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 […]
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 […]
Without exception, effective leaders are also superior communicators. These leaders carefully craft their messages to connect with clients, employees and investors on an emotional level. Their words influence and inspire others to achieve more than they could ever imagine. Use these 10 secrets of effective leaders to deliver powerful, influential messages: 1. Know Your Audience […]
Twenty years ago, Apple CEO Steve Jobs “nailed it” when he predicted the role of computers would evolve from computation to communication. Today the use of social media through computers and mobile sources are the primary means of business communication worldwide. Although social media has evolved into a fundamental business tool, a recent BRANDfog survey […]
In today’s cluttered marketplace and fragmented media landscape, it’s more challenging than ever for companies to get noticed and be heard. So let’s end the year by reviewing the top 5 strategic communication tips that will help your brand stand out and look good by demonstrating its value. Build these 5 best practices into your […]
This week, the world’s best soccer players begin competing in the 2014 World Cup and their high-performing teams can teach businesses how to win. Effective communication among teammates – on the soccer pitch or in the boardroom – can increase productivity, heighten morale and improve efficiency. Use these communication tips to turn your team into […]
Recent research indicates improving the communication of senior executives may be the most cost-effective way to improve employee satisfaction, morale and culture. A clear link exists between outstanding organizational performance and outstanding culture. Executive communication plays a major role in both. What Employees Want According to research, the topics employees want to hear about from […]
Business owners and executives can learn effective communication tips from Canadian Olympic athletes. As the following sports leaders prove, winning communication is more than words — it’s about positive attitudes and actions, too. For success in business, apply these lessons from Canada’s heroes in Sochi: Give others the glory: Calgary speedskater Gilmore Junio set aside […]
Situation One of my clients serving pharmaceutical companies relies on email campaigns to communicate with clients. However, the company did not measure the performance of three potentially lucrative email campaigns. Approach To understand the client’s process, I analyzed the three campaigns and considered: Who received each email? What is the call to action? Did the […]
Before you create any new communication, start by focusing on the results you want to achieve. By thinking strategically upfront, you will save time, minimize rework and move your business forward. Answer these questions to think – and write – like a strategist: My Purpose Why am I writing this communication? To inform? Announce? Recommend? […]
How well trusted is your brand? Brand trust is a competitive advantage, as it increases revenue, brand loyalty and positive word of mouth. It can even strengthen your bonds with employees and customers. At its core, trust is all about communication. Here are 7 ways to strengthen brand trust: Deliver your brand promise: Meet consumers’ […]
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 […]
To create copy that gets results, use these tips: Focus on your audience: what do they want? Make your point up-front Keep your objective or call to action clear Emphasize your benefits Answer the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, why) … and how Use simple keywords and short, clear sentences Limit the number of […]
Communication Challenge: A brilliant client of mine held itself back by using academic and technical language on its website. The copy was more suitable for post-graduate English or IT professors than its true audience. In fact, a readability test tool suggested readers would need 17 years of formal education to comprehend the copy! Strategic Solutions: […]