Shandel's Proofreading Services - Tips and Special Offers

Tip of the Week, 11.11.10: Until, Till and 'til

2010-11-11T11:39:00.000+11:00

Till is often incorrectly used as an abbreviation for until.

Till means to turn the earth before you sow seeds. Till is not an abbreviation for until.

If you must abbreviate until, use 'til. This is a colloquial abbreviation and it should not be used in business or formal writing.

Until next time ...

Tip of the Week, 22.10.10: Relevant Headlines

2010-10-22T11:05:00.000+11:00

Whenever you use a headline in your written work, e.g. articles, make sure it is relevant to the content.

Headlines that are deliberately misleading, just to gain attention, frustrate the reader and are detrimental to the credibility of the author. Would you do business with someone who tricks you into reading something?

The best time to write a headline is after you have written the content for your piece. You will then be able to write a headline that is relevant to the bulk of the content, capturing the general theme.

Creative but honest headlines are great, misleading or off track headlines are time wasters.

Tip of the Week, 14.10.10: Be Specific!

2010-10-14T14:38:00.003+11:00

The next time you write a document promoting your organisation, remember to keep your key points specific. Lead with your benefit, but tell your reader why you are making the statement.

Compare the two examples:

• 'Our product is unique.'
• 'Our product is unique because it is made by hand.'

The second example has greater impact and is more memorable. It gives a tangible reason for the benefit, and paints a specific picture in your readers' minds as to why they should be interested in your product.

Special Offer - Your Newsletters

2010-10-06T13:41:00.000+11:00

Are you communicating with your clients via newsletter?

Do you worry about spelling and grammar mistakes leaving a bad impression?

Shandel's Proofreading Services will proofread your newsletter* for just $70.00 + GST.

Ensure your clients remember your newsletter for the right reasons! Contact Shandel's Proofreading Services today.

Phone: 0450 170 084
Email: info@proofreadingservices.net.au

*300-600 words

Tip of the Week, 28.09.10: 'Good' or 'Well'

2010-09-28T10:15:00.000+10:00

People often confuse 'good' the adjective with 'well' the adverb.

If you want to describe something that has been done well, you write, 'She did that well.'

NOT, 'She did that good.'

Tip of the Week, 2.09.10: Personalise Social Media

2010-09-03T11:12:00.000+10:00

The reply comments that are written on social media platforms are often quick, pointed remarks. Personalise this communication by using the name of the person you are directing the comments to.

On some platforms, such as Twitter, you may need to look at the person's bio to find out their name. It is well worth the effort. People take notice when they see their name, and it helps you to develop a stronger online relationship.

Tip of the Week, 27/08/10: Then or Than

2010-08-27T10:53:00.000+10:00

'Then' and 'than' are often confused in writing.

'Then' is used in relation to time and the sequence of events. For example, 'We went to the park, then we went home'.

'Than' is used for comparison. For example, 'The park was further than the coffee shop'.

Tip of the Week, 19/08/10: Key Descriptors

2010-08-19T18:46:00.000+10:00

Before writing any sort of marketing document, think of some key descriptors you can use to encapsulate you and your services.

Write these key descriptors at the top of the page before you write anything else.

As you write the body, use the key descriptors for inspiration and to keep you on track (a plan is also vital here).

Tip of the Week, 11.08.10: It’s and Its

2010-08-11T12:41:00.000+10:00

The words, it’s and its, are easy to confuse.
It’s is the contraction of it is. This is the only meaning for it’s.

When you want to show that it has possession of something, you simply write its. For example, ‘this was its fate’.

Its’ is not a word and should not be used.

Tip of the Week, 4.08.10: Signing off on a business letter

2010-08-04T14:58:00.003+10:00

The current convention for signing off on a business letter is to use ‘Yours faithfully’ if the letter has not been addressed by name. For example, a letter addressed to ‘Dear sir/madam’ is signed off with ‘Yours faithfully’.

If the letter has been addressed by name, use ‘Yours sincerely’. For example, ‘Dear Mr Brown’ is signed off with ‘Yours sincerely’.

Special Offer - Your Corporate Profile

2010-07-27T15:49:00.000+10:00

Do you know how to tell your clients who you are and why they should buy from you?

Your corporate profile is the cornerstone of your marketing collateral. When you start with an effective corporate profile, it is easy to then translate your message into brochures, flyers and other marketing materials.

