Initial Conversations - Always Welcome

________________________________________

You think you need some assistance with a writing project.

Maybe it's writing copy for a brochure, sales letter, LinkedIn profile, a blog post, web page, or email campaign.

Maybe you're stuck for ideas and can't get started.

Maybe you're about finished and it just needs some tweaking.

You'd like to know if I can help, how much will it cost, and when you can have it.

And I will ask questions like these:
Who? What? Why? When? Where?

• What is it?
• Who is the audience?
• When do you want it?
• When do you need it?
• What are the budget parameters?

At this point I may have enough information to create an estimate.

If not, then we may wish to look deeper.
• Is this a brand new project or a continuation of current ideas?
• What have you done like this before?
• What worked?
• What did not work? Why?
• What is working for your competition?
• How are you different?
• Do your customers/clients know that?

• Is the topic sales, educational, or technically oriented?

• How many phone, or face to face, meetings will be required?
• Are there other experts that need to be consulted?
• How is your availability?

• What would it look like if you got what you wanted with the least amount of fuss?

If you wish, I will be happy to quote on the entire project, whether print, web, email, ad specialties or putting your message or logo on fabric.

• And, once again, when do you need it?

These are things I need and want to know in order to best serve you.
Thank you for giving these questions some thought.

I guaranty to stay on it with you until we get it right.

Call David White at 414-282-7185 and let's get started.

E-mail: YourMessageDoctor@gmail.com

Fasscars

I recently popped up a blog for my car guy - on spec.

Tell Ralph I sent you for your next used car.

He might get the value idea.

fasscars.blogspot.com

Presentation - Plain Words - Layout and Design

For the purpose of this exercise we will look not at the content, or the meaning of the words, but at how they are presented to the reader. There are two styles below.

The idea is to make it easier for the reader to engage in our message. The greatest message in the world might be lost before it is delivered.

Communications

I called Linda on this. She was glad for the extra eyes.
I think we all need help.
That's why we have someone to change our oil, cut our hair
and sometimes cook our food.
I can look over your work.

Name removed

Client - with an n.

Just showing what I might be able to help you with.

Hourly Rate

I had a guy ask my rates. I said I usually like to quote the project but because he was a reseller I just gave him the number. Probably not a great idea.

Project A has the background reading ready, the concepting is in the can and there’s only one meeting. The client is relatively available through the process and has no problem with a deposit.

Project B has unknowns. The thinking is not yet clear. There are more than a couple meetings and a three expert interviews need to be scheduled and completed. It’s a rush job. The client is relatively unavailable.

Does the hourly rate affect the cost? Does knowing the specifics of the particular project and client affect the cost? Does giving out a rate that does not apply to the job affect getting any more questions answered?

LinkedIn recommendation from Ron Klassen at Wallner Builders

Details of the Recommendation: "Cannot say enough about David's creative and relevant writing skills. We have tried to do a lot of marketing-oriented writing ourselves in the past, but working with David made it so easy --- and quick.

David writes the way you want your audience to read, with added insights that make it so much more effective. We wouldn't hesitate for a second to contract David to write anything marketing/sales/etc."
Service Category: Writer/Editor
Year first hired: 2009 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative

Deadlines

We'd started working on this earlier but he thought he could sub-let the ad space. That fell through.

The deadline was yesterday. I got the call to help with text - yesterday. And we got it out this afternoon.

Rush job on an ad for a builders directory this morning. The photo was already done. I put the words together with some fine help from the builder.

I really like writing copy when there's a picture. That helps tell the story.


Actually I did the layout design, too.

Cedar Creek Winery - an MKE Live Partners Party

Dan and Katie of MKE Live put a private Thank You party together at Cedar Creek Winery in Cedarburg and invited partners that had helped along the way. There was a nice little group in attendance.

Cedar Creek is housed in a wonderful old building and Connie has been giving tours for nearly thirty years. You wouldn't know it. She delivers a very fresh, interactive tour. I mentioned this to her and she said it all depends on the people in the tour. How very kind.

While much of the industry has gravitated to stainless steel vats, Cedar Creek Winery still uses oak barrels for some of their red wines.

We did get to see a couple large oak casks from the old days and were able to coax Joe Glass, of Wired Wisconsin, inside one of them to pretend he was cleaning them by hand. You go, Joe.

John and Shelly brought several kinds of cheese to compliment the wines we were tasting and many of us took some award-winning bottles home. How could you not leave without some Strawberry Blush?

