It’s amazing to me how many items I have that I don’t need or even want – and that’s strange because I really don’t like shopping. It’s always the little stuff, stuff that “doesn’t take up any room, so I might as well keep it” that tends to add up. As a writer, I can only feel creative when everything is in its own “home”, with no trinkets hanging around in random places. And, of course, in addition to writing I’m an organizer (always nice to get out and move from time to time), and I dislike clutter. To support my lifestyle and stay sane I try not to buy too much of the little stuff, and to give away unused gifts without guilt – and I have to say, this made moving a lot easier.

Here are some things that really helped me during this move, tips that you may benefit from whether or not you’re moving:

1. Buy an item, purge an item. When I buy a fun, casual piece of clothing, I have a rule: for each piece of clothing I buy, I have to give one away. An eye for an eye, only with clothes. This way, my closet is always current and filled with things I actually wear.

2. If someone else will enjoy it more than you, give it away. If you have a beautiful sweater you’ve only worn once in the last year, assume that there’s someone out there who will wear it a bit more often than that. Yes, it’s a beautiful sweater; that doesn’t mean you need to keep it in the back of your closet. Give it a new life!

3. Do away with “someday”. You know what I mean – “I’ll use this olive-stuffer someday, so I’ll keep it.” Your olive stuffer is now yet another item crammed into a kitchen drawer, taking up valuable space. Toss it. “Someday, I’ll wear this sequined dress to the opera.” Never been to the opera? It’s safe to say that space in your close would be better off filled with a simple cute dress that you’ll actually wear.

4. Organize before you move. Moving is sooo much nicer when you know what’s in each box. If you move in organized, you’ll be more likely to stay that way. Moving is difficult enough without having to sort through everything. Go area by area, take everything out, and ask yourself what items you really want to take with you and which can go. Once you’re done making your Give Away/Throw Away piles, you can begin to sort and make it look nice inside each moving box. Keep in mind that when you unpack, you’ll probably do some more purging. Purging is good. I know it doesn’t always feel that way at the time, but space is nicer than crammed closets and shelves.

Okay, that’s all for today. Happy weekend!

First, I just have to say, thank GOD the sun is shining. As a writer, it can be fun to type away in the window, watching the rain fall over San Francisco… but after a while it’s kind of depressing. Today, feeling the sun on my shoulders while walking in my neighborhood, I actually felt like whistling. I can’t whistle, so I made funny little chirping sounds. Ok, moving on…

Writing a blog for your business is a great idea. It’s great for SEO, it’s a fun distraction, and it is a way to reach potential business and inform existing customers. So maybe you’ve set up a blog, and you have written a few great articles but now you’re stuck. What can you write about?

When I write blogs for my clients, they will send ideas to me throughout the week but sometimes they get stuck. So I come up with ideas too. I have come up with some tried-and-true subjects that make great blog material and would like to share them with you.

Some examples of good article concepts are:

• FAQ’s: Frequently Asked Questions are always good fodder for blog articles – and they help your customers, too.
• Customer Stories: Do you have any good stories about your customers and their experience with your product? Check out this example of a story I wrote for one of my clients.
• Product of the Day/Week: Use your blog to showcase some of your most popular products.
• Your Philosophy: What’s your approach to customer service? What sets you apart from other businesses?
• News Headlines: Any headlines related to your product or service make great blog content!

Be creative, and have fun with it! You never know who’s reading your words. And if you get stuck or don’t have the time to create or maintain your own blog, that’s what I’m here for. Email me to get some help!

Until next time,

Robin

I just launched a new website where I will feature my writing clients and their businesses. I offer writing services for small businesses all over the Bay Area and beyond, and thought it would be fun to dedicate a page to them. Through this website, I can feature my clients’ services, and blog about what they offer to help increase their web visibility and improve their SEO. I’m really excited.