For just $190.00 + GST, Shandel’s Proofreading Services will write a professional and engaging corporate profile for you. This price includes a complimentary meeting where we will work together to plan a personal and tailored profile that truly represents you.

Make the right first impression with a polished, professional corporate profile.

Contact Shandel’s Proofreading Services today to find out more!

Phone: 0450 170 084

Email: info@proofreadingservices.net.au

Tip of the Week, 22.7.10: Stationery or Stationary

2010-07-22T11:22:00.001+10:00

‘Stationery’ and ‘stationary’ are words that are often mixed up. But, there is an easy way to remember which is which.

When you want to write ‘stationery’, as in envelopes, pens etc. remember ‘e’ for envelope and ‘e’ for stationery.

When you want to write ‘stationary’, as in remaining still, think of ‘a’ for at rest and ‘a’ for stationary.

Tip of the Week, 6.7.10: 3 Questions

2010-07-06T15:17:00.001+10:00

Before you write any sort of marketing piece, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Who am I? Define who you are and what your company does. List the services that you offer.

2. Who are my clients? Narrow down your target market and know who you want to respond to you.

3. How can I help my clients? How do you and your clients fit together? Think about the problems your customers face and how your services will be of benefit to them.

Your answers to the above questions may be different for each marketing piece that you produce, so it is important that you have the answers in mind before you start writing. Cover the above questions in your marketing documents to produce focused, thoughtful and effective marketing copy.

Tip of the Week, 13.4.10: Inquiry versus Enquiry

2010-04-13T12:50:00.001+10:00

It is common to see “inquiry” and “enquiry” mixed up. However, they are two very distinct words.

An “inquiry” implies an official investigation, think “inquest”. For example, “There was an inquiry into the politician’s spending habits.”

An “enquiry” is an everyday query. For example, “I received an enquiry about my services.”

Please note: “Inquiry versus Enquiry” is a contentious subject in the spelling and grammar world. The above is my take on the issue. Some people may choose to use the above words differently, and I believe Americans have a different view again on the distinction between the two words. If in doubt, always double check with your dictionary and make sure you are using the right word for your audience.

Tip of the Week, 1.4.10: Australian Audience

2010-04-01T13:42:00.000+11:00

I have posted previous tips describing some of the ways Australian English is different to American English.

Another factor to consider is tailoring your content to Australian audiences. Australians like people to be honest and up-front, so they also want to read content that is straightforward. A lot of American copywriting tends to focus on drawing the reader in without really saying anything substantial. You won’t get away with this with an Australian audience.

Do not try to hide things or conceal things from an Australian audience as it is a sure way to turn people off. Instead, formulate a document that includes your key benefits and show people exactly what you have to offer. It is always better to sell honestly than by tricking people.

Have a lovely Easter!

Tip of the Week, 24.3.10: Contractions and Full Stops

2010-03-24T13:25:00.000+11:00

A contraction of a word has the same first and last letter as the word. For example, Mister is Mr.

Unless the contraction is at the end of a sentence, as above, it does not have a full stop after it like an abbreviation does.

So remember, if you write Mr xyz, do not use a full stop after Mr.

Tip of the Week, 19.3.10: Check Your Business Card

2010-03-19T13:46:00.002+11:00

Your business card is your number one piece of sales material. You take it with you to every event and you even have it with you on the weekends. The primary reason you give out your business card is so that people remember you and know how to contact you.

Make sure you triple check all the details on your business card before you have it printed. It is not your printer’s job to do this, it is up to you. If you have staff who organise your cards for you, double check they have it right.

What happens when there is an error on your business card?

A business card with incorrect details results in people not being able to find you and it is ultimately very embarrassing. Is your business card correct?

Tip of the Week, 11.03.10: Magic Sales Word: ‘You’

2010-03-11T14:46:00.000+11:00

There is one word that can transform a flat leaflet or brochure into a far more engaging piece of sales material: ‘you’.

When you are writing a sales document you need to engage your reader. A simple way to do this is by addressing the audience directly, using the word ‘you’.

The next time you write a sales piece have a look at whether you are effectively using the word ‘you’ and notice how it changes the tone of the whole piece.

Tip of the Week, 11.2.10: Subheadings

2010-02-11T15:24:00.001+11:00

A subheading can be a reader’s best friend.

