How tiny things can create a BIG problems

By: Susan Finco, President, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

In the PR business, we’re always talking about the need to get things done fast and right. And we talk a lot about proofreading and how it shouldn’t go out the window just because you’re in a hurry. But, when you proofread, it really has to be for more than just spelling and grammar. Oh sure, those are very important things, but there are two other items you should remember when proofreading:

1. What’s the content like? Does what you’ve written make sense? If it doesn’t make sense to you or to the person you have reviewing the piece, then it’s not going to make sense to your target audience. Generally, confusion reigns when someone is intent on using too much corporate speak or technical jargon. Plain talk. Plain English. Works every time.
2. Are dates, addresses, phone and emails correct? Those tiny things can cause BIG problems.  Do you really want someone who won a contest to be calling Joe’s Bar and Grill instead of your business? It creates a problem for your customer and for Joe’s! And you certainly don’t want someone showing up at an open house two weeks before it is being held.

Let’s face it; we’re all in a rush these days. But don’t let the rush to get something out the door turn into a problem that’s going to take up even more of your time.

Are there any other proofreading tips you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!