Whether we want to or not it is expected entrepreneurs have writing on their to-do list, either online or in print from 140 characters to full length articles. We  make time on our schedule, chose a topic, type away and fact-check at the end but when it comes to being knowledgeable about the correct format and flow of what we write, this is an area of our business which often receives little to no research.

While I have no wish to cover the 10 steps to a good article I do have suggestions on how to improve your written product. 

1) Expand your reading repertoire 

- Experienced news reporters know how crucial the first and last paragraph are so study their techniques in national newspapers and Time Magazine, also pay attention to how the topic unfolds.

- Trendy magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair pay high-profile professional writers to write for them. Examine how they use words, punctuate and manage the flow of the article. It requires skill and experience to keep the readers interest and attention.

- Zero in on the experts in your particular field, chances are you are all covering roughly the same topics so see how they develop and handle them not just in articles but in blog and social media posts.

2) You should have access to at least one of these print media reference books 

The Chicago Manuel of Style is available in print or online. As the oldest and more comprehensive style guide of the two; it often takes longer to find what you are looking for. This is an ideal guide for authors, editors and publishers of books, periodicals and journals. 

The Associated Press Stylebook is shorter and clearer. Providing a quick reference for those in the news and public relations fields which also makes it the more efficient for business writers.

When it comes to marketing yourself through writing it is not just about the content as providing your customers and clients with well written tips, updates and information.

I have to admit that if you mention The Bay I think of old fashioned jersey knit suits, rows of identical clothes and in general a visually uninspiring store. Apparently the new president Bonnie Brooks is working to change that by embracing both the store's iconic history and the tastes of Canada's more sophisticated consumers. According to the article History Inspired Ms. Brooks has 'shed 800 lacklustre brands and added 250 new ones'.

I take exception to the article's statement "...... in order to make The Bay which lost relevance catering to middle-aged and older consumers in the 1990s, matter to a new audience of younger, hipper consumers." The forty something women that I know stopped shopping at The Bay during the '90's. The fact that The Bay purchased for a long outdated concept of the midlife woman is on their head; because baby boomer women were not coming though the doors other than to buy some perfume or check out the make-up.

If the store appearance and brand selection do improve and I can mix and match quality pieces to maintain my individual style I'll be glad to check it out and hopefully walk out of there with more than a HBC blanket.