The idea started when I began writing web content for PrintableMemories.com, a website that offers custom photo gifts. I created their very own blog and designed it with their website in mind – after this, I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to mention the business in an additional blog (Google loves cross-linking).

Hope you enjoy it, and if you’re interested in starting your own business blog or being featured in mine, please drop me a line.

Thanks!

~Robin

But wait – you’re not done! There’s still one very important step you need to take, a step that can seal the deal: The Thank-You Letter.

Thank-you notes are old-fashioned. Maybe you’re like me and your parents made you write one for every family member who gave you a birthday present. And, like me, you often feel guilty for not sending them now. But nowadays, this seemingly quaint gesture is surprisingly powerful.

What A Thank-You Note Says About You

When you take the time to write a thoughtful note to the interviewer and all other potential coworkers you meet during an interview, it gives them insight into who you are. It also tells them:

• You care. You aren’t just running out and grabbing a beer after the interview – you’re still thinking about it and it means something to you.
• You are a good communicator.
• You’re detail-oriented. If you word it right (see below), you can show them that you remember everything about the interview.
• You’ll be pleasant to work with. A thank-you letter is not just advantageous; it’s thoughtful and kind. It lets them know you are grateful for their time and effort. In short, you’re a nice person.

How to Write a Great Thank-You Letter

So now you’re ready to write your note – but where do you start? Take out your notes from the interview. If you don’t have any, take out a piece of paper and write down everything you remember, from beginning to end. Once you have all your information, you can start writing. Here is an outline to get you started:

• Start by saying thank-you. Duh, right? But you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this. Thank them for taking the time to talk with you.
• Tell them how you think it went. For instance, now that you’ve met everyone, you are convinced you’re the perfect fit.
• Answer their questions one more time. Address each question you can remember and answer it again. Talk about your skills and abilities and how they line up (perfectly) with their needs.
• Talk about why you like them. What impressed you most about the company? Tell them what you love about the atmosphere, the systems that seemed to be in place, and of course, the job.
• Close with a promise. Tell them what you will do for them, how you will help their company succeed.

Write it By Hand!

So it’s been 10 years since you’ve handwritten anything? Dust off your favorite pen, by some nice, simple stationery, and write it down. I guarantee, it’ll probably be the only hand-written note they receive. It’s personal, it’s unusual, and it’s thoughtful. Tip: type it out first, do a spell check, and copy it down – it has to be legible and neat.

If your handwriting is bad and not going to get better, there are other ways to make your note stand out. Like:

Special Delivery

Should you email it, or send it by snail mail? If it’s a young, exciting start-up environment, email can work fine. Snail-mail takes too long: you need them to see it within 24 hours of your interview – and Fed-Exing it might look a little too eager/stalker-ish.

The best option? Bring it to them in person if at all possible. Why? Because they get to see your beautiful face one more time; it shows you really want the job; you are willing to go the extra mile (literally) for them.

If you had an okay interview, a good follow-up can give you a real chance of getting the job. It’s a small token of gratitude that goes a long, long way.

If you would like help writing your thank-you letter, I’d be more than happy to work with you. Email me and we’ll get started!

So it’s the New Year, and you’re still looking for a job. You’re sending your resume out to what seems like hundreds of jobs a day, but you still haven’t gotten a phone call. If this is the case, chances are, you’re starting to get kind of tired of the process, and you feel as if you’ll never find a job again.

Don’t despair, and try not to worry. Instead, focus on the task at hand and try to see this as an opportunity to learn about yourself and your goals. I know – I know, that this economy is crappy enough to make you want to throw in the towel, start a drinking habit, or worse – start applying for jobs you don’t want, just to make the rent.

If you don’t have enough money to pay the rent, or if you’re living off your credit card, taking an interim job just to pay the bills and stay afloat isn’t a bad idea, and remember, sometimes these kinds of jobs turn out to be more fun than you expected. I remember, when business was slow, I took a front-desk job at the local JCC. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but I ended up meeting new friends and getting a free gym membership as a perk. So you might be surprised.

