Shared Ink

Welcome to the Age of AI

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:44:21 GMT

Ivey Intouch Alumni Magazine - Fall 2023

This article wasn't written by artificial intelligence (AI), but in the future it might be.

Since the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT in November last year, it seems like anything is possible. In its first five days, the large language model chatbot attracted a million users intrigued by ChatGPT's ability to "communicate" in human language and to answer prompts with a surprising amount of context, subtlety, and the occasional wit - even if it didn't aways get the facts right. In just six months, that number grew to more than 100-million users, making ChatGPT the fastest-growing application ever.

Read the rest of the story online, or as a PDF .

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter, copywriter and content creator, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Website Copywriting - Shannon Biss Fundraising Consultant

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 22:12:42 GMT

Shannon Biss, Fundraising Consultant - New business copywriting

Shannon Biss spent more than two decades raising funds for large non-profits, including universities and hospitals. In 2022 she decided to fulfill her dream of starting her own business as an independent fundraising professional.

Her challenge? Explaining her services, and how she was different from a traditional fundraising consultant.

Shannon asked me to help clarify her message, strengthen her value proposition, and highlight her professional, collaborative, and hands-on approach to raising money for worthwhile organizations.

Copywriting Services Provided

This was a 3-page SEO copywriting project for an independent fundraising consultant based in southwestern Ontario. The content needed to position Sharon as an experienced fundraising professional, clearly explain her services, and how non-profits can benefit from working with her.

Outcomes Achieved

Working with Shannon, we created content that showcased her professionalism and warm personality.

The Shannon Biss website went live in July, 2023.

"This is great - thanks so much! If anyone asks about copywriting, I will definitely refer them to you!" ~ Shannon Biss

Need help with copy for your new website? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

The Best View in Lyon

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:13:58 GMT

Travel & Food Blog - The Best View in Lyon

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière may not be the oldest church in Lyon, but it does have the best view. Built on a hilltop between 1872 and 1896, it’s four neo-gothic towers loom over the city below – serving as a constant reminder of the power once wielded by the Catholic Church.

When we visit, the Basilica is closed due to COVID restrictions. But my companion – who grew up in the city – assured me that our hair-raising drive through the winding roads of Old Lyon to the spot where the Romans founded the city in 43 B.C. would be worth it.

And he was right.

Like any self-respecting church, the Basilica of Fourvière is surrounded by a large piazza. This one offers a panoramic view over the city.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter, copywriter and content creator, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. When she is not helping people grow their success one word at a time, she can be found exploring Europe and North America. This is where she shares her adventures.

How action learning supports long term leadership development outcomes

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:58:25 GMT

The Ivey Academy - Online Article

Have you ever taken a class that felt less like school, and more like fun? Chances are, your teacher asked thoughtful questions, facilitated lively discussion, and encouraged group work. Your learning felt natural, and it probably stuck.

Your experience wasn’t mere coincidence. It was an example of action-learning.

What is action learning?

Rosa Cendros, Senior Learning Experience Designer at The Ivey Academy, says that action-learning falls under the umbrella of constructivist theories. Constructivism suggests that people learn more effectively when they can connect content with what they already know, and that each learner can - and should - make learning useful to their real problems.

In other words, action-learning is rooted in gaining knowledge through doing. Unlike more traditional teaching methods where students are often passive listeners, action-learning prioritizes communication, creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The goal is to put what you’ve learned into practice, and then to examine and learn from the results.

“It’s about learning for action, and learning from action,” Cendros says.

A brief history of action-learning

The action-learning approach to problem-solving was pioneered by British professor and management consultant, Reg Revans (1907 – 2003). Originally a doctoral student in astrophysics, Revans was inspired by the way scientists recognize their own ignorance, share experience, and work together to advance knowledge.

Revans applied his observations while working for the United Kingdom’s National Coal Board in the 1940s, discovering that managers were most effective when they tackled specific challenges together, in small groups.

Why action-learning?

“Action-learning as a pedagogy was specifically designed to solve business problems, so it’s very applicable to executive education and leadership development,” says Cendros.

The method is particularly effective at solving complex problems and developing leadership skills because it encourages people to ask questions, exchange information, and work together to find creative strategies and solutions.

By working in small groups, participants learn how to be active listeners, and to consider alternate perspectives before developing a plan. In addition, action-learning asks leaders to reflect and learn from the outcomes of any action taken.

Continue reading the article online , or as a PDF.

Data Analytics: Cutting through the noise and identifying what really matters to you

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 15:52:42 GMT

The Ivey Academy - Online Article

Successful organizations have long understood that data can play a critical role in providing information and insight to support good decision making, improve operational efficiencies, and inspire new ideas. But today’s leaders have more data to sift through than ever before.

With more than 60 per cent of the world’s population now enjoying internet access , we generate so much digital data that we needed to create a new word – the zettabyte – to measure it. One zettabyte is the equivalent of around a trillion gigabytes, and there are currently an estimated 44 zettabytes of data in the digital universe, with that number growing with every click.

Whichever way you measure it, big data is now really big. It’s changing the way we do business, creating new opportunities and challenges for leaders across almost every industry.

Continue reading online , or as a PDF.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter, copywriter and content creator, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time .

A House With Heart

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 22:22:38 GMT

Our Homes Magazine - London & Stratford, Summer 2024

It’s been 10 years since the London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA) built its first Green Home to raise money for London’s Cancer Survivor Garden. Last summer, the association broke ground on its second Green Home project. The home was listed and sold this spring, with proceeds going to support Kids Kicking Cancer – Heroes Circle and other LHBA initiatives.

Located in London’s sought-after Warbler Woods West neighbourhood, the house was built through donations from more than 50 LHBA members and suppliers.

“Without the support of so many from not only the LHBA membership but also the wider home-building community, this project would not have been possible,” says Jared Zaifman, CEO, London Home Builders’ Association. “We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed and gave their time towards this impactful project.”

Read the full story online , or as a PDF.

Meet Amrit Ahluwalia

Mon, 13 May 2024 16:47:03 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - Meet new Executive Director Amrit Ahluwalia

Amrit Ahluwalia, Executive Director of Western Continuing Studies, brings more than a decade of experience working in the continuing education field to the role.

Prior to joining Western Continuing Studies, Ahluwalia served as editor-in-chief of The EvoLLLution , North America’s leading online source for news and research about non-traditional postsecondary education, and as senior director for marketing and strategic insights at Modern Campus , an educational technology company serving universities and colleges.

“I’ve had the chance to work with some of the leading thinkers in the continuing education space, and to talk about how the industry is changing,” says Ahluwalia, who moved to London with his wife in 2021.

“When the opportunity presented itself to join an institution like Western to help build a continuing education division that aligns in terms of quality and impact with the brand of the institution while at the same time supporting the workforce in and around southwestern Ontario, it was an exciting opportunity to put theory into practice.”

Continue reading below, or online.

