On my niece's bowling shirt it says: "I'm a EZ Girl".

She wants to take a marker and put an 'n' after the 'a'.

I am AN EZ Girl. I am AN End Zone Girl.

Except that that might be calling too much attention to the deal.

She thinks they got the shirts for free because of the error.
I think they got the shirts for free because that's what sponsors do
in order to have a bunch of people wear silly slogans on their bodies.

I asked her to send me a jpg so I could show you, dear reader.

"The worst part of it is," she says, "not only do people think I'm
easy, but that I'm stupid, too."

Well, that's what the doctor is here for; listening, taking notes, writing prescriptions. Not that this will help the shirt. But that's why we're in the Emergency Room.

Seek good editing & proofing before it's too late.