As marketers, we delight in having many channels to reach potential consumers. But sometimes we forget that we, too, are consumers. And beyond goods and services, we are consumers of information. I enjoy using Twitter to learn interesting tidbits, Facebook to keep up with my friends, family and favorite brands and Google Reader to keep [...]
Have you started your holiday cards yet? Are you laughing at the mere suggestion? I'm proud to say that my business holiday cards have been concepted and written — and are currently in layout. I'll print them by Aug. 1. It's all part of Active Voice Communications' annual plan. Last year, I was a little [...]
When you're facing the costs of starting a business or enhancing your marketing efforts, it's natural to look for places to trim. You start asking yourself questions about what you can do yourself and what you have to contract out. You consider which marketing vehicles can wait. "Do I really need a website?" you ask [...]
My dad is a smart guy. Throughout my life, he's been right a lot. But most of the time, he wasn't trying to be right. He was trying to teach me something. One piece of advice my dad gave me was foundational. And I guess I thought all parents passed down this truism to their [...]
You're staring at the computer. The Word document in front of you is blank. You type three words, then delete them. You go get a glass of water, hoping that when you return, the words will flow. But they don't. Whether your job requires you to write on a regular basis or you write in [...]
Over the past several weeks, our nation’s leaders (and a slew of talking heads) have been discussing the nature of our public discourse. How do our leaders frame debates? In what tone are they addressing each other? Politicians have long spewed vitriol. But is our problem necessarily tone and language? As a writer, I understand [...]
If you haven't seen this photo in your own social media circles, here's a recent billboard from South Bend with a critical, meaning-altering typo. Honestly, it's an error that would be easy to make. But it's also a reminder to all of us that a second eye is essential. Check out the billboard here.
Writers and editors have our fair share of pet peeves. Actually, we probably have more than our fair share. One of mine (and I know I'm not alone here) is the misuse and overuse of the word "literally." This error seems to be everywhere lately, so I thought it was time for a primer. Here's [...]
A bad customer service experience can ruin your day — and a delightful one can put you in a supremely better mood. For some companies, good customer service is a defining characteristic. I always know I can expect good things from Crate & Barrel, Southwest Airlines and Disney. What we all should realize is that [...]
Looking for a writer for your project? Here are a few things to keep in mind to hire the best writer for what you need. 1. Is the writer deadline-driven? You won't be satisfied with any writer (no matter how talented) who can't meet your deadlines. 2. Does the writer get your style/voice? If your [...]