Svaha: the time between seeing lightning and hearing the thunder
I will be eternally grateful for your great gift of taking in to the fullest extent what it is that I have to offer, living it, and then reflecting it back in terms of the potential experience of others. You have given words to a process that defies words. And you’re constantly in a position to help me continue to hone that, deeper and deeper and more and more resonantly, who I am and what I offer, which is truly invaluable. — Jon Hansen, The Remembering Room, Richmond, Illinois
What you’ve sent me is so darn perfect it hurts! It’s a sheer pleasure to work with someone who writes as beautifully as you do — and in “my” voice. — Ariane Goodwin, Ed.D, smARTist® Telesummit, Millers Falls, Massachusetts
You have a real gift for words. You’re really, really good at it. — Sherry Essig, Priority Ventures Group, Raleigh, North Carolina
You’ve built such integrity of message in your company. I know that’s because it springs forth intrinsically, but you stay so focused at your core! I can’t think of a better way to phrase that laser-beam focus you have. It’s funny, because in someone else, laser-beam focus would be intense, but somehow you manage to make it much more kind and easy. — Jessica Albon, Thrive Your Tribe, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
I’ve never worked with anybody in the way that I’ve worked with you in terms of trusting in your abilities to the level that I have. — Catherine Hajnal PhD, Eight Branches Consulting, Vancouver, Canada ... facilitating and nurturing joyful living
You have an uncanny ability to see through what is being said and surface all the “unsaid” issues. Then you quickly give candid feedback and have a tremendous toolbox to help me move forward through your expert guidance of the right tool.
I have worked with many facilitators/coaches/counselors relating to work and personal situations. Your skills are exemplary and moved me faster than I ever expected. — Jennifer Baker, Fishers, Indiana
You bring both a spiritual perspective and some real-world hard-headedness. — Janet Bailey, Mindful Time Management, San Francisco, California
Brava! I wish I could draw a picture of me — you’d see me in a deep bow to you!
I read your newsletter as soon as it hits my in-box and you’re always right on with your advice. I had to let you know that this issue is particularly brilliant.
I will definitely keep this info — and your contact info — in a secure place.
Thanks so much for sharing your insight and wisdom. — Debbie Rodgers, CGA
(Note: This isn’t a standard article, but it contains significant information about my business, and it’s how I announced some changes in my business to my newsletter readers. Therefore, I’ve chosen to include it in the archives list.)
Over the years, I’ve helped friends, clients, and business acquaintances craft messages that resonate for them. These are messages that speak deeply to who they are and what their business is about — messages that are often difficult for people to access on their own.
Now, I’m taking the leap into doing this amazing work as the primary focus of my business, instead of just as favors to friends and the occasional writing project for clients in need.
(I think I hear many of those friends and business acquaintances chorusing, “It’s about time!” I agree!)
In the words of one of my clients, “I had been working with coaches, with teachers, and in marketing groups, and I was always at a place of frustration because I couldn’t access what it was that I truly offered, and how I could present that to other people. I will be eternally grateful for your great gift of taking in to the fullest extent what it is that I have to offer, and then reflecting it back in terms of the potential experience of others. You have given words to a process that defies words.”
On October 1st, 2009, I released my rewritten website, reflecting this new focus.
I also posted a personal manifesto on my blog. It’s a heartfelt statement of what I do and why.
Some of you signed up to receive this newsletter when I was writing about how to survive in the corporate world.
I encourage you to stick around.
I promise that what I write about will continue to be applicable to your situation. Learning more about the effects of language on your audience is always useful, no matter what your situation may be.
But if you’re thinking, “Whoa! This isn’t what I expected — I’m outta here!” — I understand. I’ve loved having you as a reader, and I wish you all the best.
I considered what questions you might have, and I’ve included those that seemed most likely here.
If you have questions that aren’t answered here, or if you have any feedback you’d like to share, please click “reply” and let me know what you’re thinking. Your email will come directly to my in-box, and I’ll respond personally — and quickly.
1. I’m one of your corporate readers. Tell me again how your new focus will be pertinent to me?
Understanding more about how language, syntax, and phrasing affect what someone hears will help you frame your message so that you're more likely to get what you want and need — whether that’s a new client, a promotion, or getting assigned to that great new project. Sometimes just one or two words can make a huge difference in how your message is received.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what I’m focusing on.
In the aftermath of the recession, many people are asking themselves questions about who they really are and what’s truly important to them. I’ll be writing about ways for you to explore those questions and find your own deeper purpose and vision. These suggestions will help small businesspeople find their connection with the essence of their business. And they’ll help anyone, in any career, find their resonance with who they are and what’s of deepest importance to them.
2. You talk about helping small biz people with writing. Does this mean you’re going to be writing those weird online sales pages with all the yellow highlighting?
Yikes — no!
My philosophy is that marketing can and should be helpful. Marketing can provide positive information that someone can use even if they don’t choose to buy in that moment.
Also, I help with lots more than just websites. I write and edit my clients’ articles, books, educational materials — just about anything you want written, I’ll help with.
And again, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
My clients struggle with that “place of frustration,” yearning to articulate their passion — the work that’s a true calling for them — in ways that make sense to their clients.
And that’s where my gifts of listening, language, and intuition come into full play. That’s where my work becomes most powerful — helping you articulate what you do, why you do it, and who you are. Helping you articulate it in ways that resonate deeply for you, first and foremost, so that you have the clear, simple language you need to connect with your clients.
3. I’ve been working with you — or thinking about working with you — to help me advance my career and figure out what I really want to be doing. Should I go look for someone else now?
No, of course not. (You knew I’d say that, right?)
I’m 100% here for my clients and readers in every way that I always have been — and now even more.
To really know the answer to this question, though, read my blog entry “Me and My Work — a personal manifesto.”
4. This sounds cool! How can I help?
Who do you know who needs help with writing or editing? Who do you know who’s struggling to connect with the essence of what s/he does, struggling to articulate it simply, clearly, and powerfully?
Send him or her to my website or give him/her my email address. And let me know you did so. I want to be able to thank you!
What’s frustrating for you about writing? Do you struggle to find the words that express who you are in your business, that describe what you do, that connect with your customers?
Do you feel as if you’re deeply in touch with what you do, and why you do it?
Whatever questions you have for me, I’d love to hear them. Just send me a note. Your email comes directly to my in-box, and I answer all emails personally.
I’m excited, fascinated, and moved by this new direction. I hope you’ll join me in discovering where it leads.
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