Author: Maria Novak Dugan

Sports and business have a lot in common. It doesn’t matter what sport you play; the objective is to win. Similarly, it doesn’t matter what kind of business you operate, you want to win. Winning in sports could mean ending with the most points or arriving at a destination faster than the rest. In the business world, winning might be outselling a competitor or having…

Printed marketing and sales materials play a crucial role in securing customers for your business. Unfortunately, too many businesses use the “set it and forget it” method of creating collateral. While some pieces can be used for a while without trouble, others might quickly become outdated. We rely so much on our websites and social media that sometimes those materials are forgotten, yet they are…

Do I need to know a Kardashian? I recently read a book about Harry and Meghan and found it interesting that Meghan Markle made moves early in her career to align herself with influencers, and then became one herself, launching The Tig. So, the answer to the question above is NO, you do not need to know a Kardashian or a Megan Markle to align…

The workplace in 2021 requires employers to rethink priorities and development of necessary skill sets. Businesses should embrace a dynamic approach to reskilling talent as new skills become relevant and necessary. Adaptability: Just as an organization may have quickly adapted to new ways of working and communicating, the willingness and capability to adapt will become a highly desired employee skill. Communication: Communication is not a…

Twenty-twenty was a stressful year for many of us. With the arrival of 2021, everyone has seen the need and desire for empathy, compassion, and connection. Now is the time to project optimism and lead with compassion and approach our customers with empathy. Your customers become your greatest assets and ambassadors when they see you genuinely care about them.  Compassionate businesses grow a passionate and…

Email campaigns and newsletters are still important and cost-effective. However, today, email campaigns must be targeted, relevant, and break through the noise and hurdles of our inboxes. Gone are the days of effectively reaching your audience with mass emails.  To be effective, with everything that everyone is receiving, you need to really answer the following questions: Did you find the right contacts? Before you even…

A job description outlines the basic function and responsibilities of a specific job title. It typically includes the tasks, duties, goals, and expectations for the person in the position. An accurate job description also includes information about working conditions, tools, equipment used, and the job’s relationship to other positions. An ideal job description includes work hours, specific soft skills that are important to succeed (communication…

Businesses of all sizes have been drastically affected by the coronavirus outbreak. As things have unfolded over the last few months, it is an interesting time to be in marketing and communications. One thing that is abundantly clear is that many businesses have experienced a situation unlike any before. The pandemic is a perfect example of a case for a communications plan. Having an emergency…

It’s too soon to see what the full economic impact of COVID-19 will be, which effects will be temporary, and which will be permanent. Businesses could bounce back almost immediately or struggle for years to come. One thing is certain: Life will not be going back to normal, so it’s up to all of us to create a new normal. Businesses that embrace new ways…

Email is having a resurgence as news reading habits, informed by Twitter and Facebook et.al., evolve. More people are reading news, learning more, and — because of this pandemic — taking advantage of actually having the time to read. I truly hope that as businesses return to their usual habits, they continue to take advantage of some of the changes they may have made these…