For those who don't identify as writers, composing a cover letter for a job application can be downright terrifying. It doesn't have to be -- I can help, if you'd like! -- as long as you avoid including these five things.
Read moreWhat not to include in a résumé
Over many years working with job-seeking clients, I've learned just how scared they are about putting together a résumé. They fear that one wrong action verb could dash their chances at their dream job.
It typically isn't the case -- hey, if you qualify for a job and can clearly express it, you're likely to win an interview -- but I love helping them finesse their job application documents. After reviewing scores of outdated résumés, I'd say there are eight things you should never include in your résumé.
Read moreHow to write a love poem (without barfing)
As Plato said, at the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. And I have one piece of poetry-writing advice that will save you a headache.
Read more7 questions to ask before ditching your writing
Many writers get far into a project only to toss it. Are you one of them? There's no shame in knowing a piece isn't meant to be; I wish I had a better sense of it for my own work, an inner direction for moving on or digging in.
How do you know when to give up on a piece of writing?
Read moreWhen writing isn't magic and you want to tear out your hair
When creativity happens, you're in the flow, and it's a golden moment. You rush to record that freight train's message then sit back in applause for your genius.
That's cute. That's sweet. I could punch something.
Read moreAre you building strong connections with your tribe?
I wrote this headline and immediately gave myself pause, because I think my answer is no, I'm not. There's a big difference between connections (social media followers) and strong connections (selfless relationships). As entrepreneurs, we place a huge emphasis on gaining a following in the hopes of earning clients, but first, we have to earn our community's selfless trust.
Read moreGet info you *really* want from your subscribers
The first hurdle to jump in content marketing is knowing your audience, even before you have a product to sell, and it doesn't have to be a mystery: Outright asking them what you want to know is the simple solution, and you can do so with a signup form.
Here's how to make sure your signup form isn't turning people off.
Read more6 ways to push through writer’s block
There’s no wrong way to set up your writing environment for success.
Here are six parameters I’ve found that work for me, and I’d love to hear what’s worked for you, too.
Read moreOptimizing for mobile? Don’t forget your subject line.
If limiting your soul-baring tweets to 140 characters is a challenge, think smaller when it comes to your emails. Much smaller: Smart phones only display five or six words of your email's subject line, so the gist of your message should be conveyed in about 20-30 characters when in portrait orientation.
Read moreWhy you should narrow your content's focus
It’s a good thing to have so many ideas, and we definitely don't want to change your creativity, yet perfecting your work's niche is vital to its success. In marketing, we talk about focused calls to action: What do you want your reader to do with what you've told them? You can pick one thing. Okay, sometimes the situation calls for two CTAs, but let's put constraints on ourselves to see what happens: Pick one thing. Here's how.
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