ability. The text should sound like someone talking, even if it's technical in nature.

• Don't rely on your computer's spelling or grammar check. While useful tools, these programs can't catch everything, and often flag things that are correct in normal usage.

• Invest in a grammar book. You can find

What do your words say about your company or brand?

Do they say, "I'm an expert in my field. I know what I'm talking about, and I can help you reach your goal."

Or do your words say, "I'm okay, but I'm just like the rest. I might be able to help you. Let's try this and see."

Let's hope your words don't say, "I don't know what I'm doing in this business. I can't help you."

What you write and how well you write it can affect your business. Bottom line. While most people won't read every word of your ad or sales letter, you'd be surprised how easily mistakes jump out at them.

Potential clients won't help but wonder if you'll be just as careless when you're working with them.

Here are some pointers to help you put your best word forward:

• After you write your copy, put it down. Don't look at it again until the next day. It's difficult to get perspective on your own writing until you step back for awhile.

• Proofread your copy. This may seem obvious, but many people believe they're so good at writing that they won't make any mistakes.

• Have someone else proofread your work. Checking your own writing is notoriously difficult, even for professional writers.

• Read the words out loud. Besides helping you proofread, this can help you check for readability. The text should sound like someone talking, even if it's technical in nature.

• Don't rely on your computer's spelling or grammar check. While useful tools, these programs can't catch everything, and often flag things that are correct in normal usage.

• Invest in a grammar book. You can find

'm doing in this business. I can't help you."

What you write and how well you write it can affect your business. Bottom line. While most people won't read every word of your ad or sales letter, you'd be surprised how easily mistakes jump out at them.

Potential clients won't help but wonder if you'll be just as careless when you're working with them.

Here are some pointers to help you put your best word forward:

• After you write your copy, put it down. Don't look at it again until the next day. It's difficult to get perspective on your own writing until you step back for awhile.

• Proofread your copy. This may seem obvious, but many people believe they're so good at writing that they won't make any mistakes.

• Have someone else proofread your work. Checking your own writing is notoriously difficult, even for professional writers.

• Read the words out loud. Besides helping you proofread, this can help you check for readability. The text should sound like someone talking, even if it's technical in nature.

• Don't rely on your computer's spelling or grammar check. While useful tools, these programs can't catch everything, and often flag things that are correct in normal usage.

• Invest in a grammar book. You can find

rking with them.

Here are some pointers to help you put your best word forward:

• After you write your copy, put it down. Don't look at it again until the next day. It's difficult to get perspective on your own writing until you step back for awhile.

• Proofread your copy. This may seem obvious, but many people believe they're so good at writing that they won't make any mistakes.

• Have someone else proofread your work. Checking your own writing is notoriously difficult, even for professional writers.

• Read the words out loud. Besides helping you proofread, this can help you check for readability. The text should sound like someone talking, even if it's technical in nature.

• Don't rely on your computer's spelling or grammar check. While useful tools, these programs can't catch everything, and often flag things that are correct in normal usage.

• Invest in a grammar book. You can find

but many people believe they're so good at writing that they won't make any mistakes.

• Have someone else proofread your work. Checking your own writing is notoriously difficult, even for professional writers.

• Read the words out loud. Besides helping you proofread, this can help you check for readability. The text should sound like someone talking, even if it's technical in nature.

• Don't rely on your computer's spelling or grammar check. While useful tools, these programs can't catch everything, and often flag things that are correct in normal usage.

• Invest in a grammar book. You can find

ability. The text should sound like someone talking, even if it's technical in nature.

• Don't rely on your computer's spelling or grammar check. While useful tools, these programs can't catch everything, and often flag things that are correct in normal usage.

• Invest in a grammar book. You can find one at a local used bookstore. While you're at it, get a good dictionary.

• Be on the lookout for common mistakes. Some words are tricky (like their, there, and they're). This is where a second or third pair of eyes can really help.

• Hire a writer or editor. If you're short on time, or if you're not the best writer, outsourcing can be a wonderful investment. Be sure to proofread their work too. Even professionals make mistakes.

Writing can make (or break) a deal. Make sure your writing makes a great impression.