Who likes sitting on hold with a service provider? Not me! I wanted information about my home insurance, so I gave my provider a call. I navigated through the series of automated choices carefully choosing the purpose for my call and remembering long-forgotten PIN numbers. Then I waited. And waited. Despite the warnings that IContinue reading “Customer service is a table stake”
Author Archives: Haynes on Communication
Break it down, step by step
The other day I baked apple squares. I used a recipe that required only a few steps and seemed simple enough. Full confession, I am not a baker. I followed the steps and despite my pan being slightly larger than the recipe called for, I think the squares turned out pretty good. This got meContinue reading “Break it down, step by step”
Connect!
We’re not all cut from the same cloth. For some of us, making a connection with another human comes naturally. For others, not so much. Although we might be presented with natural opportunities along the way such as childhood friends, school, sports or work, life changes and people move on. We’re then forced to makeContinue reading “Connect!”
Words that flow
My walk home today was a steeplechase. The temperatures were above zero and there were puddles from the melted snow at every turn. The walk got me thinking about metaphors. Not only are they fun, but they’re powerful tools in writing that can help readers understand complex ideas and emotions. They help paint a pictureContinue reading “Words that flow”
Get off the couch!
It was a dark and dreary day. The snow was falling and the sun was nowhere to be seen. I spent a couple hours writing and completing a few tasks around my house while I waited for a delivery. The delivery window was between 8 a.m. and noon. You know, the type where you’re atContinue reading “Get off the couch!”
Will they recognize you?
An iconic brand readily identifiable by consumers is a valuable asset to any company. Understanding the services or products you offer through your key messages and actions builds brand loyalty. This will happen overtime as consumers gain exposure to your brand. Other important components of your branding are the visual cues you display. This includesContinue reading “Will they recognize you?”
New year. New business?
A new year might not signal the start of something new for everyone, but it might for you. And, if your something new is starting a new business, than you will need a business plan. A business plan helps you do the thinking we often overlook when we have a great idea. So, think ofContinue reading “New year. New business?”
The magic of Christmas
Although we tend to get wrapped up in the idea, Christmas is not just about the presents or the decorations, but about the spirit of the season. It’s a time I look forward to spending with family, especially the little ones who have been counting down the days before Santa arrives. Each year, we createContinue reading “The magic of Christmas”
Travel talk
Is travelling to an amazing faraway location on your bucket list for 2024? New Zealand? Morocco? Or maybe Costa Rico? We live in a multicultural world where understanding different communication styles is important. Before you head off on your next adventure, here are some tips to help you communicate. Consider nonverbal communication cues asContinue reading “Travel talk”
New year, new business
Is starting a small business one of your new year goals? Although it’s an exciting idea, it can also be challenging. If you’re going to be successful, it takes careful planning and preparation. Here are some steps to consider when starting a small business. Conduct market research: Before starting a business, it’s important to researchContinue reading “New year, new business”
My writing booth. 