Just as technology can bring us together, it can also separate us
Communication technology has come a long way in a relatively short time. In my lifetime, we have moved from twice daily mail delivery and phones that required the services of an operator to connect callers, to the instantaneous communication of smart phones and text messaging. At the click of a mouse, we can “join the…
New tolerance demands that we accept either the most popular view or the view of the most vocal group or shut up
“I am intolerant of intolerance” has become something of a mantra for suppressing unpopular opinions. Today’s “new tolerance”, as it is called in academic circles, is redefining our understanding of tolerance and shaping our behaviour in public spaces, but it is no friend to the exercise of conscience and freedom of speech. In the past,…
A poorly-chosen menu and questionable marketing led to a leadership shakeup. Innovation through trial speeds up change. But successive failures cast doubt
Tim Hortons has had what is likely one of the strangest years in its history. Most of the iconic chain’s decisions in recent months have been inexplicable. Canadians have been left scratching their heads. Take the Beyond Meat burger as an example. Tim Hortons took this well-promoted plant-based item off its menu in September 2019,…
Travel insider: Standard or economy airfares: Do you know the difference? And how the selfie generation is altering travel experiences
It happens all too often – travel companies suddenly announce bankruptcy or face financial hurdles, leaving thousands of paying customers stranded and out of pocket for hasty alternate arrangements. Never mind the disappointment of missing out on a trip of a lifetime – the money can be gone, too. The sudden shutdown of British travel…
Public shaming may reach a new low by looking at how much we eat
Move over flight shaming: environmentalists may be getting ready to target a new group of individuals. Overeaters. Yes, overeating could potentially become the next shaming social media target. For months now, many have taken to social media to spread their concerns about choices made when travelling. The plane has been a special target of environmentalists,…
Only half of small businesses in Canada survive their first five years. Digital tools are critical to their success
Social media levels the playing field for Canadian small businesses and unlocks economic growth, says new research revealed Tuesday by Facebook Canada. The report, Empowered In The Digital Age: Leveling the Playing Field For Canadian Small Business, said only half of small businesses in Canada survive their first five years and accessible digital tools are…
Abagail Vanmerlin of Brand Theory talks about why encapsulating the culture, values and long-range vision of a company is so important
Abagail Vanmerlin is owner at Brand Theory Inc. What is Brand Theory and what does it do? Vanmerlin: We are a full-service creative agency specializing in the strategic branding of mid-to-large business-to-business organizations. By full service, I mean that we offer a suite of brand deliverables which can be anything from interactive and responsive website…
Francesca Moi of Empowering Events talks about building your following and being active and consistent on social media
Francesca Moi is CEO/director of Empowering Events. You describe yourself as the Meetup Queen. What does that mean and what do you do? Moi: Five years ago I wanted to grow my life-coaching business and I couldn’t find a way to get clients until I started a Meetup group and a Facebook group. Within three…
Good advertising works to capture attention, elicit emotion and get responses, but most advertisers don't know how to go about achieving those goals
Advertising can stimulate desire. Not that any advertising I ever participated in when I was single resulted in crowds of female admirers. However, working in the health food industry, I would often strive to create in my customers a desire for better health. My ads would try to kindle a response that would generate traffic…