It was a lovely time and well worth the drive.

An Interview with Vanessa Andruz, Virtual Assistant

David: Hi, Vanessa. Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
Vanessa: Hi, David. I must say, I enjoy reading your blog posts. Some of the typos you find are really funny!

D: Unfortunately, they’re all too easy to find! But let’s talk about you - why did you create The Adventures of Vanessa Andruz, Virtual Assistant series?
V: Figuring out how to become a Virtual Assistant after I left my Executive Assistant position took a lot of time and effort. So I decided that I would help other prospective VAs by writing down what I had done.

My e-book series discusses all of the decisions I had to make – what kind of business structure to use, how to set up my home office, how to determine my rates, the best ways to market my business, how to blog, and much more.

I think the series will give other women the information they need to start their own home businesses. If they follow me through the entire series, they’ll have a completed business plan.

D: I see someone else did the actual writing…
V: Yes, my writing partner, Melodee Patterson of Short-term Solutions has been instrumental in getting these e-books written. So far, we’ve released the first three e-books and we’re working hard on the rest.

D: Why don’t you tell us about your e-books?
V: Sure! The first e-book is called Vanessa Has a Dream is free to download. It describes how I left my job and decided to become a Virtual Assistant. It’s an unbelievable story, but I swear my adventures are as real as I am!

In the second e-book, Vanessa Becomes a Virtual Assistant, I discovered my company name – with a little help from the Universe, created a business plan template, and decided on a business structure. And the business plan template is downloadable!

The third e-book, Vanessa Sets Up Her Home Office, is full of practical advice on choosing the right office equipment and supplies for your own VA business. There are research notes about computers, fax machines, scanners, ways to access the internet, and lots of other good stuff. I even describe my visit to my hometown’s office supply store. What a fun place to shop!

D: Your e-books are different from the typical “How to Become a Virtual Assistant” e-books out there.
V: Oh, Lordy – they sure are! I wanted this series to be fun to read as well as instructional so I included what was going on in my life during my business start-up. And there was a lot going on, let me tell you!

D: Why don’t you give my readers a few examples?
V: Well, my mother reads auras for a living so she would send me weird new-age stuff from Sedona to “help” me with my business. My dad had a few strange adventures on the golf course during that time, too, the poor man. And then there’s my ex-husband – the guy who leaves me for some beach bunny named Juanita and then has the gall to tell me I didn’t know what I was doing!

D: I guess you showed him! So, Vanessa, where can my readers download your e-books?
V: My e-books are available on my website. Your readers can just click here.

D: Is there an easy way for our readers to reach you?
V: Of course! They can email me, and I’m also on Facebook.

D: I’m an experienced editor and proofreader, so I tend to notice details that others may not…and I’ve noticed that you’re not exactly a “real” person.
V: You are sharp, David! Yes, it’s true, I’m a fictional character, but don’t let that fool you. I’ve got some great information and wild adventures to share with your readers!


D: I’m sure you do, Vanessa. It’s been a pleasure talking with you today.
V: Thank you, David. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you, too.

Introducing Vanessa Andruz, Virtual Assistant

On July 6th I’ll be hosting Vanessa Andruz as she travels through cyberspace on her Virtual E-book Tour. Vanessa is a fictional character created by Writer and Virtual Assistant Melodee Patterson. Post your questions about Virtual Assistance in the Comments section of this post, and Vanessa will answer the questions when she makes her tour stop this week!

Vanessa Andruz is a Virtual Assistant and owner of Andruz Business Solutions LLC. She was an Executive Assistant for many years, but after turning 50, she became tired of corporate politics and decided it was time for a change. After researching different career moves, she became a Virtual Assistant. She had some challenges while setting up her business – her mother insisted on “helping” and her ex-husband gave her grief about quitting her job – but she persevered and now has a successful Virtual Assistance business.

With the help of Melodee Patterson of Short-term Solutions, she has created a series of e-books (The Adventures of Vanessa Andruz, Virtual Assistant) which chronicle her VA journey – ex-husband and all. The series provides timely information on discovering your company name, setting up your home office, determining your services and rates, becoming a marketing maven, and much, much more. If you’re thinking of joining the fast-growing Virtual Assistance industry or any home-based business, you won’t want to miss my interview with Vanessa.

