I’m sometimes asked this question at networking events, and a very interesting question it is. It makes sense for a business to employ a copy-writer to ensure its promotional material is professional and its website beyond reproach, and I would be the first to encourage this practice.
However, the problem here is that most businesses cannot afford to employ a copy-writer or editor full-time, so what happens to those letters and emails sent to potential clients on an everyday basis?
Any business that prides itself on its professional reputation knows that basic errors within those daily communications are often the ones that mean the difference between gaining or losing a new client.
To gauge the extent of feeling among those in Cambridgeshire’s business community, I conducted a few surveys using social media and asking participants at business networking events.
Of more than 40 business owners who contributed on LinkedIn, almost all (98%) agreed that they had – or would – be put off by a letter or email that contained glaring spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. The majority of respondents claimed that they would bin the offending communication without a second’s thought, not even reading further to learn if the goods or services would be useful.
At business networking meetings, I now begin my pitch with ‘Have you ever decided not to use a company’s services because of written errors on their letters and emails?’ Every time, 99 – 100% will reply ‘Yes’- including those who asked the question in this title.
This concept isn’t new. Back in 2011, BBC News published a report on a company that saw increased profits after improving the spelling and grammar of its staff.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-14130854#!
This is all about credibility, and that can be undermined by silly mistakes: mistakes that can be easily avoided by short courses or workshops.
The Good Grammar Company’s aim is to help companies maintain their credibility by giving staff the knowledge and power to write professionally. Every day.
Who doesn’t want that power for their business?