Balance Your Video Content with Writing–and Awkward Group Dancing
Do you recognize that old school technology in the picture? Video sure has come a long way since VHS! Yesterday, I read a web article touting the importance of Internet-based video within content marketing. While video is certainly a powerful business tool, after reading the article, I had to wonder: Why is a discussion about the importance of video, not presented in video format? I think the answer is quite simple—the written word is still more convenient than video in many situations. I realize that some people will argue that video has the edge because you can multitask while watching a clip on your laptop or mobile device. And that is certainly true. However, I personally believe that videos are ultimately more time consuming because the average...
Read MoreParking Lots, Minimalist Communication In Action
Recently, my apartment complex closed off a large chunk of the parking lot for repaving. Since the residents here don’t have assigned parking, this created a mad scramble for the remaining spaces. In the midst of this drama, an interesting thing happened: People started making up their own parking rules. Unfortunately, those rules included parking haphazardly in the lawn. Needless to say, building management was not happy! As the repaving project came to a close, I happened to notice the construction crew painting the new yellow parking lines. While I watched, I realized that those simple lines are a fantastic form of minimalist communication. Yes, just two simple lines tell us where to put the biggest, most expensive piece of machinery that most of us will...
Read MoreBusiness Blog Communication Styles: From Three-Piece Suits to Jeans
Blogs originated as Internet-based diaries, but they have quickly evolved into podiums for business advancement. In fact, some blogging evangelists say that every business must blog. While I disagree with this blanket assertion, I do believe that blogging is beneficial for the majority of businesses because it is a low-cost, accessible way to connect with current and potential clients. But after setting up their new blogs, many businesses struggle to find their voices. Should they be casual? Serious? Funny? Sarcastic? A little bit of everything? The answer is—I don’t know. What I do know is that your blog should be an authentic dialog with your audience. If your business is very reserved in everything from dress codes to email formatting, then your...
Read MoreWriting-Related Public Art: Dinosaurs, Dolphins, and a Sundial, Oh My!
Chicago is known for its fantastic public art such as the two bronze lions guarding the Art Institute, the Bean* delighting the masses in Millennium Park, and Buckingham Fountain showering Grant Park. However, Chicago also hosts an abundance of lesser-known pieces, which also serve to brighten our fair city despite the fact that they do not receive the fanfare of the great Picasso holding court in Daley Plaza. So, in honor of Chicago’s unsung artwork, I thought I would share these pictures of the writing-related statues on the Roosevelt Road bridge between State Street and Clark Street. Each statue is approximately two feet tall and all three feature books. While I do not know the official meaning of the globes, the dinosaurs, the dolphins, or the sundial,...
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