I am busy helping others so I am not accepting new clients at this time.
Reflections
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Take time to reflect. You may be surprised by the patterns or hidden depths you discover, making these moments of calm introspection more valuable and significant for yourself and for your business.
What other interesting questions are you asking—and answering—that aren’t on this list?
- What is your greatest gift?
- Who do people say you are and is this how you want to be remembered?
- How have you grown in the past year?
- Where did you gain clarity or discover true purpose?
- What excites you?
- Who or what is more precious to you today than a year ago?
- What fills you with joy or makes you laugh?
- Are you letting go of anything you once considered important?
- For what are you giving thanks?
- How are you making a difference in the world?
What other interesting questions are you asking—and answering—that aren’t on this list?
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
Proverbs 27:19
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Proverbs 27:19
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
What matters
Do your customers know what matters to you? Are you communicating the same clear, concise message with your words and actions? Are your values reflected in how you conduct yourself and your business? Are people a priority in your policies and procedures? Would family and friends and those who have known you the longest agree?
I was recently reminded that we can forget a person’s exact words. It’s much harder to forget how someone else’s words made us feel. Each of us has roughly 16 hours each day to let other people know they matter.
What matters to you? Can others tell?
I was recently reminded that we can forget a person’s exact words. It’s much harder to forget how someone else’s words made us feel. Each of us has roughly 16 hours each day to let other people know they matter.
- Listen more than you talk
- Speak words of truth, encouragement, blessing, and praise instead of cursing
- Seek the greater good
- Work together
- Be generous with your time, your talents, your skills, your resources, and your connections
- Act unselfishly
- Do the loving thing
What matters to you? Can others tell?
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
John 13:34
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
How are YOU doing?
Has your inbox been flooded by companies telling you what they are doing to keep you and/or their employees safe while you purchase their products or use their services? Too bad you can’t monetize all those messages, right? You could then support a worthy cause, pay some bills, or do something in between.
What I am not seeing is
We all have basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, and human contact. Some people require additional care for medical conditions, mental health challenges, and recovery. Others need protection from abuse. We cannot assume every person has family, friends, and neighbors looking out for them.
So how are you doing? Are you well? Are your basic needs being met? Are you safe? Do you need a virtual hug?
Each of us can bring a little sunshine, laughter, and hope to someone else. It starts with being concerned with how another person is doing. You offer words of encouragement. You share what brings you joy instead of despair. You do a random act of kindness or behave unselfishly. You invest in human beings instead of business.
Who needs to hear you ask “How are you doing?” today?
Has your inbox been flooded by companies telling you what they are doing to keep you and/or their employees safe while you purchase their products or use their services? Too bad you can’t monetize all those messages, right? You could then support a worthy cause, pay some bills, or do something in between.
What I am not seeing is
- How are YOU doing?
- Are you safe and well?
- Is there something you need?
- How can I help?
We all have basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, and human contact. Some people require additional care for medical conditions, mental health challenges, and recovery. Others need protection from abuse. We cannot assume every person has family, friends, and neighbors looking out for them.
So how are you doing? Are you well? Are your basic needs being met? Are you safe? Do you need a virtual hug?
Each of us can bring a little sunshine, laughter, and hope to someone else. It starts with being concerned with how another person is doing. You offer words of encouragement. You share what brings you joy instead of despair. You do a random act of kindness or behave unselfishly. You invest in human beings instead of business.
Who needs to hear you ask “How are you doing?” today?
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Luke 10:27
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Luke 10:27
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Today
What can you do today? None of us knows what tomorrow will bring but we can use our time wisely and make the most of today.
As a writer, my mind immediately goes to the written word.
What will you do TODAY?
What can you do today? None of us knows what tomorrow will bring but we can use our time wisely and make the most of today.
As a writer, my mind immediately goes to the written word.
