Something happened recently that I can’t recall happening very often – if at all – during my years on in-house corporate communications teams.
On multiple occasions over the last few weeks, I carved out a large chunk of time to dedicate to writing. But blocking time is only half the battle. Amazingly, I stayed on course and spent those hours head-down, knocking out pages of copy for several big projects.
For me, writing is harder when trying to fit it into small windows. I do best when I have time to really get in a groove – and don’t have to stop just as I’m hitting my stride.
Comms professionals have a million things keeping them from hitting a groove. If they can carve out the writing time among the various meetings and other priorities, inevitably something unexpected comes along to derail the plans.
One of three things happens:
- You end up doing the project in short spurts whenever you can fit it in, which can make it feel disjointed. And it will take a lot longer.
- You spend time writing when meetings, phone calls and emails aren’t as likely to disturb you – at night, “after work.”
- You hand off the project to someone else on the team, who is likely facing the same roadblocks as you are, and one of three things happens (scroll back up to number 1).
The fourth option, of which I’m both a proponent and an example, is to outsource the work. Freelancers are set up specifically to handle these kinds of projects. The good ones will take an easy handoff and return with a quality product ahead of the deadline.
Not only does this typically lead to a better result, but it allows the in-house team to make better use of the time they do have – focusing on strategy, long-term planning and other ways to add value.
So, if your day usually looks more like the calendar below on the left, considering finding Mr. Right.
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I run KBL Communications, the perfect solution whether you’re looking to outsource your communications needs or supplement your in-house staff. Reach out if you’re looking for an experienced writer and editor to spruce up your copy, produce high-quality content, help relieve your team’s workload or provide strategic counsel for your internal and external communications projects.