In Japan, where cherry blossoms are widely celebrated, families and friends enjoy picnics and festivals under cherry trees. The cherry blossom represents the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival is the most important festival for Chinese people. Activities include colourful festivals, dragon dances, fireworks, reunions and makingContinue reading “Culture: A treasure trove of opportunity”
Tag Archives: lessons learned
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”
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”
Feeling awkward and uncomfortable?
There are times when we find ourselves in work or social situations where we don’t know everyone we’re with — a business networking event, a friend’s wedding, a holiday event. For many, these are perfect events to catch up, rekindle friendships or exchange information. Attending with a colleague or friend can make interacting a littleContinue reading “Feeling awkward and uncomfortable?”
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”
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”
Right people, right way, right time
I’m a big believer in planning, at least when it comes to communications and business. However, I’m also notorious for jumping in and asking questions later. Go figure! When you’re creative or a dreamer, it’s more fun to jump right into writing than it is to spend time planning your communication. But planning is important!Continue reading “Right people, right way, right time”
For the love of words
Have you ever stopped to think about the words you use when you’re explaining a concept or providing direction? We tend to throw in [a lot of] extra words. That might make your communication more conversational, or maybe not. In reality, when we add extra words, we create more work for the reader. There’s moreContinue reading “For the love of words”
How forgiving are you?
Creating a positive brand experience is key to building a successful brand. Bad brand experiences are not. I would normally focus my blogs on the positive, but since I’ve run into a streak of less than positive experiences, I’ve decided on a little healthy vent. Here I go! Incorrect phone numbersNot long ago, I wasContinue reading “How forgiving are you?”
Keep in touch. Stay top of mind.
We make buying decisions based on the value we perceive from a product or service. Does the product or service improve your lifestyle or make a certain task easier or more enjoyable? Are you willing to pay more for convenience or drive farther to buy because you trust the brand? Would you pay more forContinue reading “Keep in touch. Stay top of mind.”
Writing for you. 