Long text can very quickly turn your audience off. If you break it up with subheadings, the document seems more manageable.

Subheadings also serve to draw attention to your key points. If your reader likes to skim through documents, sub-headings act as sign posts highlighting important ideas and encouraging the audience to stop and read more.

Use subheadings to make your documents reader friendly.

_________________________________________________
Shandel's Proofreading Services
Proofreading, Copy Editing and Copy Writing Services

www.proofreadingservices.net.au
info@proofreadingservices.net.au
PO Box 3480, Rouse Hill, NSW, 2155
0450 170 084

ABN 15 645 822 947
__________________________________________________

Tip of the Week, 29.01.10: Memorable Car Signage

2010-01-30T19:55:00.000+11:00

Thinking of branding your business with some car signage? Really think about how you are going to use the space. There is a lot of car signage out there dominated by phone numbers and other contact details. But, how many of us have a pen and paper handy, and while driving write those numbers down, no-one I hope! Instead, think about car signage that is memorable, so when people do stop driving they will remember enough about you to then look you up.

3 Areas You Need to Cover to Succeed in Interviews

2010-01-11T15:45:00.000+11:00

So, you've been given the opportunity to interview for a dream role. You are keen to make a great impression and secure the job. You may think your experience will determine whether you get the role; but remember, how you present yourself is also critical. From the minute you walk into the interview room you are being judged. If you do not make a good impression, the interviewer may not care about or even give you the chance to explain your experience. Follow these steps to create a positive impression:

1. Preparation
Research the company you are interviewing with. Go to your interview with a good understanding of the organisation, and with a few intelligent questions to show you have done your homework.

You should also prepare some sample answers to behavioural questions. Interviewers love to ask: "Tell me a time when you handled..." Try to recall some pertinent times in your employment history when you have solved specific problems so you are prepared for these questions.

Make sure you take a presentation folder with your resume, a note pad and two pens to all interviews. A black leather or vinyl presentation folder will make a professional impression.

Plan how you are going to get to the interview so you are not late on the day. Leave time for traffic or public transport delays. Your ability to get to the interview on time reflects your reliability and punctuality.

2. Presentation
Plan in advance what you are going to wear so you do not have to make any last minute wardrobe choices on the day. Unless you are going for a role in fashion, it is best to dress conservatively and respectfully.

Men: A suit and tie with well polished shoes (the little details can make a big impression). Neat haircut. Cleanly or neatly shaven.

Women: A black skirt or pants and a shirt works well. To be on the safe side, wear closed toed shoes and stick to neutral colours. If wearing a skirt, make sure you wear pantyhose. Hair should be neat and tidy. Make-up should be "natural".

A note of warning - body odour can be a big turn off to an interviewer. Strong perfumes can be equally distracting. Also, if you are a smoker and prone to having a cigarette before an interview to calm your nerves, think again. You may not realise it, but the interviewer, in the small interview room, can smell the smoke on your breath and, fair or not, it may sway them against hiring you.

3. Etiquette
Some very simple gestures can make a great impression in an interview.

Always stand to greet the interviewer and use their name. Shake hands when offered.

Maintain eye contact throughout the interview and show you are interested.

Make sure your mobile phone is off. Never, ever answer the phone in the middle of the interview.

Allow the interviewer to lead the interview. Ask the key questions you have previously prepared when the interviewer gives you the opportunity.

Always end the interview by thanking the interviewer for their time. Never put the interviewer on the spot by asking their impressions of the interview; they will get back to you when they are ready.

Do not make a bad impression with a faux pas that you could have easily avoided. Do all of the above well and you pave the way for your experience to shine. Good luck with your interview!

Create Your Own Successful Resume

2010-01-09T15:57:00.000+11:00

It’s a new year and a good time to review and update your resume. If you are looking for some pointers to improve your current resume, make sure you can tick off everything in the following checklist:

Contact Details
You need to include your: name, contact phone number (a mobile is fine), postal address (at least your suburb to show you are authentic), email address, and any other relevant contact details you are happy for employers to view (do not include personal websites such as facebook if they do not represent you professionally).

Employment History
This section needs to start with your title, the company and the dates you were there. Then, in bullet points, list the duties you performed in each role.

List your roles with the most recent first and work back.

Where possible, it is a good idea to finish off each job with a ‘RFL’ (Reason For Leaving), obviously, if the reason is not positive, or requires some explanation, it might be better to leave this detail for the interview stage.

