Adaptation beats translation

One of the first things I learned as a young communications specialist was that translation alone is not enough. You need to adapt the messaging… not just the words. In my work, English was the primary language and French was a requirement by law for a large segment of customers. To do this, we reliedContinue reading “Adaptation beats translation”

Boost your small business

You made a bold move and started your own small business. You put everything into it. You’re passionate about it and, like any small business owner, you want to see it thrive. There are a number of small business strategies you can employ. Here are a few to get you started. Small business strategies toContinue reading “Boost your small business”

Customer service is a table stake

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”

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?”

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”

When your brand changes hands

Every experience someone has with your brand is an opportunity to form an opinion or a perception about your business, good or bad. Consumers want to deal with a company they trust to provide great products and great service. They may also appreciate a brand for its values, if they align with their own. Reliability,Continue reading “When your brand changes hands”

A bit of business-building advice

It takes more than passion to achieve success. When you’re a small business owner you hold accountability for everything from business planning, accounting, promoting, hiring and firing, and of course, working the business! Needless to say, running your own small business can be challenging, exciting and rewarding. If you’re thinking about starting your own business,Continue reading “A bit of business-building advice”

Strengthen your reputation and build credibility online

As a small business owner, you work hard to build a business you’re proud of. You’ve set your goals, identified your target market and defined how you’re going to differentiate yourself from your competition. Part of your business planning should include a marketing strategy — how to tell the world what you’re up to andContinue reading “Strengthen your reputation and build credibility online”

How to get stuff done

We all have “stuff” we need to get done — work stuff, family stuff, friend stuff, your stuff! The list goes on. One of my favourite ways to get stuff done is to make a ‘to-do’ list. It means mapping out my day and striking out each task as I accomplish it. Today it was:Continue reading “How to get stuff done”