ER - valauble information

I know this person. She can spell. Really.
She got most of the words right. Right? Is that enough?
Details count when we're trying to be of value to new and existing clients.

How can I help you maintain a credible presence?

It's beyond affordable. It's profitable.

Need proof?

ER - Is this a question?

So, is this a question?

ER - Pester Proofreading can land you in the Emergency Room

She says - "Somehow (I really do not know how - after all, I pester everybody about proofreading), I had the wrong time listed on the event site for the ....."

Hard to make a buck that way. Or appear as credible as you probably are.

I have adopted the phrase Pester Proofreading in order to compare it with Professional Proofreading. Your friends, family, peers, superiors and subordinates have their own agendas. They may pay you the attention you desire when you can make it worth their while. And paying attention is what proofreading is about.

=======================================================

Someone, whose name has been removed, is offering a teleconference in writing profiles for Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. There's a typo in the number of characters allowed in Twitter. The invitation would be more readable if the text were set flush left. Flush left helps the eye move with ease to the start of each line.

=======================================================

If this person were to use bullets "•" or asterisks "*" between service offerings or areas of expertise instead of these "|" I would not be writing this sentence. The vertical line is fine when YOU can control the font display. Sometimes this mark looks like the letter "I" and that pulls the reader away from your message.

=======================================================

Here we are not spelling Facebook right. That's not a good thing.

=======================================================

The Doctor will see you now.

Emergency Room for local High School Principal

David,

This is the Principal's Letter page from a local high school.
To be fair, it does say "under Construction", but still...

* * * *

Thank you to alert reader Pat Prosser for sending this news bit in to the Emergency Room.

Flat tire in the driveway at home.

Flat tire in the driveway at home. Late for two appointments. We can’t bust the nuts loose. No compressor. Neighbors at work. Other car in for A/C. Tow truck enroute.

Flat tire in the driveway at home.

Life’s little blessings.

Up Selling by the Police Department

Complete Stops Free!
Rolling Stops $83.80
(Your Choice)
Thank you for stopping.
Greenfield Police Dept.
_______________________

One of the problems with this product is the customer never knows when the upgrade is available.

I think the design could easily be bolder, thereby enhancing the message. I'll have to see who I know in the PD. I'd like to see how well this message works. Clever.

ER - Choioce

We're all working in very small, hot boxes on these networking sites lately. We plug in a tiny bit of the overall picture and hit Submit. We move on and hardly look back.

And what do others see? Does it matter? Are they reading? Forgiving? Or do they turn away and not buy into what we're offering?

The answer is some of both. Raise your chances. Get a checkup with Your Message Doctor.

ER - Fewer Speaking Engagements

Hi S_____ D_________,

Thanks for making your free report available. I have recently decided that I want more speaking opportunities and have begun seeking that.

And, one of the things I do, as Your Message Doctor, is heal the message.

In your free report, you wrote:

Bad News Item #1 Less Speaking Engagements
If you are a speaker, you probably already know this, so its
not news to you, but there are less paid speaking
engagements / opportunities than at any time in memory.


I got to this paragraph on page 4 and decide to stop and write you this note. There may be fewer speaking engagements, but there are not less speaking engagements. Saying it right makes it easier to believe you and the program you're selling.

How long has it been since your last check-up?

Your Message Doctor at your service.

Thank you.

DLW

David L. White
YourMessageDoctor.com
Freelance writer, editor, proofreader
1-800-642-9050 • 414-282-7185

Value of Networking

One of the values of networking is that others chime in and help spread the message.

Thank you to Janet for mentioning this engagement to your Facebook people.

She wrote: "A friend is giving a presentation on social networking - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn - this Sunday, June 14, at the Mac OS Users Group of Milwaukee. The public is invited. The link for info is below. www.double-click.org"

ER - Please Conatact Us Soon

Hi M___ S___,

Thanks for the follow on Twitter - @davidlwhite

I went to your website and saw this boo-boo immediately.

"We will be up and running soon! If you wish to conatact us ... "

http://tinyurl.com/nw8aw9

Finding and fixing boo-boo's is my specialty.

And rather than NOT engage with you, like so many will when
they see careless things like this in your sales message, I will
share this with you in the hope that we can work together.

We all need someone to check up on us.

The Doctor is operating.

Regards,

David L. White - YourMessageDoctor.com
Freelance writer, editor, proofreader
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor
1-800-642-9050 • 414-282-7185

Print Provider

The old joke is Price, Quality, Service - Pick Two.