Example role description:

Customer Service Manager
XYZ Suppliers, Sydney
March 2000-January 2009

Duties performed:
• X
• Y
• Z

RFL: Redundancy

Education
Display your education by listing the type of study, the level attained (e.g. Degree), where you studied, and when.

List your education from most recent and work backwards. If you have completed education that is more recreational than work related you may want to include it in a separate section after you have listed your relevant education.

Display your education as follows:

Arts Degree
Sydney University
2000-2002

Interests
Include some interests in your resume that reflect your character and how you spend your time outside of work. Remember, you want your interests to reflect you positively so only include what is appropriate and relevant to prospective employers.

Referees
It is quite acceptable to simple write:

‘Referees available upon request.’

Many people do this to avoid their referees being called without their knowledge or their permission. If you do choose to not include referee details, make sure you take the details with you to any interviews.

You may otherwise choose to list your referees as follows:

John Black
XYZ Suppliers, Sydney
0401 234 567

Make sure your resume ticks the checklist above so that prospective employers get a complete impression of you and your history. Remember to keep your resume easy to read – simple fonts, clear layout – so the information you include is easily accessible. Finally, make sure you proofread your resume before sending it to anyone; nothing will undo your hard work faster than a typo. or bad grammar.

If you would like assistance editing or formulating your resume, contact Shandel’s Proofreading Services. Our experience in the recruitment industry enables us to create effective, successful resumes. Call on 0450 170 084, or email: info@proofreadingservices.net.au

4 Ways to Instantly Improve Resumes

2010-01-05T13:45:00.000+11:00

Your resume is often your first point of contact with a prospective employer; it is critical your resume makes the right impression. Remember, an employer is likely to have a number of resumes to review. You need to stand out so it is you they call for an interview.

Fonts
Choose a plain font type and a reasonable font size so that your resume is easy to read on screen or on paper. Ariel is a clear font type, and size 11pt or 12pt is a good size. Line spacing at 1.5 lines also improves readability.

Keep your choice of fonts and sizes consistent throughout the document. If you want something to stand out use bold or underline. A variety of font types and sizes will make the resume look messy and make it harder to read.

Layout
Your resume is not an essay, so it should not look like a continuous slab of text. Start your resume with your name and contact details, laid out in point form. Break the body of your resume up with headings, such as: 'Employment History', 'Education', 'Interests' and 'Referees'.

Keep the details you provide in your resume as short and to the point as possible. The duties you list under each job should be laid out in point form and should be kept brief. Your resume is not an opportunity to display beautiful prose; it is a chance to show prospective employers that you can write clearly and concisely. When an employer scans a resume they are looking for specific experience and attributes, make sure it is easy for them to find this information.

Try to keep your resume to 3-4 pages at maximum. Remember to use key words that fit the role you are applying for so that a quick scan of your resume will still catch the reader's attention.

Transparency
You need to be as honest and transparent in your resume as possible. A trained resume reviewer will look for gaps in your history. If you have taken time off work, it is best to include an explanation, e.g. travel.
You may or may not get a chance to explain gaps in an interview so it is better to pre-empt the objection and not leave gaps in the resume in the first place.

Most people will also spot anything that looks vague or ambiguous. Make sure your titles clearly reflect the roles you have performed and that the duties you list make it easy to understand the sort of tasks you undertook.

Be honest. If you lie in your resume you are likely to get caught out through reference checking or through a slip up of your own in an interview. Remember, it is to your own advantage to be honest about your experience so you do not end up in a role that is not suited to you.

Proofreading
Proofread your resume before you send it to a prospective employer. Any spelling or grammatical errors could lead the person reading the resume to think you lack attention to detail and question your ability to produce quality work in the role you are applying for. Sloppy resumes also show a general lack of respect for the person/company you have submitted the resume to.

Whenever you make any changes to your resume, make sure you proofread it again; you need to make sure that any changes or additions to your resume do not contradict any prior information or make the resume look inconsistent in any way.

Show prospective employers that you value their time in reviewing your resume by making it easy to read. Ensure they are able to quickly match you to their job criteria by using key words that are not lost in excessively long sentences or blocks of text. Finally, inspire confidence by providing a resume without gaps or spelling and grammar errors, so that the reader decides to spend further time with you via an interview.

