1. Open with a story - The story might setup a problem your proposal would help solve. If you're uncertain how this works, read a copy of Reader's Digest. Many of their articles begin with a narration.

2. Provide a startling statistic - Just make certain it is startling. Conventional statistics seldom deliver much of a nose-twist.

(The following suggestions assume your imcom is being distributed as hard copy.)

3. Include a sample - If subject of your imcom involves a product or product sample that is easily glued to a letter or first page of a proposal, this is an excellent attention getter. Products might include a new grade of sandpaper, stronger plastic, new fabric...etc.

4. Alter paper - I have punched holes in letters, cut off corners, even burned edges of an imcom in order to attract attention. Just make certain it ties in with your headline and subject.

None of these suggestions are considered standard business writing techniques. And that's point. Being a little unconventional can make your imcom standout business communication of day. Just avoid being cute or clever. That almost never works.

Remember, developing your skills as a business writer will put you miles ahead of crowd, no matter what your job or business. It should be as much a part of your work-a-day world as language you speak. Even a small investment in developing these skills will bring huge returns in future success.

TOO MUCH INFORMATION Bear in mind that you may have most beautiful site ever created but without excellent content your site will have no meaning. People pay a fortune to have sites created boasting loud music, flashy flash presentations and all other hype so common on web sites these days. In truth all that extra stuff can be of very little significance without meaningful content. Most people are seeking information, not flamboyant pictures. I do believe layout, style and design of a web site is critical to its success but all overdone, heavy-duty sites have become boring.

We grow impatient if site loads slowly and even more impatient if each subsequent page takes forever to appear. No matter how beautiful your site, if it takes forever to load, you'll lose your viewers before they've had a chance to read first word on your site. Additionally, if there are too many visuals and auditory sounds on your site it can be disturbing to majority who come to visit. Keep it simple.

If your goal is to have people come back to your site or to continuously read your articles, take time to provide practical, interesting content minus hype. The best suggestion is to write honestly, plainly and concisely.