Out of the Blog, Into the Light

Writing an Executive Summary for Your Business

You may or may not have written an executive summary for your business. 

You can use this information in your print materials, on the Internet, in presentations and proposals, and more.

The three top reasons people don’t write one are: 

(1) They don’t know how;
(2) They haven’t even heard about it before; and
(3) They have no clue why they should. 

If you’ve already written yours.  Congratulations!  You ahead of the crowd.  Now, if you haven’t look at it in a year or more, then subtract seven of those points.  It’s time for a review and probably update.

I’m going to give you a six-step process on how to create your Executive Summary – or revise yours, it this is the case. 

Before you continue, I’ve attached a two forms -- Word and PDF -- to help make this easier. 

Let’s get started! 

First

For your first creation, you will be crafting your “Core Solution Statement.”  This is a simple phrase that communicates the essence of your solution. 

Here’s a fill-in example you can play with:  I/We help XX companies/individuals retain XX.

Time to play.  Using this example, write a page full of different sentences.  Do it until you have  three or four that feel just “like you.”

Second

Okay, second task – the problem.  What is the problem, pain or predicament your prospect has?  You must understand, you have to write this so the prospect understands the problem not just you – which is a common problem I run across. 

Here’s a practice sentence.  “These days the biggest challenge in XX is keeping XX.  If you know of a survey or statistics that back this up you can include this in the next sentence.  Example:  In a survey of XXX, the XXX.  The second sentence is your proof and improves your credibility fast.  So, take the time and do some research and find what’s says this problem is real.

Now, let me plug this in . . . these practice sentences are meant to play with.  There are too many variables to present one that’s right for everyone.

Third

Third – the solution.  This is NOT giving them the solution this is discussing what’s possible if you solve this problem.  Many people misunderstand this. 

In the second task, the second sentence, you were giving proof that there was a problem. 

In the third part of your Executive Summary you need proof again but you want to give them an emotional visualization of what the business or their life will look like after they have your solution.

Example:  Research also proves that the top reason for XXX is not XXX or XXX, but because of XXX.  The good news is that when XXX changes, XXX (what happens).

Fourth

Now the fourth part – how come?  This is where you discuss why companies/individuals are stuck with this problem (number 2 above) and not having the solutions (number 3 above).  There really isn’t a good example I can provide -- too many variables.  Take this slow, think about it, and maybe reread this. 

Fifth

The fifth part is easier.  It’s the one areas you’re most comfortable with.  This is the process you need to do – the steps -- needed to resolve this problem and give them the solution you described.  Again, continue playing.

Sixth

For the sixth, you answer the question, “Why you/us?”  A statement of why you are qualified to provide this solution.  Many begin with “since [year], [name of your business] has been XXX to XXX by XXX.  I hope you create something better.  But if this is where you begin, go for it.  Just begin.

When I first did this process, I found it painful.  Painful because I thought I knew my CPA practice after five years.  But once I moved past the guilt and admission to myself, I created 10 in a very short period -- all with different problems and/or solutions.  The information served me in so many ways over many years.  You’ll find the same.

This is worth the investment time you give it.  Promise.

Technorati Tags: how to write an executive summary for your business,forms,writing,planning,executive summary

10 Things I Learned About Successful Blogging After 7 Years Blogging

Darren Rowse is a blogging master.  Today he posted his 5000 post on his blog, ProBlogger.net.  He began blogging in the year 2004.  The same year the “Out of the Fog, Into the Light” (this blog) started.  Well, actually, I began this blog in 2002. Blogging was new then and my provider was green as well. 

In 2004, I decided to step up to the plate and become more professional.  This was when I moved the blog to TypePad.  I also decided not to reload the previous two year’s worth of posts.  Instead, I reviewed each post, there were 380 then, and either updated them and add into future posts or tossed them. 

Here, in celebration of my unknown number of posts but 1,184,812 lifetime page views I’d like to add to Darren’s post.  In his post, he summarizes some of the lessons he learned in building his blog.  I thought the his list was okay but would not have necessarily been my top ones. 

First, I’ll summarize his list and then I’ll discuss my lessons.

Beginning at 10 am Eastern Monday June 8, 2009

Beginning at 10 am Eastern, Monday, June 8, 2009, I will be posting one question per hour on Twitter that you will need to answer before you even decide to write the nonfiction book you’ve been thinking about writing.

