A good business review should be written with care. If you consciously make the decision to become emotionally invested in the success of your business clients the payoff will be worthwhile. There is nothing worse than a sloppy review that fails to clearly make its argument. It is important to thoroughly assess submission type and content then tailor your feedback to reflect the goals and objectives of the specific business clients. When writing quality professional reviews it’s important to have a clear understanding of your companies’ direction, motivation and purpose.
The following are my eight simple steps to writing a professional review:
- The language you choose must be clear and concise. There is nothing worse than failure to make your point.
- Your advice should be useful, insightful and applicable depending on the type of submission. Comments such as “I don’t think this is good” come across as sloppy and discouraging. Nor do they help clients achieve their business goals.
- Your advice must be realistic and feasible. Business clients want to know exactly what to do and how to do it.
- Stay positive. Negative feedback is disempowering and does not inspire confidence. Remember there is always a way to critique without criticizing.
- Your advice should be both constructive and encouraging. The truth is more often than not business clients are intuitive and well aware there is a problem they just may need that extra nudge to point them in the right direction. Identify issues by pointing out the areas that need improvement.
- Similarly, if a client has done something particularly well let them know that you’ve noticed. You could even go as far as explaining why a certain point has captured your attention
- Honesty is always the best policy; your clients will love you for it.
- Last but not least, remember that by giving clients quality feedback on their work you begin to cultivate trust and being trusted by clients is the best kind of leverage a business advisor can have.
Now, I know that giving great business advice isn’t always easy. These eight simple steps will help you stay focused. Who knows, you might even surprise yourself. In the meantime keep at it and good luck.
