Category: Tools & resources
8 Lessons from 8 Years in Business
February 21, 2021
It’s party time! February marks 8 years since I launched by own business. As number of new businesses has soared 38% year-over-year in the U.S., it’s the perfect time to share some tips to help start-ups succeed. Patterns among these 8 lessons: 1. MIND-BODY CONNECTIONMovement fires up our neurons and can spark our most brilliant […]
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 […]
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 […]
B2B Strategic Communications Plan
September 4, 2019
Match your message to your big picture.
99 Ways to Score a Marketing Touchdown
February 5, 2017
Few companies can afford a $5 million TV ad during the Super Bowl. For the rest of us, here are 99 ways to tackle the competition and score a touchdown using simple marketing tactics. Marketing Planning 1. Revise or create a marketing plan for your business. 2. Revisit your market research. 3. Analyze your competition. […]
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 […]
Checklist: Maximize Your Marketing Muscle
September 9, 2015
Looking to end 2015 on a strong note? Consider applying more proven marketing practices to reach and attract your ideal customers. Use this checklist of 101 marketing tactics to identify new opportunities to maximize your marketing muscle. 101 Marketing Tactics: Advertising Affiliate marketing program Annual reports Banner ads Behind-the-scenes images and videos Blogs Brochures Business […]
Strategic Communications 101
September 8, 2015
With the back-to-school season underway, let’s review how to achieve your business goals by applying reading, writing and ‘rithmatic to develop a strategic communications plan. An effective communications plan acts as your company’s results-oriented roadmap, helping you get where you want to go — using minimal time, money and effort. Use the following steps to […]
Plan Your Content, Crush Your Competitors
August 11, 2015
The Internet is clogged with content. How will you make yours stand out among your rivals? Take a tip from top-performing companies: Be proactive and consistent (rather than reactive and random) with your external communications. To stay on track, manage your workflow and create impactful copy, develop an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar helps you […]
A (Canadian) Branding Exercise
July 1, 2014
Branding is more important than ever in business, as brands convey consistent quality, credibility and experience. Brands establish an emotional connection and can build value. In honour of Canada Day, we’ll examine a patriotic brand, Molson Canadian beer. Molson Canadian stands out from all the other domestic and foreign beer brands by relying on its […]
Declutter With a Communications Audit
April 1, 2014
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home: ‘tis the season to declutter your messaging by conducting a communications audit. By reviewing the effectiveness of your communications, you can distinguish between what delivers an attractive return on investment and what you need to polish. Strategic Considerations An effective communications audit asks: What are our communications goals […]
Web Writing S.O.S.
February 18, 2014
In today’s sink-or-swim world of business, your company needs to be online – and use website copy that advances its strategy. Use these 25 web writing tips as a lifesaver to make your company’s digital content stand out: Writing basics Write clear, simple content. Plain language is easiest to read. Cover only one topic per […]
99 Ways to Score a Marketing Touchdown
February 3, 2014
Few companies can afford a $4 million TV ad during the Super Bowl. For the rest of us, here are 99 ways to tackle the competition and score a touchdown using simple marketing tactics. Marketing Planning 1. Revise or create a marketing plan for your business. 2. Revisit your market research. 3. Analyze your competition. […]
Pinpoint Your Target Audience
October 8, 2013
Tired of playing hide and seek with your target market? To identify a suitable target, successful entrepreneurs recommend these tips: 1. Pick an audience you can relate to. Choose and audience you understand and admire — then tailor your product to their pain points. 2. Consider long-term potential. Among customers that will adopt early, which […]
Recipe for a Strategic Communications Plan
October 1, 2013
A strategic communications plan mixes together all your communication vehicles to accomplish your mission. Its methodical recipe helps you get the results you want. Key ingredients of a communications plan: Executive summary: Write this section last and limit it to one page. Communication process description: Provide information to help decision makers who are not trained […]
Communication Vehicles Checklist
September 10, 2013
Is your communications plan effectively reaching your audience? Use this checklist to identify other communication vehicles that will maximize your marketing impact. Advertising Annual reports Banner ads Blogs Brochures Business cards Business proposals Business case studies Case studies Collateral Company profiles Contests Corporate booth (for trade shows) Coupons Direct mail Editorial calendar eBooks Elevator speech […]
Objective Clarifier Tool
September 5, 2013
Aligning your communications with your corporate strategy makes the best business sense. To make sure your communications are effective, you need clear objectives. Use these questions to create results-oriented communications: Briefly describe the business challenge/opportunity What does success look like? List your corporate objectives (e.g. vision, strategic objectives) List your communication objectives (ensure they are […]