What do you value in a print provider? Are your needs being met?

Your Message Doctor has a long history of delivering ink-on-paper products.

David is currently working on price sheets for 1, 2, and full-color envelopes as well as short run, full color catalogs, booklets, brochures, and postcards produced by local vendors.

Let's trade. I'll get you prices and samples when you get me your specs.

David L. White - YourMessageDoctor.com
Communications Consultant

1-800-642-9050 • 414-282-7185

ER - Typo Alert at the CorpOrate Level

Another Emergency Room case on a LinkedIn profile. Could this be you?

Typos are like the flu. They can knock you down and drag you out.

Protect yourself. Get your message immunized.

Contact Your Message Doctor now. YourMessageDoctor@gmail.com

Thank you, George Lottermoser

“David's wit and way with words brings promotional messages to life. As an editor he spots glitches virtually instantaneously. Simply delightful to work with.” July 9, 2008

George Lottermoser, Owner, Lotter Moser & Associates / imagist.com
was with another company when working with David at Your Message Doctor

from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Thank you, Chris Kokalis

“David is amazing at what he does. I have hired David to help me with several projects and the results have always been above and beyond what was expected. He has a great personality which makes him easy to work & get along with. David has always taken an interest in my business and often times makes me aware of things without me requesting anything from him. This to me demonstrates that he truly cares about his clients which is always important in business. I look forward to working with David on future projects.” May 20, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results , Personable , On Time

Chris Kokalis
hired David as a Writer/Editor in 2008 , and hired David more than once
from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Thank you, Sandy Walden

“I've asked David to edit my blog prior to posting on many occasions. I've always been very pleased with the results. David's editing is gentle, accurate and a great value. When he is finished editing my blog, it still sounds like me, but a bit better, slightly more polished version of me. Working with David is a pleasure, not only is his work ethic superb, but he's good-natured and an awful lot of fun to talk with as well. I highly recommend David to anyone who would like to make their written words speak as eloquently as their verbal speech.” May 20, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results , Expert , High Integrity

Sandy Walden
hired David as a Writer/Editor in 2008 , and hired David more than once

from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Thank you, Mark Wilcox

“When I need to get a letter to a prospect and I need it to be right I call David White!” May 21, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results , Expert , Good Value

Mark Wilcox
hired David as a Business Consultant in 2009 , and hired David more than once

from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Thank you, Jeremy Belter

“David is exceptional at his work. In fact if you have any problems with writing he will find what needs to be changed. His attention to detail is amazing.” May 21, 2009

Top qualities: Expert , On Time , High Integrity

Jeremy Belter
hired David as a Business Consultant in 2009

from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Thank you, Greg Dugan

“Not only is David very good at his craft of writing and expressing human emotion, but he can also instruct individuals how to express themselves using the written word. In addition, he brings a deep sense of emotion and passion to his work. He would be a valuable addition to any project because of his dedication, passion and knowledge.” May 22, 2009

Greg Dugan , Account Manager , CTACCESS div of Computer Technologies of WI
was with another company when working with David at Your Message Doctor

from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Thank you, Jim Horrell

“David is a detail oriented person with great editing skills, awesome organizational skills, and a true love for making written communication more effective.” May 23, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results , Expert , High Integrity

Jim Horrell (jrhorrell@live.com)
hired David as a Writer/Editor in 2009

from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Thank you, Robert Striegel

“I had created a letter of introduction for a new position in a High Tech industry... Although the letter seemed effective to me, I decided to "run it by" a trusted professional and selected David White to be my "Message Doctor". David asked me to email him a preliminary copy to review and met with me in person to make suggestions and recommendations. I ended up using every one of David's recommendations and sent out a more impactful and effective marketing piece, primarily due to his uniquely qualified eye for the printed word... Thank you David... Robert M. Striegel, owner Teknodyne” May 28, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results , Good Value , Creative

Robert Striegel
hired David as a Writer/Editor in 2008 , and hired David more than once

from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Thank you, William Langford

“The best recommendation I can make is that I've used his services more than once and intend to use his services in the future. David is very thorough, taking time to understand my particular problem before attempting to solve it and is very reasonable in price. His character is above reproach.” May 30, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results , Personable , Good Value

William Langford

from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Thank you, Robert Matuszak

“David provided insight and knowledge to help me present my promotional piece that is succinct, clear and generates business.Thank you much.” June 6, 2009

Robert Matuszak

from my LinkedIn profile -
http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmessagedoctor

Your Message Doctor is ...

