Repurpose that!

Now’s the time of year when escaping the hustle bustle of everyday life is top of mind. That might mean work or school or any daily routine. For me, it means exploring new scenery — a drive to a different city, a trip around the lake, hiking a new trail or even train travel. MyContinue reading “Repurpose that!”

Communication in the workplace

Effective communication in the workplace is crucial for fostering collaboration, reducing conflicts and enhancing productivity. Imagine trying to hit a deadline or production quota without the support of your colleagues. Completing a task without all the required information is almost impossible. Meetings that go nowhere can suck up time, energy and enthusiasm. Working with aContinue reading “Communication in the workplace”

What to write? What to write?

Writing can be a relaxing and fulfilling experience. I know because writing on my patio with a cool drink surrounded by the sound of birds singing is one of my favourite things to do! However, there are times when knowing what to write is a challenge. If you feel the same, I offer you theContinue reading “What to write? What to write?”

Communication faux pas to avoid

Think back to times when you gave up on a conversation or felt that you just weren’t getting through to a colleague, a friend or even a family member. It can be frustrating and discouraging. Whether it’s in a relationship, the workplace or business interactions, effective communication is important. If you want to express yourselfContinue reading “Communication faux pas to avoid”

Connect!

We’re not all cut from the same cloth. For some of us, making a connection with another human comes naturally. For others, not so much. Although we might be presented with natural opportunities along the way such as childhood friends, school, sports or work, life changes and people move on. We’re then forced to makeContinue reading “Connect!”

Words that flow

My walk home today was a steeplechase. The temperatures were above zero and there were puddles from the melted snow at every turn. The walk got me thinking about metaphors. Not only are they fun, but they’re powerful tools in writing that can help readers understand complex ideas and emotions. They help paint a pictureContinue reading “Words that flow”

Ambition. Do you have it?

Today I got thinking about ambition. I feel like some people have it and some people don’t. This might be true, but if you understand that ambition presents itself in different ways, you might be surprised to find most people do. Ambition: a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination andContinue reading “Ambition. Do you have it?”

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”