If you require help in producing a clear and well presented resume, contact Shandel's Proofreading Services. We draw on years of experience in the recruitment industry to formulate premium resumes so you can make the right impression on prospective employers.

Find Success and Keep It

2009-12-17T13:03:00.000+11:00

There are a number of different things that help to make a business successful: a great product or service, exceptional ads, wonderful after sales service. These are all important, but it is what drives them that is really crucial. People who have found great success are those who have surrounded themselves with success, it is as simple as that.

Mentors
Who do you know that you admire and can learn from? You don't need to formally initiate them as a mentor; you just need to acknowledge to yourself that these are great people to look up to. You should choose people who energise you; those with a positive approach to life that is contagious.
A mentor can be another business person with great business acumen, or someone you have a personal relationship with who always seems to see life from the right angle. Learn as much as you can from your mentors about what makes them who they are and what drives them, and apply that to your own actions. Also, make sure you spend regular time with your mentors; you will find their positive outlook will rub off on you and keep you moving forward.

Small Networking Groups
Ally yourself with a small business networking group that feeds off each other's positivity. You will know when you have found such a group because when you walk into the room it will buzz with their energy. When a group of people who are all passionate about their business congregate to share ideas, the wealth of their knowledge and the force of their attitude will in turn motivate you.

Read
Read books about successful people. Learn about their journey and pay special note to their attitude. Even if not everything they write resonates with you, you will find that there is something about their outlook that you can derive inspiration from.

Believe
Create your own successful attitude. Be the sort of person you look up to as a mentor. How you perceive your life and your world is what shapes your daily experience. If you believe you are a successful person you will take the right risks and accept the right opportunities that will lead to your own success.

Surround yourself with energy and positivity and you will be motivated, inspired and supported on your own successful journey.

__________________________________________________

Shandel's Proofreading Services

Proofreading, Copy Editing and Copy Writing Services

Web: http://www.proofreadingservices.net.au

Email: info@proofreadingservices.net.au

Twitter: @ieditandwrite4u

Post: PO Box 3480, Rouse Hill, NSW, 2155

Phone: 0450 170 084

ABN 15 645 822 947

__________________________________________________

5 Handy Hints for Business Use of Twitter

2009-12-14T15:32:00.000+11:00

The use of Twitter as a valid business tool has become widely accepted. Twitter allows access to a vast audience, both nationally and internationally, and it is a great opportunity to connect with people you would otherwise never have known. The majority of businesses now accept that they should have a Twitter presence, but many are not sure how to maximise their Twitter profile. To maintain an active and interesting Twitter account, make sure you adhere to the following:

1. Twitter is not a forum for spamming followers.
Nothing will turn off genuine followers faster than continually spamming them about your products or services. Remember, people like to read tweets that interest them. A catalogue of what you have to offer does not make for engaging reading.
You can let people know about your products or services in more subtle ways. Use your bio to tell people about your business. Include a link to your website on your Twitter profile so that people can find out more at their discretion. You may add the occasion tweet about what you do, but try to frame it in a way that highlights the benefits of using you, rather than just the black and white facts.

2. Follow people back.
You may not want to auto-follow everyone back to avoid following accounts that are not genuine (spam bots etc.) however, unless you really have no interest in an account, it is courteous to follow them back. Like you, most people have created their Twitter account to expose their business or a cause. By following them back you are giving them the same opportunity they have given you with their follow.
If you amass a lot of followers and do not follow them back you will find that over time those followers will drop off. The only exception tends to be celebrities or big companies; people will follow these accounts for the information they provide without expectation of a return follow.

3. Be present.
There is absolutely no point in creating a Twitter account unless you intend to devote time to it. Twitter is like an ongoing conversation, you need to be engaging people in order to get noticed. With so many accounts on Twitter you need to balance having an ongoing presence with not over tweeting. The amount of tweets you do per day is up to you, but it does need to be a regular activity. You may wish to consider automating some tweets so that you maintain regular contact with your followers without continually interrupting your workday.

4. Be personable.
People want to connect with real people on Twitter. The easiest way to personalise your Twitter account is with a photo of you as your avatar. The next step is to create your background; use a background that reflects you or your business and make sure it is memorable.
Make your tweets personable. Tailor your tweets to your audience and what you think might be of interest to them. The most successful Twitter accounts do not just tweet about their own business (in fact they rarely talk about themselves at all), they tweet about issues of interest to their followers. You may wish to consider tweeting about local news items, a charity you have an interest in, or an article you have just read. Engage people by giving them useful, up-to-date information.