... writing an Intro to Social Media presentation
for the Mac Users Group http://double-click.org/ on 6/14/09.

Joyfully Jobless?

Joyfully Jobless - Three seminars. Which one for me? Don't know yet. Hurry - only a few seats left. http://joyfullyjobless.com/madison.html


Joyfully Jobless - Three seminars. Which one for me? Don't know yet. Hurry - only a few seats left. http://joyfullyjobless.com/madison.html

ER - personalized

Where does your eye travel first? Second?

THIS IS A DRAFT. Click to enlarge photo.

Joyfully Jobless? Madison worshops.
Time is short. Seats are limited. Sign up here.

http://joyfullyjobless.com/madison.html

http://www.careerlifecoaching.com






Dee and I are inviting people to a wonderful couple workshops coming up. I did this quickie, rough draft of design changes to her front page in order to show her how people read and click through.

Your Message Doctor is not limited to words.
Let's do better work and have more fun.

P.S.
This draft was mostly done with screen shots opened into a page in Illustrator. The yellow box/text was added in Illustrator, and another screen shot was taken. Then, the Before and After were lined up for a final shot.

ER - Mis-managment

Besides the misspelling of management, in blue highlight, there's another little thing in here. We'll let it ride for now. There's only so much we can do at any one time.

ER - More than just an Admnistrator

Administrator - not admnistrator.

The Doctor says, "Get a checkup."
It will add years and dollars to your business life.

ER - ... attention *TO* detail.

Another Happy Customer

Hi David,

Thank you for reviewing my online profile and making suggestions about what to change. I appreciate the time you spent examining my profile and will definitely make some changes per your recommendations.

Jim

ER - Oops - broken link - cash down drain

I was just passing along a recommendation from Burt to the JoeNetworks group who suggested they read Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port. I've read it and think it's worth your time to check into it.

However .....

http://www.bookyourselfsolid.com has a link to a blog which does not work.

Firefox can't find the server at blog.bookyourselfsolid.com !!!

I guess they need a proofreader, eh? Yoo Hoo - Michael ....

DavidWhite@YourMessageDoctor.com at your service.

And, for those of you keeping track at home - yes, I did tell Michael Port about it. That's my job.

ER - How to Create Better Passwords (or Why)

__________________

The instructions read: The password must be at least 6 alphanumeric characters with one of the characters being a number. I feel like I need an alphanumeric calculator to pass this quiz - just to sign in to get what ever you're promising. It better be good.

However, the instructions became available only after I was wrong. After I could not guess.

If you have parameters for your new clients and guests, please tell them what they are BEFORE you make them think about it and enter it again. Don't make them wrong before they get started.

This speaks about you and your organization whether you know it or not. This is part of the message and this needs doctoring.

A note about Shelfari.com

Shelfari is social networking for readers of books. I am a new user and there are aspects of actual networking that I have not begun to touch.

If you are going to start listing books you've read - start with the oldest first.

Some functionality with re-ordering a list could be improved. Maybe it's my browser. One way to get around this is to enter the oldest book first.

I keep finding and remembering older books and I wish I could more easily put them at the end of the list.


http://www.shelfari.com/davidlwhite/shelf

ER - Your Message Doctor examines your entire message

Whether there is language that needs attention in this text block is a question that comes after a simple browser check. How does it look? Your Message Doctor can examine your entire message.

I don't know what else to say. Of all the places to buy whatever he's selling why would I go to a guy that can't do a browser check? What is he going to miss on MY job if he cannot do his own work right? Right?

What does your message say about you? Let's take a look.

ER - Making A Great Impression?

Lots of folks using curly quotes instead of inch marks on Twitter in the Bio section. But this? Make a Great Impression and impression is misspelled?

What will happen to my order?


_____________________

ER - Two addresses

A food writer, or editor, wrote 2 addresses for the Pink Slip networking event at Bar Louie tonight. I've never been there before, but I'll be there tonight. I noticed the error.

I also sent this shot on to the the Bar Louie people that they might email their attendee list with correct information. Might be just me and Louie. Well, and Katie Felten, LinkedIn trainer. I noticed her name on the list.

I'm guessing that this is the correct info.
Bar Louie
1114 N. Water St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 847-1492

P.S. I just heard back from Dean, the host. Nice to get a pat on the back.