An agile approach to education

Continuing education has a unique advantage over a traditional university curriculum, he notes. “We have the capacity to look at forces that are very rapidly and significantly changing the way that people work,” he says. “And we have the ability to be agile and responsive.”

This makes it an appealing choice for a wide range of non-traditional learners.

“It could be a recent graduate wanting specific career-focused programming with work-integrated learning opportunities to provide them with experience to help start their career, a 40-year-old mid-career professional looking to upskill or reskill, a single mom seeking access to post-secondary programming so she can launch a career in a sustainable field, or a senior citizen looking to pursue personal interests,” says Ahluwalia. “Our job is to create personalized and tailored experiences for a diverse array of students pursuing a diverse array of programs to meet a diverse array of needs. The starting point is to recognize that our students are not a homogenous group.”

A tailored learning experience

“It’s really important in the continuing education space to treat students as consumers and as customers,” Ahluwalia says. “They have infinite choice and very clear demands and expectations of the institution.” Many people who pursue non-traditional post-secondary education are not looking to earn a degree, he notes. Rather, they want to earn a specific professional credential or learn a skillset that will help them achieve a clear-cut goal.

“Some people are looking for a three-hour lecture because they need a particular piece of information. Others are looking for a virtual bootcamp or an eight-month certificate program because it will help them gain the critical competencies and skills they need to get a promotion. Our goal is to create learning environments designed for all those individuals.”

At Western Continuing Studies, learners can choose from more than 200 online courses and micro-credentials and more than 50 professional certificates and post-degree programs, all taught by professionals working and researching in the field.

“We’re really proud of the quality of programming that we offer,” says Ahluwalia. “Western University is one of the premier educational providers globally, and representing the Western brand is something that we take very, very seriously.”

Expanding the impact of higher learning

Ahluwalia says that continuing education can put higher learning in reach of everyone, regardless of their background. “Some people may not see Western as an option for professional development. But we can provide responsive and relevant learning opportunities that will help them achieve their goals.

And we will treat them with respect and dignity. That is something that I believe is really important.”

As an institution, Western Continuing Studies has the capacity to extend our reach to support a wide group of individuals,” he says. “We have the ability to partner with industry and employers across this area and to create greater access to better jobs. We can help industries grow because we have the ability to help educate their workforces. These are all things we have the capacity to do right out of Western Continuing Studies.”

Left Turn: Jasmine Huang, HBA '18

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:44:44 GMT

Ivey Intouch magazine, Fall 2023

I took my first dance class when I was just two years old. I went on to learn ballet, Chinese dance, contemporary, and hip hop. I always loved dance, but my parents taught me to think of it as a hobby, so I never considered it a viable career.

When I came to Western University to study medical sciences with Ivey AEO status, I joined a dance team. I ended up leaving medical sciences behind to focus on business which aligned more with my strengths and interests. Once I graduated and started to work, I quickly realized that the corporate world was not for me.

I was working to grow an international marketplace, but my mind was elsewhere and it showed at work. I was let go from my startup job. It turned out to be the push I needed to finally pursue dance professionally.

Continue reading below, or as a PDF .

I was lucky to land the lead in a dance theatre show almost right away — then the pandemic hit. I spent that time taking virtual dance lessons, performing virtually, and teaching dance to maintain an income.

In the summer of 2021, I went to New York with the intention to train. I studied acting at the William Esper Studio and danced every day at Broadway Dance Center. When I wasn’t in class, I was running around to auditions. A lot of things happened in a very short time, including dancing in a tour video for Kendrick Lamar and performing in the premiere of Sneakerella for Disney+.

I returned to Toronto in June 2022 and performed in The Music Man at Thousand Islands Playhouse. Everyone in the cast had theatre school training, except me. It was very humbling, but also encouraging. This year I’m performing in Rock of Ages and Evita, both with Drayton Entertainment, and I’m creating a dance film series.

While I didn’t take a traditional business route, I still use many of the skills I learned at Ivey. I have to make sure that I’m budgeting well, strategizing for the future, communicating effectively, networking, and following up — I’m now my own business.

How Leaders Can Leverage Digital Technology to Drive Sustainability

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 15:18:09 GMT

The Ivey Academy - Blog article

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are developing at warp speed, impacting almost every aspect of modern life. From the face ID that opens our mobile phones to the algorithms that help keep our bank transactions safe, AI is already seamlessly integrated into our daily routine.

Further, the explosive popularity of ChatGPT and other generative AI applications over the past year has sparked greater public awareness and increased discussions around AI technology’s potential across different industries, leading many individuals to consider innovative ways that they can leverage AI and machine learning against complex challenges.

What is AI and Machine Learning?

AI mimics human intelligence by processing and analyzing enormous amounts of data to look for correlations and patterns that can improve predictive models.

AI and machine learning offer almost every industry the opportunity to transform processes and products through capabilities like predictive analysis, speech recognition and natural language learning, image and video processing, and recommendation engines.

While some experts fear that AI could be used for malicious purposes and have called for global regulation and a pause on development, others argue that digital technologies can play a vital role in tackling complex global challenges.

Continue reading below, or online .

Sustainability as a competitive advantage

Dr. Bissan Ghaddar, Associate Professor of Management Science and Sustainability at the Ivey Business School, works on problems at the intersection of machine learning and optimization models. When it comes to business, she says that emerging digital technologies can help leaders boost performance while achieving their organization’s strategic environmental and sustainability goals.

“Today, it’s not sufficient to only look at the financial aspects from a leadership perspective,” says Ghaddar. “Leaders also need to look at the environment as well as the social impact. Having these three pillars interplay together is very important for the success of any business.”

In addition to facing regulatory issues, Ghaddar says organizations that fail to integrate sustainability into their day-to-day operations risk losing customer market share, investment opportunities, and the ability to attract purpose-driven, high-quality talent. “Talented employees want to work on things that will make an impact,” she says. “They will challenge some of the traditional aspects of your business and bring new innovative ideas.”

Using AI to Drive Sustainability Initiatives

AI and technology-driven approaches can help organizations use resources more efficiently, reduce waste, optimize planning and investments, and maximize energy efficiency. Digital technologies can also help collect, analyze, and drive insight into a company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance KPIs. “This information is becoming very important to board members and other stakeholders,” Ghaddar notes.

“From small businesses and startups to big corporations, more and more companies are incorporating sustainability into their day-to-day operations,” she says. “And the opportunities to use digital technology to support sustainable initiatives are almost endless.”

As one example, Ghaddar cites the city of Berlin where AI is being used to improve tree irrigation. “They are trying to predict when trees need watering, and how much water they require,” she explains. Not only will the initiative conserve water, it will also improve the health of the city’s trees, providing a greener urban environment for everyone to enjoy.

Other examples include global giants IKEA and Amazon. Both are using optimization and AI to support the shift of their last-mile delivery fleet to electric vehicles. When it comes to mitigating the impact of climate change, Ghaddar says that IBM and the Weather Network have formed a partnership to predict how extreme weather may impact industries as an example of how AI and other technology tools can be used to have resilient and robust operations.

