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A publicly funded newspaper in Canada? Why not.
I heard an interesting discussion on CBC’s Q yesterday with Gian Ghomeshi. The topic was whether newspaper journalism should be subsidized by government funding, in light of declining readership and ad revenues at newspapers. It would be easy to dismiss this idea, except that government-funded journalism already exists in Canada. The CBC is a national... »
10 rules for writing an effective press release
I receive dozens of press releases every week from ad agencies, PR firms and the marketing arms of large and medium-sized companies. At least 50 per cent of these press releases are poorly written and could benefit from some serious editing and re-writing. Here are 10 rules for writing an effective press release. If you... »
CRTC hearings examine the need to regulate the Internet
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is conducting hearings into the future of the Internet in Canada. The CRTC is taking testimony from interested parties about the possible need to ensure a distinct national identity online. Two sides are lining up to have their say. On one side you have the Internet service... »
Business coaches aren’t for everyone
Last fall, I had the privilege of attending a seminar presented by a business coach. The man’s delivery was impeccable and he spoke very persuasively. This business coach talked a lot about working “on” your business as opposed to working “in” your business. He spoke about the need for discipline and strategy for achieving success.... »
jetBlue’s print ad targets former bigwigs
U.S.-based discount airline, jetBlue, published a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal last week. It’s a tongue-in-cheek ad that takes aim at former bigwigs of money and commerce, and anyone else who’s suffered a fall from grace as a result of the global financial meltdown. Check out this clever copywriting. Technorati Tags: Advertising, Branding, Business,... »
Virgin Mobile embraces slow economy with “Screw You Recession” campaign
Many small and medium-sized companies are in survival mode these days. They’re scaling back on all non-essential spending and waiting on the sidelines until the economy improves. This strategy is defeatist, unproductive and ultimately harmful. If your present marketing strategy is producing no results (regardless of the state of the economy), where is the wisdom... »
15 tips for a successful sales call
I don’t believe in the perfect sales call. If you do believe there is such an animal, then you’re probably an amateur salesperson or a mediocre one at best. The best salespeople I know are always learning how to conduct better sales calls. This quest for perfection reminds me of quote by Anthony J. D’Angelo,... »
Executing a strategic plan requires heavy lifting
Years ago, a client said to me, “My salespeople know what they have to do to reach their targets each month. They have a support system in place that allows them to do their jobs effectively. The problem is one of execution – doing the actual heavy lifting required to reach their goals.” Everybody loves... »
Goal-setting advice from the late John Updike
In 1996, American author John Updike was interviewed by Elenor Wachtel at the CBC, shortly after the publication of his novel, In The Beauty of the Lilies. The CBC re-broadcast that interview last weekend to commemorate the author’s recent passing. It was a wide-ranging interview that touched upon Updike’s personal life, his writing career... »
Federer’s fifth-set stumble at the Australian Open
In his book called Achievement: The New Model for Exceptional Performance, author Dr. John Eliot talks about a phenomenon called the “trusting mindset.” The trusting mindset is an unconscious impulse or state of state of mind that allows people to perform at the highest levels without thinking about what they’re doing. Working professionals have it.... »
