Reading some of the articles surrounding the current state of retail, I can’t help but think of that old ‘The king is dead! Long live the king!’ saying you hear in movies whenever a historical monarch passes. Given the fairly recent news of Toys R Us filing for bankruptcy protection, and the earlier bankruptcies of major retailers such as Payless and Radio Shack, it’s easy to see why many believe retail is dying. Of course, retail as a whole isn’t dying. Parents still buy toys for their children. People still wear shoes. Devices still need doodads to connect to other devices. (Yes, Radio Shack escaped bankruptcy a few years ago by partnering with Sprint and focusing on cell phones, but cell phones still require doodads of their own.) The reason why these long-established companies are going bankrupt is because retail has evolved, and these companies have failed to evolve alongside...
Cold Logic vs Mass Hysteria: An Exploration of Persuasive Tactics in the Tax Reform Debate
In recent months, the Canadian government has made a tax plan. And it’s… well, let’s just say that it’s not the most popular piece of legislation to cross the desk of small-to-mid-sized business owners. Naturally, there’s been a backlash. Most of the literature you can find on the matter has at least a soupcon of vitriol, and even those attempting to be impartial are obligated to mention the fervor with which the business owners disagree with the plan.
Fast vs Cheap vs Great: A Treatise for Impossible Expectations
There’s a Venn diagram floating around the creative marketing world that’s famous among graphic designers (pictured above). The joke is that you can only ask for two, and the one you don’t pick will burn you in the end. The joke plays with the notion of standards vs expectations—a notion that slaps entrepreneurs and business owners in the face time and time again.
New Year, New Venture: 3 Steps to Successfully Starting Your First Business
Whether it’s starting your first business venture, eating healthier, making more time for your friends and family, or getting svelte at the gym, the ‘new year’s resolution’ is famous for giving people the will to make some positive changes in their lives—and infamous for not giving them the structure to maintain that change for more than a few weeks.
But Wait, There’s Trump: Salesmanship Meets Politics
Like many copywriters, I can be a bit of a language nerd. Understanding how others’ perceptions of us are coloured by the words we use is an extremely important skill that everyone in marketing should at least understand, if not outright master. And when it comes to wizardry of public perception, you can’t ignore the Republican nomination of Donald Trump.
November: The Month of Memorable Brand Marketing Strategy
November is that rare month where historical events and convenient rhyme schemes meet. Whether you’re recognizing ‘the war to end all wars’ on the 11th or the end of a revolution that never happened on the 5th, the reason for the season is remembrance. It’s fitting, then, that this month we’re focusing on brand memorability.
Save 10% Off Holiday Services with Our Annual ‘Christmaween’ Promotion
Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now the streets fill with jack-o-lanterns and cottony cobwebs. Little ghosts and ghouls are peeking out from the window, just waiting for that hallowed night when they get to haunt the neighbourhood–and get some candy while they’re at it. As a business owner, this can only mean one thing.
Do You Need a New Website if you Don’t Need New Business?
While it’s an extremely high priority for new and struggling businesses, it’s important for marketing specialists to realize that there are a lot of established businesses out there who, believe it or not, aren’t out to find new business. In fact, chasing new business would actually violate their business philosophy.
