Why Every Entrepreneur Should Take up Writing

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there is no rule book to creating a successful business. There is no manuscript for entrepreneurship and anyone who tells you there is, is someone you might want to think twice about. Having said that, there are many things you should avoid doing as an entrepreneur and while I can’t tell you what to do in order to become the next Google, I can tell you what not to do in order to prevent yourself from becoming the next Google.

Then there are things, which might not guarantee success but are highly recommended and might increase your chances and sharpen your skills. Writing, in any form, is a good idea for most people, but for entrepreneurs, it really can help in more ways than one. 

Here are a few reasons why every entrepreneur should strongly consider writing their thoughts on a daily basis:

It is an easy way to get clarity on your company mission. 

I believe it was Einstein who said “If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.” Often times, entrepreneurs mistakenly think that using sophisticated language will help their cause, when in reality, simplifying their mission is really the thing they need to focus on. 

Writing, whether it’s a personal or company blog, or even a private journal can really help you crystalize your thoughts and break them down to their core elements.

People will Google your name. Your content is your business card.

By creating content on the internet, whether it is about your company, your own thoughts on the industry, or even something else, you are in essence leaving a footprint for others to get to know you.

Of course, this is a double-edged sword and you have to be very careful with what you put out there because the internet is forever, but if you have insights on your industry, sharing them is the best way to establish your name as a thought leader in your space.

Eventually, public relations will be something you need and writing will make it easier.

This point might be debatable or even controversial but when pitching a journalist as a fellow writer, you come with more credibility than just some random entrepreneur trying to get some press coverage.

Again, like most people, the first thing any journalist will do when getting your email is Google your name. When they come across countless articles you have written on the topic you are now pitching them, you are perceived as more of an authority, or even a colleague, then a random cold email with no face.

A major part of being a good leader is communication.

In addition to crystallizing and simplifying your mission, as a CEO, a huge component of your job is communication. By writing regularly, you train yourself to communicate more effectively, more concisely, and you develop a more comprehensive vocabulary.

Again, it really doesn’t matter, in this case, whether you even publish your writing or keep it private, the very act of putting your thoughts into words and down on paper, will help you become a better communicator.

It gives people a reason to follow you on social media.

If all those reasons didn’t convince you to start writing, maybe this one will. By now, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, chances are you, and your company have some sort of social media presence. That is great, but answer me this, why do I care? Why would I follow you? Why would anyone?

Well, if you are producing consistent content about your industry that is written in a way that is easy to consume, then that gives people, not just any people but the people who are interested in your industry, a reason to follow you. 

Being on social media is not enough, you have to actually do something of value on these platforms, otherwise you’ll be hanging out by yourself talking nonsense in an empty room.

If you are building a company, you have a lot on your plate and probably don’t have too much extra time to waste. I would recommend adding up to an hour in your busy schedule every day to write something, even if it is short and even if you don’t publish it.