All Communications Articles
  • Will Google’s Fuchsia bring a new shade to smartphones?

    Shawn Smajstrla Science & Technology

    Though it came to our attention more than two years ago, Google's "Fuchsia" project recently made news again when Bloomberg dropped a report indicating Fuchsia was intended to replace Android within five years. Though a Google spokesperson later disputed some details of the report, it hasn’t stopped speculation about exactly what the company's ambitions and expectations are for the software at this point. To call it a massive undertaking is probably putting it lightly, so what would Google really stand to gain from this mammoth endeavor that would justify it? Let’s analyze some of the possibilities.

  • The essence of an association

    Robert C. Harris Association Management

    Does an association have an essence? Every nonprofit has a statement of purpose, programs, members and a board of directors — but what about essence? Essence means a core nature or indispensable quality, especially something abstract that determines its character. There is reason to know the essence. It can help predict outcomes. It may differentiate the association from organizations with similar purposes.

  • The best ways to handle your business’ influx of Facebook messages

    Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

    Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of notes in your business’ Facebook inbox? Over the last two years, people have been talking and communicating more than ever before. That means more social media posts, emails and video chats. But the biggest increase has been in messaging. Sixty-seven percent of people say they use messaging apps more now than they did two years ago, according to a 2017 Facebook study.

  • Developing leadership that builds diversity, equity, inclusion is a learning…

    Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    An inclusive leader takes their best practice and inclusion mindset with them wherever they work. While we most often hear about inclusion, diversity and culture in corporations, good leadership is also found in higher education, health care and other industries. I recently spoke with Terri Givens, provost of Menlo College in California, about how she came to be seen as an inclusive leader.

  • How and why to create a personal motto

    Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    CEOs, high-level executives and recruiters have the shortest attention spans. Yet, some of our most critical professional moments require us to impress members of these groups quickly and profoundly. A personal motto can be a great tool to help us take advantage of those critical junctures in our careers as well as keep us moving forward on our career path. Here are a few tips on how and why to create a personal motto.

  • The Ten Commandments for customers

    Anne Rose Retail

    Much ado is made about delivering excellent customer service. You take care of your customers, give them the products and services they desire, go out of your way to treat them respectfully, and diligently work hard to earn their business and loyalty. But do customers have a reciprocal obligation to earn your respect — and service — by treating you equally well? I think there are mutual obligations in the business-customer relationship. Here are my Ten Commandments for customers.

  • 7 keys to a successful project start

    Deborah Ike Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    Starting a new project involves an assortment of details. Developing the plan, completing a project charter, assigning team members, and much more. As you embark on your next project, consider the following to set a solid foundation for the team to build upon. First of all, a project without clearly defined goals is a recipe for disaster. The team needs to know what a win looks like for this project.

  • After the algorithm update, what Facebook content performs best?

    Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

    Earlier this year, a small survey found for the first time the number of Americans using Facebook fell. Facebook’s Q2 earnings report confirmed that wasn’t a blip on the radar. It may be the new normal. The number of Canadians and Americans logging onto Facebook each month plateaued and remained at 241 million monthly users for all of 2018. In Europe, Facebook actually lost one million users. Ouch. While Facebook has its share of problems, this appears to be a larger, marketwide issue.

  • The association is not your father’s Oldsmobile

    Robert C. Harris Association Management

    "It’s not your father’s Oldsmobile" was an advertising slogan from the 1980s. Its purpose was to communicate that the company’s vehicles had improved considerably from their perceived image. I use the statement with volunteer leaders to help them understand the need for boards and associations to evolve. There are external influences that suggest associations should adapt. Yet, many boards think the status quo is OK.

  • 3 basic (and free) communication necessities for the fall

    Mark MacDonald Religious Community

    How can it be? It’s almost fall, and once again many churches realize they have the same communication system that they had last year, even with all the issues that surfaced and promises made for improvement. Perhaps it was the budget that kept you from accomplishing the improvements you talked about. Perhaps it was just procrastination. Let's discuss three things that need to be accomplished in order to lay the foundation for a great communication strategy.