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The New Rules of Business Communication — Jason Fried
20 segments available
Sign Up for "Writing Examples" and Learn From The Best Writing of All Time: https://www.writingexamples.com Get ready to swap everything you know about business-writing for an unconventional approach that actually works. Basecamp CEO Jason Fried is one of the world’s most successful software entrepreneurs. And he’s unique for the way he challenges the tenets of Silicon Valley startups. He’s bold like Bezos, but relaxed like Buffett. He cares less about “rising-and-grinding” and more about an honest 40-hour work week. He never white-knuckles his ideas, but shares them freely with the world. As a result, he’s transformed how Internet businesses are being built. And it all starts with — you guessed it — getting his best ideas on the page. His founder letters stand out (and they’re his favorite thing to write). Whenever he announces a new product, he releases a letter that does three things: builds a devoted fanbase, ramps up excitement, and sheds light on the purpose behind his products. And in this episode, you’ll learn exactly how he does it. You’ll learn specific business-writing techniques: from storytelling to structure to word choice. You’ll learn how to find your flow, make writing easier, and use writing to start doing things in the world. WRITE OF PASSAGE: Want to learn more about the next class for Write of Passage? Click here: https://writeofpassage.com/ SPEAKER LINKS: Website: https://world.hey.com/jason Twitter: https://x.com/jasonfried Medium: https://medium.com/@jasonfried Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002MQ13PQ PODCAST LINKS: Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:30 Communication 00:03:30 Struggle and Flow 00:10:45 Guide to Internal Communication 00:12:45 Writing a book 00:14:40 Writing like a sprinter 00:22:00 Editing 00:24:00 Mistakes and imperfections 00:33:00 Time and schedule for writing 00:36:00 Bad writing in business and school 00:39:40 Founder letters and product demos 00:45:00 Writing has to be playful and fun 00:52:15 Email 01:01:30 Writing with movement (rhythm and bounce) 01:02:00 Writing class I would like to teach (Editing and Iteration) 01:08:00 Writing in hiring employees (Resumes and Cover letters) 01:10:00 Writing company updates (“Heart beats”) 01:15:00 Writing to customers (marketing copy) 01:22:30 Sharing your secrets (chef's recipes) 01:26:40 Loosen your grip (life, business, and writing) ABOUT THE HOST: I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. How I Write is a podcast by Write of Passage // Production by Adam Soccolich
Segments Timeline
The Essence of Communication
Jason Fried emphasizes the importance of communication over mere writing. He believes that writing should be about transferring ideas clearly from one mind to another, rather than striving for perfection. This segment sets the stage for understanding his unique approach to business writing, highlighting the need for clarity and flow in communication.
"when I struggle with writing it's a signal to stop writing it's worth finding a flow because then you can ride that sometimes I write and I get a little bit contrived and it's because I made the bar s..."
Finding Your Flow in Writing
Fried discusses the struggle many face with writing and how it can signal the need to stop and reset. He advocates for finding a flow state in writing, where ideas can emerge naturally without the pressure of perfection. This segment explores the balance between effort and ease in the writing process, encouraging writers to embrace their instincts.
"I think it speaks to the essence of how you think about writing which is actually don't think about writing think about taking an idea from your head clarifying it putting it onto the page and get the..."
The Art of Founder Letters
In this segment, Fried shares his passion for writing founder letters when launching new products. He breaks down the storytelling techniques he employs, emphasizing the importance of clarity and engagement. This discussion reveals how these letters serve to build excitement and connect with audiences, showcasing his innovative approach to business communication.
"writing is not worth struggling through it's worth finding a flow because then you can ride that so I found at least for me when I struggle with writing it's a signal to stop writing not to keep pushi..."
Writing Like a Sprinter
Fried likens his writing style to that of a sprinter, focusing on speed and efficiency. He explains how he prefers to write quickly to capture ideas before they fade, rather than laboring over each word. This segment highlights his belief in the importance of momentum in writing, encouraging others to adopt a similar approach.
"internal Communications earlier yeah when you have a piece like that where does the Genesis moment how does that happen what inspires a piece like that is this a a a question that you keep getting a s..."
The Importance of Editing
Fried discusses the role of editing in the writing process, emphasizing that it should enhance clarity rather than complicate it. He shares insights on how to effectively refine written work, advocating for a concise and impactful style. This segment underscores the necessity of editing in producing high-quality business communication.
"rework you did a bunch of compression towards the end of the book so what is different about the nature of a book there part of part of there's a couple things um it's a very good question because the..."
Embracing Mistakes and Imperfections
In this segment, Fried addresses the common fear of making mistakes in writing. He encourages writers to embrace imperfections as part of the creative process, arguing that authenticity often resonates more with audiences than flawless prose. This perspective fosters a healthier mindset towards writing and communication.
"often think of writers they sort of have their Zone it's sort of like sprinters where you know or like Runners there's some people who Sprint there's some people run marathons some people do 800 meter..."
Time Management for Writers
Fried shares his strategies for managing time effectively when it comes to writing. He discusses the importance of scheduling dedicated writing time and how it can lead to more productive sessions. This segment provides practical advice for anyone looking to improve their writing habits.
