Creativity. Is it in your genes?

This morning, I listened to news coverage of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, an annual college football game played in Florida. It featured a brilliant advertising campaign where the winning team got to eat the mascot, a Pop-Tart. The campaign generated millions in earned media. From the Pop-Tart mascots to the giant toaster, the promotion was entertainingContinue reading “Creativity. Is it in your genes?”

How to eat an elephant

Are you feeling it? The hustle and bustle of December that is. December is a high-activity, high-energy month, which can be overwhelming. So many tasks come to the forefront, demanding our time and forcing us to balance priorities. This might include work orders and project deadlines, budgets to spend, or staff to hire. And let’sContinue reading “How to eat an elephant”

Join me on a venture

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of another year and a busy one at that. It’s been a pleasure working with small business owners who offer diverse products, services, and experiences that make neighborhoods vibrant and distinctive. At the same time, it gave me good fodder for my weekly blogs. However, I want toContinue reading “Join me on a venture”

Print perfect

You’ve taken the time to write the perfect copy. Your design is stamped with creativity.  Now it’s time to work with a printer to get the perfect finished product. How will you make that happen? Here are some tips. Be clear on what you want. The more specific you are about your vision for theContinue reading “Print perfect”

Go team Club!

This past week, I had the pleasure of working with a supportive team of club members to deliver a Toastmasters Club Contest. Contests are a Toastmasters International annual tradition. Contests start at the Club level and continue through various levels until winners present on an international stage. These top speakers represent clubs from around theContinue reading “Go team Club!”

Face-to-face or online?

With the rise of digital communications, meeting online is more popular than ever. While virtual meetings offer convenience and flexibility, we can’t underestimate the value of in-person interaction. Here’s why meeting face-to-face still holds benefits over meeting online. Personal connection Meeting in person fosters a level of personal connection that you just can’t get fromContinue reading “Face-to-face or online?”

This quirky English language!

If all we did was speak and never write, we might be good with so many homophones. Yes, nasty homophones! ho·mo·phone One of two or more words pronounced alike but different in meaning or derivation or spelling (such as the words to, too, and two) merriam-webster.com So why do homophones even exist? Hair and hare,Continue reading “This quirky English language!”

What’s in a partnership

Building a strong and lasting partnership, whether in business or personal life, requires a foundation of trust, communication and mutual respect. Here are five key elements I believe make a successful partnership. 1. Clear communication Clear and concise communication prevents misunderstandings. It’s important to express ideas and expectations clearly. Active listening is also important. HavingContinue reading “What’s in a partnership”

Finding the right mentor

I think it’s safe to say most people have been mentored in one way or another throughout their career, whether formally or informally. A mentor is an experienced person who supports and guides a protege/mentee and empowers them to reach their goals. My career started in clerical roles until I landed a position as anContinue reading “Finding the right mentor”

Small business litmus test

Good ideas are a dime a dozen, but great ideas? They’re gold. If you’re an entrepreneur thinking about starting a small business, you’re in good company. Madeinca.ca claim that nearly 98% of business in Canada are small businesses. However, according to Made in CA, who focus on small business in Canada, “About 50% of smallContinue reading “Small business litmus test”