Swati Sengupta

Some of the most rewarding career opportunities I've had were sparked by insights or connections from former colleagues. However, it's crucial to maintain genuine relationships without hidden agendas. People can sense when they're being approached solely for personal gain, which can damage trust and goodwill.

I find this tricky. While adding some flair to your writing can be eye-catching, it might not always be the best idea in organizational communication. In workplaces, using too many creative elements like metaphors or colorful formatting could make your message unclear or seem not very professional. In a formal setting, it's more important to be clear than to use lots of creative stuff. Using too many exclamation points or other punctuation marks might make your message feel too strong. It's essential to find a balance between being clear and creative so that your message matches the way your organization talks and stays professional.

Maintaining consistency is key when it comes to infusing personality into our copywriting. It's like building a solid foundation for our brand voice across all channels and platforms. Consistency ensures a seamless and recognizable experience for our audiences, avoiding any confusion or disconnect. Developing a brand voice guide is a fantastic approach, providing a roadmap to keep our tone, style, and message aligned. I think of it as the brand's language dictionary. Utilizing a consistent vocabulary further reinforces identity, making the communication stand out. And of course, proofreading and editing are the final touches that ensure the copy maintains that unique tone, leaving a lasting impression of professionalism and credibility.

When I write for my clients, I advise them to keep it real, honest, and talk to their audience like they're catching up with a business acquaintance. Toss in the words, phrases, and expressions they'd use in a friendly conversation. Add just a dash of humor, emotion, or even opinions – just make sure it suits their audience and purpose. And automatically the copy will stand out.

As we move into the consideration stage, my storytelling strategy shifts gears to showcase org value and how the org is set apart from its competitors. This, sprinkled with just the right amount of relevant analogies and examples, is the secret sauce to unraveling complex ideas. Simple stories are great tools to tackle the FAQs, concerns, and misconceptions head-on, addressing them with a personal touch.

In the awareness stage, I see storytelling as my secret weapon to grab attention. Relatable stories about real people facing similar challenges say, "We get it, we've been there, we've got solutions!" Authenticity is key. Keep it real, build trust. Include interactive elements – and suddenly we are not just telling stories, but having a conversation! Remember, not everyone loves to read. Add variety – podcasts, video clips. Dive into well-written and compelling case studies instead of just reviews. They work like a charm. Every time.