As a small business owner and a professional Marketing and Communications Practitioner, I know the value of market research. When I worked for large organizations, we often hired agencies to provide specialized research services. However, we smaller business owners just don’t have the luxury of the big budgets that the larger organizations enjoy. We […]
Customer service is not just about how you “appear” on line. Good customer service is not just talked about. It is lived. It is how your employees represent your brand day-in, day-out, online and in person. Can you say confidently that your employees understand that having good manners directly impacts customer service? What is the […]
In honour of this day in 1929 when women became persons under the law in Canada, I am reposting this blog that was shared on old blog Being Social in June of this year. Celebrating women and our accomplishments is one of things we think about when we think of International Women’s Day or during […]
You know these Facebook posts. The ones that profess love for your family, or that your son or daughter is the most wonderful in the land, or you will be friends for eternity and if you agree you should share (or Like)! Just this morning I have 15 in my Facebook feed. Seriously 15! And, […]
There is no question that Angela Ahrendts has a lot of street cred when it comes to creating a brand. The rise of Burberry and timing of Ahrendts joining the company are definitely tied together. So, what can we learn from her jump to Apple? Plenty! 1. Apple is repositioning Ahrendts is well known for […]
For those of you rolling your eyes right now, I challenge you! I challenge to you think differently. Etiquette is not about stuffy pompousness to make people uncomfortable. It is actually just the opposite. In the words of Jay Remer, Canada’s Etiquette Guy, “Putting others first is what etiquette is all about.” Etiquette helps us […]
There are many things that influence human behavior and color is definitely one of them. The effect is often so subtle that we have no conscious realization that we are being influenced by color. Research shows however, that color can actually influence buying behavior. In fact, color has the power to evoke strong emotional responses […]
More and more I enjoy the Big Bang Theory, and no it is not because the theme song is done by a Canadian band – although that is not a bad thing either, but I digress. The appeal for me really, is that through comedy, there are lessons that we can all take-away and use […]
Remember way back, when there was an established line of questioning that job applicants were asked? You know the things to determine if you would stay with the company forever, what your ambition was, how organized you are, etc? One of the standard questions was of course, where do you see yourself in 5 years. […]
Let’s face it, running a small business is challenging but exhilarating! There are many initiatives that need your focus and many others that take your attention. When it comes to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), there are many that you need to know and understand, but here are 5 to really focus on when just getting […]