On Thursday, Rick and John “Jay” presented a webinar hosted by Elevate Rapid City on the current coronavirus situation and how it affects businesses in western South Dakota. If you missed it, here’s your chance to dive into the conversation.
Any decent writer will tell you that tone means everything when it comes to content. At its simplest, tone refers to the way you use certain words when communicating. It’s not much different from your tone of voice, where even subtle inflections change the way your message is perceived.
The COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in a sudden and unexpected shift to remote work for many Americans. While there are some great benefits to working remotely (the dress code is a lot more relaxed, for starters), those unaccustomed to doing so can find themselves struggling to ignore distractions and maintain productivity. There are some challenges, to be sure, but by implementing certain strategies, you’ll be able to focus on the tasks at hand and contribute to your company’s success during these uncertain times.
Few businesses would dispute the importance of branding, but too often, they think the work begins and ends with developing a logo. As a creative director with a background in design, I love a good logo; it provides an identity for your company and distinguishes you from your competitors. A well-designed logo is an instantly recognizable symbol of your company; most people can immediately visualize the logos associated with top brands like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Starbucks, to name just a few. They are ubiquitous around the world; you don’t need to speak the language if you’re craving a Big Mac in a foreign country—just look for the golden arches! But it’s important to note that a brand is more than a logo.
Growth is good for your company. It means more customers and more money…and more employees to keep up with the demand. Change is inevitable when small companies expand, and many worry that maturity and growth will disrupt company culture. This doesn’t have to be the case; growing smartly will help ensure you keep your corporate vision alive while maintaining your culture and values. Doing so will allow you to embrace the future instead of longing wistfully for the “good ol’ days.”
Be honest—how long has it been since you’ve updated your headshot portrait? Are you showing up to meetings and people don’t recognize you? That’s probably a good sign you need a new photo.