David,

Nice catch on the typo. I will contact Amy to see if they can update it on OnMilwaukee.com and I'll get it out to the group.

Thanks,
Dean

Poll - cont'd. (click image to enlarge)

This first comment by Michael Rayzman,

It's been several days since my initial comment on the topic. Skimming through other responses, I came to realize that most are looking at it from a different angle (and not the one intended by the author, the way I see it): 'How' signifying 'through which means of communication', rather than ‘who would you prefer to hear it from?’ Looks like vast majority of people would prefer to be told via email, which is the easiest and fastest way to find out. I believe what this poll is really asking though is whether or not people would be inclined to ask for the professional help (interested), or rather hear it from a friend they trust (and thus feel more comfortable with the entire concept of being corrected). ---- my original comment ---- A tasteful pointing out from anyone would be welcome, in my view. I would highly recommend everyone to spell-check and proof-read their profiles to avoid embarrassing mistakes.



-----

Michael, Indeed. You've nailed it. You're right - I want to determine whether a greater number of people think there's value - worth paying for - in getting their text checked out by a professional. This is my first poll and I see that I might have tested the poll questions first. Perhaps by using another poll? :-) Next time I might seek to run it by you first. Thank you for your comments. David White - YMD

ER - Sometimes we are simply in a hurry

Sometimes we are simply in a hurry and that's why we have our phone number wrong a couple times ... and Falls misspelled.

These are old friends. That's the only reason I put their logo in here. I do like to keep folks anonymous in the Emergency Room. However, sometimes it cannot be helped.

Saving lives is a stressful business and every nickle we miss because the phone did not ring puts us closer to the grave.

Call Your Message Doctor - get a checkup.

http://www.yourmessagedoctor.com/checkup

P.S. if you need Quality Rubber Stamps, call this number 1-262-251-5545 - they know how to do it right.
http://qstamps.com

ER - Your Password

After going to all the trouble to sign up for yet another online service, it is absolutely rude not to have mentioned that I would get an error message regarding my chosen password until after I have attempted to sign up.

If you have directions for your potential customers try to be nice about it.

I am putting this in the Emergency Room. The author of this sign-up page should have seen this coming.

Gift Certificates, anyone?

The poll asks how you would like to be told there are typos on your materials.

For the first time "By trusted friend." just passed "By a pro offering assistance."

Perhaps I can offer Gift Certificates through PayPal. That way the trusted friend can alert the person needing help yet take some of him or herself.

That works.

I will keep the poll open for the rest of the week. If you are on LinkedIn maybe you can render an opinion.


http://polls.linkedin.com/p/33444/iuptb

ER - Help with resume

Dear CK,

If someone told you that you were coming across as too aggressive in your resume, might it have something to do with you using the word aggressive right there in the second point under Qualifications?

"An extremely persistent and aggressive nature, ....."

How about if you try words like: 'very determined and assertive'? They will tone it down just like that.

Run that by your VP buddy again and see what he thinks.
He knows your new, adopted population better than I do.

DLW

About the Doctor Dave caricature

In different times and places over the years, several people have called me Doc. Roger Rode (Roadie) was a professional caricature artist that air-brushed tee shirts at State Fair, etc. He had the eye for people. And this is how he saw me.

Besides the artwork, I got two golf tees and a sweatshirt; all long gone now.


As for my part of the trade, he requested fake labels he could slap on soup cans and sell to tourists at taverns along the Wolf River.

So, I typeset, laid-out and printed realistic
soup can labels for Crawfish Balls and Fish Assholes,
complete with ingredients and fine print, etc.

I am sure he had a good time up on the river.
I love telling the story. I'm having a good time, too.

The Doctor will see you now.

Proofreading

Jenny,

Seems like you asked about any good proofreading books.

Proofreading Plain and Simple by Debra Hart May. $5 at Half Price books.
Lots of work with grammar and actual proofreader's marks.
I don't generally use those. The language takes two: the writer and the reader.

I think you can compile your own study guide from drilling in through Google.

ER - Stay Home, Make Money

They might be staying home but they are not making money.

No one is Learning More.
No one is getting the Free Report.
No one is taking the Final Step.

Why?
None of the links actually work.

Here is a prime example of no proofreading in action.
Before you publish your latest, greatest idea, call Your Message Doctor. Get some help.

