Here is my own feeble attempt. It’s what this blog is all about – better business writing.

I hope you enjoy its simplicity.

I will be out of town at a family wedding. I will catch up with you when I return to the office on Tuesday. I’ll touch base when I can, but you know how family reunions go.

Take care.

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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This week’s post finds the oops in a recent government template for summaries of benefits and coverage.

It’s another requirement from health care reform. Get out the white-out.

Here’s a sneak peek.

Government Summary of Benefits and Coverage Typo Means New Templates

Ah, typos – the great equalizer. It’s tough to come down on errors when your own template has a pretty big one.

As part of healthcare reform’s, Affordable Care Act, a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is a requirement meant to make health coverage more understandable.

A few of the SBC requirements include:

• A summary of benefits
• A glossary of terms
• Examples of coverage for specified scenarios

It’s that last requirement that tripped up the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Treasury Department (known collectively as the Departments).

Continue reading…

What do you look for on an About page?

My response was what I look for in any kind of marketing

1. Who are you?
2. Why should I care?
3. What problem(s) are you going to solve for me?
4. What makes your product/service different from any other?
5. Prove it.

It became my litmus test for my business writing.

5 Elements for Success

Whether it’s marketing for my own business or a client’s, I make sure all 5 of the elements are answered.

In the video below, I review the 5 elements.

You can also view the presentation copy of Your Litmus Test to Marketing Success at Slideshare.

What elements do you make sure you include in your business marketing?

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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No, that’s not double talk. It’s simply letting you know about my guest post at All Freelance Writing.

The post was inspired by fellow bloggers on both sides of the issue. If you own a business blog, guest posting is a great tool.

Here’s a sneak peek to get you started. Click on the Continue reading link to go to the All Freelance Writing site.

The Two Sides of the Guest Post Story

Guest posts are one of the hottest strategies for increasing online visibility.

Like most marketing strategies, there are different opinions on how to do it right.

I am not a fan of the do it this way, not that way mantra. You need to find what works for you.

However, there are two sides to the guest post story – the side of the guest blogger and the one of the host blogger.

And, therein lies the problem. If the two don’t mesh, it’s not going to happen.

Continue reading…

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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BigStock Photo Credit

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers this weekend.

While the florists are hopping, take a moment to thank your Mom if you are blessed to have her in your life.

Then take another moment to catch up on the posts you missed in this Friday Lite review.

Commercialism – it’s everywhere.

Yes, YOU Can Create a Professional Analysis Report

Whether you are a small business owner or a consultant for a Fortune 500, professional analysis reports are probably a part of your life.

This post provides a 5-part template for creating a professional analysis report – even if you’re not a writer.

Take a peek and see what you think.

How to Create Executive Summaries That Invite Success

Now that you put together that stellar analysis report, an executive summary is your invitation to the reader to ask for more.

As one astute reader noted in comments, it’s an exercise best done after you finish your report.

Toddle on over to this post for some tips for creating an effective executive summary.

Health Savings Accounts: Savings at What Cost?

Over at my health care blog, Simply stated health care, another survey reports on the potential savings of consumer-driven health plans, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

The post discusses what could be the downside of these types of plans. Take a look and let us know what you think.

At the Personal Blog

People in Hell Want Ice Water

Hell hath no fury like a mini-rant.

Channeling my Dad’s southernisms. this post delivers a special kind of award.

Nominations are still open so be sure to check it out and nominate your candidates.

That’s a Wrap

I wish all Moms sunshine and flowers for their special day.

And I hope to see all of you (Moms and non-Moms) back here next week. Enjoy your weekend.

Take care.

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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BigStock Photo Credit

What if you gave a dinner party and no one came?

• You bought plenty of food and drink
• You spent hours preparing
• And no one came to the party

You forgot to send the invitations.

In the last post, you received a 5-part template for a professional analysis report.

• What if you spent hours creating your report and no one read it
• Deflating, to say the least
• Did you forget to send the invitations?

Executive summaries are the invitations to a successful analysis report.

In this post, you learn the value and how to create an effective summary.

Announcing the Event

Invitations give enough information to entice guests to attend.

• Imagine the consequences if the invitations had the date wrong
• Or neglected to let guests know it was a costume party

Your summary provides enough information to entice readers to read the report.

• It provides an accurate overview
• It captures the significant points

If the reader can’t read the report –

Executive summaries stand alone with enough information and the invitation for more.