AI is already being used widely across the manufacturing sector to improve efficiency and reduce waste, Ghaddar notes. “AI can identify when a product is defective early in the process so you don’t waste materials on something that is not going to be a viable product,” she explains. “It is also being used for predictive maintenance so things can be repaired before they break down. The applications are endless.”

Leadership for a Sustainable Future

When it comes to introducing technology-driven sustainability initiatives, Ghaddar says that leaders should ensure that all stakeholders are on board. “If it’s going to work, you need to involve everybody from the investors, to the customers, to the municipalities. You really need to collaborate and think about it as a collective thing.”

Having a long-term vision is key. “Some companies focus on the immediate benefit, such as increasing profits in the next quarter,” she notes. “When you start incorporating environmental, societal, and financial variables, it will help you see the big picture and think more about the long-term implications of sustainability and technology.”

And finally, any sustainability or environmental initiative needs a structured plan. “Having a strategic vision with strong leadership and stakeholder commitment is key to creating a more resilient, sustainable business with improved outcomes.”

Of course, most business leaders are not AI experts. But Ghaddar says they don’t need to be in order to implement technology-driven change. “Leaders need to be willing to take risks in an informed way,” she says. “They should have some understanding of the types of AI applications out there, and understand the pros and cons of applying a given technology.”

When it comes to introducing disruptive technologies, she suggests taking a good look at what others in your industry are doing and then deciding which approach makes the most sense for your organization.

Ghaddar suggests starting with one small project, such as a technology-driven solution to reduce energy consumption, or a more sustainable way to deliver goods. “You can change and iterate as you go, but you have to start somewhere,” she says. “Once you see the impact on your customers, on society, and on your bottom line, you can take it one step further.”

She speaks further to the cost of inaction for leaders who are hesitant to embrace innovation.

“In order for companies to have a competitive advantage, it’s really important for leaders to think about technology and sustainability in the business,” she notes. “It’s something you can’t afford to ignore.”

Does your organization need help with an online article, or blog? Get in touch, and let's spill some ink!

Independent Study Project Raises Awareness about Veterinary Social Work

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:23:27 GMT

King's University College - Online News Article

King’s Master of Social Work Student, Sarika Singodia, is bringing new awareness to the little-known discipline of veterinary social work through her Independent Study project, Recognizing the Human-Animal Bond through Veterinary Social Work.

The project looks at the four core areas of veterinary social work: compassion fatigue and conflict management among people working with animals, animal-related loss and grief, animal-assisted interventions, and the link between animal and human violence. “I also included a section on the concept of One Health, which is an interdisciplinary approach to supporting the health of people, animals, and the environment,” says Singodia. “Lastly, I had a section on how the human-animal bond can be considered within multiple areas of social work practice.”

“Ultimately, my goal is to introduce more social work students and social workers to this area of practice,” she says. “In terms of helping people in general, I hope my work can shed light on how important animals are in our society and how there is a need to consider the human-animal bond in all social work interventions.”

Continue reading below, online , or as a PDF .

The syllabus for the 12-week Independent Study project was developed under the supervision of Dr. Stephanie Baird. “If a social work student is interested in learning about a topic that is not covered in the curriculum, they may seek permission to create their own course on the topic,” explains Singodia, who also consulted with Sarah Bernardi, a veterinary social worker at the Ontario Veterinary College.

Singodia presented her learnings to King’s students and staff in October 2023, and her work was featured in this year’s Inspiring Minds showcase at Western University, which seeks to broaden awareness and impact of graduate student research. “Sarika’s Independent Study research highlights some important gaps and areas of further growth to address in order to bring the human-animal bond more fully into our social work practice,” notes Dr. Baird.

A life-long animal lover, Singodia spent six years working as a lawyer before returning to the classroom at King’s. She is currently completing her social work practicum with King’s Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization.

“I decided to pursue my MSW to combine with my legal background so I am better able to apply different perspectives to this work, such as anti-oppressive and critical race lenses,” she says. “This program also has courses on leadership and program evaluation which will give me skills to work towards my career goals.”

She says that the area of veterinary social work was a natural fit. “As I learned more about it, I saw connections with what I was doing as a lawyer. The violence link, which is the term used to describe the connection between animal abuse and violence towards people, is of particular interest to me,” she says. “Much of my legal work involved working with survivors of gender-based violence, and I would see this link with people who had companion animals.”

In the future, Singodia hopes to develop and coordinate community initiatives to support survivors of family violence with companion animals. She would also like to do counselling work with people who work with animals. “I have learned how animal service workers - veterinary staff, shelter staff, rescue workers, and even volunteers – can struggle with secondary traumatic stress from working with sick, injured, and abused animals.”

Dr. Baird says it was a pleasure to supervise Sarika as she developed her Independent Study course and built an in-depth understanding of veterinary social work. “In the process, I was delighted to develop a deeper appreciation of the human-animal bond and how this bond can be better incorporated into social work practice responses and future research.”

Hello, 2024...

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 17:42:06 GMT

Hello, 2024....

It’s been almost six months since I last shared a blog post. And what six months it’s been. Just when we thought it was safe to take a collective deep breath after COVID-19, Russia invaded Ukraine. Then came Hamas’ massacre of October 7, unleashing the ongoing war and a breathtaking wave of global antisemitism.

Trump is back on the campaign trail, President Biden may be senile, and even Canada’s auditor general can’t figure out how the ArriveCan app cost Canadian taxpayers almost $60 million. People are living in tents just a few hundred metres from my front door. And social media has become a cesspool of misinformation, hate, and unsolicited advertisements.

Is it any wonder that I decided to take a big step back?

I neglected my annual Top 3 list, and was unable to pick just one word to sum up how I’m feeling about 2024. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been writing.

So, it’s time start sharing again – beginning with this blog.

Let’s hope that the next six months brings and end to global (and local) conflicts and that we finally get our collective sh*t together long enough to deal with poverty, our dysfunctional government(s), and climate change. In the meantime, I wish you Shalom / Salaam. (And Am Israel Chai .)

A SSHRC research study aims to improve services for disabled women in Canada who experience gender-based violence

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 23:23:59 GMT

King's University College - Online News Article

Dr. Stephanie Baird, Assistant Professor in the King’s School of Social Work, is the co-recipient of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Knowledge Synthesis Grant ($29,931). It is for a collaborative research study, "A qualitative meta-synthesis of the lived experiences of gender-based violence among women with disabilities."

The study aims to increase understanding of gender-based violence among disabled women, with the goal of informing social services to better meet their needs.

The project is being led by Prof. Ami Goulden, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Memorial University. It brings together a team of experts from across Canada, including co-applicants Dr. Baird and Dr. Laura Pacheco, School of Social Work, Memorial University, as well as collaborators Lisa Faye, St. John’s Status of Women Council, and Dr. Debbie Norris, Department of Family Studies & Gerontology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Sarah MacDonald, learning strategist for students with disabilities, and Memorial University BSW students, Sierra MacNeil and Josh Pittman.

