I read a lot of blogs, especially those relating to my industry as a Virtual Assistant.
I am constantly amazed by the bad grammar, spelling and incorrect typing on blogs that are attached to business websites, some of which belong to VAs, or those who are talking about becoming a VA. I saw such a blog just recently, through a Technorati link on Virtual Assistants. This particular person was talking about work at home opportunities and she thought that becoming a VA would be the ideal choice for her. However, if her blog was anything to go by, I doubt she’ll get much work from clients who see her blog first.
Even if typing isn’t going to be the core service for a VA, it is still an important aspect, simply because it is required for written communication. Almost any service provided requires the ability to spell and produce documentation that is written in an acceptable business like manner. And yet I see blogs that have poor spelling, use of no capitals, or all CAPS, SMS style typing and so on.
It is important to remember, like email, that your writing is on display 24 hours a day. This also includes participation in chat forums that could potentially have prospective clients or business partners (other VAs for example) involved. Often your written word is all that others have as their first impression of you. Why not make it count? KMT
virtual assistant, work at home, typist, computer trained, virtual support, poor spelling, VA
Written by Kathie Thomas - Visit Website
Demetria says:
You’re absolutely right! Typing errors, mispelled words, etc….what does that say about our business? First impressions are so important and if we have to hire out a proofreader, it’s worth the money so as not to turn away prospects.
Clara Bouraad says:
I agree with your comment in relation to presentation of vocabulary and spelling. Many people do prefer shortcuts but if you do want to make an impression, you need to be professional in every aspect.
As the saying goes “first impression, is best impression”.
I myself do make “silly” unavoidable mistakes but I make it a habit to always proof-read my work before it is presented.