Immediately following, around 7:30 pm, I will be posting some writing system secrets you definitely don’t want to miss – and in under 140 characters too.

To follow the tweets  @pronfwriter

Don’t have a Twitter account, click here.

Technorati Tags: @pronfwriter,Twitter,writing tips,nonfiction writing,catherine franz,how to writing

Sharing One of My Magic Wands -- OneNote

A few months ago I began using Microsoft’s OneNote.

I struggled for over a year trying to find a solution to most of my challenges with tracking and keeping information. I had papers scattered every where and MyDocs, even though it was well organized, was difficult to finding anything. 

The magic happened when I called Dell to order some computer stuff.  I couldn’t hold back my frustration.  Todd, the rep I use and I go back a few years and I just let loose.  He listened and in his cool quiet tone, he easily said, “OneNote” will do it all for you.

I think I remember hearing the name before but vaguely.  Todd said, “Don’t buy it yet, go ahead, download it’s 60-day trial.

The next day, I did just that and have been totally in love with it ever since.  It solved all my organizational challenges I wanted and many I didn't even dream about.  There were so many bonuses too wrapped up in this $100 application.

Months later and I’m still in love with OneNote. And I hear when other people discover its capabilities, they are too.  Within the first three days I tripled my productivity and it continues to climbs daily.

Now, I wish a magic wand could be waved to get all my years of back stuff in there. 

If you are suffering from information overload, or just want to be incredibly organized without much work, I recommend Microsoft’s OneNote.  Nothing to lose, try the trial.  It’s not hard to learn and there are lots of training videos on the Net, including what Microsoft offers, to get you up and running in less than 15 minutes. 

Afterwards, use your intuition and visit…

After a few days I found iheartonenote.com (click picture below to go to the site)looking for some additional training info.  This site is amazing and never stops teaching me new things I can do to be even more organized and info efficient.  You’ll love it too!

Marcus’ “I Love OneNote” Web site will give you all the info you need to decide for yourself.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft OneNote,testimonial,www.iheartonenote.com,organizing,organized,OneNote,notes,notebook,notepad,online journal,planners,iheartonenote,monthly,daily,organizer,download,microsoft,notebooks,share,sharing

The Cycle of Creativity and Reprogramming

I just finished reading some great information on the cycle of creativity by Mary Jaksch on her blog, Write to Done.  Click here to read it.  She’s shortened Paul Plsek’s process on Directed Creativity and presented some highlights I hadn’t remembered.

I’d like to add something to her discussion…

To read the remaining article, visit my ProNFwriter blog.

 

Technorati Tags: Cycle of Creativity,directed creativity,paul plsek,mary jaksch,write to done,law of attraction,energy levels of creativity

Let Your Survey Write Your Business Plan

This article by me is available to read here

Never overwrite a good idea again

Have you ever heard of the "Writeboard" service online?

Well, I never had until a few weeks ago. Allow me to share this with you.

Writeboard is perfect for...

Authors, journalists, PR folks, editors, and publishers
Bloggers or freelance/independent writers
Letter writers, songwriters, poets, comedians, creatives
Students, professors, and groups collaborating on a paper

First, let me explain what they mean by "Writeboard."

Getting Past The “Shoulds” To Write

I'm a member of LinkedIn and belong to several communities there.

Occasionally I add a small comment or two. Yet, one day, about a month ago, someone wrote for feedback. I can't even remember how it began. Yet, this particular time it got my heart juices going and the words flowed. A long flow now that I've re-read it.

The community leader liked it so much he asked to use it on his blog. I was flattered. And still am.

Here's the link to the story now posted on his blog. Remember, this is first draft, fast, heart moving copy. There are grammar errors for sure, just move past them and feel the love, hope and inspiration full blast of my intention.

Take a trip with me from my past to my present.

Inspiration from a writer's searching soul…

http://kindpointer.com/archives/2009/03/18/getting-past-the-shoulds-to-write/

What are your thoughts on emotional messaging?

In the March 9, 2009 issue of DMNews their top article mentions "emotional messaging."

I've heard this expression before and I think I understand what it means yet something was saying, "There's more."

How to Write a Novel “Free” Course

Are you self-starter learner and want to write a novel, or even improve your novel writing?

Then you may want to investigate the following free courseware:

http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/novel/.