The client hasn't defined the project scope. How will you navigate the uncertainty in your writing?
Navigating the murky waters of a writing project without a defined scope can be daunting. It's like being asked to paint a portrait with no idea who or what the subject is. As a writer, you're expected to produce coherent, targeted content, but without a clear direction, where do you even begin? The key lies in understanding that uncertainty can actually be an asset, offering you the flexibility to explore various angles and approaches. It's a chance to demonstrate your adaptability and creativity as you chart a course through the unknown, crafting a narrative that may ultimately guide the project's final scope.
Before diving into the abyss of writing with an undefined project scope, attempt to clarify what is known. Reach out to your client with specific, open-ended questions that encourage them to reveal any preferences or objectives they might have. Even if they can't articulate a full scope, any small detail can act as a beacon, guiding your writing. This initial effort to understand the client's needs, no matter how vague, can prevent significant revisions later on and ensure that your writing aligns with their expectations as closely as possible.
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Ladybird Reyes
Freelance Writer specializing in Blog Writing and Content Creation on Social Media posts | Virtual Office Assistant | Technical Specialist with 14 years in training new employees.
It is important to seek clarity at the beginning of a writing project. ✍️ Speaking with your client about the details is essential to understand what needs to be done.📞 Create an outline and discuss it with the client to ensure you are on the same page.📖
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Foram Shah
MSc Project Management | APM | Freelance Writer | 3x TEDx Speaker | Building India’s most loved art collective, Spill Poetry
The first thing you should do (after the initial client meeting) before beginning a project is to send a scope document to your client outlining what is included in this piece of work; and more importantly, what is NOT included. Add everything in this document, from tone of voice to the number of drafts you'll provide. Be clear and confident and make it a rule to practice this scope document (message me if you need a template) for every single project.
In the absence of a clear project scope, your adaptability and creativity become your most valuable assets. Embrace the opportunity to showcase a range of writing styles and tones. Craft a narrative that is flexible yet focused, allowing room for the client's input to steer the direction as they gain clarity on their vision. Your ability to pivot and adjust your writing to incorporate new information will demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to delivering quality content.
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Shivangi Jajoo
🏅12x Linkedin Community Top Voice | 225K Impressions | Passionate about Cricket | Content Writer | Dancer | Delhi University | St. Stephens | CA Finalist
When there's no clear project scope, your ingenuity and adaptability become your greatest strengths. Seize the chance to present a variety of writing tenor and styles. Create a narrative that is both flexible and focussed, giving the client's feedback some leeway to influence the story as they crystallise their vision. Your professionalism and dedication to producing high-quality material will be evident in your ability to change course and adapt your writing to include fresh facts.
While it's important to be flexible, you also need to protect your time and effort by setting boundaries. Establish a framework based on what you do know about the project and agree on checkpoints where feedback will be provided. This ensures that you have a structure to work within and that any course corrections happen in a timely manner. Clear communication about what you need from the client to proceed will help keep the project moving forward and prevent scope creep.
When dealing with uncertainty, making incremental progress is key. Start with broad strokes, outlining general concepts and ideas that can be refined over time. As more information becomes available, you can hone in on specifics, gradually shaping your writing to better fit the emerging scope. This approach allows you to make steady headway while remaining adaptable to changes, ensuring that each section of your writing contributes towards a cohesive whole.
Revising your work is an inevitable part of writing without a defined scope. View each revision as an opportunity to better align with the client's needs and sharpen your content. Be prepared to rework sections based on feedback and recognize that what you write initially may look very different by the end of the process. A positive attitude towards revision will make the experience more productive and less frustrating for both you and the client.
Each project you undertake without a clear scope is a learning experience. Reflect on what strategies worked well and which areas could be improved for future projects. This reflection will not only improve your writing skills but also your ability to navigate uncertainty more effectively. Learning from each project will make you a more versatile writer, capable of tackling a wide range of challenges with confidence.
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