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You are here: Home / blog / 3 Fears That Will Sabotage Your Writing (and how to make sure they don’t)

3 Fears That Will Sabotage Your Writing (and how to make sure they don’t)

by Kathy Leave a Comment

It feels so good to write in the voice of a cause you believe in, or to write a kick-ass contributed article on behalf of your boss because you know you’ve made him look great.

You can really get behind that sort of writing – because you are behind it. You’re invisible.

It’s another thing entirely to be out front, writing as yourself – in your own voice – especially when your voice is also the voice of your business.

There’s so much riding on it.

You’re out there! Vulnerable. Exposed.

And while you’re shakin’ in your boots, this stuff starts messing with your head:

  • Your writing isn’t good enough…
  • You don’t have anything valuable to say…

If you have a freak out and don’t start scribbling soon, your reputation will be AWOL and your website will be…nasty. 🙁

Fortunately there is (always) a way to flip fear on its head.

Here we go:

1) Not being good enough (a.k.a. perfectionism)

Being human = being imperfect.

The only person who had perfection nailed was Mary Poppins and she was only ‘practically’ perfect.

(c Walt Disney Productions)

You and I are more like the kids, Jane and Michael – stubborn, messy and inclined to giggle. 😉

When it comes to your writing, you don’t need to wait until it’s perfect and the stars are aligned. That’s not gonna happen.

Your writing is good enough now. Just get it out there. You can always do a follow-up post or an edit, later.

Remember, the longer you wait the more likely it is that your ideal clients have wandered over to another site with similar information.

Yeah, the clock is ticking but there’s always time to be yourself.

Clients don‘t want you to be perfect, they want you to be human.

TIP: If it makes you feel better, give your writing to an eagle-eyed editor or friend – just to check typos and punctuation.  Then post it ASAP. In-depth knowledge and expertise beats “perfection” every time.

2) Having nothing of value to say

You don’t think you have anything unique to say that will provide real value to clients?

That’s normal. You downplay your own expertise, in part because you are too close to it. You don’t know what you know.

If it comes easily, you may think you are stating the obvious. Doesn’t everyone know that?

But it may only be obvious to you.

If you read something similar online, remember that no one says it like you do. And as you write – in that engaging, unique voice of yours — you’ll attract a following.

TIP: Dig into your expertise by creating a list of questions about your business and then ask a friend who is not in your industry, to interview you. With your friend’s help, brainstorm your answers into 10-15 blog titles that he or she would be curious to read and —  get writing! 

3) Being vulnerable

Vulnerability is for babies, small animals and love songs. Not business.

Business is where you look strong, capable and professional – especially when you are running your own company. You’ve got way too much on the line to let your vulnerability show through.

Nope.

With all the competition out there, you need to stand out and one of the best ways is by showing that you’re vulnerable.

That means telling stories that show your personality and life experience – even the embarrassing bits.

If you’re a fitness trainer talk about when you were overweight and always got chosen last for the team.  If you help women with their finances, share a story about a time when you were not in the black and what you did about it.

Being vulnerable in these ways won’t detract from your credibility; it will make you more relatable and clients will realize that you’re exactly the one they need.

The writing won’t be as uncomfortable to do, either. 😉

TIP: Only share vulnerabilities about yourself, your life or your business that are relevant to what your audience needs and wants. This will keep your writing on-brand and on-message.

Ever have those days when you think your writing is garbage? Share how you beat back those rotten little gremlins in the comments below.

If you’d rather get the writing off your plate altogether, head over here to see how I can help you.

 

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c 2014 Kathy Barthel

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: business writing, fears that will sabotage your writing and what to do about it, how to build confidence in your writing, how to fight insecurities when you write, how to fight your writing fears, how to generate ideas for your business, how to write for your business, Kathy Barthel web copywriter, web copywriting, what to do when the words aren't coming, what to do when the words won't come, writing articles for your website, writing for business, you are a good writer

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Kathy is a lovely person to work with and very creative!

She took my "technical language" business concepts, understood my essence and translated them into copy that is easy to understand and has given me great results.

Leyla Razeghi, Business Strategist Leyla Razeghi

 

Kathy,

I cannot say enough good about your work, your methodology and the results.

Before working with you, my bio was “all over the place” and didn’t really communicate who I am personally or as a professional.

You listened, used the exact phrases I spoke, and put together a clear and concise bio that helps others to get to know me before we ever meet.

Thanks!
Lesley

Lesley V. Ingves
The Business Systemizer
Clear Pathway, LLC

 

Thank you Kathy for taking the time to look at the website and offering your insight on how to help me.

I really appreciate that, and yes, I think it's a great idea to have a Q&A for the agents and how it would serve them.

How wonderful that we've connected, and thanks for all your suggestions.

May you Take on the World with much success,

Hilda Rendl

 

I worked with Kathy when my website was desperately in need of updating. I felt I was staring at the same copy and changing words but nothing was getting better.

Kathy to the rescue! She swept in, had just the right perspective and with some amazing editing - the copy popped and still felt exactly like my voice.

Kathy was a wonder and an angel - I was so lucky our worlds collided and I would recommend her to any entrepreneur struggling to create awesome copy that still “feels like them.”

Thank you Kathy!

Jo Ilfeld, PhD, Success Reboot

 

Kathy Barthel is the real deal, she just get’s it.

Her understanding of how to produce meaningful copy and attention grabbing headlines that are also easily searchable was a big benefit for me and still is today.

Her ability to edit and publish e-books was done with such clarity that they almost took on a life of their own. I was very impressed.

I would highly recommend Kathy Barthel for anyone looking to make an impact through either print or online. Kathy Barthel is the one you want hands down!

Adam Linden, SRES, AGA, CARP Ambassador

 

I found Kathy while floundering around with the third version of my website, one I was even more unhappy with than the previous two. I felt I was going nowhere fast.

In a surprisingly short amount of time, really as we were just chatting, she helped me get to the heart of why someone would call me for my work. And how to present it in a clear, compelling style.

Even with a background in writing, and a very heart centered business, I was completely missing the mark.

She got me to the heart of the matter fast, and it was --hard to believe:) -- fun!

I highly recommend Kathy. She will get you back on track quickly and accurately, smiling (instead of groaning) along the way.

Susan Francis, Harmonious Pets and People

About Take on the World

I’ve been a word nerd since I was three. Back then, my favourite TV program was the word-association game show, “Password.” I’d beg my mom to let me stay up to watch it and get all excited when … Learn More

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About Take on the World

Helping women entrepreneurs find their voice -- and their own words to express it -- so they can take on the world!

All site contents ©2018 Kathy Barthel

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Recent Posts

  • How to Use Case Studies to Get More Clients
  • 7 Steps for Quick and Easy Content Curation
  • What Makes Your Business So Special? Take the Quiz.

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