- Write notes to each of your clients
The notes I cherish are handwritten and personal, not “I’m thinking of you and I hope you will remember me by purchasing ___.” - Catch up on capturing blog post ideas
Pick your themes, categories, and occasions then get those great ideas out of your head (and off your phone and Post-It notes) and written down in one place. - Pen a post or two
With all those great ideas to choose from, why not write or record a couple of blog posts?
- Draft your next newsletter
Keep your customers informed about changes to your business model and how you are keeping them safe. For instance, are you open for business and, if so, what are your hours? Do you deliver? Do you offer virtual consultations or workshops?
- Entertain, educate, and encourage
Use your words for good. Brighten someone's day. Teach. Reach out. - Publish news
Announce what’s new with your company. Are you offering a unique service in response to an urgent need? Producing a sought-after product? Making your neighbors’ lives easier?
- Update your policies, procedures, and business plan
As your business changes with the times, company policies, procedures and forms, and even your business plan may need to be refreshed. Take time to do so now.
- Start your book
Jot down your main headings or quotes you want to use. Brainstorm a title. Begin putting words on paper (or on your electronic device). You could also turn your workshops and conference presentations into print-on-demand books and e-books.
What will you do TODAY?
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
James 4:13-15
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
James 4:13-15
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
You can do it: one step at a time
Is there something you know is good for you or your business, but you just can’t seem to get around to it? Don’t look at how hard it is, how much you don’t feel like it, how long it will take, or the lack of immediate rewards. Focus on taking one step at a time. You will be able to look back and see you have accomplished great things.
Because I love time with my family and I own a business—you may see an immediate challenge there, even before I finish this sentence—it’s not realistic for me to spend several months of every year on a hiking trail. However, because I can use the exercise, I have chosen to set “trail” goals to keep me motivated and on the move.
I began with the Appalachian Trail. Family members and I hiked several sections of the actual trail in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I logged virtual miles for the remainder of this Maine-to-Georgia trail.
Is there something you know is good for you or your business, but you just can’t seem to get around to it? Don’t look at how hard it is, how much you don’t feel like it, how long it will take, or the lack of immediate rewards. Focus on taking one step at a time. You will be able to look back and see you have accomplished great things.
Because I love time with my family and I own a business—you may see an immediate challenge there, even before I finish this sentence—it’s not realistic for me to spend several months of every year on a hiking trail. However, because I can use the exercise, I have chosen to set “trail” goals to keep me motivated and on the move.
I began with the Appalachian Trail. Family members and I hiked several sections of the actual trail in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I logged virtual miles for the remainder of this Maine-to-Georgia trail.
My next challenge was the Pacific Crest Trail. Again, I did a combination of family hikes in California and virtual miles along the remainder of the Pacific coast.
My latest accomplishment is the equivalent of walking from the Atlantic Ocean to just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge in California. I am blessed to have actually been to both these places and many amazing spots in between. Family joined me for walking/actual hiking in multiple states, national parks, climates, and conditions. We also detoured way north (Maine) and south (South Carolina) of the middle-of-the-country path for fun. The company and the diverse scenery made the miles seem to fly by. For the virtual portion of my coast-to-coast trek of the United States, I used the map provided at Webwalking USA Walking Program (https://www.verywell.com/webwalking-usa-walking-program-3432830).
You may think this was easy after all the practice I had. There were still setbacks I had to overcome—a foot injury, a sickness or two, family emergencies, work deadlines—but the habit was established and I could see results.
You can achieve the same success. Choose what you want to accomplish, what path you will take, who you want to walk beside you in the process, and then set out on your journey. You can do it, one step at a time.
You may think this was easy after all the practice I had. There were still setbacks I had to overcome—a foot injury, a sickness or two, family emergencies, work deadlines—but the habit was established and I could see results.
You can achieve the same success. Choose what you want to accomplish, what path you will take, who you want to walk beside you in the process, and then set out on your journey. You can do it, one step at a time.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him” Psalm 37:23
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
What’s so special about this business anniversary?
