When I taught writing to young journalism students at ASU, there were a few pieces of advice I consistently offered. Gems like don't post your drunken (underage drunken no less!) adventures on social media, and don't be a jerk to your classmates because your paths will cross again. I also always recommended reading. Read, read, [...]
As I prepare to speak to a group of entrepreneurs this weekend about the wonders of content marketing, I've been pondering ways to make this whole content marketing process easier. I pride myself on creating smart, solid content quickly and efficiently. Some days, what we need is the ability to churn and burn on the [...]
This week’s writing prompt is for all you marketers out there. It’s simple yet useful. And here it is: What are the three questions you hear the most from your customers and prospects? As a marketer, you might not hear these questions directly. But through surveys and focus groups, you've probably gleaned the information. (And [...]
Last week, we talked about what helps you be at your best. This week, we’re thinking about who. For many of us, as we get older (and especially if we get married and/or have children), we find we have less time for people — especially people who don't make life better or easier. I’ve had [...]
In recent weeks I’ve been thinking a lot about my work and what I can do to minimize my slow writing days and capitalize on my good, productive writing days. Sometimes the words and ideas and motivation just flow. Other times? Not so much. And that’s really the inspiration for this week’s writing prompt: What [...]
I've been watching my son — now 2 years old — learn new words seemingly daily since about October. I've been tracking his words on a semi-regular basis since that time. To our pediatrician, nearly 100 words is awesome; to me, it hardly seems like enough to communicate. But I do know that with each [...]
Credit: Thinkstock How do you want people to feel when they work with you? What about when they read your latest blog post or tweet or any other content your produce? It's really about your brand promise. And that's essential to consistency of content and brand effectiveness — and ultimately, business success. In [...]
We took last week off for the Memorial Day week — a little break in the routine is good for the soul and the brain. Hope you did the same. But we’re back this week with another writing prompt. This one’s simple — though not necessarily easy. This week’s writing prompt: Write a sentence (yes, [...]
As a communicator, I feel confident that I get it where communication is concerned. I know words matter. And that tone matters just as much. I understand the importance of knowing my audience and speaking to them. But that doesn’t mean I’m perfect. Especially in my personal life — where I spend less time strategizing [...]
Over the weekend, I saw the latest installment of Marvel's Captain America series. I have a good friend who feels that comic-book movies are part of what's wrong with movie-making today, but man, I just can't get enough. I'm not a fan of comic books, but I really do love the Marvel movies. Anyway, as [...]
