Apr
09
I’m a musician (kind of) and have played in ensemble settings long enough to know that music can be made a lot more effective by knowing when NOT to play as well as when actually making some sound. Skillful musicians and composers use the silences in the song to lend more power to song’s content. … Continue reading »
Mar
20
I’m not going to sugarcoat the state of things right now. We’re in volatile times as the manufacturing economy we’ve enjoyed for the past hundred years or so gradually recedes into the past. There’s been a lot of people left out in the cold by these changes, myself included. Baby-boomers grew up in the jobs-for-life paradigm. If… Continue reading »
Feb
10
In the last instalment I wrote about proximity of graphic elements in design. Again, for further exploration of today’s topic, I refer you to Robin Williams’ book The Non-Designer’s Design Book. It’s an excellent resource for design basics! Today we’ll talk about alignment. When I talked about proximity, I did sneak in a little about… Continue reading »
Feb
06
An important part of your company’s brand is the image of professionalism you want to convey, and good looking, brand-consistent stationary is a vital part of that. When it comes to image, what is it that separates the professionals from the wannabe’s? There are some basic principles to good looking design that Robin Williams (not… Continue reading »
Jan
30
Tumbler, Facebook, Twitter, Google+… it’s easy to get “analysis paralysis”. Just when I start to figure out one sort of social media, some whiz comes up with a new thing that is going to turbocharge my business. I hardly know where to start! Something I hear whenever I stick my toe in the social media… Continue reading »
Jan
27
Do we write effectively? We want to get our message across with as little fuss as possible; clear, concise writing that doesn’t want to impress with big words jargon. Less really is more. A good resume is a study in efficiency. Employers have hundreds to wade through, and long ones are likely to get deep-sixed… Continue reading »
Jan
02
When I was a kid, I remember watching the girls at the checkout ring up groceries. She had to read and input every price into a mechanical cash register. In hindsight, I imagine repetitive stress disorder was an occupational hazard, and I’m sure that (experience notwithstanding) mistakes happened. Then came bar codes. I can just… Continue reading »
Dec
14
Do you have products shipped from the United States into Canada? There are some possible pitfalls and complications you should be aware of. I talked to Keith Alton of White Rock Courier, who offers this advice: It’s really easy as 1, 2, 3. 1. Be prepared by taking the time to establish the necessary infrastructure of setting up… Continue reading »
Dec
01
Are you tweeting? Twitter is an online free “micro-blog” that helps you get the word out. It’s a great way to connect with people, to become an online citizen and trust agent in your particular field. But you have to engage. You can’ t just sign in and expect business to pour in. You need to… Continue reading »
Nov
29
LinkedIn is social media for business. You may have the best business or the most awesome skill set in the world, but if nobody knows about you, you’re not going to get anywhere. Whether you’re looking for a job or have a business to promote, this is a great, business-specific tool that you can use… Continue reading »