Basic Marketing Techniques  

Effective marketing is key to your success. Marketing is based on your image and message, both of which can be delivered in a myriad of methods.

Maggiani, Rich. STC Proceedings (2002). Articles>TC>Marketing

Policy and Procedure Communication and the Lone Writer  

As a lone writer developing policy and procedure documentation, many of us face what appear to be insurmountable hurdles in reaching our intended goal – useable documentation that accurately reflects the business’ operations. It usually begins with trying to get everyone to take the need for P & P documentation seriously. This can be followed by frustrations in getting the information required to write coherent and useful documentation. Then there is the need for standards for which no one sees the importance – ‘just a whim of the writer’. Add to this volatile mix the requirements of many international standards impacting how business is conducted, and you wonder why anyone in right mind would take up the challenges of this field of writing. But it really can be fun and a very rewarding field of endeavor.

Mason, Susan, Rich Maggiani, Julia Margulies and Ralph E. Robinson. STC Proceedings (2002). Articles>Documentation>Policies and Procedures>Business Communication

Protect Yourself: Write a Contract  

For independent consultants, contractors, and business owners, operating with contracts is paramount to your success. Contracts permit you to define the project, how it will be completed, and how you will be paid. They offer methods of restitution should things not proceed as planned or anticipated. Contracts also demonstrate how serious you are about yourself and your client, and make a profound statement about your professionalism. Contracts are not to be taken lightly. Never go it alone; always have a competent lawyer review and provide legal advice when writing a contract or before agreeing to any terms dictated by your client. This paper presents a number of terms and conditions for your consideration.

Maggiani, Rich. STC Proceedings (2002). Careers>Consulting>Legal

Responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP)  

Responding to requests for proposals is a proven method of getting new work. Most review committees, however, hold certain expectations for the content and presentation of these responses. Following these 'unwritten rules' greatly enhances your chances of being interviewed, and chosen to complete the work. Your proposal must be all inclusive, thus making it easier for the reviewers to obtain all the information they need about you and about your capabilities. Following the rules stated in the RFP is a necessity; also consider adding other information that enhances your proposal and demonstrates your understanding of their needs and ability to meet their goals.

Maggiani, Rich. STC Proceedings (2002). Resources>Grants>Proposals

Writing for Results  

All writing elicits some action or reaction—some result—from the reader. These results need not be arbitrary. You, as author, can greatly influence how your reader acts. Effective writing achieves your desired results. You can increase your chances of success by following the ten steps outlined in Writing for Results. Through these steps, you tailor your message so that it appeals to your reader’s needs and interests, thus enabling action that helps you get exactly what you want. This process works for both long and short communiqués.

Maggiani, Rich and Allison Brochu. STC Proceedings (1999). Articles>Writing>Rhetoric

The Generational Effect on Social Media    

In his first column for Intercom, Rich Maggiani discusses the onset of social media as a significant new form of communication, and how the youngest generation is now setting the tone while Baby Boomers struggle to keep up.

Maggiani, Rich. Intercom (2009). Articles>Collaboration>Online>Social Networking