5. Re-tweet
Re-tweeting is a great way to interact with other tweeters. Re-tweeting was not an original feature of Twitter, rather it grew organically as people looked for a way to share other’s tweets that they found interesting. When you re-tweet someone else’s tweet, it then goes out to all of your followers, mentioning the name of the original tweeter. This is a great way to spread the original tweeter’s message and to gain more followers for them.

The most important thing to remember with Twitter is that you want to engage real people and maintain their interest. Think about what you like to see on Twitter and tweet accordingly!

7 Steps to Networking Success

2009-12-11T18:23:00.000+11:00

7 Steps to Networking Success

In today’s economic climate, networking is an essential activity to maintain your business’ viability. When you get out there and meet people, developing deep and lasting relationships, you are insuring your business’ client base. It is commonly known that people buy from people that they like and trust; networking is the key to building these quality relationships. So, how do you maximise your networking activities?

1. Think Local
Start your networking activities by attending networking events in your local area. Do not seek to cover all areas; rather develop meaningful relationships in the client area you focus on most. Research your local networking groups and aim to attend a few. When people recognise you are actively engaged in the community and are a familiar face at networking events, they will be more likely to show an interest in you.

2. Be Consistent and Committed
Networking is like building any other relationship; it is achieved through consistency. You will achieve the best results if you make a commitment to attend most, if not all, of the events offered by the networking groups that you join. When you do attend be punctual and be prepared to stay for the duration of the event. A token appearance will not allow you to build meaningful relationships, nor will it make a good impression on the people there.

3. Be Confident
If you have decided to put the time into networking for your business, approach the activity with confidence. You need to be able to actively engage people in conversation, and be confident enough to talk to strangers. The pay-off is that these people won’t be strangers for long, and the more you get used to talking to new people the easier it becomes. If you have difficulty with new crowds of people, perhaps consider doing a public speaking course first, or start with a small networking group where you can build your confidence.

4. Be Friendly
When you meet new people, or reconnect with people you have met previously, remember to be friendly and approachable. The key to effective networking is showing an interest in other people; get them to open up and tell you about themselves. It might be a good idea to prepare a few “ice breakers” before you attend an event. You could ask questions about their business, what their business challenges are, and what they like about their job. Ask questions that allow the person to feel comfortable sharing with you and the conversation will then flow naturally.

5. Be Prepared
One of the best things about business networking is that it forces you to think about your business and how you want to be perceived. Before you start networking decide how you want to present your business to people. Think about the future direction of your business and how your new relationships might help you move forward. When you are prepared you can quickly and easily answer other networkers’ questions about your business, which will better enable them to refer the right business back to you.

6. Actively Listen
Everyone networks for the greater good of their business. When you actively listen to people you will come away from the event with the right knowledge to make quality referrals. You might have met an accountant at a recent event who spoke to you about his passion for “x”. The next day your local “y” says he needs someone to do “x”. Because you were actively listening you quickly match up the two and are able to make a referral. A note of warning here: only refer to people when you feel comfortable doing so. You are not obliged to pass on referrals just because you are part of the same network. This is why building trust and confidence in your fellow networkers is crucial.

7. Follow Up
Do not go to a networking event and then expect things will just happen. Networking is an ongoing activity that needs to be constantly reinforced, just like a personal friendship. If you have permission, you can stay in contact via email. It is also a nice idea to send small cards to thank people for their time speaking with you. If you feel that you would really like to connect with one person in particular, organise a one-on-one with them. Think of a unique and personal way that you can maintain contact with people. But, do not spam people or be too pushy. Remember, you are building a meaningful relationship and the hard sell is the quickest way to ruin that connection.

Happy networking!

"Proofreading is a dying art these days!"

2009-12-10T21:06:00.001+11:00

The below is an email that was forwarded to me. If you know who compiled this please let me know so that I can acknowledge the author/compiler appropriately.

Proofreading is a dying art, wouldn't you say?
Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter
This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day.

I just couldn't help but send this along. Too funny.
Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
No crap, really? Ya think?
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Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Now that's taking things a bit far!