Enough Information

We have all encountered the busy executive with the give me the highlights approach. Picture that person in your mind when creating the summary.

• Grab the reader’s attention
• Identify the problem
• Offer a solution
• Provide the proof
• Be concise

In the analysis report example, Genius Consulting analyzed Best Manufacturing’s payroll system. Let’s assume the conclusion was a replacement of the current system.

The Executive Summary might begin something like this.

Best Manufacturing’s current payroll system does not offer the company its best return on investment. (Attention-grabber) The system fails to meet the payroll functions of the organization, resulting in inaccurate reporting and costly loss of productivity through manual intervention. (Identify problem)

By replacing the current system with web-based automation, Best Manufacturing achieves the following benefits. (Offer solution)

(Provide proof)

• Reduced transaction costs through elimination of paper-based activities
• Increased productivity through integration with other HR systems
• Improved accuracy through automation, reducing payroll errors

Bullet points help highlight key issues and keep the summary concise.

Invitation for More

Like any effective business writing, wrap up with a summary.

So, this is a summary of your summary. Here is an example.

The analysis report examines Best Manufacturing’s current payroll system and offers the following.

• The current payroll system fails to meet Best Manufacturing’s business and financial needs
• Genius Consulting recommends replacement with a web-based, automated application
• The new system should fully integrate with existing HR applications
• A timeline for implementation and training is an essential next step

You presented the problem, the solutions and provided the proof.

Now, you’re inviting the reader to act.

And that invites success – for your business and your services.

Do you use executive summaries? What would you add?

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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BigStock Photo Credit

This week’s post reviews another study on consumer-directed health plans – like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

HSAs are a double-edged sword of savings and loss.

Here’s a sneak peek.

Health Savings Accounts: Savings at What Cost?

It’s not a new topic.

The increasingly popular Health Savings Account (HSA) is making an impact on U.S. health care spending.

But at what cost?

Continue reading…

No matter what your business, sooner or later, someone asks you to analyze something.

• Designers analyze websites
• Writers review communication
• Specialists consult on their niche

Have you ever wished you could knock the socks off prospects and clients with your analysis?

You can.

Present clients and prospects with an analysis report.

• A written report shows thought
• It lends credibility to your analysis
• It establishes your professionalism

This simple 5-part template helps even non-writers shine.

1. Background

Think of the background as the foundation of your report.

It tells the reader why you are doing the report and what you want to achieve with the report.

• Let’s say you are the owner of Genius Consulting firm
• You help companies with payroll systems
• Mary HR asked you for an analysis of her company’s (Better Manufacturing) system

Your background section might look something like this –

Background

Better Manufacturing hired Genius Consulting for an assessment of its current payroll system. [Insert details about the current system - e.g., type/version of software, functions, capabilities, etc.)].

The objective of this analysis is to assess the payroll software needs of Better Manufacturing, evaluate the effectiveness of the current payroll system, and to make recommendations based on Genius Consulting’s findings.

Why do you want a background section?

• It provides information to a reader unfamiliar with Mary HR’s request
• It ensures everyone is on the same page in terms of objective

2. Scope of Analysis

The Scope of Analysis defines what was analyzed and how.

Payroll systems may be part of a larger human resource (HR) management system. The following are examples of subjects addressed in your Scope of Analysis.

• Review of payroll system user guide
• Onsite testing of payroll system
• Analysis of interface with HR management system
• Evaluation of technical support organization

The more specific you are, the better the understanding of the focus of the analysis.

3. Findings

The Findings section is the showcase for your expertise.

1. Identify the problem
2. Describe the impact

You have options for the format of your findings.

• Use a number system for findings
• Use headings, text and lists
• Summarize findings with a table list

Here are two examples.

Example #1 – Number System

Finding #1 – User guide needs updating

There have been several changes since the installation of the payroll system. The current payroll user guide is outdated. [Insert areas requiring updates and describe impact of the problem.]

Finding #2 – There is no formal training program in place.

Explain finding and impact.

Example #2 – Table List

The table list provides a snapshot of your findings. You may want to consider combining it with a more detailed explanation.

Use a format that is simple, clear and uniquely yours.

4. Recommendations

Recommendations reflect your understanding of the issues and your client’s needs.

Here are areas to consider in developing recommendations.

• Impact on staffing, budget
• Feasibility – how likely is it to happen?
• Are there other options?
• What is the desired outcome?

For easier reading and comprehension, consider the following formats.

