Archive for the ‘Strategic communications’ Category

High Demand for Free Services (aka Free Marketing)

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

I recently observed in a LinkedIn update I posted that I seem to be in high demand these days to provide free services. I’m asked to conduct free webinars (well the webinars are actually paid for by the attendees, but I, as the presenter, am not paid), contribute free blog posts, offer free marketing or communication advice, provide free copy critiques, etc., etc., etc. 

I’ve been fairly generous in terms of saying “yes,” to these requests, but I’m finding the need to become more stingy, primarily because (more…)

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Client relations, Marketing communication, Strategic communications | No Comments »

Do the SWOT! – laying the foundation for strategic planning

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

I’m working on a book project on strategic planning and thinking about all sorts of strategic planning related topics these days. One critical element is the SWOT analysis. Common in large organizations, many small businesses and solo-preneurs may not (more…)

Tags: , ,
Posted in Strategic communications, Strategy | No Comments »

It pays to proofread. Even if you’re a scammer.

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Even those trying to scam people could benefit from a good writer/editor. Check out this email that showed up in my mailbox this morning. It’s reeking with credibility – NOT! (more…)

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Brand management, Strategic communications | No Comments »

If your goal is “implied,” you don’t have a goal. And that’s a problem.

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

I just read a great post from communication expert Shel Holtz, who I’ve interviewed often for various articles, and books, I’ve written on marketing/communication issues. He’s insightful and, best of all (IMO), *strategic* in his approach to communications.

This post , for instance, points out the folly of (more…)

Tags: , ,
Posted in Marketing, Strategic communications, Strategy | No Comments »

Generating response, followers and referrals.

Friday, February 19th, 2010

I just experienced an interesting phenomenon related to the release of my February e-letter. I’ve gotten into the practice of posting notices to various LinkedIn groups when a new e-letter is available, inviting new subscribers. I’ve been doing this for about 14 months now and (more…)

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Social Media, Strategic communications | No Comments »

How much research do you need to do?

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Moving forward with communication tactics without a good understanding of the target audience, their current attitudes and beliefs and the drivers that might lead them to positive action relative to your product or service is never a good idea.

On the other hand, many companies - particularly small companies – don’t have the time or resources to invest in expensive research activities.

It’s a conundrum – but one that can be addressed (more…)

Tags:
Posted in Marketing, Marketing communication, Strategic communications | No Comments »

Should you hire employees who “fit” your culture?

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

The concept of “cultural fit” is a trendy one these days. But, is hiring for “fit” a good idea?

In 1999 I wrote an article for HR Magazine on hiring to fit your corporate culture. My thesis at the time was that doing so was a “slippery slope” in terms of ensuring non-discriminatory hiring practices. After all, (more…)

Tags: ,
Posted in Employee communication, Strategic communications | No Comments »