What’s the point of speaking to a group if they don’t retain the message, act on it or share it? Crafting a message that lands is at the heart of speechwriting. You want the audience to leave with a takeaway; give them a reason to share on social platforms and ideally have your message make its way into the media! That’s the dream anyway.
Read MoreWhen I became a mother, I never really thought too far ahead. I didn’t dream about being a grandmother or attending my child’s wedding, or even high school graduation. But I did think about more immediate milestones like his first steps and his first words, holding his hand as we walked down the street.
Read MoreI can barely believe it’s been 10 years since I left my corporate job at Bell Media to start my own company. I never had an entrepreneurship bone in my body, but seeing others have more freedom with their schedule and projects, really drew me in. Luckily, I had some flexibility and support - both financially and mentally - and I took the leap. It’s the best decision I ever made. I can truly say I am proud of what I have built and I’ve been able to give back in multiple ways through my company, one of my proudest achievements.
Read MoreI have always wanted to go to Africa. In fact, I applied for internships with NGOs post-University, but none of those opportunities worked out. I wasn’t worried though. I thought I’d be one of those adventurous types, and take my family to help build a school and/or volunteer. Then my career sucked me in and I never made it… that is, until this past summer.
Read MoreThe insights on the importance of building brand relatability with consumers is spot on. One effective way to foster said relatability is through podcast appearances. The long format storytelling of podcasts allows brands to showcase their products and services, while also highlighting the human experiences they empower. But that’s not all, through podcasts, consumers really get to know the person/people behind the brand.
Read MoreWhether you're a PR professional at an agency or part of an in-house team, you understand that public relations is essential for enhancing visibility and driving success for any business. However, in today’s economic climate, many companies find it challenging to maintain their previous full-scale PR efforts. Don’t worry—there are still effective, budget-friendly strategies you can implement. Here are some practical ways to make a meaningful impact without overspending.
Read MoreI am thrilled to have a guest blog from a very special person/artist/activist. I met Chelazon Leroux during Season 3 of Canada's Drag Race and I could tell right away they were intelligent, talented and funny as hell. I highly recommend you give them a follow on Instagram and TikTok. Here, Chelazon speaks about their experience being a Two-Spirit person, the history and what it means in modern day. I encourage you you to read their words to learn more about the beauty of the Indigenous identity. By deepening our learning about topics like these, allies can be more informed and supportive all year long.
Read MoreThere’s no shortage of social issues often at the forefront of our conversations and dominating a presence in our social media feeds. Whether you, representing yourself and/or a business or a brand, want to take your stance public is another story; one that should be carefully contemplated. It's crucial to navigate this complex landscape with thought. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, there are some core considerations to evaluate in hopes to avoid potential missteps.
Read MoreWe live in a digital society where content is king and quality content reigns supreme. Producing great content is only one part of the equation. Building an audience is the other crucial element needed for success. Podcasts and web series have experienced rapid growth. While the rise of the medium has a lot of potential fans, it has also led to a lot of competition. Vying for an audience in a crowded space is tough, but that’s where PR can give you an edge.
Read MoreThe world of academia can be fiercely competitive, whether you’re vying for a coveted tenured position, a speaking opportunity at a major conference or a research grant, but one way to stand out from your colleagues and peers is with PR.
Read MoreYou might think LinkedIn is still a stuffy corporate platform, but it’s moved past that. Think of it as… a networking party at the new popular restaurant in town. LinkedIn can be a game-changer for small business owners and entrepreneurs aiming to establish their authority and grow a referral network.
Read MoreOur digitally interconnected global society has heightened the awareness of aspirational destinations all around the world from bustling metropolises to far off remote regions. From social media influencers churning out picture perfect content to travel journalists sharing hidden gems and trends, there is an abundance of inspiration to be found.
Read MorePR is an excellent tool to build brand reputation, customer awareness and trust but it’s one that is often neglected among skilled tradespeople. One of many reasons why PR should be a part of a tradesperson’s marketing tool kits is that too many people - myself included - have experienced a situation where the contracted worker doesn’t show up, the job goes horribly wrong, or you simply don’t know who to call, the list goes on and on. The result is wary clients looking for someone they can really trust to get the job done well.
Read MoreAs a business coach you help build successful enterprises. You are the unsung hero behind the scenes who is building the strategy and equipping your clients with the tools to execute it. It’s a career path that focuses a lot of time and energy on guiding others towards attaining their goals. It’s no surprise that when your focus is on helping other people, it can be way too easy to put off promoting your own business.
Read MoreLaunching any new business is a challenging endeavour, but food and beverage is one of the toughest industries to successfully launch and sustain a business. The bar and restaurant scene is fiercely competitive anywhere you go, and especially in big cities, making it doubly important to stand out from your competitors.
Read MoreAs you know by now, my best friend Alison passed away in 2015 from cervical cancer. To date, it’s the blurriest time in my life. It feels like those last few months - when I really clued into what was happening – were all about making memories. I remember visiting her in the hospital and not wanting to leave even though she looked so tired. Her family didn’t have the heart to suggest I go so she could rest. I hope that’s because they saw the love I had for her. I simply couldn’t think about a world without her.
Read MoreOn this Giving Tuesday, I wanted to share a personal story.
Last December, I lost my Uncle Lloyd. Lloyd was not my uncle by blood, but was my father’s best friend for 62 years. Lloyd and his wife Micheline did not have any children, so my brothers and I were often treated like theirs. Every second summer, we drove to Ottawa to stay with them in the big city. Uncle Lloyd worked at the Canadian Hospital Association, but in his spare time, he was quite the chef. One of the reasons I went to Ottawa for university was to be closer to them (and the home cooked meals didn’t hurt). When I would visit on weekends, Micheline would draw me a bath in their jacuzzi and bring me a tray of chips. They were quite simply, angels.
Read MoreIf you're like me, you've probably been consumed by the news. No matter where you turn there is always major breaking news - look at the Middle East, Ukraine, Armenia and even in our own backyards. There is so much information, let alone misinformation, it can be hard to know what is factual. So, now seemed like a good time to talk about how to fact check the news so you can make your own decisions about what you’re reading.
Read MoreBalancing all the things you need to do as a small business is tough. As a business owner and a mom, I get it. Trying to do it all, while having a busy home and any kind of social life takes work. Social media is just one of the many tasks on the to do list.
Read MoreOn the very first day at Geneva Centre for Autism, I was waiting with my son Christos in the lobby with a bunch of kids and nervous parents. He had been assigned someone for the first part of the day and I was patiently waiting for his morning therapist to find me. From behind me, I heard someone say, “Hi Christos,” I turned and saw a man. He said “I’m Jason and I’ll be with Christos this afternoon.” I immediately felt at ease. He had such a warm demeanor.
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