Category: Leadership Communications
1-Page Business Plan
February 20, 2021
As a start-up owner, you don’t have time to write a 100-page business plan that meticulously details every strategy and process you’ll use. On the other hand, you can’t afford to skip the step of writing down your intentions either. This high-level business plan helps you focus on the big picture and save time so […]
2021 Retail PEST Analysis
January 11, 2021
What keeps CEOs up at night … Retail companies’ C-suite teams juggle staggering complexity and ambiguity as they navigate market factors like: – Pandemic risks– Tech upheaval– Mass protests As this 2021 PEST analysis shows, macro themes include: 1. CONSTANT CHANGEDiverse market factors are all moving at once. 2. ACCELERATIONMany of these trends have emerged […]
2020 Retail PEST Analysis
June 7, 2020
What keeps CEOs up at night: Coronavirus impact, global recession, and mass protests and movements for starters. As this PEST analysis shows, retail executives and their teams need to juggle a variety of complex market factors as they revise their 2020 strategies to navigate new risks. UPDATED Jan. 2021: 2021 Retail PEST Analysis Overarching themes […]
Is Amazon Pandemic-Proof?
May 10, 2020
Most retail companies are burning their 2020 business strategies. The coronavirus crisis has: – Left many independent retailers and brands insolvent– Prompted department store Neiman Marcus to file for bankruptcy last week – Shuttered storefronts and, earlier this year, Walgreens, Forever 21 and Sears had already closed several stores By contrast, Amazon is booming. Jeff […]
The New Skill Set
May 8, 2020
What Businesses Want (in a Pandemic)… Today’s devastating news that the U.S. jobless rate hit its highest level since the Great Depression (and Canada hit its second-highest level) proves how profoundly and swiftly COVID-19 has hurt businesses and talent. As more people compete for jobs, global research suggests corporate demand for specific skills cuts across […]
5 Steps to Make Your Communications Strategic
April 20, 2020
The coronavirus crisis has forced companies to adapt to new global market realities. Now marketing, communications and sales teams have an urgent opportunity to support their C-suites. They can collaborate to ensure their approach to messaging aligns with corporate goals to help their company survive this crisis and reduce risk. This framework can help your […]
Strategic Content
August 7, 2019
Before you start drafting the content your next marketing campaign, make sure your message resonates and gets results. This handy resource for B2B and B2C marketing campaigns will help you ensure your content aligns with your strategy.
Passion = Purpose
May 31, 2017
Bulletproof Your Communications Strategy
January 24, 2017
Facing intense competition and a flat economy, businesses face pressure to stretch every marketing dollar further while achieving results. As 2017 has just begun, it’s the perfect time to review your marketing and communications to pinpoint which areas could benefit from greater strength, clarity and efficiency. Use the following questions to assess how well your […]
The Sweetest Business Networking Event of the Year
January 15, 2017
Tonight, Toronto entrepreneurs put the ‘epic’ in epicurean. More than 100 guests attended the most decadent (and least nutritious) networking event of the year: Chocolate Chip Cookie Off 2017. Featuring 35 types of gourmet cookies lovingly crafted by baking professionals, CCCO2017 offered an audacious tribute to carbs. Despite the frosty winter weather, we came out […]
Holiday Parties = Networking Goldmines
December 7, 2016
Looking to grow your business in 2017? Great. Start now. Successful executive and entrepreneurs recommend that you say yes to every invitation you receive for holiday parties, including professional and industry social events. These networking events are golden opportunities to connect with people, build relationships and strengthen your professional network. Even holiday events you attend […]
Trump’s Winning Marketing Strategy: Rage Against the Machine
November 9, 2016
The world awoke to a whole new reality show. As astounded Americans try to make sense of last night’s election results (and feverishly apply for a Canadian passport), let’s examine how President-elect Trump’s marketing strategy contributed to his stunning triumph. Donald Trump’s political campaign nailed several basic marketing principles, which elevated his brand from brash […]
Win Big and Fast: 5 Strategic Sales Tips
August 3, 2016
Winning makes us euphoric. Just as the 2016 Rio Olympics will be the proudest moment of some elite athletes’ careers, winning a major new business deal could be the most exhilarating thing to happen to your company. Business development wins can give your company bigger accounts, new direction and greater credibility – and effective sales […]
20 Tips for Working Remotely (& Productively)
June 28, 2016
Now that warmer weather is here, it may be time to free yourself from the office to work from a more scenic locale — without compromising your productivity. To boost cost efficiencies, morale and retention, a growing number of companies are embracing programs for staff to work remotely. Whether they work from home, a coffee […]
24 Entrepreneurs’ Top Tips from their Dads
June 28, 2016
In time for Father’s Day, entrepreneurs around the world celebrated their tough and tender role models. These business owners remind us that our dads are more than just our parents. They are loving mentors and cheerleaders who have empowered and emboldened us to take risks, grow and succeed in pursuing our dreams. Now two dozen […]
Leadership Tips from Proven Tech Disruptors
February 9, 2016
Technology is today’s business game-changer. Its growing influence impacts everyone from the c-suite to the customer service frontlines. Now it’s impossible to discuss marketing, B2B or retail trends without mentioning technology’s impact. That’s why – regardless of the sector we’re in – it’s important to learn from successful, innovative tech leaders. Their valuable experiences and […]
10 Qualities of Winning Entrepreneurs
November 27, 2015
In a recent LinkedIn post, over three dozen entrepreneurs generously shared with me their top tips for business success. They mentioned several recurring themes, including personal qualities that underpin business growth and prosperity. Based on their feedback, here are 10 of the most common qualities among winning entrepreneurs: Focused: They know why they launched their […]
Executive Ghostwriter as a Time Saver
October 27, 2015
It’s frightful: Business executives are bursting with brilliant insights – yet they have no time to share them. That’s why some leaders use a ghostwriter, a writer who anonymously articulates their ideas while the executive gets the spotlight, the credit and the results. In time for Halloween, here’s a case study on using a ghostwriter […]
14 Experts Share How to Recession-Proof Your Business
October 14, 2015
In both strong and weak economies, your company deserves promotion. Last month, Statistics Canada confirmed the Canadian economy slipped into recession in the first half of the year for the first time since 2009. Too often, news of a recession causes decision makers to panic and contract their marketing efforts. However, reacting by “going quiet” […]
Leadership Lessons from Toronto’s Tech Titans
October 6, 2015
In Toronto’s booming technology sector, companies are competing for top talent while trying to attract investors, remain agile and stay ahead of rapidly-evolving industry trends. Due to explosive growth, Toronto’s tech job growth rate is well above the overall employment rate, according to the Financial Post. To learn from proven leaders and rising stars in […]