You may have laughed a lot while watching the TV show “Whose Line is it, Anyway?” (The original BBC radio version moved to TV in 1988 and then to US TV in 1998. ) Watching it on TV is NOTHING like actually doing it. You can watch someone ride a bicycle but actually riding a bicycle is beyond description. It’s the same with improvisation.
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If you’ve been thinking about setting up a Web site for your business but don’t know where to start, talk to a graphic designer or two for some guidelines. HPCA designers agree that having a “flat” site is important, taking as few clicks as possible to get to the content. “People don’t want to have to click down and down and down to get information,” says Craig.
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If the thought of “working a room” is nerve-wracking, break up your networking goals into smaller, attainable steps. Basically, networking for business is getting to know people so you can help each other. I suggest the best way to accomplish this is by meeting people one-on-one over a nice hot coffee.
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Newsletters are a popular way to keep in touch with people, from current and prospective clients to members of associations to friends and family. Before launching one, whether it’s printed or electronic, take some time to think about why you want to send a newsletter, who is going to read it, how you’re going to send it—oh yes, and how you’re going to keep it on schedule!
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Having your business featured by newspapers, magazines, TV or radio gives you valuable exposure that money cannot buy. Some people get this attention because they know how to create and make the most of media opportunities. Here are five techniques to use for your own business.
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In the early part of 1999, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the Self Employment Assistance (SEA) program, offered by The Oakville Enterprise Centre, for people wishing to start their own businesses. As I reflect on my first year of self-employment, I would like to share with you some of the valuable lessons I learned.
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Do you need to hone your listening skills and learn how to think faster on your feet? Then this meeting is for you! Join HPCA member Joan Patch at the HPCA meeting on May 20, 2009, at the Glen Abbey Branch of the Oakville Public Library. See the “Events” section of this site for details.
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Working out of a home office has a great many benefits: your commute is fast and stress free, the dress code is quite forgiving, and you are able to work at the pace which suits you best so that at all times you are productive — not just busy.
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When I first heard about Twitter two years ago, I instantly judged it to be an utter waste of time. Now, I’ve changed my tune. What is Twitter? This free micro-blogging platform can be a powerful marketing and community-building tool, which can help you strengthen your brand and nourish your online relationships.
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E-mail marketing is one of the most powerful marketing tools available today. It offers the opportunity to stay in touch with existing clients, providing them with advice and keeping them informed of the latest company news.
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This is adapted from an article by Donna Papacosta that appeared in the Journal of Employee Communications Management.
Once the domain of self-described techies and audio geeks, podcasting has graduated into the business mainstream. Here’s a quick Q&A guide to podcasting, geared toward savvy internal communicators.
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Bill Gates doesn’t want to sell you a Nieman-Marcus cookie, and Melissa doesn’t love you.
Microsoft isn’t planning to mail you a free sweatshirt. A band of roving thieves isn’t likely to attempt to harvest your kidney while you sleep. There’s no lunatic in the parking lot who wants to spray you with toxic eau du toilette. And if you read this article, your head won’t explode.
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