“Cut Adjective and Adverb Clutter,” says Booher
Minimize your use of adjectives and adverbs to communicate more effectively, suggests Dianna Booher in Communicate with Confidence! Instead, rely on nouns and verbs to convey your message. Booher illustrates the power of her recommendation by comparing the following two sentences: Haste makes waste. Too much speed in carrying out tasks results in extra time […]
Mind mapping your way to client appreciation: An FPA article
Mind mapping has rescued me many times. “A mind map can be a complexity buster, translator, connector and simplifier,” as mentioned in the online blurb for the article discussed below. “Mission: Map a Better Client Value Relationship” describes how one advisor uses mind maps to help clients understand why they should pay for work other […]
How I managed my presentation-writing anxiety
I freak out every time I have to write a new presentation. Well, not literally, but my anxiety does run wild. However, I managed to tame my most recent jitters with an exercise from life coach Cheryl Richardson. In “Break the Spell,” Richardson says, “The minute you start worrying about something, stop and congratulate yourself […]
POLL: How do you edit your writing for Compliance?
Financial writers and compliance departments are often at odds. But the two sides must learn to get along. Nobody wins if flat writing turns off prospective clients. Or if marketers create unrealistic expectations in the minds of current or prospective clients. “Weasel words” help writers and compliance officers coexist. Writers can often defuse compliance officers’ […]
Iowa caucuses’ lessons for financial advisors
Advisors, which counts more for your potential clients–your personal chemistry or your process for helping them reach their financial goals? Chemistry wins. At least that’s what an article about voters’ approach to the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary suggests to me. “Voters Examining Candidates, Often to a Fault” appeared in The New York Times […]