“Our varied experiences and knowledge from different service contexts provide important opportunities to exchange ideas and engage with different communities across Canada,” says Dr. Baird. The goal of the research is to enhance service-delivery and provisions for disabled women who experience gender-based violence. The team is centering their research study on the voices and experiences of disabled women.

Their research will lead to the development of a new Guidelines for Service Providers manual, which will be presented at a community event in St. John’s in February 2024.

Continue reading below, online , or as a PDF .

Disabled women experience more severe and frequent forms of violence than non-disabled women, Prof. Goulden notes. In addition, community services for survivors of gender-based violence are often inaccessible, and previous understandings of disability and gender-based violence are rarely informed by disabled people.

“The lack of attention to gender-based violence and disability has contributed to the invisibility of the victimization of disabled women,” she says.

Dr. Baird adds, “I hope this is a starting point for developing further connections and relationships to keep building on the work of this project in future, based on the needs and next steps identified by community members.”

At King’s, Dr. Baird teaches courses in social work including Trauma and Trauma-informed Practice, Critical Reflection and Appraisal of Social Work Practice, alongside Dr. Laura Béres who developed the course. Dr. Baird also teaches the Advanced Practicum and Integration Seminar, and the Introduction to Social Work Practice and Communication Skills. In addition, Dr. Baird sits on the School of Social Work at King’s Admissions Committee and Field Committee. She is also a member of The Dean’s Working Group on Research Data Management at King’s.

Friendship forged at Ivey leads to lifesaving living organ transplant

Tue, 02 May 2023 16:25:08 GMT

News@Ivey

Friendships forged at Ivey are unique, but neither of these alumni would have guessed theirs would lead to the incredible journey of a lifesaving living organ transplant.

In 2007, Brandon Gerson, MBA ’10, was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and eventual scarring of the bile ducts that run through the liver. While there are no long-lasting treatments, his condition progressed slowly. So, when he met Susan Anderson (née Wiens), MBA ’10, at pre-Ivey, she was unaware of his health challenges, and would remain unaware for many more years.

“I never talked about it because I felt fine,” Brandon says. “I didn’t want it to define me.”

Brandon and Susan shared many memorable experiences during their MBA, including participation in the Ivey LEADER Program abroad and the China Study trip. However, the foundation of their friendship was set during the hours spent at the Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre. “What was most formative in our friendship was being on the same Ivey Consulting Project team,” recalls Susan. “Our team had a ton of fun in our working sessions.”

The team stayed in touch after graduation, travelling together and celebrating each other’s milestones. “Brandon and his family were actually the last family we socialized with before the pandemic,” Susan says.

During 2021, Brandon’s health took a sudden turn. “One day I was on the exercise bike making a new personal best and the next day I was in the hospital,” he says. By February 2022, Brandon’s doctors had waitlisted him for a liver transplant, telling him his best chance of survival was to find a living donor.

Continue reading below, online , or as a PDF.

Brandon’s family reached out to a small group of relatives and friends asking them to consider partaking in this lifesaving procedure. “Susan wrote back within minutes saying she was going to apply,” he says. “She was fearless.”

Susan also leveraged her position as Ivey alumni class liaison to expand the search. After five months of testing for a suitable match, and on Brandon’s daughter’s sixth birthday, Susan shared the news that she was approved as his donor.

On August 10, 2022, at Toronto General Hospital, Susan donated part of her liver to Brandon.

As soon as he awoke from surgery, Brandon felt – and looked – like a different person. “All of my horrible symptoms were gone,” he says.

Susan was back at home after only four days and resumed regular activities shortly after.

“I feel so privileged to have had this experience,” she says. “Beyond the positive impact on my friend’s health, there were additional benefits, including renewed connections with our classmates and new connections with so many of Brandon’s friends and family in countries across the globe.”

Both Susan and Brandon hope their story inspires others to consider becoming an organ donor.

To learn more about organ donation in Canada, visit www.beadonor.ca and www.greatactions.ca

Does someone in your organization have a story you'd like to tell? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

Five reasons to say “oui” to learning a second language

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:46:52 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - Learn French & Spanish

In today’s interconnected world, speaking a second language is a valuable skill that will enrich your personal and professional life. Even if you’re an absolute beginner or can’t remember a single verb conjugation from high school French class, it’s never too late to learn new language skills.

At Western Continuing Studies, we make it easy to take the first steps towards proficiency in French and Spanish.

After a two-year pivot to online learning, we’re excited to welcome French learners back to the classroom at the new home of Western Continuing Studies, located at Western University’s Discovery Park. Our fall and winter offerings include French: The Fast Track for people looking to brush up their language skills, as well as French: The Basics Part I and Part II for people with no knowledge of the language, or who may have forgotten what they have previously learned.

Spanish: The Basics is also back, offered as a 20-hour online program with real-time learning.

With a focus on communicating effectively in everyday situations, language classes at Western Continuing Studies are designed to build your skills and confidence so you can put your learning to use at home, and abroad.

Continue reading the article below, or online.

Here are five great reasons to say "oui" or "sí" to learning a second language.

Advance your career

It’s no secret that speaking French, Canada’s other official language, can give you a significant competitive advantage in the workplace. And, in some jobs, it’s mandatory.

“I hear from many people that they are here to learn French because they would like to get a promotion, or they work for the government,” says Western Continuing Studies French instructor, Veranika Barysevich.

Not only will speaking French help get your resume to the top of the pile, it can help you earn more money, too. In today’s job market, bilingual candidates can command salaries that are up to 30% higher than their English-only counterparts.

Barysevich makes learning fun by encouraging students to speak as much as possible. “By the end of the first class, everyone will be able to introduce themselves in French,” she says. “Once they start, people enjoy the course and keep building on what they’ve learned.”

Travel like a local

Having a basic command of a second language can make all the difference to your travel plans, making it easier to explore beyond the tourist zones and to connect with locals on a whole new level.

“Many of my students are people who want to travel to the Caribbean, South and Central America, or Spain in the summer or when they retire,” says Edgar Yanez, who teaches Spanish at Western Continuing Studies. Others work in law enforcement, or other community organizations, and want to be able to communicate better with Canada’s growing Hispanic community.

“I love teaching Spanish, because it’s my language and my culture,” says Yanez. “It’s an opportunity for me to share Hispanic traditions and culture. We listen to music, and learn about important authors and artists. Learning another language is a door that opens so many possibilities.”

Enrich your perspective

Exploring a new language can give you a new perspective on life, says Western Continuing Studies Language Program Coordinator, Sandra Bardwell.

“Finding a better job or travelling are great benefits of learning a second language,” she notes. “But for me, the greatest benefit is opening up your mind to what other people experience around the world.

You’re not just learning vocabulary and grammar; you’re learning about the people who speak that language in ways that you might not have understood before.”

Learning how to speak another language can also help people better understand the challenges faced by new Canadians adjusting to life in a new language and culture, she says.