Try searching for a job a different way. Here are some enjoyable (really!), unexpected ways to get a job you really want:

Go to the Source: Make a list of all the organizations and companies you’ve been dying to work for. Cool museums, art galleries, media companies, law firms, etc.. then, go to each company’s website and check out their employment page. Nothing? Contact them anyway, with a well-written letter stating your qualifications and why you’d love to work there. Who knows- they might even create a job for you in the future.

Ask Around: You probably have some friends who have jobs they love, or colleagues from that failed dot-com you worked for who you still talk to once in a while. Go ahead and ask them if their company is hiring, and to put in a good word for you.

Use Facebook: Update your status and say what kind of job you’re looking for. It doesn’t hurt, and you don’t know who will see it.*

*…which is fine, unless you’re presently employed. You don’t want your boss to see a post that says “hey guys! I’m SO ready to get out of this hell-hole”.

These are a few fun ways to search for jobs – they sure beat staring at Craigslist all day (don’t get me wrong, I love Craigslist). It’s a way to break up the monotony of your job search and make you feel like you’re in control – which you are.

That’s all for now. Happy rainy Tuesday, and good luck with your search! As always I’m here for help when you need it – just email me.

Cheers!

Robin

Ah, such a nice day here in the city. I’m sitting in my “office” (a local cafe with free wi-fi, a beautiful garden, and great coffee), and just finished a client’s cover letter. I have to say, I have gotten to know this client very well and have been impressed with her skills from the get-go. She is a fascinating woman and I’m excited to see her succeed.

There are many ways to write a cover letter. For me, the cover letter is the best part of any package you send out into the world: it’s your opportunity to show hiring managers why you are the perfect candidate for their position. It’s also a place where you can let your personality really shine.

I like to address several things in a cover letter: first, an introduction about yourself – what sets you apart in your field in terms of your style, your skills and experience. In addition, it’s important to speak directly about the position you are applying for and why you want to work for this particular company.

Here’s a general outline to get you started when you write your cover letter. I use this outline for most of my clients’ cover letters and it seems to do the trick!

Part 1: How’d You Get Here?

In your first paragraph, let them know how you found out about the company and/or the position you are applying for. Tell them you believe you are a perfect fit for the position.

Part 2: Who Are You?

In the second paragraph, talk a bit about your experience as it directly relates to the position you are applying for. This is important – if you are applying for an accounting job, don’t go on and on about your last job in customer service. Keep it relevant.

Part 3: Your experience + their job = a perfect match!

Print out the job description and highlight the duties you have done in the past, and any preferred or required qualifications you meet. Then write about each one, methodically tying your experience and skills in with what they need.

Part 4: Close the Deal.

Lastly, tell them why you want to work for them and make them believe they are the only job you are applying for. This may not be the case, and you don’t have to lie, but make them feel as if they are the only company in the world. Nobody likes to read something that seems insincere or canned (which is why I never, ever use templates!).

Why do you want to work there? Think about their values, their work environment, and quickly reiterate how your skills and experience make you the perfect fit for the position. Tell them you would love to set up a time to speak with them about this exciting opportunity.

More tips in a bit! In the meantime, good luck, and as always feel free to contact me if you need any help!

~Robin

My first reaction was, “Really?? How can someone write a good resume without getting to know the person whom they are writing it for?” I can’t understand how anyone can write a resume, or content, or marketing copy without getting to know the individual or business they are writing it for. But this is why we have templates, I suppose. Most resume writers have a set of templates (often found on the internet and not original) that they use to create resumes. So, the customer gets a normal, barely-adequate resume that says nothing about who they are.

So many times, you call a company to ask a question and you get lost in Voicemail Hell. Now, they’ve added a “personal” touch, where a nice-sounding robot lady talks with you – voice recognition makes you feel like you’re being listened to (or not, but that’s the goal). “Conversations” often go like this:

Robot Lady: “Hi! How can I help you today? Say your answer, please. “

You: “Question about a bill.”