I haven’t been in business 150 years like some corporations or even 5 decades like other companies. So what makes my business anniversary special? It’s you—my client.
Each and every client has contributed to the E-Content Butler story. Your field of expertise—often so different from my own—makes my work more interesting. Your questions keep me at the top of my game. How you do business has helped me clearly articulate my values.
Current and prospective customers also provide the impetus to explore new trends and technologies. Although the writing process hasn’t changed in my 13+ years in business, the process of sharing your words continues to evolve at a rapid rate.
Last but not least, I am thankful that business acquaintances and clients have become friends over the years. Thank you so very much. May your business also thrive and may you celebrate a wealth of milestones and business anniversaries of your own.
I haven’t been in business 150 years like some corporations or even 5 decades like other companies. So what makes my business anniversary special? It’s you—my client.
Each and every client has contributed to the E-Content Butler story. Your field of expertise—often so different from my own—makes my work more interesting. Your questions keep me at the top of my game. How you do business has helped me clearly articulate my values.
Current and prospective customers also provide the impetus to explore new trends and technologies. Although the writing process hasn’t changed in my 13+ years in business, the process of sharing your words continues to evolve at a rapid rate.
Last but not least, I am thankful that business acquaintances and clients have become friends over the years. Thank you so very much. May your business also thrive and may you celebrate a wealth of milestones and business anniversaries of your own.
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Tell your story starting with this checklist
It’s your story but it’s my mission to help you tell it well. This E-Content Butler checklist will get you started.
1. Decide who your intended audience will be
Are you addressing your children or heirs, family and friends, those who need your expertise, individuals facing similar circumstances as you, future generations who will need an eyewitness account of history as it was being made, complete strangers who have money to purchase your story, someone who _________ ?
2. Pick your “voice”
Tailor your writing style to your intended audience. Pick easy-to-understand words and concepts for small children. Use humor to entertain family and friends and build them up. Share your expertise in a manner suitable for where it will be published—professional journals, for instance, require a more scholarly tone than a newsletter. Choose whether you will tell your story in first person (“I” and “we”) or in third person (“she” and “he”) from a narrator’s point of view.
3. Choose your format
Which format will you start with (you can expand to others later): audio recordings, blog, book in print, e-book, newsletter, series of articles, series of videos, or a Web site?
4. Create an outline
There is no one-size-fits-all for storytelling—you can organize your tale alphabetically (A is for _____, B is for _____), around one common theme that is repeated multiple ways, chronologically with a timeline, numerically (1. ___ 2. ___ 3. ___), ordinally (First ___. Secondly ____. Thirdly ___.), or sequentially—this can be as simple as an introduction, text, and conclusion or as complicated as a prologue, multiple chapters with subheadings or plot twists, and an epilogue.
5. Select your “look”
Like your voice, the presentation of your story should also appeal to your chosen audience. Things to consider include accessibility for those with audio and visual challenges; a coherent color scheme for branding, images, and any online presence; font size and font style; how you will handle captions, credits, footnotes, references; how much white space you want to include in your presentation; placement and number of images; and whether your storytelling will be playful, professional, or somewhere in between.
6. Gather supporting evidence
This includes facts, figures, photographs and other images, quotes, source and copyright information, and written permission to use all of the above if they are not your own.
7. Block off time each day to work on your story
The more writing you do, the easier it gets (as the E-Content Butler, I speak from experience) so mark your calendar now.
You have a unique story to tell. Let’s get started.
“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord” Psalm 102:18
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
How can I get work as a proofreader?
“Are you hiring?” and “How do I get a job as a proofreader?” are two of my more frequently asked questions. I am not hiring. However, I can offer these tips.
Put your college English degree to good use
Anyone can use a spellchecker and point out other people’s mistakes. A good proofreader, like an editor, can explain how and why something should be changed. This involves grammar, spelling, subject/verb agreement, overly repetitious phrasing, good and better word choices, and so much more.