Boost your brain

Some people say that learning a new language makes their head hurt. That may be because the effort is actually good for the brain.

“People who speak a second language may have less incidence of dementia,” says Barysevich. They also have better listening skills, improved memory, and better concentration than their monolingual peers.

Get out of your comfort zone

Learning a new language means learning how to get comfortable making mistakes in front of others. “You’re pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and building your confidence,” says Bardwell.

While it might seem intimidating at first, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you are able to introduce yourself, order a meal, or converse with someone in their native language is well worth the effort. “Being able to speak two languages is an absolutely incredible feeling,” Barysevich says.

Use Collaborative Negotiation to Build Relationships at Work ⁠— and Beyond

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 15:34:48 GMT

The Ivey Academy - Blog article

In business, and in life, many people see negotiation as a battle of wills. The goal is to dominate the other side in order to get the best possible deal. While a winner-take-all approach may make sense when you need to obtain a clear win or get quick results, in the long-run you may risk losing more than you gain.

Ann Frost, Associate Professor in Organizational Behaviour at the Ivey Business School, explains that a competitive process that yields a winner and a loser reduces the chance for future negotiation. “And most sales relationships are not a one-off deal,” she notes.

That’s where collaborative negotiation comes in.

A win-win approach to negotiation

The goal of collaborative negotiation is to build a long-term relationship that is beneficial to both sides.

“Having a collaborative mindset is about looking for opportunities to do things for others and to welcome the things others can do for us,” says Fernando Olivera, Associate Professor in Organizational Behaviour and Troost Professor in Leadership at the Ivey Business School. “It’s about building healthy relationships that produce value for all parties involved.”

Collaborative negotiation can only happen when everyone is open about their interests, says Olivera. That requires - and builds – trust. When parties are willing to negotiate in good faith, they are more likely to find creative solutions that benefit everyone at the table.

Continue reading the article online , or as a PDF .

Does your organization need help with an online article, or blog? Get in touch, and let's spill some ink!

King’s University College – Media Release

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:28:33 GMT

King's University College - Media Release

The School of Social Work at King’s University College offers students hands-on experience through partnerships with more than 300 social service agencies.

This winter, the School launched an innovative program with The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope to offer free counselling services to people in need.

King’s University College was looking for a quick turnaround on a joint press release with the Salvation Army to promote the new program. With the College's in-house communications team already working at capacity, they asked me to help out.

Copywriting Services Provided
Working with King’s University College and The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope, I wrote a one-page media release to help promote the newly-created King’s Community Support Centre.

Outcomes Achieved
The release was approved and distributed by both organizations. It generated media interest in London and beyond and was published online in the King’s University College newsroom.

Click here to read the release, and to see some of the media coverage.

Does your organization have news you’d like to share? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

Do you have what it takes to be a freelance copywriter?

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 19:10:22 GMT

Do you have what it takes to be a freelance copywriter?

These days, it seems like everyone wants a fulfilling career that offers a decent paycheck and the freedom to work from anywhere. Being a freelance copywriter can fit the bill – and you don’t even need any special training to get started.

While I have yet to become the six-figure copywriter you may have encountered on social media, I have never considered trading in the uncertainty of freelance life for a cubicle or corporate co-working space. I’ve worked more-or-less when (and where) I wanted, and earned enough to happily continue being self-employed.

But making a living as a freelance copywriter isn’t as easy as some would have you believe. Being able to write clean, engaging copy is just the beginning. Here’s what else it takes:

A love of language
You don’t have to possess the inspiration of a poet to be a copywriter, but you should have a genuine love of words, the creativity to play with language, and the willingness to work hard to hone your skills. I’ve been writing professionally since 2004, and I’m still learning!

A curious mind
If you’re considering a career as a copywriter, you’ve probably been told to find a niche. While it may be sound advice to write about what you already know, in my experience having the ability to work with a wide variety of people and industries is part of what makes copywriting so much fun. Of course, that means you have to be willing to learn new things.

An eye for detail
As a copywriter, it’s largely up to you to make sure that your copy is factual and free from spelling and grammatical errors. If you’re just not a detail-oriented person, the profession may not be for you.

An ability to hustle
As a freelancer, it will be up to you to land your next gig. So in addition to doing the actual work, you’ll need to work at promoting yourself – through your website, social media, and good old-fashioned networking.

A thick skin
Not every client is going to love your first – or second, or third – draft. If you have a hard time accepting constructive criticism, you may want to pursue a different career path.

A respect for deadlines
Copywriters often work as part of a larger team. You don’t want to hold up a project while others wait on your words. In this business, if you’re able to meet your deadlines, you’re already one step ahead of much of your competition.

Happy copywriting!

Joel Faflak - The meaning of joy in two different worlds

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:53:39 GMT

Western University - Faculty of Arts & Humanities

For Joel Faflak, studying literature is an intensely political act, a way to challenge our understanding of the world and our place in it.

“Literature takes us out of our rational, empirical world and puts us in a completely alternate imagined world, wherein we have to think outside the box of what we understand reality to be,” said Faflak, a professor in the department of English and writing studies at Western.

By transporting the reader to another time and place, and into the mind and body of somebody else, literature can build understanding, empathy and tolerance, said Faflak, who studies British Romantic literature and culture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries as well as American film musicals.

Continue reading the story below, online , or as a PDF .

Faflak’s research interests may seem worlds apart, but both explore the meaning of happiness.

Psychiatry emerged in the late 18th century to cure ‘madness’ and create the greatest happiness for the greatest number, he notes, while the American musical presented a utopian vision that stood in stark contrast to the harsh realities of the Great Depression.

Today, Faflak argues that happiness has become an ideology. “Critical theorist Slavoj Žižek calls happiness our supreme duty,” he said.

Faflak believes that the relentless pursuit of happiness does a disservice to students entering an uncertain world. Instead, he encourages the pursuit of something closer to joy. “Joy comes from digging deeper, working harder, and it sometimes comes with suffering,” he said. “But when you survive, the sense of self-fulfillment is that much greater.”

Faflak understands the challenges and rewards of pushing beyond expectations.

Born into a working-class family in Chatham, Ontario, Faflak began his academic career after developing a love of literature in high school.

A third-year class in Romantic literature would change his life. “Professor Ross Woodman opened the world for me, and it has never shut.” Woodman went on to supervise Faflak’s MA thesis and co-supervise his PhD thesis. The two men later worked as co-authors and formed a lasting friendship.

But Faflak’s professional life almost took a very different path. Feeling disillusioned towards the end of his MA thesis, he left school and became co-founder of the independent grocery chain Sunripe Freshmarket.

“It was very successful, but I was profoundly unhappy in business,” said Faflak. After seven years, he returned to Western, completed his PhD, and has never looked back.

Today, Faflak teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in Western’s Faculty of Arts & Humanities, and is a visiting professor at Victoria University at the University of Toronto. In 2020, he was named one of Ontario’s most outstanding university teachers by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Association.

