Originally Posted by kathiemt

Branding isn't just about the images around us, our logos or colours, it's also about how we present ourselves to others as we promote our businesses. This also means via forums like this one and many others. Over the years it has concerned me to see many new VAs (or any business person on any forum) resorting to phonetic spelling or sms type chat on forums when chatting with their peers. It might appear 'cute' or 'modern' but the reality is it can give a wrong impression about your spelling and writing ability and if the VA services you provide depends on your writing ability, then it's important you take care with that, even when participating in forums. I learnt to type the old-fashioned way back in the early 1970s (showing my age, aren't I? ) and so I talk with my fingers almost as fast as I talk with my mouth. But I still have to back up, or stop and check things periodically and even after posting a comment I might find a mistake and go back and edit it. How I'm viewed online in the written word is important to me and I believe demonstrates some of my professionalism and my brand as a professional. What do you think? Do you also think this is an important part of your branding? Open to discussion...

Very good point. One of the largest parts of a VAs job is typing and using words wether you're creating presentations, reports, business letters or what have you. You're a representative of your business and the industry as a whole, so I think you should keep that in mind whenever you're sending writing of any sort. I will read emails over, several times in many cases, to make sure that I don't have any mistakes and that what I'm trying to say is coming through ok even if I'm just writing to a friend or family member. These forums are fairly open as far as reading goes. What would a potential client think if they see tons of poor spelling and grammar? It may make them think a little less of the professionalism of hiring VAs. I think that, even if you're just chatting or goofing off, you can still use proper spelling and grammar to do so.