{"id":2680,"date":"2022-01-31T22:13:51","date_gmt":"2022-01-31T21:13:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/?p=2680"},"modified":"2024-01-29T14:41:33","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T13:41:33","slug":"5-reasons-you-should-write-your-way-to-amazing-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2022\/01\/31\/5-reasons-you-should-write-your-way-to-amazing-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons You Should Write Your Way To Amazing Opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This article was revised in January 2024.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Blogging has been good for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I impulsively began this blog one Saturday morning in 2012, I had no idea it would lead to incredible opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it wasn’t easy. The writing was demanding, and I knew that I had to continue once I started. For the first three years, I wrote ‘how to’ articles based on my previous work experience and observations of corporateville \u2014 what worked in business communications and what didn’t. Then, as my interest grew and my knowledge sharpened, I formulated original ideas and insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially, I got an excellent readership – spurred on by the support from family and friends. But as the years rolled by, fewer people commented on my posts; still, I persevered. Blogging became both a joy and an obligation. From the day I started, I committed to a wise decision: Blog once a month, every month, for as long as possible. I knew it would be impractical to commit to writing multiple articles a month despite popular wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I continued to write. My writing skills inevitably improved because I committed to reading, improving my grammar, and exposing myself to different styles and tones. I also developed a ‘voice’ and honed it over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what my experience has taught me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you write persuasively in an engaging way, people perceive you to be articulate, credible, and someone who would get on well with others. Then, they begin to seek your advice, and eventually, they invite you to events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re unconvinced that writing is a critical skill that heralds brilliant opportunities for you, then at least learn from my unlikely experience and what I\u2019ve observed in business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are five reasons to take your writing seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1) Writing will help you discover your purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a child, I was a voracious reader. I read widely from fiction to nonfiction, from African stories to Western fairytales. It was my favourite pastime until I got into university. Then I had no time for reading anything outside my course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, reading was vital because it enriched my vocabulary, sharpened my awareness of writing styles, and exposed me to interesting expressions and nuances. So by the time I started this blog many years ago as a stay-at-home mother of two at the time, words flowed like milk. The decades of prior reading were a springboard for my writing journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But here’s the thing: I didn’t find my ‘passion’ for business communication until I started blogging about it. Although I’d already developed an interest in the field\u2014which prompted me to write in the first place\u2014the passion came after<\/em> I’d been blogging for many months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Writing launched me into the fascinating world of business communication, where I\u2019ve found my purpose and I’m currently thriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I may never have found that calling if I didn’t start writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might not need to switch careers, but honing your writing skills will help you find and clarify your purpose. Writing will open other doors that would complement your career or business. Superb writing skills announce you from afar and make your work more meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trust me on this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2) Writing will land you a great job or clinch a promotion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Interesting data<\/a> from the US National Association of Colleges and Employers show that a strong writing capability is a crucial attribute that employers seek in graduates’ resumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my experience, exceptional writing skills move you to the interview stage (especially if you include a cover letter, an essay or any required proof of writing ability). It’s also a differentiator when you land the job at any<\/em> level since you\u2019ll quickly become the go-to person for crafting clear documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When ready to rejoin corporateville, I applied to a globally ranked, double-accredited business school in Africa. At the time, I’d been blogging for three years as a stay-at-home mother. During the interview, I referenced my blog as my unique value proposition. Then, with a flourish, I opened a reputable business print newspaper I had brought along where my communication article was published. Based on my experience and qualifications, I knew I wouldn’t be the most desirable candidate. But the communications coach role I applied for required excellent writing, so I knew I had a shot. I got the job \u2014 after three years of being unemployed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You won’t always be the most qualified, and you may not have the advanced degree or the years of experience sometimes (unrealistically) expected in attractive roles. But, if you display exceptional writing skills, your work will speak louder than you ever could; you\u2019ll increase the chance of being selected and, later, promoted.

Moreover, clean, persuasive writing at work increases your visibility and signals you for more responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue to sharpen your writing chops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3) Writing will launch your (side) business<\/strong> or support your passion for socio-economic development<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I never imagine myself as a business owner. I wasn’t one of those entrepreneurial or ‘ambitious’ people who monetised their knowledge or advertised on their blogs. In fact, my blog was a service to humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also didn’t even occur to me to teach what I knew or train people on business writing – until the opportunity landed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And here’s what happened:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’d been blogging for three years when I got a call from the managing partner of a small consulting company in Lagos, Nigeria. A mutual connection had referred the gentleman to my blog. After reading a few articles, he called me, and we set up a full-day training programme for his team. That was my first training gig, and I remember being on cloud nine after the long day. It was an exhilarating experience. I discovered I loved training and sharing my knowledge to help people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then two months after that training session, I landed the job at the prestigious business school I mentioned earlier – where I became steeped in business communications coaching (and later) training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I began offering coaching\/training in business writing as a side hustle. Later,  I expanded my services<\/a> to include other segments such as nonverbal communication, public speaking, and interpersonal communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I explained my journey in an interview with Ubiquity Coaches Canada (where I’m listed as one of the coaches and keynote speakers). I hope it inspires you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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