"finish the piece so I don't know if it is or not but that's how it feels to me how does editing show up the the best editor I've ever worked with uh was was on rework Tech um Rick Horan was our editor..."
Confronting Bad Writing in Business
Fried critiques the prevalence of poor writing in business and education, arguing that it undermines effective communication. He advocates for a shift towards clearer, more engaging writing practices. This segment challenges listeners to rethink their approach to business writing and strive for improvement.
"feel like it's sort of okay even though probably isn't in a sense since I write like I speak if I make a mistake in a sentence like what I'm speaking I don't go back I mean sometimes I will like oh I ..."
The Power of Founder Letters
Fried elaborates on the significance of founder letters in product launches, detailing how they can effectively communicate purpose and vision. He shares examples of his own letters, illustrating how they build anticipation and foster a connection with customers. This segment highlights the strategic use of writing in business.
"feel like I need to write I only write when I have something to say so it could be something comes up earlier in the day at work there's like some thing we went through I'm like I should write about t..."
Writing Should Be Playful
Fried emphasizes that writing should be a fun and playful process. He encourages writers to let go of rigid structures and enjoy the act of creation. This segment inspires a more relaxed approach to writing, reinforcing the idea that creativity thrives in a joyful environment.
"um and I think that they're a really good example of how to show why you're building something yeah and basically if you're watching on YouTube we'll put it on the screen right now if you're listening..."
The Role of Email in Communication
In this segment, Fried discusses the impact of email on business communication. He shares tips for writing effective emails that convey messages clearly and concisely. This segment provides valuable insights into the nuances of email communication in a professional setting.
"alliterations it's not quite alliteration but like that feel bubbled up from the other statement and I go ah I like I like this now I like this play this is where writing becomes playful for me and th..."
Writing with Rhythm and Movement
Fried explores the concept of rhythm in writing, likening it to music. He discusses how the flow of words can create a sense of movement that engages readers. This segment encourages writers to pay attention to the cadence of their writing, enhancing the overall reading experience.
"most people don't like email but you're like I actually it's not that I don't like email like if I get an email from my wife like I like that I get an email from an old friend I like that my uncle who..."
Teaching Writing Through Editing
Fried shares his vision for a writing class focused on editing and iteration. He believes that teaching writers to refine their work is crucial for developing strong communication skills. This segment highlights the importance of editing in the writing process.
"like playing around with the rhythm of words right so you said a redo a rethink prayers and payers all the the these sort of playing around with words of sort of the jetion they're Jabs right it's lik..."
Writing in Hiring Processes
Fried discusses the role of writing in hiring, particularly in resumes and cover letters. He emphasizes the need for clarity and authenticity in these documents, encouraging candidates to express their true selves. This segment provides insights into how writing can influence hiring decisions.
"um yeah let's talk about this post that you wrote my favorite post you've ever written is called the writing class I'd like to teach yes and basically what you say in it is that you would work with st..."
Company Updates as Communication
Fried talks about the importance of writing company updates, referring to them as 'heartbeats.' He explains how these updates can keep teams informed and engaged. This segment underscores the value of regular communication in maintaining a healthy company culture.
"sap it is it is good point they're two s words too tell me about how writing is in your hiring process it's actually the first thing we look at the first thing the first thing oh how about that becaus..."
Marketing Copy and Customer Writing
Fried explores the nuances of writing marketing copy aimed at customers. He shares strategies for crafting messages that resonate with audiences and drive engagement. This segment provides practical tips for improving marketing communication.
"writing multi- paragraphs sort of in base camp and um there's like I mean long form for us is I don't know 800 words 1,200 words something that's like a pitch an idea yes um uh every six weeks every t..."
Sharing Secrets in Writing
Fried discusses the value of sharing personal insights and secrets in writing, likening it to a chef sharing recipes. He believes that openness can foster deeper connections with readers. This segment encourages writers to be vulnerable and authentic in their work.
"or whatever it was like and they would just like loosen up and and say it they wouldn't struggle through it they'd recall some things they'd say some things I'd say just write that down instead like i..."
Loosen Your Grip on Writing
Fried concludes with a reminder to loosen one's grip on writing, both in life and business. He advocates for a more relaxed approach to creativity, encouraging writers to embrace spontaneity and flexibility. This segment reinforces the idea that writing should be an enjoyable and liberating process.
"basically our method for building software and it was written to an audience of software makers our future books are written to a more broad business audience but initially we didn't have broad busine..."
Relaxing Your Grip on Business
Fried uses a drum analogy to illustrate the importance of not gripping too tightly in business. He encourages a relaxed approach to work, suggesting that too much pressure can stifle creativity and hinder performance.
"that we found because like I really admire what you've achieved and accomplished both as a writer and in business and I don't feel like I've done that and I want to have achieved and do some of the th..."
Finding Your True Nature in Writing
In the conclusion of the conversation, Fried emphasizes the significance of aligning one's work with their true nature. He suggests that understanding the essence of experiences can lead to greater ease and success in both writing and business.
"you should do because other people here's the seven ways to do this and the 10 ways to do this and everything's lists these days and all these success stories most of these people including like every..."