I can’t count how many times I’ve been asked this question in a meeting with a potential client. And in more than twenty years in the business, I have always given a very similar pat answer.

“Well, I have experience writing for <insert industry vertical here.>”

I guess I never really listened to the question. The operative word being “like.”

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people at a Calgary marketing studio. The conversation was easy and comfortable. We were chatting about the usual stuff and “the question” came up.

Without hesitation, I said, “I want to write about things that make me feel good. I like to write for businesses that are serving people, not trying to sell them things they don’t need. I want to feel that I’m contributing to something bigger and better.”

Whoa! Where did that come from?

It’s not that I just made it up. It’s just that I’ve never verbalized it before. For much of my writing career, I was accepting any and all work because I had to, never really questioning whether I liked what I was writing.

After all these years, I’ve earned the right to choose work that gives me joy and purpose. That intention must be simmering inside of me, because my current workload is reflective of this.

For example, I’m working with Gerrianne Clare of Clare Consulting who has created a unique online tool for helping people live their best lives, moment by moment.

I’m doing PR work for Melody Murphy of Jagorb International, a single mom whose bold idea for a new round nail file has resulted in an offer to include her product in the gift bags at the Golden Globe Awards!

I’m a volunteer working with Doug Lacombe of Communicatto on a social media campaign for Calgary Reads, an organization that brings reading tutors into Calgary schools.

These days I’m up and at my desk earlier. I feel energized and happy.

Why? Because I’m doing what makes me feel good.

Related posts:

1. Do you feed off pressure?
2. Mud Creative hears a WHO
3. Making a list and checking it twice

In this frank discussion about grammar, Robin talks about many of the more common mistakes people make as well as some spelling issues that are specific to the web world. It’s well worth a read for anyone who is confused about web site vs. website or e-mail vs. email. And what’s the plural of e-mail anyway? You may be surprised!

Related posts:

1. Blogging. An excuse for poor communication?