Trust me, he said

Every experience someone has with your brand contributes to the perception they form about your brand. If you want these experiences to nudge people closer to a purchase decision, you need to deliver on what you promise. Like billions of online shoppers, I placed an order for delivery before the holidays. Nothing extravagant; it wasContinue reading “Trust me, he said”

See the goal. Achieve the goal.

The best way to reach a goal is to start with a clear picture of what you want to achieve. Is your goal to buy a house in the next five years, take a vacation or maybe chip away at a pile of debt you’ve accumulated? Whatever your goal, you’ll need a plan to getContinue reading “See the goal. Achieve the goal.”

Punctuation: Small but mighty!

Do you ever question when to use a comma? Is the right punctuation a colon or a semicolon? Different levels of writing may suggest different uses, but here are some common rules you might find handy. Periods. They go at the end of most sentences, unless you’re injecting excitement or asking a question. But, whereContinue reading “Punctuation: Small but mighty!”

Writing with purpose

I’m sometimes asked to write letters, ads, posts, etc. for my customers. And, of course, I’m always happy to help. Whether it’s a flyer to promote their services or a letter to explain a change, knowing the purpose and what the sender wants the reader to do is an important first step. I like toContinue reading “Writing with purpose”

Five reasons to write!

“I can shake off everything as I write. My sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” ~ Anne Frank There are many good reasons to write. Here are some to consider. 5. It’s a great way to record memories.You’ve had a great vacation. You visited little towns and shops and learned so much about the areaContinue reading “Five reasons to write!”

Don’t leave without a word

There may come a time when you’re ready to leave the business. This could happen for a number of reasons. Perhaps you’re contemplating retirement or maybe you’re just ready to downsize and spend more time at the cottage with family. Whatever your reason, don’t leave your customers hanging and wondering what happened to you. You’veContinue reading “Don’t leave without a word”

Gold star service — I got it!

I rarely write customer reviews. I don’t have a reason for not writing them, it’s just not something I do. But, today, I just might. I recently hired a builder to create a lattice wall for my garden. The experience exceeded my expectations, so much so that I can’t say enough good things about it.Continue reading “Gold star service — I got it!”

Let’s talk jargon

Language is flooded with words that reflect lifestyles, cultural groups dialects, professional practices or occupations, and those that we just plain make up. Jargon is great, if you’re talking with individuals familiar with the business, topic or area. If you’re communicating to a broader diverse audience, using jargon can lead to confusion. Merriam-Webster defines jargonContinue reading “Let’s talk jargon”

Is writing a dying art?

In the 80s, Apple introduced the Macintosh computer and from then on laptops and tablets flourished. It seems one advancement in technology sparks another and then another and then another… Today, we have so many writing options that my hands cramp when I try to handwrite even the shortest note! Artificial intelligence — a hotContinue reading “Is writing a dying art?”

Your brand inside and out

You’ve put a lot of thought and planning into your brand. You’ve decided on the brand’s characteristics and the tone and feel you want to project. You’ve got a brand promise you feel good about and, in the process, you’ve nailed your key messages. Everything is coming together nicely. A well-thought-out visual identity, complete withContinue reading “Your brand inside and out”