Let’s just get this out of the way right now: we all make mistakes.  Even if we take the time to focus on education and experiential learning none of us are perfect.  When it comes to business writing, there are all sorts of mistakes to be made: typos, grammar issues, tone inconsistencies and more.  If you want to make sure that your business writing is as strong as possible, however, I’ve listed some of the most common mistakes to avoid.

It’s not about the writing

Sure, business writers should, ideally, know how to write professionally.  It’s probably recommended for long-term success.  However, the most common errors in business writing that I’ve seen don’t have to do with the actual writing itself.  In fact, they are more about how you approach your writing and selling it to clients.

The most common errors in business writing

1. You use first drafts as samples: So, I lied. This sorta-kinda has to do with writing.  Whether they are samples on your website or a sample of the content that a client has asked to see during a project, you should make sure that you don’t send out the first draft.  Even if the customer says not to worry about typos, you should, in fact, worry.  You only get one chance to show them what you can do, so make sure your samples are top quality.
2. You don’t listen to the client’s needs: You have to remember that the client is always right.  If the customer wants a humorous tone, make sure that you focus on adding in humour as much as possible.  If they want the content no longer than 500 words, watch that word count.  As frustrating as it may seem at times, you have to always listen to the client’s needs, and meet them.
3. You ignore a bad experience: The time will come when you will have to deal with a difficult client.  Maybe it’s just someone who is deliberately causing a problem, or maybe they genuinely have an issue with something that you are offering.  As a business professional, you have to learn from every order with every customer.  Good or bad, you can help yourself avoid a similar situation in the future by using every order as a learning experience.

BONUS: You ignore help: Maybe it’s a mentor or just someone who can see something you can’t.  Accept help whenever and wherever you can, because being a business writer is hard work.  If someone wants to help you out, let them!

You are going to make mistakes no matter what.  We all do, and that’s a big part of how we all grow as writers!  By avoiding these common mistakes in business writing, though, you can make room for a few of your own, and then grow even stronger because of them.  Just remember to keep it all in perspective.

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