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Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
What a guy!
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Miners Refuse to Work after Death
No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!
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Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
See if that works any better than a fair trial!
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War Dims Hope for Peace
I can see where it might have that effect!
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If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
Ya think?!
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Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
Who would have thought!
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Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide
They may be on to something!
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Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?
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Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge
He probably IS the battery charge!
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New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
Weren't they fat enough?!
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Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
That's what he gets for eating those beans!
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Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
Do they taste like chicken?
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Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
Boy, are they tall!
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And the winner is....
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

Did I read that right?
***************************************************

Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even a chuckle). We all need a good laugh, at least once a day!

unknown author/compiler

Tip of the Week – Features versus Benefits

2009-12-04T09:57:00.000+11:00

When you write any sort of sales material, do so with your audience in mind. Speak to a need your client has, and get that message across clearly.

Often we think about our products or services in terms of features. Features are cold hard facts and they do not immediately answer a need in your client.

Transform your features into benefits. What does each feature mean to your customer? Why would your customer be interested in that feature and what will it do for them? By explaining your features’ practical use, you show customers your benefits.

Spell out the benefits your product or service offers to make it easier for your customers to relate their needs to your solutions.

I would like to thank the following people for their insights on this topic:

Scott Tyler – IIBE, brightblue marketing
Tony Eades – BrandManager
Scott Bywater – Copywriting That SELLS
__________________________________________________

www.proofreadingservices.net.au
info@proofreadingservices.net.au
__________________________________________________

"A BETTER CLASS OF PUN"

2009-12-02T19:18:00.001+11:00

NB. I was sent this as a forwarded email. If anyone knows who put it together I would be happy to give them all due credit.

1. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

2. Don't join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects!

3. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

4. Atheism is a non-prophet organisation.

5. A backward poet writes inverse.

6. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

7. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

8. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

9. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

10. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

11. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.

12. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.

13. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

14. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'

15. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

16. In democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.

17. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

18. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

unknown author

Be Yourself

2009-11-27T10:31:00.000+11:00

When you are writing sales and marketing material for your company, remember that it is a reflection of you. There are certain standards that do need to be followed, and you need to remember what is and is not appropriate in business documents. However, you should still maintain your own unique writing style so that your clients feel that it is you talking to them.

If you employ a copy writer to write for you, make sure they know you well. They should be writing your copy from your perspective. When your voice and personality are encapsulated in your written material, it becomes a true extension of you and your brand.

Happy Writing!
Shandel

Local Networking Groups

2009-11-12T10:58:00.000+11:00

When I started my business I would have loved someone to hand me a list of the local networking groups. I have now put together a list of groups that I know of. I have not been to all of these groups and I am not endorsing them in any way, this list is just intended as a guide so you can then do your own research and find out what suits you.

BNI-various chapters: http://www.bni.com.au/

Parramatta Chamber of Commerce: http://www.parramattachamber.com.au/

Hills Chamber of Business: http://www.hillschamber.com.au/

Sydney Women’s Network-various areas: www.sydneywomensnetwork.com.au

Athena Network Australia-various areas: http://www.theathenanetwork.com.au/

Women's Network Australia-in a few states I think: www.womensnetwork.com.au

IBN Inc-Castle Hill: www.independentbusinessnetworkinc.com

Blacktown Business Network: http://www.blacktownbusiness.net

Please let me know if any of the information becomes out of date or is incorrect.
Happy networking!

Writing an Engaging Blog

2009-11-04T10:45:00.000+11:00

Before you sit down to write your blog, think about what you like and dislike in other people's blogs. What works for you and what doesn't? This will provide a guide for you, transforming your blog from a ramble that simply satisfies your writing urge, into an engaging useful piece for your reader.

The following is a good checklist for your blog:

-Does your blog contain information of value to most of your desired audience? You want to impart knowledge you have learned through your unique experiences.

-Does your blog promote thought so that your audience will continue to think about it after they have finished reading it? Make your blog memorable!

-Is your blog succinct? The longer the blog the more likely your reader will switch off.

-Does the layout of your blog make it easy to read? Subheadings and point form can be very effective in organising your ideas.

-Have you chosen appropriate language? Don't use words that are overly complicated or obscure, it can be a turn off to your reader and hinder your intended message from being understood.

-Most importantly, think before you write. Have a plan and stick to it. When your thoughts are organised your writing will be too.

Happy blogging!