ER - Attitude STAT

I just got an e-mail blast from an up-and-comer.
Told her I found at least 3 typos in a single section
and proofreading was actually surprisingly affordable.

She told me that she "has staff for that" and it was "only a beta blast" - she'd "fix it herself". Further ... some hot, west coast folks had seen her deal and they thought it was buttered toast.

That's exactly why I am telling you now. We all think we're hot, buttered toast.

Can you actually go it alone and keep the wrapper on every, little thing?

ER - Achieve there their they're

Emergency Room - Indepedent Freelancer

Independent, right?

ER - Comlicated

Another fine example in my ongoing quest to show that regular business people need help proofreading. I think we all need help proofreading.

The check is in the mail

"The check will be in the mail tomorrow!
Thanks Dr. Dave.
As soon as biz picks up I will ask you to review my website.
Thanks again!"

Peter B.

GLOWING TESTIMONIAL

"I asked David (www.yourmessagedoctor.com ) to review my statement of purpose. His response was prompt, encouraging, and very helpful without being condescending. I highly recommend him and intend to use his service again."

William H Langford
CEO
whlangford.com

ER - Double freelance

We got a freelancer in the ER.

Proofreading. Stat.

ER - Latest Cases

Here are a couple of the latest cases for my Emergency Room.

I forgot to mention, or highlight, the word curious in the line that starts: Just curiuos ...

I do this a lot lately myself. I think it's because we're always live, On Air, and moments over deadline.

I don't worry too much about this kind of thing except if you do. If you're trying to go pro, then take it a little slow. Preventative proofreading - it's easy on the budget and tastes good, too.

Finger slicing poem
http://ping.fm/aT7On

I just finished writing a brand new classified ad for a brand new customer. Yaay. http://ping.fm/e9JTU

A brand new classified ad

The top paragraph is what Peter was using, but the phone wasn’t ringing as much as he thought it should be. We talked about taking out the CAPS, phone number placement, and adding value item by item.

The new ad, including the Q and A emails, took less than an hour. I asked him to tell me as soon as the phone rings. I can probably prescribe something for you, too.

Original ad
_________________________
Computer repair for $90 or LESS?
That’s right. Here at RandomPCRepair.com my goal is to give you an affordable, honest solution to those ridiculously high prices you’ll pay elsewhere. YOU WON’T PAY MORE THAN $90! THAT’S NOT PER HOUR, THAT’S THE TOTAL PRICE YOU PAY FOR LABOR. I WILL take care of you and give you the courteous service you deserve and I guarantee my work. If it has viruses or spyware I WILL remove it and advise you on how to keep it from reoccurring! And my labor is only UP TO $90. If it needs parts it’s UP TO $90 + parts. NO MATTER WHAT THE PROBLEM IS IT WILL NEVER COST YOU MORE THAN $90. Check out my website at RandomPCRepair.com! I also offer FREE PICK-UP SERVICE. NO TRIP CHARGE! Or you can drop it off. I serve Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Sheboygan counties. Call me at (414)208-4150, email me at Peter@RandomPCRepair.com or visit me at my website: RandomPCRepair.com

###

A new prescription.
_________________________

Computer repair, clean and defrag for $90 or less? Free pickup and delivery for Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Sheboygan counties. Call 414-208-4150. A clean, defragged drive almost always runs faster. We include removal of viruses and spyware with hard drive back up and system restore, if necessary. Memory upgrades, system upgrades, hardware replacement, or any other parts are quoted and approved by you before we proceed. A full report of work is included along with my guarantee. If I can’t fix it you don’t pay. Maximum labor cost is only $90 and parts, if needed, are at cost. Call 414-208-4150, email: peter@randompcrepair.com or visit: www. RandomPCRepair.Com

###

ER - D.J. Plays Retro

We were just up at OfficeMax running some copies. I see this design on the designers screen and I mentioned that he had vinyl spelled wrong in two places. Once in the text and the other in the swooshy logotype.

"Oh, how do you spell vinyl anyway?" he asked.
"The other way. " I said. "I know. I'm a professional proofreader."

Standing at another area of the counter was a guy waiting to have this job run out on an oversized plotter. The store clerk said to the guy that a customer had alerted him to the problem and it would have to be fixed. The other customer says, "OMG, how did I get that wrong?"

Wanna know where my business cards were? In the car. Anyway ... it as a fun exchange and I have the guy's number. I can call him with my business card info. For next time.