Faflak’s experience as an entrepreneur convinced him of the importance of breaking down barriers between the classroom and the outside world. “I believe profoundly in the value of combining experiential learning with scholarly rigour,” he said.

“I want students to think about their lives, the lives of others, the way the world has been constructed and how it has been treated,” said Faflak. “Even when they are studying poetry, which may sound like the most useless thing possible, I want them to understand that what they do in the classroom influences how they are molding themselves as human beings. And that will influence what happens in the outside world.”

Does someone in your organization have a story you'd like to tell? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

Online News Article - Snaile Lockers

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:34:54 GMT

Snaile Lockers - Online News Article

Snaile, Canada's Parcel Locker Company, is a leader in the manufacturing of fully-integrated smart parcel locker systems. The company's digital lockers are used across a wide variety of industries, from multi-residential properties, school campuses, pharmacies, and retail outlets.

When Snaile earned it's ISO-27001 Certification for Information Security, the company wanted to share the news. Having written a series of Case Studies for Snaile, I was already familiar with the company and was happy to lend a hand!

Copywriting Services Provided
This was a online news article for a fast-growing Canadian company that provides fully-integrated smart parcel locker systems for clients in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Quebec.

Outcomes Achieved

Working with Snaile's Chief Technology Officer, I produced a succinct article announcing the new ISO certification and explaining its significance to existing and potential clients. The article was posted on the company website, where it can easily be accessed and shared.

You can read it here or as a PDF .

Need help sharing news about your business? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

Erica Lawson examines Black women’s past, present as part of new course

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:15:57 GMT

Western News - January 6, 2023

Erica Lawson’s research and teaching interests are wide-ranging: from motherhood studies to maternal grief, bereavement, and activism; critical race studies and Black feminist studies. Now, the Western professor will use a range of tools drawn from these topics to teach a new course. 

Introduction to Black Studies is being offered as part of Western’s new minor in Black Studies through the department of gender, sexuality and women’s studies.

“I’m interested in Black liberation movements, going far back, and coming up to Black Lives Matter. We’ll be talking about Black intellectual traditions and looking at them in different ways – through poetry, music, sociology, feminist studies and literature,” Lawson said.

“It’s an opportunity for students to think more deeply, in a critically informed way, about the world we live in.”

Read the full story online , or as a PDF.

2023 - Word of the Year

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:32:06 GMT

2023 -Word of the Year

If I’m a bit late with my Word of the Year, that’s because I wasn’t going to choose one. It just felt like it was time to do things differently, and frankly, I was struggling to find a single word that could sum up my hopes for 2023.

But then I thought about how quiet my inbox has been since mid-December. It’s almost as if everyone decided to give themselves permission to spend extra time with family and friends now that COVID restrictions are finally a thing of the past – even if the virus isn’t.

Navigating almost three years of pandemic-induced chaos has challenged all of us. Many people started working from home for the first time. Our kids suffered through virtual school. Loved ones were separated by travel restrictions. Social circles shrank, and friends disappeared. We adjusted, and got used to living in relative isolation.

Over the past few years, I’ve worked on countless articles about how individuals and organizations survived and often thrived under immense pressure, and what we might expect as we emerge into our ‘new normal.’

Through it all, one thing has become clear to me. While technology may allow us to work and socialize remotely, it is no substitute for face-to-face interaction. Which brings me to my word of the year:

(RE)CONNECTION

This year, I hope we all make an extra effort to reconnect with people we may not have seen, or even spoken to, since March 2020. I hope we show compassion to those who may have simply been too overwhelmed by circumstances to reach out, or who – like me – just hate socializing over Zoom. I hope we realize that life is about more than sitting in front of a screen, even if those screens have become an indispensable tool.

I hope to make 2023 a year of connection, and reconnection.

I’ll let you know how it goes. And if we haven’t spoken for a while, drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you!

Women in Leadership: Persistent Barriers to Gender Equality in the C-Suite

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:32:28 GMT

The Ivey Academy - Blog article

Pamela Jeffery, HBA ’84, MBA ’88, has been smashing barriers since her teens, when she was elected the first female student council president of her high school. As an Ivey HBA student in the early-1980s, almost half her class was female. That number dropped to only 20% when she continued with her Ivey MBA.

After graduation, Jeffery landed a job at Canada’s first female-led lobbying firm. Things went well until she decided to start a family. “I was the first professional at the firm to get pregnant,” says Jeffery. “That was frowned upon, and I lost a promotion.”

When her second child developed a serious health condition as a newborn, Jeffery asked to work a four-day week. “I was told it was full-time, or no time,” she recalls. So, like many women who wish to combine motherhood with professional success, Jeffery left the company and went out on her own.

“I became an entrepreneur, not out of choice, but out of necessity,” she says.

Stories like Jeffery’s remain all too common. While women have made considerable professional gains – now accounting for almost half of the U.S. and Canadian labour force – they still struggle to rise to the highest levels of leadership.

The 2021 Women in the Workplace study by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org is the largest study of women in corporate America. It surveyed more than 65,000 employees from 423 participating organizations and found that although 48% of entry-level positions in the United States are held by women, female representation drops with every step up the corporate ladder. By the C-suite, only 24% of positions are occupied by women.

Continue reading the story online , or as a PDF.

Does your organization need help with an online article, or blog? Get in touch, and let's spill some ink!

Pumped Up: congregant lifts 80,000 pounds for Afghan refugees

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:03:37 GMT

Broadview magazine, Sept. 8, 2022

David Knoppert's weightlifting marathon raised about $8000 to help bring a family to Canada.

It would be understandable if David Knoppert complained about feeling a little sore. The 69-year-old had spent the previous day, Saturday, lifting a cumulative 80,000 pounds over eight hours on the steps of First-St. Andrew’s United in downtown London, Ont. The unusual show of strength was a weightlifting fundraiser to help bring a family of Afghan refugees to safety in Canada.

Instead, Knoppert said he felt “pretty good” the day after lifting 20- and 25- pound dumbbells, and wanted to keep the focus on the bigger picture – bringing the community together to help a family in need. “This family is living in Pakistan in pretty desolate conditions. Their visas have expired, so they are hiding in fear of being discovered, waiting,” he said. “It’s just not right.”

The story continues below, or read online.

Members of First-St. Andrew’s have been working for more than a year to bring the family of seven adults to London after a family member already living in the city asked for help.

The church must raise $100,000 as part of the sponsorship process, said Linda Babke, head of the church’s Afghan Refugee Committee. “We need enough money to support the family for a year,” she explained.

The Sept. 3 weightlifting event raised about $8,000, bringing total donations to date to just over $30,000 – enough money to file an application for refugee sponsorship.

It also raised awareness about the ongoing dangers faced by Afghans forced to flee their homeland after the Taliban took over. “We can’t forget about them,” said Knoppert, who was pleased to see many members of the community -at -large, as well as local politicians and representatives from two London mosques at the event.

The Canadian government has launched several programs with the aim of bringing 40,000 Afghan refugees to Canada, but the process is lengthy and expensive.

