The Importance of Creative Writing
in Your Professional Career
See also: Business Storytelling
While it may seem that creative writing is something that only liberal arts majors need, the ability to write well and communicate effectively is important in many different areas of the business world. Creative writing is a business skill that few people choose to cultivate, which helps those who do stand out from their competition.
Many of the best CEOs in the world have advanced creative writing skills that they use to win contracts and build support. This page explains some of the key advantages this skill provides.
Advantages of Creative Writing
Communicating with Shareholders
Many shareholders appreciate it when information is given to them in a concise manner. However, they also appreciate when a company they are investing in takes the time to write a creative and well-worded newsletter. Having the ability to communicate effectively while exciting investors and keeping them up to date on the inner workings of your company is an important skill for any manager. This can also translate to thanking individual investors and keeping them updated with the impact that their financial backing has made.
Improving Internal Communications
Within the company itself, memos, emails, and other communications with employees will be better received if they are interesting and relevant. Softening bad news or explaining an issue to your employees in a way that they can understand will have a much bigger impact than a tersely worded memo that creates confusion. This can help you be a much more effective manager and show that you are ready to take on higher levels of responsibility while still having the support of your team.
Strengthening Investment Plans
Investment plans will generally go over smoother if they have interesting projections, well-thought-out predictions, and information that shows care and consideration. Deploying your creative writing skills to expand upon presentations, facts, and quick information will make it easier to win over individuals who are not yet on board with your plans. This also makes it easier for the media to tell the public about your plans and can be used to gain viral support from groups that would otherwise ignore them.
See also: How to Write a Press Release.
Professional Image
Your professional image can also be bolstered or tarnished depending upon your writing and your ability to communicate in a creative way. People in the business world are often perceived as being well educated, and this assumption has coloured what the world sees as professionalism. If you come across as unable to effectively communicate, people may view you as less professional.
Being able to introduce yourself, reply to official correspondence, and contribute to documents with a high level of skill will show you to be a true professional and will impress many people. Personal documentation such as an online profile or notes on contracts will also come across better when well written.
Improved Leadership Skills
Leadership skills are also helped when you are able to work on your creative writing and apply this skill. We already talked about using creative writing for your office memos, but it can also be used to demonstrate your ability to lead.
Depending on your position, your boss may expect detailed reports and will often use them when considering who to promote. Writing your reports to be engaging, well thought out, and interesting will increase the chances that they will see you as a good candidate.
Memorability is another reason that you should seek to improve your creative writing skills. As everyone in business knows, you are your own personal brand and everything you do should be done with that in mind. Well-written information and plans are one way to ensure that you remain memorable. If you struggle with creative writing, you may find it helpful to take a course or read guides on the topic.
Now more than ever, written communication is necessary for business. The age of meeting every week is over, and the age of remote collaboration, mass emails, and text messages has taken over. In this world, it is extremely important to get your point across clearly. In addition, people who use these skills find that they remember more in meetings and are more comfortable communicating with people face to face.
Improved Communication
The communication process as a whole is improved when you are better at creative writing. While terse communication can get information across, creative communication invites collaboration and marks you as an individual with a high level of professional commitment.
You may find that you are able to maintain better business relationships when you open yourself to new ways of communicating, and that your older relationships improve over time as well. No matter how big or small your company is, you will find that effective communication is the best way to move up in life.
Further Reading from Skills You Need
The Skills You Need Guide to Jobs and Careers: Getting a Job
Develop the skills you need to get that job.
This eBook is essential reading for potential job-seekers. It covers the entire process from identifying your skills through the mechanics of applying for a job and writing a CV or resume, to attending interviews.
Conclusion
Cultivating creative writing as a professional skill is a powerful investment in your career. It enhances your ability to communicate with investors and employees, strengthens your professional image, and marks you as a memorable and effective leader. In a world increasingly reliant on clear written communication, the ability to write creatively is not just an advantage—it's a necessity for success.
About the Author
Jonathan Leger is a freelance writer and small business owner. He runs a popular question and answer website.

