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Halton Hills This Week, Saturday, October 23, 1993 - Page 13 aw G00y < 2 s 7 2 : ES $ Y . LIFE, AUTO, HOME, RRSP +* fs DAVID R. WALSH eae es 232A Guelph St., Suite 204 873-1643 | Georgetown Toll Free 1-800-387-9974! PARLE, A skid load of books for all ages have just arrived at Oxbow Books, 102 Main St., down- Fran Whiting, manager of Big K Music, stresses fast, friendly, helpful service to cus- town Georgetown. Tiny customer Kourtney Hulme looks through a few pages of a tomers of all ages and musical tastes. Big K Music is located in the Georgetown child’s book with owner Norman Holt. Chamber workshop The Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce presents a lun- cheon workshop for small business and the ' self employed entitled “Seven keys to up your cash flow” Noy. 18. The workshop leader is Ian Mishkel has comprehensive experience owning and oper- ating his own businesses over the past decade. The seven keys to up your cash are: 1) Geta grip. on your financial position. 2) Understand your cash flow. 3) Control your cash. 4) Manage your accounts payable. 5) Manage your accounts receivable. 6) Smart banking. 7) Planning and forecast- ing. This workshop has been created to simplify cash flow planning and management. Poor cash flow planning and management is the key factor in ‘the failure of small busi- nesses today. For more infor- mation and to register please *call the Chamber at (905- 877-7119). Business writing By Donna Papacosta Special to HHTW Do you freeze when you have to do a business report? When it’s your turn to pen the company newsletter, do you start perspiring under the col- lar? It’s funny, isn’t it, that all of us can write, but only some of us can “write.” Being able to put words together clearly and persua- sively doesn’t come easily to everyone, but all of us can improve our writing if we apply ourselves to the chal- lenge. Here are five steps toward better business writing, whether the end-product is a proposal, a newsletter, or any organized collection of words on paper. 1. Know your audience, and your objective before you start. ize your thoughts. t One of the biggest problems in business writing occurs when you dive right in with- out planning or forethought. Is this letter to a customer, your boss, or your staff? What are you trying to accomplish? .What tone should you use? Answer these questions, either in your head or on paper, before you begin.2. Use simple words, avoid jargon and difficult. thi level of difficulty of your lan- age because you’re writing for a business audience. Yes, you.write a proposal differ- ently than you do a letter to your Aunt Maude, but you still need to write simply and directly, without miring your thoughts in convoluted lan- guage. For the sake of your readers, avoid jargon unless you are writing a technical document that absolutely requires it. 3. Use the active voice. Doing this automatically makes your language clearer and livelier. Use the passive voice only when you’re deliberately trying to take the bite out of a sentence. Otherwise, use the active voice to make your writing ome alive. 4, Use headings and sub- heads. They keep your thoughts organized, make it easier for your audience to read, and increase the chance of getting your message across. A busy executive should get a good idea of what your report is about by just scanning your headings. 5. Edit yourself after you write. Read your document to be sure it makes sense. Finally, check for spelling and grammatical errors before you print and distrib- ute your work. If possible, have someone with a keen ‘eye for detail check for you. One of the best copy editors in Toronto once told me that we allow mistakes print only because of arrogance: we think we know everything, so we don’t check it! 2 Marketplace, 877-1903. REST & RECLINE Treat yourself to the ultimate pre- sent. This com- fortable recliner features hard- wood frame, no- sag springs and durable fabric. Lifetime Guarantee means years of worry-free usage. Available in an excellent selection of fabrics. ses NOW $399 COUNTRY LIVING This suite is ideal for either living room or famil room. Comfort is combined with durable construction which means that this set is built to last! SOFA, LO’ VESEAT & CHAIR INCREDIBLE VALUE! LEATHER LEATHER LEATHER This sofa features distinctive styling and is Jf The beauty of top grain leather can be yours with available in a wide selection of fabrics. All at a J this exquisite suite. Constructed of solid hardwood ‘i i fl frame, no-sag springs and featuring top grain leather pace ape pote SOFA fates phat *Thig suite will last a lifetime. BOTH PIECES! SOFA & LOVESEAT ie Sai )848 NOW $499 |e Sse NOW 2093 " FAST DELIVERY « FREE LAYAWAYS - EASY PAYMENT PLANS = 1 ONTARIO CHESTERFIELD WHOLESALERS 725 MAIN ST. E. MILTON (ACROSS FROM COPELAND LUMBER) 876-448 - ERIE ST. STRATFORD (519) 271-4488 3 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU GUELPH AUTO MALL (519) 763-4477