“We made a promise to walk with this family and to see what we can do,” said First-St. Andrew’s minister Rev. Joshua Lawrence. “It’s a complicated process. Everybody hopes that it will be expedited, but no one knows. We are trying to focus on what we can control. There certainly has been a wonderful showing of support since people have become aware of what we are doing.”

Knoppert and the church’s refugee committee are already thinking about how they can build on the momentum of the weightlifting event to attract corporate sponsorships for the church’s next fundraiser.

“We really have to trust this process, and trust that our hearts and our efforts will yield something that will benefit this family,” said Lawrence. “We hope and pray that it will bring them into a safe place here in London.”

To get involved or to make a donation to help First-St. Andrew’s bring an Afghan family to Canada, visit https://www.fsaunited.com/london-lifts-together

Do you have a story that you think the world should know about? Get in touch - maybe I can help!

Website Copywriting - Maadrn Fine Jewels

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 18:04:53 GMT

Maadrn Fine Jewels - New business copywriting

Maadrn Fine Jewels is a natural extension of Mairi Shewfelt’s passion for living a beautiful life without doing harm to the planet. As the owner of London, Ontario’s Yatta Brands , she already brings some of the finest eco-friendly beauty and lifestyle products from around the world to her retail and online store.

With Maadrn Fine Jewels, Mairi and her business partner set out to change the way women think about their jewelry box. Their Shopify site needed copy that would shine a light on Maadrn’s mission to create luxury bijoux using recycled and up-cycled materials.

Having worked with Mairi before, I was happy to lend a hand!

Copywriting Services Provided
This was a 3-page SEO website copywriting project for a sustainable jewelry company based in London, Ontario. Letting the jewelry do most of the talking, the copy needed to explain Maadrn’s vision, process, commitment to ethical practices, and story using minimal words.

Outcomes Achieved
Working with the Maadrn team, I crafted copy to support the brand’s contemporary, luxury vibe.

The Maadrn Fine Jewels website went live in spring 2022.

“As an entrepreneur, my biggest challenge was expressing my thoughts and messages in a cohesive manner across several brands that were new to the Canadian market place. I tried doing it myself but found I was quickly over my head. SEO was new to me and I had no clue how to grab the attention of customers in one sentence. I looked around for editing help and met with a few local companies. I found that they didn’t get my vision and/or where my product sat in the vast Wellness market.

I was referred to Nicole and that is when things got rolling. Nicole was completely different, relaxed and listened. Then asked probing questions that really helped me define my message. She was able to articulate and differentiate my products verses the competition which was huge for us. She has done everything from mission statements to product write-up to blog posts. I enjoy working with Nicole and trust her work.”

~ Mairi Shewfelt, owner Yatta Brands & Maadrn Fine Jewels

Need help with copy for your new website? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

Micro-Credentials for Foot Care Professionals

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:44:41 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - Micro-Credentials for Foot Care Professionals

Foot Care professionals across Canada will soon be able to step up their game thanks to four new micro-credential courses offered by Western Continuing Studies.

“These courses are designed to provide up-skilling opportunities for existing Health Care Practitioners within the Foot Care industry,” says Kelly Robb, micro-credentials project manager, instructor in Western University’s Post-Degree Diploma in Pedorthics and post-doctoral fellow at Wilfrid Laurier University. “They will also address knowledge gaps that are vital to improving the quality of life for people living with diabetes and chronic foot and ankle disability.”

Continue reading below, or online.

Specialized eight-week stackable courses

Three of the specialized micro-credentials – Basic Orthotic Science (coming September 2022), Advanced Orthotic Science (coming January 2023), and Footwear and Orthotic Considerations for the Patient with Diabetes (coming May 2023) – will be open to Canadian Certified Pedorthists, Chiropodists, Orthotists, Prosthetists, Podiatrists, Physicians and Foot Care nurses.

A fourth course – Diabetes Pathology and Management (coming January 2023) – will also be open to all Allied Health Professionals (clinicians), as well as Kinesiology and Health Sciences undergraduates.

All four courses will be offered online, with in-person learning options planned for future offerings. Classes run for eight weeks, and Robb says students should expect to dedicate around three hours each week to their self-directed learning.

Learners may take one course, or can stack the Foot Care micro-credentials to earn a Certificate in Orthotic Science or a Certificate in Diabetic Foot Care Management from Western Continuing Studies.

The courses are all eligible for continuing education points from the College of Pedorthics of Canada .

Up-skill in a high demand industry

With one in three Canadians living with Diabetes – a leading cause of foot problems – foot orthotics is a 3-billion-dollar industry with skilled foot care professionals in high demand.

Robb’s own interest in Pedorthics developed after an injury. “In university I had the opportunity to shadow a Pedorthist and I fell in love with the field,” she says. Having recently completed her PhD in Neuromechanics, Robb says she remains passionate about feet and education. “I am really interested in how orthotics work, why they work, and how to best improve patient care.”

Learn from a national leader in foot care education

Western currently offers the only Post-Degree Diploma in Pedorthics in Canada, says Robb, giving the school a strong knowledge base and experienced roster of instructors for the new foot care-related micro-credentials. Industry experts Michael Ryan and Kathleen Klement developed the micro-credentials and will be instructors for the courses.

“There are very few educational opportunities available to Canadian foot care experts,” Robb notes. “These new micro-credentials give practitioners the chance to gain confidence in the most up-to-date and evidence-based medicine within the Orthotic industry.”

Western University’s French Immersion School in Trois-Pistoles

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 01:54:10 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - French Immersion School in Trois-Pistoles

This summer marks 90 years of building linguistic and cultural bridges

Founded in 1932, Western University’s French Immersion School in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec, was the first of its kind in North America. Today, it continues to be a leading French immersion institution, attracting students from across Canada and beyond.

The school offers a range of programs geared towards university students, French teachers, adults, and families. Regardless of their age or life stage, all arrive in Trois-Pistoles with a desire to improve their French language skills and a willingness to fully immerse themselves in this francophone community, which has been at the heart of this unique educational experience since the very beginning.

Continue reading below, or online .

A vision to contribute to national understanding

The idea of establishing a French immersion school came from Dr. William Sherwood Fox (1878-1967), a professor of classics at Western University.

Dr. Fox experienced the transformative impact of immersive language learning on a visit to Quebec in 1900. This sparked his dream to establish a summer program in a solely French-speaking environment. It would be a place where young English-speaking Canadians could learn French while learning about French-Canadian culture.

When Dr. Fox became president of Western University in 1932, he seized the opportunity to pursue his vision, confident that Western could significantly contribute to national understanding.

Despite anxiety over the looming economic crisis, Dr. Fox enlisted the support of several Western alumni who agreed to finance the search for a suitable location for the school.

Dr. Fox and his supporters visited several towns in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region. They were looking for an exclusively French-speaking village far from a major centre yet accessible by train. And they wanted to find a community that would fully embrace the project, as the vision for the school required placing students with local host families.

