Pitch-Perfect Proofing
In the whirlwind of 16-hour workweeks and the joys of motherhood, errors can sneak into our work, and I’ve had enough. It’s not always about the hours we have, but the strategy we employ. This isn’t just another guide to proofreading; it’s a declaration of my commitment to growth, despite time constraints. Dive in to discover my revamped approach, designed not just to spot mistakes but to embrace the journey of constant improvement.
Right, let’s have a natter. I’m proper miffed. It’s not just the fleeting annoyance you get when you knock your tea over; it runs deeper. Those sneaky proofreading errors that have been cropping up in my work? They’re on my last nerve. But let’s clear the air: it’s high time for a change.
It all kicked off with a message that no marketer wants to receive. My boss pinged me with a photo of our latest promotional flyer, pointing out a glaring error: a wrong date. “Why are we still handing these out?” While the oversight was undeniable, my perspective was different. Sure, the date was off, but would that hiccup really deter our audience? In today’s digital age, I argued, customers would likely zoom straight over to our website, where the correct date was clearly displayed. A typo on a flyer is far from ideal, but in the grand scheme of things, it still served its primary purpose: driving people to our online presence. And in the interim, it was still promoting our event until the new batch of flawless flyers rolled in.
Between being a mum to a brilliant (yet oh-so-demanding) little one and teaming up with another cracking mum (big up to the other half of my team & designer, you’re a gem!), managing everything in just 16 hours a week can be a right mission. Now, I’m all for taking responsibility, but sometimes it’s just not on us when we’re expected to juggle so bloomin’ much in such little time. That said, I won’t sit and stew. I’ve got a plan.
Navigating the Proofreading Maze: My New 8 Point Game Plan
- Humanity Check: First off, mistakes? They’re part and parcel of life. I make ‘em, you make ‘em, we all do. I’ll own up, learn, but won’t let them get me down.
- Buddy System, Activate: Me and my designer? We’re thick as thieves. Before pressing ‘send’ on anything, I’ll give her a shout and ask, “Oi, can you have a gander at this?” and she’ll do the same for me. Two pairs of eyes are better than one, right?
- Tech to the Rescue: I’ve clocked there are so many tools for spelling and grammar. Time to give them a whirl. And here’s a thought: I might let my computer read things back to me. Word has it that our ears can pick up what our peepers might miss.
- Breaking It Down: Tackling a big chunk all at once? That’s a no-go. Bit by bit, it’s just more manageable, innit?
- Time for a Brew: Every so often, I’m stepping back. Taking five. Maybe sticking the kettle on. Things always seem clearer post-tea. (I’m enjoying a Tesco’s Camomile Infusion at the moment).
- My Trusty Checklist: I’m knocking up a checklist of usual suspects. It’s usually a date, a time or a price. Before anything gets the green light, it’s running the gauntlet against this list.
- Brushing Up: Might squeeze in a course or workshop on proofreading.
- Feedback Fiesta: Got feedback? Chuck it my way. The good, the bad, the ugly – I’m all ears.
So, there it is. My revamped game plan. Proofreading has its quirks, but I’m geared up and eager to rise to the occasion. Here we go!
