WORD FOR THE DAY "value" (n.) "1. relative worth, merit, or importance; 2. monetary or material worth, as in commerce or trade; 3. the worth of something in terms of the amount of other things for which it can be exchanged or in terms of some medium of exchange." (dictionary.com)

Figure the cost when businesses don't value a pro writer.

Ask yourself, "what does it cost?"

What does it cost to have a grammatical error on a direct mail letter or postcard? to run a radio or print ad schedule with no clear call to action? to display a profile on social media that's riddled with bad spelling and word choice? to distribute a press release written by an amateur? to post web copy that's punctuated and structured so randomly that the viewer can't follow the message or navigate the site with ease?

What does it cost to under value a writer?

It costs a business in credibility, effectiveness, marketing and advertising dollars, and ultimately, CUSTOMERS.

Even though it's sometimes difficult to put a price on the use of a professional writer, clearly, a writing pro adds value if only to stop practices that sabotage its efforts to reinforce image, send clear messages, encourage action, and grow customers.

So, what is it costing you to not recognize the value of a writer?