Pen to Paper

Pen to Paper

Writing can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to things like – writing a business plan or the ‘dreaded’ resume.  I am always advising clients – get your thoughts down on paper, ‘pen to paper’.

The process of transferring ideas, thoughts and accomplishments down on paper or into a document can be a challenge and an intimidating process for the non-writer types.  But here’s the good news, you don’t have to be a writer <phew!> This was a big relief for me as I consider myself to be the non-writer type <still scared by my master’s thesis advisor>!

Let’s get started:

• Do a ‘brain-dump’ – get words on paper, don’t worry too much about structure.  Be creative – it doesn’t have to look ‘perfect’.
• Keep a journal – write 3 things you are grateful for and transfer your thoughts down on paper.  This can be very powerful process.
• If struggling to get the words out, for some apparent reason, it’s escaped you and feeling like a blank slate: get re-energized, go for a brisk walk or take time out, pause, find your breath and get quiet for a bit.  When we learn to and spend more time quieting the mind, it increases clarity and creativity among many other things.  Be present.
• If you are a talker and express your ideas out loud – enlist a person to upload.
• Break the document into chunks and create a timeline – start with the easiest and work your way through section by section.  Each time you complete a section, you get a sense of accomplishment – good reason to celebrate!
• At every step of the way – get feedback from your trusted advisors and ask for help.
• Let the document sit for awhile – ideas will continue to percolate.
• Continue with edits – if you are concerned with grammar and flow, hire an editor or take creative writing classes.
• If you are concerned with business plan or resume content or how to, let us know – we would love to hear from you.

Being a very visual person, I find it much easier to transfer my thoughts and ideas into words and pictures on my big art over-sized sketchpad and then play connect the dots! Several business planning sheets got posted in my dining room for weeks, sparked some great dinner conversation, but on a more serious note, it helped me to get really clear on my Vision, Target Market, Key Messages, Art Direction – look and feel, Service Offerings and most importantly and over-arching – The Why of Business? – and it’s greater purpose.

Whether writing a business plan or a resume, figure out and know who your audience is and ask: will they understand what it is you are trying to convey – apply the acid test:  “So What? Who Cares?”  Be curious – when we are talking about things that ‘are up close and personal’ it’s hard to be objective, so always get feedback at every step along the way.  And, as the old saying goes: what you put into it is what you get out.  As long as it’s coming from an authentic place, you will shine.

In times of uncertainty and change, it’s more important than ever before to know what is you love to do and to do it now.  The writing process certainly helps to bring greater perspective – let the creativity begin!

Check out some inspiring and uplifting resources:

What’s Your Why?

Keep Your Business Plan Flexible

The Artists Way

And, lastly, Wise Words:

“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” – Mark Twain