• Recommendations numbered to match findings
• Side-by-side table comparison of findings and recommendations

5. Next Steps

A Next Steps section evokes a response.

Have you ever spent extensive time conducting analysis only to have your efforts go nowhere?

A Next Steps section won’t guarantee that won’t happen, but it encourages some form of response.

Here is an example of Next Steps issues.

• Identify action items for follow-up
• Develop timeline for implementation
• Assign resources
• Establish budget

The Finished Product

Use the 5-part template for developing a professional representation of what you do best – finding solutions for your clients’ problems.

1. Background – lay out the foundation for your report
2. Scope of Analysis – define what you analyzed and how
3. Findings – showcase your expertise by identifying problems and the impact
4. Recommendations – show you understand what your client needs
5. Next Steps – help your client make it happen

An optional section of an analysis report is an Executive Summary. In my next post, I’ll share ideas for developing an effective Executive Summary.

What do you include in your analysis report?

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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BigStock Photo Credit

Do you know that the U.S. probably celebrates Cinco de Mayo more than Mexico?

Any excuse to party.

Well, put down you margarita and check out the posts in this Friday Lite review.

Business Writing Even Goldilocks Would Like 

A post at a blog I follow prompted this just right post about business writing.

We borrowed a few lessons from Goldilocks and the Three Bears to cater our business writing to our clients’ taste.

Make like Goldilocks and barge on over and test out the ideas.

3 Business Blog Tips Stolen From Your May Garden

Apparently, there was a love fest going on this week at Simply stated business.

I noticed that the first two posts of the week started with, Don’t you love…

Uh-oh – writer’s block.

Ignore the opening and plant a seed or two of advice in the comment section.

Will Health Insurer Rebates Sizzle?

Over at my health care blog, Simply stated health care, owners of health insurance policies are hoping August sizzles with some cold, hard cash from the insurance companies.

Rebates are due for some as a result of healthcare reform’s medical loss ratio provision.

At a loss for what it’s all about? Check out the post, but don’t book that cruise just yet.

The Personal Blog

Remembering a True Southern Gentleman

This is about as personal as it gets at my personal blog, millercathy.com: A Baby Boomer’s Second Life.

My Dad’s birthday was May 2nd and this post is a brief tribute to his memory. Love you Dad.

Sadly, on the same day, we heard the news about former San Diego Charger great, Junior Seau.

Rest in peace, Junior. You made a difference.

That’s a Wrap

If you’re so inclined, celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but look out for the worm in the tequila.

I hope to see you all here next week. Take care.

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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BigStock Photo Credit

Don’t you love Spring? Mother Nature packs away the gray winter coat and struts out her most colorful wraps.

• Okay, except for that crazy global warming thing
• Stick with me here – there is a point

Spring at its finest is motivational.

• It inspires spring cleaning
• And rewards us with its freshness and splash of color

We could learn a thing or two from our May garden. Unless your garden is like mine this year – all shoots – no flowers.

Here is a garden variety of ideas.

#1 – Success takes planning.

We should have planted new bulbs last September. But, who thinks about tulips and such in September?

Like your May garden, your blog takes planning.

• You weed out the bad
• Keep what shows promise
• And plant a few new ideas

The fall is the perfect time to create your business communications plan.

Success blooms from hard work and planning.

2. Don’t take returns for granted.

Our flowers didn’t bloom because the bulbs were worn out and we didn’t replace them.

• They spoiled us and bloomed for years
• We took our bulbs for granted
• Until they bloomed no more

The same can happen to your business blog.

 Business blogs without fresh content is like a shoot with no flower.

 #3 – Nurturing pays off.

When I lived in California,  I loved the cactus plant.

• It requires very little care
• Even the prickly ones have beautiful flowers

Somehow I managed to kill one of my cactus. Even cactus should not be ignored indefinitely.

Left alone, few business blogs have the tenacity of a cactus. They need constant care.

• Sprinkle your blog with new forms of posts – try video, interviews, or surveys
• Feed it regularly with information your readers want
• But, beware of too much fertilizer – your readers will sniff it out

Nurturing  relationships with your readers helps your business blog thrive.

Get Down and Dirty

Like a successful garden, a business blog takes you rolling up your sleeves, mixed with a lot of trial and error.

• Plan your season
• Plant the right seed and nurture it
• Then enjoy the spectacular results

What business blog ideas have you cultivated lately?

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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