What are your writing strengths?
writing March 31st, 2009
I love Dr. Phil. I find his common-sense approach appealing. In fact, one of my favorite “Dr. Phil-isms” is this:
You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge.
That works for pretty much everything. Including writing.
Which is why I ask my coaching clients to complete a SWOT analysis of their writing.
If writing is a part of your job in any way, I encourage you to take stock of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. In addition to being pleasantly reminded (I hope) of your skills, talents and capabilities, you’ll have some insight into which qualities you can use to their best advantage, and which areas need improvement.
Here’s an example of a SWOT analysis to help you complete your own:
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Internal Factors |
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Strengths |
Weaknesses |
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List the skills, talents and attitudes you possess that you consider to be a positive attribute with respect to writing. (Questions to ask: What advantage do you have? What do you do better than most?) |
List the skills, knowledge and experience you lack or those you possess but consider to be a detriment. (Questions to ask: What could you improve? What causes you to struggle?) |
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creative thinker |
tendency to overanalyze each word |
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good vocabulary |
don’t like criticism of any kind |
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ability to learn quickly |
lack confidence in my abilities |
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like to write |
get frustrated easily |
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knows how to self-edit |
don’t know new technologies |
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good at alliteration |
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External Factors |
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Opportunities |
Threats |
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List the capabilities you could possess and the possibilities that could open up if you were to achieve your writing objective. (Questions to ask: What could become available to you? What trends would you like to stay in step with?)
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List the negative possibilities and the things that could go wrong. (Questions to ask: What barriers are in your way? What worries you?) |
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ability to work on new projects |
my writing could be outsourced if I don’t improve |
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get more upfront exposure to clients |
no time to perfect a new skill |
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adding SEO copy expertise could add value to company’s service offerings and to my resume |
unsupportive boss |
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could become the go-to writer for the company and earn a promotion |
lack of a coach or mentor |
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One of my personal weaknesses is overuse of cliches. But because I know I have that tendency I’m vigilant to watch for them and rework my copy accordingly.
Spend time taking an honest look at your writing abilities, then look for tips, ideas, blog posts, articles, ezines, books, coaching opportunities and workshops that help you address your specific areas.
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