The Business Communication Network
What do you call your writing consulting services?
I read about a woman who went from teaching college English to working with a company as an on-call writing consultant. She would work with individuals who had specific writing challenges and also monitor writing quality for various departments. I'd love to know how she made the transition.
One of the issues my consulting partner and I are facing is that business people know they need help with writing. However, they understandably don't want to sit through another English class. They also don't seem to realize what coaching or editing can do for them or how much time and goodwill poor writing costs them.
We're looking for language to market our services. "Business writing" seems to suggest resumes. "Writing coaching" is often used by creative writers, which isn't our target market. "Professional writing skills"? Other ideas?
One of the issues my consulting partner and I are facing is that business people know they need help with writing. However, they understandably don't want to sit through another English class. They also don't seem to realize what coaching or editing can do for them or how much time and goodwill poor writing costs them.
We're looking for language to market our services. "Business writing" seems to suggest resumes. "Writing coaching" is often used by creative writers, which isn't our target market. "Professional writing skills"? Other ideas?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kenneth W. Davis on
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Cecelia,
I think "communication consultant" is most widely used, but that may be because I'm active in the Association of Professional Communication Consultants (www.consultingsuccess.org). We're a great organization at a real bargain, and we have lots of members who began as college faculty then moved into--or added--consulting. My bio--on my Profile page--is not atypical, and I owe a lot of my success to APCC.
If you're asking about specific company names, that's been a whole different story for me. I'll be glad to tell you that off-forum.
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Permalink Reply by Cecelia Munzenmaier on -
Thanks for pointing me to APCC.
Right now, my partner and I are targeting companies in the Des Moines metro area. We've offered some potential clients free consulting in exchange for allowing us to write up case studies (assuming they're satisfied). So far I've done a lunch-'n-learn on email etiquette, and Tuesday I'll be giving a presentation on writing productivity for 100+ scientists. Thank goodness for Robert Boice, who compiled lots of quantitative information I can share with them.
If we decide to broaden our market, I'll take you up on your offer to tell your "whole different story." For now, we're thinking local--unless your experience suggests that's not the best strategy.
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Permalink Reply by Daphne Gray-Grant on -
I agree with "communication(s) consultant." It seems specific but it's also "roomy" enough to allow for a wide variety of work. I find businesses often don't know exactly what they want and it helps to be flexible.
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