Darla-The Ringtail Possum-110gms

2009-11-01T16:21:00.000+11:00

Social Media Language

2009-10-28T14:57:00.000+11:00

We walk a fine line with the language we choose to use on social media websites, such as: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

It is acceptable to use abbreviations. It is not acceptable to blatantly misspell words or to use incorrect grammar symbols.

It is also not acceptable to use profanity on these websites. You never know who you might offend.

Remember, always proofread every message you put out there before you click publish. Everything you write is a representation of you and your business, no matter how casual the forum might seem!

Post a Newsletter

2009-10-27T18:45:00.003+11:00

We all recognise the value of keeping in regular contact with clients via an email newsletter. But, have you considered sending a hard copy newsletter?

A hard copy newsletter is more costly than an email, but that is why it stands out.

Think about producing a hard copy newsletter quarterly or half yearly, and posting it out to your best clients. If it is presented well, with quality copy, graphics, and paper, it will catch the eye of your clients.

A hard copy newsletter can be a good way to stand out from your competition!

Take a Break!

2009-10-27T18:45:00.001+11:00

The value of a break can never be underestimated!

A holiday away from work and life is a great way to recharge, but even a five minute break from the computer can have benefits. If you find that you are trying to write something, but the words just won’t flow, get up and walk away. When you come back to the problem you will notice you are able to look at it from a different perspective, and that one amazing word you have been trying to think of is suddenly in the forefront of your mind.

Don’t keep hammering at a problem expecting an answer to present itself under stress and frustration. Take a break and start afresh.

Résumés

2009-10-27T18:44:00.003+11:00

Your résumé is the first impression you make with a prospective employer.

It is important that you ensure all of your spelling and grammar is correct. Your formatting also makes an impression; be consistent in how you lay out your roles and how you separate different parts of your résumé. For example, if you are using bullet points for your duties, do this for every role and use the same style of bullet point for every role.

Résumés are documents that get added to over time, and it is these additions that commonly cause inconsistencies. Prior to submitting your résumé, check it each and every time to make sure it is a cohesive, polished document that represents your professionalism and attention to detail.

Corporate Brochures

2009-10-27T18:44:00.001+11:00

No matter the size of your business, it is always a good idea to have a brochure of some kind. When you visit with a client, you can leave your brochure as a reminder of who you are. You can also send your brochure out by post to prospective clients, or even use them for letter box drops if that is appropriate to your business.

Shandel’s Proofreading Services can assist you in creating or updating a corporate brochure for your business. A simple brochure should state who you are, what you offer and how to contact you. Give your clients something tangible; make sure you have a corporate brochure.

Be Positive

2009-10-27T18:43:00.001+11:00

Whenever you write something, try to take a positive point of view. This is especially important for any sales and marketing material.

People have had enough of scare tactics. Trying to frighten someone into using your services or buying your product might make an impact but it is also likely to put them off using you. Instead, try to highlight the positive aspects of your company and your benefits, rather than the disadvantages of not using you.

Leave your reader with good feelings and they will associate those feelings with you!

Mobile Phone Courtesy

2009-10-24T15:23:00.000+11:00

As I was standing in line at the local Subway today, I was reminded of one of my pet hates-people talking on mobile phones while being served!

In previous incarnations I have been a "waitress" and a "check-out-chick" and know that these people are in fact ... human beings. They do actually notice when people don't have the courtesy to hang up the mobile phone and they do feel offended that you can't give them your attention for the 30 seconds it takes to serve you.

Hanging up the mobile before walking into a store shows respect for that store owner as a fellow human being. We all want to feel seen and acknowledged and not treated like a robot with no feelings.

It also pays to remember that the primary satisfaction that an employee gets from a customer service role is interaction with the customer. This is what makes the day interesting and rewarding.

So,the next time you walk into a store, hang up the mobile phone, give the attendant a big smile and have a quick chat, it might just make their day and yours!

Tip of the Week: s' or s's

2009-10-23T11:09:00.000+11:00

Tip of the Week – s’ or s’s

Indicating possession to a word that ends in s was traditionally done by simply adding ’ at the end of the word; for example, ‘Charles’ book’.

These days, it is commonly accepted to add ’s; for example, ‘Charles’s book’.

The choice to add just ’ or ’s to the end of words ending in s is up to you. My preference is for simply adding the ’ because it looks neater and more concise.