Can you build a business WITHOUT writing?

Avoiding writing is like cutting your business growth off at the knees

This is a wake-up call, my sweet petunias.

Let’s cut right to the chase: if you can’t write—or if you don’t like to write—it’s going to be hard to do anything else in your marketing.

Writing copy (“copy” = words that sell) is a core skill that has a direct impact on your ability to grow your business.

Especially if you intend to leverage online marketing to work with people who don’t live in the same place you do.

Here’s why:

1) Writing is the main way you communicate with many people at the same time.

You need to be able to express your ideas clearly, in a way that resonates with other people. I talk to so many business owners who know what they do, but are tongue-tied when it comes to talking or writing clearly. If this is you, don’t beat yourself up about it—you can learn these skills.

If you do consider yourself a writer, beware: writing copy is a different beast. Many people who are writers still have no idea how to persuade their reader to take action. We simply aren’t taught this stuff in school.

But that’s why, if you intend to use the interwebs to grow your business, get more visibility, and expand your market to people across the country (and around the world), you MUST learn to light a fire under your reader’s bum so they DO something.

2) You’ll need words for your talks and videos, too.

Think you can avoid writing by using video or public speaking? Maybe a little. But you are still going to need to come up with names, a speaker one sheet, and maybe some short copy to entice people to attend, watch, or listen.

Some of my clients work with me (a writer!) to create their videos. They want to know what to call them. They want to know how to share their ideas in a way that draws people in, and moves people to take action (without looking totally like the standard video sales formula). Guess what we use to do that? Writing!

Want to get out there are book yourself for talks? That’s a popular strategy these days, because it’s a great way for potential clients to see you in action. But even in effective speaking, you need to craft a fresh, alluring title. You probably need to write bullet points about what your listeners will learn from you. And you’ll need to structure your talk so it fires people up.

Of course, this is a different format than a sales letter or newsletter article, but think of those things as a training ground for your message. Writing helps you THINK—and express your message simply and powerfully.

3) There will always be writing to do in your business.

The things you do to spread the word about your business will always use WORDS to do it.

Think about that.

Very few people can do an interpretive dance to convince people to hire them.

(Though that gives me a funny idea for a contest).

You’re going to have to use words. And if you’ve been blessed to attract great clients largely by words of mouth and referrals, that’s great. But if you want to leverage your business model and offer group programs… or expand your audience nationally or even internationally, at some point, you’re going to hit a wall.

You simply can’t talk to each potential client one on one to invite them to work with you.

Well, in certain cases, that might be an option. I have a branding and graphic design friend who only works with a handful of high-end clients each year. But if that’s not the direction you’re headed, you are going to rely on your writing to attract clients who haven’t met you personally yet.

The good news is, you can learn to express yourself clearly and in a way that makes your ideal clients’ mouths water to work with you. It’s never too late. Just don’t fool yourself into believing that you can get around this “writing thing.”

Most likely, if you want to grow your business to 6-figures (and beyond), you are going to have to face writing head on. And figure it out not only how to do it effectively in a way that gets results… but how to actually have fun with it so you never avoid it again. (And when you want support, this is what I can help you do).

As the poet Emily Dickinson wrote: “the best way out is through.”

Mighty thanks to stilettobootlover_83 flickr photostream for the legs