DLW is back from a networking lunch. Food was good. Need to find another place to water my horse.

We're going out dancing tonight. Home early enough for the Daily Show. More yakking tomorrow.

Finishing JoeNetworks.com meeting notes - http://ping.fm/dZa75

Think, then write

My wife and I have been square dancing for a half dozen years or so now. Somehow, I cannot keep my mouth shut in the meetings. So, I end up volunteered.

The President wants to retire. No one is stepping up. I do not want it. I would rather spend my time writing to you. Here.

So, I thought we might take a peek at the duties and see if they could be shared.

The writing of the club guidelines has gone on for nearly forty years. They were recently re-written, as they have been for years, with a lot of copy and paste in the mix. When we take them apart and examine the duties we see that there might be some space for edits and alterations. New policies and processes.

This is what writing is about. Thinking first, then writing.
If you need some help thinking, editing, and writing, please call David at 800-642-9050. If you don't call soon I might have to be the club president. Please hurry.

The Katie Felten Media Kit

This is not a media kit. However, Katie and I were talking about the idea that she have something at the ready. She's co-teaching a class at Alverno and their media folks got a call from the biz editor at the paper and they needed some words. She did not have time. She called me. We chatted over the phone. I wrote up this little draft. Hopefully, there is sufficient value here to get the project through the turnstile.

---
People and gadgets. How can they not go together? Ms. Felten signed up as a Linkedin user in mid-2006 and saw a great tool for connecting people. She talked to friends informally, started a networking group that turned into the LLC known as MKELive.com. This is her conversation. She has raised herself to expert level organically; simply by talking about it.

She hosts a monthly Linkedin 101 training for individuals, has recently started corporate training sessions and will be expanding her expertise into other social media tools like Twitter and YouTube.

She speaks at networking groups, Chambers of Commerce and conferences.

How to leverage technology to make better connections? This is the Katie Felten question.

GrammarGirl

http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/

http://twitter.com/GrammarGirl

Three

When it's time to create a new product or process, create three piles or lists: Yes, No, and Maybe So.

Yes and No have clarity and focus. They are actionable.

The Maybe So pile can be pulled into service if the Yes pile is over budget on time or cost.

Mind Mapping

http://mindmappingsoftwareblog.com/

http://mindmapping.typepad.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map

Resources

Design
The phrase "you'll know it when you see it" usually means a designer continues to create on spec until the customer/client sees it, approves it, and buys it.

I like to turn it around and have the client show the designer. It seems like this is the fastest and least costly way to get the job done.
For instance ....
Newsletter samples
This is a way to pick a look that works for you. We can reverse engineer it and tailor it to your needs.

Rates/Services

We like to take a look at the whole project before we put a number out. That being said, $75/hour is what we figure. There are projects that do not command that rate. Proofreading is $60/hour with less than full hour increments available.
Proof-reporting is handled with Track Changes in MS Word. Sample.

We will provide a brief or letter of intent rather than a contract. It entails expectations and agreements and indicates those places where changes most likely occur.

A single hourly fee stated up front does not necessarily cover all contingencies. The more organized the project is at the start the quicker it goes.

In addition to writing, editing, and proofreading, we can help with simple websites, blogs and printed products. Call for more info.

David White - 414-282-7185 - 800-642-9050

Some of our Clients

AllianceStaff
Atlas Bus Company
Big Horn Forge
Egan New Media
Festa Italiana
Instant Data Systems
Italian Community Center
JoeNetworks.com
Lottermoser & Associates
Mercantile Thrift
MKELive.com
Percival & Assoc.
ProfePat
Serenity Life Coach
SquareDanceWisconsin
The Kosmatka Group
United First Financial
Ventura Sports Group
Wallner Builders
West Allis Salvage


Let's not forget to add all the wonderful people in the Testimonials section.

Fast Paste Job

I could not pass up the opportunity to add this to the Emergency Room. It is straight off a popular listing board; edited only to remove identifying marks.
_____________________________________________

I am in search for a part-time job considering the fact that I get out of school at 3:45. I am great at fast paste jobs and my Communication skills is a +.I am willing to learn and be open minded. I have past exp volunteering at the ..... ..... Museum for 1 1/2 and most of my tasks involved fast paste. My name if ____ I’m 18 and I would love to work for you.

_____________________________________________

Seems like what's-her-name might get a gig a little quicker with a little proofreading help.