You have to say something 7 times before it sticks… are you giving up before you hit the magic number?

“If I post the same thing on LinkedIn that I shared in my newsletter…won’t people unfollow me?” Nope!

“I already posted about XYZ, so we can’t post that again.” Incorrect.

You don’t sound like a broken record… your audience doesn’t remember what you said a week ago, let alone a month ago.

Repeating your message is the best way to get the point across.

Repeating your message works for marketing AND in everyday communication.

For example, if you are managing a tight deadline and don’t want things to fall through, here’s how you can repeat the message without sounding like a jerk:

1. Subject line of email: For Review by May 10: Summer Strategy Doc
2. Body of any project related email: “…here is a snapshot of upcoming project deadlines”
3. In meeting agenda: place an overview of the timeline at the top of the doc with a “We are here” note
4. During live meetings: “Before we wrap up, let’s review our upcoming project deadlines”

These are 4 different ways to say the same thing to clearly get your point across, without a “ugh, this again” response.

“On Writing” is the first Stephen King book I’ve read – and the last, I am not the target audience for the horror genre. Nevertheless, I recommend it for anyone wanting to reflect and improve on their own writing, specifically for creative writers.

Here are 3 tools for your writer’s toolbox to strengthen your skills (according to Stephen King):

1. Improve your vocabulary. But not with a “word of the day” pull off calendar, please. You need to learn new words naturally (through reading!) so that you can use ‘em without stuffing them.
2. Refresh your grammar knowledge. Grammar is SO important. But, also…it’s OK to break grammar rules sometimes – to make a point or draw readers in. Ya’know whadda mean?
3. Pay attention to your voice. Don’t use passive language; adverbs are not your friend; omit needless words.

It’s a fascinating book that is part biography regarding how he became a world famous author and part writing advice for those who wish to learn more about his skills. I learned a ton and was impressed by how this book, published in 2000, isn’t outdated (where it matters, anyway).

What’s on your reading list this month?