Start your own business
If you truly like proofreading, editing, or both, become a freelancer or start your own business. Good proofreaders are hard to find and your services will always be in demand.
Work during your best hours
If you are a morning person, set aside those morning hours for proofreading. If you function better at night, proofread at night. You will be more accurate and productive than trying to proofread an entire 8-hour day. Use the remaining hours of your day to build and run your business or learn something new.
Only accept completed work
It’s much easier to proofread fresh, new material than text you have read and reread because the author keeps changing it. Whenever possible, insist on the final draft before you start proofreading.
Begin working with people you know, like, and trust
Give it a try in a friendly environment. Discover your preferences.
• Do you work best under pressure (I need this by lunchtime today) or with a more relaxed deadline?
• What length works best for you—the quick one-pagers, the book manuscripts, or somewhere in between?
• Would you choose fiction or non-fiction?
• Are technical and scholarly works worth the extra time and attention they require from you?
• Will you accept something that is handwritten and needs to be typed and then proofread?
• What is the average time it takes you to proofread 350 words or about one page from the genres you typically find yourself proofreading?
Specialize
Once you know your preferences, do not try to be all things to all people. Concentrate on the kind of work that you enjoy because proofreading can be intense work. You might as well enjoy what you are reading.
Know your worth
There are plenty of people who want a proofreader to deliver perfect work, the same day (if not earlier—if that were even possible), and for pennies. Perfection takes time and comes with a cost. Don’t sell yourself short. Say “no, I won’t proofread for you” to the person who insists someone else will do the same work for a ridiculously low sum. Otherwise, you will find yourself haggling or unpaid in the future.
With time, you can establish yourself as a proofreader. I did and now I have a thriving business that includes writing, editing, and publishing for a select group of clients.
“Are you hiring?” and “How do I get a job as a proofreader?” are two of my more frequently asked questions. I am not hiring. However, I can offer these tips.
Put your college English degree to good use
Anyone can use a spellchecker and point out other people’s mistakes. A good proofreader, like an editor, can explain how and why something should be changed. This involves grammar, spelling, subject/verb agreement, overly repetitious phrasing, good and better word choices, and so much more.
Start your own business
If you truly like proofreading, editing, or both, become a freelancer or start your own business. Good proofreaders are hard to find and your services will always be in demand.
Work during your best hours
If you are a morning person, set aside those morning hours for proofreading. If you function better at night, proofread at night. You will be more accurate and productive than trying to proofread an entire 8-hour day. Use the remaining hours of your day to build and run your business or learn something new.
Only accept completed work
It’s much easier to proofread fresh, new material than text you have read and reread because the author keeps changing it. Whenever possible, insist on the final draft before you start proofreading.
Begin working with people you know, like, and trust
Give it a try in a friendly environment. Discover your preferences.
• Do you work best under pressure (I need this by lunchtime today) or with a more relaxed deadline?
• What length works best for you—the quick one-pagers, the book manuscripts, or somewhere in between?
• Would you choose fiction or non-fiction?
• Are technical and scholarly works worth the extra time and attention they require from you?
• Will you accept something that is handwritten and needs to be typed and then proofread?
• What is the average time it takes you to proofread 350 words or about one page from the genres you typically find yourself proofreading?
Specialize
Once you know your preferences, do not try to be all things to all people. Concentrate on the kind of work that you enjoy because proofreading can be intense work. You might as well enjoy what you are reading.
Know your worth
There are plenty of people who want a proofreader to deliver perfect work, the same day (if not earlier—if that were even possible), and for pennies. Perfection takes time and comes with a cost. Don’t sell yourself short. Say “no, I won’t proofread for you” to the person who insists someone else will do the same work for a ridiculously low sum. Otherwise, you will find yourself haggling or unpaid in the future.
With time, you can establish yourself as a proofreader. I did and now I have a thriving business that includes writing, editing, and publishing for a select group of clients.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission