What stories are people telling about your business? I’ve been pondering this question for the last couple of weeks. Us humans are natural storytellers: it’s largely how we communicate with each other. Plus, stories are sticky… we remember them long after the boring ol’ facts and figures have faded from our brains. My ponderings all… [Read more...]
Are Business Cards Really Necessary?
Business cards. The must-have fashion accessory for any self-respecting business person. Not only do they provide a practical means of exchanging contact details with others, but they are also a vital part of conveying your business brand to potential clients. As such, woe betide you if your business cards are not thick and luscious and… [Read more...]
Imitation: The Sincerest Form Of Forgetting Who You Are
Earlier this week, I wrote about making something your own, whatever that something may be. A song, an article, marketing copy, a product… it doesn’t matter. Making something your own gives it an edge and makes it stand out from everything that is similar to it. Learning how to make something your own is a… [Read more...]
How To Rock Your Business: Advice From The American Idol Judges
Make the song your own The American Idol judges sound like a stuck record after a while. Without fail, they keep telling the contestants to make each song their own. Every. Single. Time. It’s annoying. But they’re right. A contestant may have a beautiful voice and the song may be pitch-perfect. From a technical standpoint,… [Read more...]
Small Businesses: Give Customers A Reason To Buy From You
On the very last day of 2009, a young lad made his way around our neighbourhood, dropping off postcards advertising Garry’s Gardening Services. Now, the young lad may or may not have been Garry himself. But, as he walked away, and I looked at the postcard he’d delivered, I felt an interesting mix of emotions… [Read more...]
Why your small local business needs a website
Are you the owner of a small local business? Yes? Then, let me guess – you don’t have a website, right? Right. Nope, I’m not psychic. Just playing the odds: two-thirds of small local businesses have no web presence. Which leads us to the million dollar question: so what? The World Wide Web is just… [Read more...]