Driving home from shopping today, I heard this great branding story on CBC Radio. I wanted to share with you. Best Buy was originally called The Sound of Music. It was the actions they took in 1981 after a tornado struck their Minnesota store that lead them to a name change. What a great exampleContinue reading “A great branding story”
Author Archives: Haynes on Communication
Um…
Filler words are those nasty little words that replace your pauses; pauses that give your mind some time to think about what you’re going to say next. Um, ah, so, like are a few examples. We all use them (some more than others). Even though they may help to buy you some time, they canContinue reading “Um…”
A mentor or two
Have you ever thought of the people who have helped you navigate life stages or helped you reach success? Formally or informally, these are your mentors. When I look up “mentor” in the dictionary, I see words like wise and loyal. Toastmasters describes a mentor as someone with experience and expertise who is willing toContinue reading “A mentor or two”
It’s time to check in
Building a strong brand doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and a consistent focus. Know what it is you’re offering and stay the course. Don’t lose sight of what your customers want. Test your brand from time to time to make sure it remains relevant. The strongest brands have been around for years because theyContinue reading “It’s time to check in”
Lessons learned
You’ve just delivered a big project. It took weeks to pull it together with the help of your team and others involved. Feedback from recipients has been positive and you’re proud of your accomplishment. Congratulations! When you’re in a leadership role, you have a responsibility for the outcome of the project. Good leaders are thereContinue reading “Lessons learned”
My takeaways as contest chair
In January, I chaired a Toastmasters International Area Speech Contest. It was both nerve wracking and exciting. Since I recently posted about the value of lessons learned meetings after my own club contest, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on this latest experience. I was asked. I was reluctant but said yes. I wasContinue reading “My takeaways as contest chair”
Online all the time
Like a lot of people today, I’m working from home. So, I got to thinking about how we’ve shifted the way we communicate. My day starts online and is peppered with emails, video calls and text messages. On breaks, I’m throwing in a load of laundry or taking a quick walk around the block. LongContinue reading “Online all the time”
Moments of reflection
Despite the challenges and disruption of Covid-19, I still got in a few outings on my bucket list. For one, exploring the marshes of Point Pelee National Park and then spending a day on the island itself. And, I’ll never forget my train travel to Halifax to hike around Point Pleasant Park. Each presented momentsContinue reading “Moments of reflection”
From the heart
2021 is definitely a year to reflect on. With it came sadness, challenges and innovation. Families found different ways to communicate, and we opened our hearts to help those in need. For me, it underscored the importance of family and the simple things in life — enjoying each moment one day at a time andContinue reading “From the heart”
Change with a plan
Like the weather changes, there’s change everywhere we go. Think of all the life changes you’ve experienced. From the time you were old enough to make your own choices, you’ve been making decisions. University, college or none at all? Which career path? To marry or not to marry? And a biggie on my radar —Continue reading “Change with a plan”
Writing for you. 