Interruption disruption
I’ve come to the realization that I spend more time sitting at my computer than I should. As much as I’d like to admit that I can live without internet, it’s become a vital vein in my existence. It’s my source of communication with family and friends, a never-ending source of information and news updates…
Maintaining momentum
This week, I’ve been out dropping off flyers to spread the word about a small business I co‑own, and it’s been a mix of slow steps and small sparks of excitement. Meeting our audience face‑to‑face has been eye‑opening—there’s something grounding about real conversations, real reactions, and real people engaging with what you’re building. It’s also…
Your business plan — a living document
If you’re starting a business — or growing one — a solid business plan is one of the best tools you can have. Think of it as your roadmap: it keeps you focused, helps you make smart decisions, and gives you something concrete to measure progress against. But here’s the part many people forget: a…
The worse they can say is ‘no’
Whether it’s a raise, a new opportunity, a sale or even just a favour, the fear of asking is real. You know the feeling. The knot in your stomach, the racing heart, the endless mental rehearsals that inevitably lead to self-doubt. You might feel uncertain, nervous or even a little embarrassed about putting yourself out…
A new language with a “hook”
I’ll be honest—I almost forgot to write this week’s blog. My mind hasn’t been on word counts or headlines lately because I’ve been busy with a different kind of “hook.” Instead of typing, I’ve been crocheting. Not something totally foreign to me, but something I haven’t done in a very long time. I quickly realized…
Finding the heart of your support system
Birthdays have this funny way of acting like a spotlight. They don’t just celebrate your age; they illuminate exactly who is standing in your corner. I recently wrapped up my own birthday, and looking back, the “gifts” weren’t what sat on the table—it was the people who showed up. There is a specific kind of…
Plowing through the boring tasks
We’ve all been there. You look at your to-do list and see that one task—the one that isn’t necessarily hard, but it’s long, repetitive and feels like it’s going to take forever. Today, that’s me. Today, I’m working on reaching out to over 150 people as part of a marketing campaign. And, to be honest,…
Feeling small business stress?
Running a small business with its highs and lows can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. If you’re feeling the squeeze, you aren’t alone—but you also don’t have to stay stuck in that “survival mode” headspace. Here are four practical ways to reduce the stress and get back to…
Why marketing matters
Marketing is the heartbeat of any business, and when it’s done well—even on a small budget—it becomes one of the most powerful growth tools you have. Marketing isn’t just a task on your to‑do list—it’s the engine that keeps your business moving forward. You can have the best product or service in the world, but…
Listening… essential for your body, too!
Happy 2026! As I kick off my first post of the year, I’m excited to continue my theme of communication. Communication isn’t just for business—it’s a life skill. It’s not only about how we write or share information, but also about how well we listen and understand others. And listening isn’t limited to spoken words;…
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Thank you for following Pen and Patience. I appreciate the support. I like your Blog Site and wish you much success with your endeavors. If you haven’t already, I invite you to stop by http://www.writeradvice.com and read my writing journey under the heading, “You can’t make this stuff up.” It’s titled, “Late Bloomin’ Writer.” It’s never too late to begin writing.
Frances
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Thank you. I will will check it out!
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