Posts Tagged ‘communication tactics’

Copywriting Tips Anyone Can Use

Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

Whether you’re writing copy for a brochure, a newspaper ad, a radio announcement or a blog for your web site–or even a resume–there are some tried and true techniques that can help you make sure that your copy gets the results you’re looking for.

Think about writing copy as making a sales pitch to some target audience. Your goal is to persuade that person to do something – most likely to purchase your product or service. Here’s how: (more…)

Are We Over-Relying on Technology for Interpersonal Communications?

Friday, July 6th, 2012

Anybody who has ever observed people–usually, but not always, teenagers–standing together, yet communicating via text messaging can recognize that sometimes technology is overused. Whether email, social media, texting or the use of mobile devices, the downfall of these practices is to minimize face-to-face or voice-to-voice contact which can be a definite drawback. In business settings, studies consistently indicate (more…)

Is Social Media Better Than Traditional Media?

Monday, June 25th, 2012

Here’s another one of those “it depends” questions: Is social media better than traditional media? Well, it depends…

  • Is television advertising better than radio?
  • Billboards better than newspaper?
  • Direct mail better than email marketing?
These are all “it depends” questions and, frankly, if you ever see answers to questions like these I’d recommend (more…)

What Makes a Good Attorney…Small Business…Consultant…Engineer…Web Site?

Friday, April 27th, 2012
I recently responded to a question in an online forum that asked: “What makes a good attorney web site?” I thought the way the question was framed was interesting because, on the one hand, I do think it’s important with any communication to focus on specific objectives. But, on the other hand, I would also say that what makes a good attorney web site is very much the same as what might make (more…)

Greatest Marketing Challenges Facing Businesses Today

Friday, November 18th, 2011

A student asked me the other day what the greatest marketing challenges facing business today were and whether I think these challenges are different than they have been historically. That’s a great question and I’ve pondered it for a while.

Ultimately, what I decided is that (more…)

Lofty Language Fails to Connect

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

For those communicators who work with — or who are! — professionals who required multiple, high-level degrees to practice in their careers, there can be a tendency to “speak in lofty language.” They forget that those who are *not* members of their profession *don’t* speak in their language. They fail to realize that, rather than being impressed by their advanced knowledge, their intended audience is simply confused and disinterested. Worse, when their intended audience doesn’t “get” the message they don’t *get* the message. (more…)

What’s the Difference Between Marketing, Branding, Advertising and PR and Does it Matter?

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

It’s a question that comes up in many venues. On Twitter and in LinkedIn groups. In business meetings. In university classes. It recently came up through a journalist who was asking for input from marketing professionals – like me: “I’m looking for experts to explain, compare and distinguish advertising vs. marketing vs. branding vs. PR.”

For those of us “in marketing” the answer is deceptively simple. (more…)

When They Talk *Too* Much – Facilitating Planning Sessions

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

A business colleague recently asked for some advice on how to handle people in meetings – in this case, strategic planning sessions – that dominate the conversation. It’s a common problem and, I’d venture to guess, that any of you reading this have been involved in a situation where this has occurred.

Here are some of the suggestions I shared: (more…)

Majority of Worldwide CEOs Not Active Online

Friday, March 4th, 2011

A recent study by Weber Shandwick found that 64 percent of CEOs from the world’s largest comanies are not engaging online with external stakeholders. Most telling is that less than 10 percent (more…)

Are You Community-Minded?

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Bristol Myers, General Mills and IBM were the Top 3 corporate citizens in 2009 according to the annual CRO 100 Best Citizens list.  These are just a few of the (more…)