Robot lady: “I’m sorry. I don’t understand your question. Please say it again.”

You: “QUESTION. ABOUT. A. BILL.”

Robot lady: “I’m sorry. I don’t understand your question. Goodbye!” <<click>>

Nice try, folks. But maybe we wouldn’t need to spend the money and research to create a “personal” experience using complicated technology…if we actually paid someone to answer the phone. Seems like a whole lot of trouble to get something that would be a lot easier if we used real people: quality customer service.

I worked for a startup, and our customer base consisted of small local retailers. Most of the shop owners who used our site weren’t internet-savvy; they placed their trust in us to do the right thing. My job, in addition to taking pictures and writing content to promote their store on the site, was to act as a liason between the company and our clients. I could have used the phone, and in some cases, I could have used email to reach out to them. But, every day, I’d hop on the bus or drive to a neighborhood to spend the day visiting each customer in person to make sure they were happy. I have to say, it was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.

Our customers loved that. And several times, when they were on the edge of canceling our service due to budget constraints, they stayed on board simply because they liked the fact I took the time to speak to them in person.

Back in the old days, you would walk into a neighborhood shop or grocery store and everyone would know your name, what you bought last time, how your family’s doing. I think that people are longing for more connection with others, connections that go beyond a quick post on Facebook or a text message.

Customer service is becoming a lost art. I do believe there are some companies out there who still believe in quality service and getting to know their customers, however. Actually, there are probably a lot. But when we have a good customer experience, we need to let these companies know and get the word out so they can continue to thrive.

I would like to take a moment to mention some local businesses who have what I consider to be AMAZING customer service. These guys are all in my neighborhood:

Tigges Jewelers: A jeweler on Geary Blvd that’s been around since 1930. I came in to get my engagement ring resized and the guy recognized me from when I had come in for a repair a year before. How cool is that? And they do amazing work for a great price.

Geary Shoe Repair: Just great service. Quick turnaround, and unbeatable prices.

Blue Danube Coffeehouse: The guys who work there, Alberto and Ernesto, are some of the sweetest people I’ve met. They always turn on the heatlamp outside if they see me sitting there with my fiance. Great food too.

How about you? Feel free to post your thoughts, and give kudos to businesses who know how to deliver great service.

Advertising: Blogging is a way to talk about your business or product, while reaching both existing customers and prospects. There are a million ways to write a blog, and a million more things to write about! You can write a newsletter, an advice column, a page of interesting facts…the list goes on and on. The key is to be creative and write about your product or service in as many ways and in as many places as possible.

Search Engine Optimization: Also known as “SEO”, a term you’ve no doubt heard at one point or another. SEO helps your website rank highly on major search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, Ask, etc. When you write for SEO, you use tools such as keywords and cross-linking to make sure your website is at the top of search results, so you will be found first.

Communication: A blog is a great tool to keep customers up to date on your services or products. Some use personal blogs as public diaries that allow friends and family to know what’s going on in their lives; businesses can do the same thing, by updating their customers on new products, upcoming events, sales, etc – it’s a great way to keep in touch with your customers while building a sense of community.

The more original content you have on your website or in your blog, the more valuable it is for marketing purposes and for your customers. You have to be careful – many blog writers out there will simply copy content from other websites and re-post it, either on your website or on their own blog. Not only is this a non-effective blogging technique, it also falls under that category we all learned about in grade school: plagiarism.

I write 100% original content for websites and blogs. My style is flexible, and I will write content that reflects the tone you wish to convey. I can also add pictures, lots of keywords, and make it engaging enough to show to your customers, family and friends. Another added bonus: you can use my content wherever you want. Once you pay for it, it’s yours to keep!

Original content is crucial if you want to get the attention you deserve through your website. Email me if you need some fresh, new content!