Set on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, approximately 230km from Quebec City, Trois-Pistoles emerged as the ideal location.

A growing success since 1933

The first session of Western’s French Immersion School in Trois-Pistoles ran for eight weeks in the summer of 1933. The University had hoped for a dozen participants. Instead, 26 students registered for the inaugural program – and the school has continued to grow ever since.

Today, it welcomes more than 600 students who participate in various credit and non-credit immersion programs over the spring and summer. Since 1970, the immersion program has been recognized by the Explore Program – a government-funded initiative that promotes bilingual learning in Canada.

The student experience

Housed within l’École Secondaire de Trois-Pistoles, Western’s French Immersion School combines academic learning with cultural and recreational activities. Students are encouraged to speak French at all times, regardless of their language level.

Most importantly, all participants stay and share meals with local residents. The homestay has been one of the most cherished elements of the program since the school’s inception, with some families in Trois-Pistoles having hosted students for generations.

Celebrating 90 years of learning

This summer, Western’s French Immersion School at Trois-Pistoles celebrates 90 years of building linguistic and cultural bridges. The festivities will include live performances by Quebec musicians, workshops, and a formal reception.

And after a two-year switch to virtual classes in response to COVID-19 restrictions, the school – and the community of Trois-Pistoles – are looking forward to welcoming students back to the classroom and their homes.

Snaile Lockers – Online News Article

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:54:10 GMT

Snaile Lockers - Online news article

A leader in the Canadian smart locker industry, Snaile Lockers wanted to let residential clients know about a new partnership that makes parcel deliveries even easier for building managers.

I was happy to help them share the news!

Copywriting Services Provided
I interviewed Snaile CEO, Patrick Armstrong, and Building Link Director of Sales and Marketing, Nicholas Gill, and wrote a brief news article outlining how the partnership works and what it means for building managers dealing with a high volume of parcel deliveries.

Outcomes Achieved
The article was posted on the news section of the Snaile website making it easy for clients to learn about the benefits of the Snaile / Building Link integration.

Curious about how Snaile and Building Link are making parcel deliveries a breeze for multi-residential building managers? You can read my news article here .

Want to know more about how an online news article or blog post can help you reach new customers and grow your business? Get in touch , and let’s spill some ink!

Staying sharp, one writing course at a time.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 17:31:30 GMT

Staying sharp, one writing course at a time.

One of the things I love most about being a freelance journalist and copywriter is that there’s always something new to learn. Whether I’m working with a client in a new industry – hello, heavy construction equipment! – or have said ‘yes’ to a new-to-me type of writing project, I enjoy the challenge of pushing beyond my comfort zone.

And let’s be real – no matter where you are in your writing journey, there’s always room for improvement.

That’s why, after 18 years in the writing business, I signed up for a travel writing course through Gotham Writers . The 10-week program is one of many online writing classes on offer, but since I love to travel – and hope to do more of it in future – this seemed like a good place to start.

The format was self-paced, meaning you could read the weekly lectures and complete the corresponding assignments on your own time. Each student had two opportunities to upload work to The Booth for feedback from the class – before the instructor weighed in.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to read my classmates’ work, and to have them read mine. Criticism was constructive, respectful, and given from a place of compassion and support. The weekly lecture notes were full of great information and links to writing examples to aspire to. And I loved the challenge of writing a weekly travel story to the assigned deadline, even if I slacked off during the final few weeks due to an unexpected avalanche of paid writing gigs. (Good problem to have!)

The course gave me the opportunity to experiment with my writing style, to put myself in the story (for a change), to flex my descriptive muscles (brevity is key in most of my content creation work) and to get valuable feedback from the instructor and a group of peers.

In fact, I liked the experience so much that I decided to sign up for a second course in food writing – starting today – and to launch a travel blog – coming soon.

So, what’s the moral of this story?

If you want to be a writer, start writing and keep at it. And if you’ve been writing for a while, don't stop looking for opportunities to grow your craft.

Leading with positivity

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 20:47:55 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - Leading with positivity

Learn to create a better life for yourself, and your team, with the power of positive psychology

You’ve probably heard the phrase: “Think good, and it will be good.” It may seem like a naïve approach to dealing with the complex challenges of modern life, but research shows that it can be good advice.

Positive psychology is the science of well-being

“Positive psychology is a science,” says Janine Higgins, who teaches Positive Psychology at Western Continuing Studies.

Higgins defines positive psychology as “the study of how to improve your well-being.” It focuses on people’s strengths, and is founded on the premise that everyone wants to live a meaningful life, be their best selves, and find happiness in their personal and professional lives.

Continue reading below, online , or as a PDF .

It has been a growing field since 1998, when Dr. Martin Seligman was elected president of the American Psychological Association (APA) and encouraged positive psychology as a field of scientific research, Higgins says.

The 12-hour Positive Psychology course at Western Continuing Studies is delivered online with real-time learning, and can be used as an elective towards the Professional Certificates in Conflict Management or Emotional Intelligence.

The curriculum explores scientifically-based methods to help learners develop their own positive emotions, behaviours, and character strengths.

“It’s very inwardly focused,” says Higgins. “It’s one of those courses where the more you put in, the more you get out.”

While the course is open to everyone, Higgins says positive psychology can transform how managers lead and how their teams perform. “When you lead from a place of well-being you are better able to interact with others, to make decisions, and to lead with confidence,” she explains.

Employees who feel a sense of accomplishment, who are positive about the future, and who enjoy coming to work, are more productive. As for job-seekers, Higgins says that positive psychology can help them remain positive - even in the face of rejection.

“This course is for absolutely everybody,” she says. “My hope is that people will find things that are of value to them, and continue to benefit from positive psychology indefinitely.”

Website Copywriting - Grand Bend Developments

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 18:49:20 GMT

Grand Bend Developments - New business website copywriting

With beach communities tightening up the rules on Airbnbs, the team behind Grand Bend Developments decided the time is right to build luxury long-term rental apartment buildings just steps from Lake Huron. With projects already under construction, they needed a website to help get the word out.

Some of my best childhood memories were made in Grand Bend, so when I was asked if I'd like to write copy for the new site, I was happy to dive right in!

Copywriting Services Provided

This was a 5-page SEO website copywriting project for a new real estate development company in Grand Bend, Ontario. In addition to writing content for the Home and About Us pages, I worked with Grand Bend Developments to write copy for two luxury apartment buildings currently under construction: The Tides and The Carlyle.

Outcomes achieved

Together with Damian Box Branding , we created a website that captures the new, elevated living that Grand Bend Developments is bringing to this popular beach town.

Grand Bend Developments launched their new website in Spring 2022, and I'm looking forward to watching them bring new life to one of my favourite vacation spots.

Need some copy for your new website? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

Ivey Lives Remembered - Paul MacPherson

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 30 May 2022 15:23:37 GMT

Ivey Intouch magazine - Spring 2022

From a hardscrabble childhood on the shores of Lake Muskoka, Paul MacPherson rose to become a leading Canadian businessman, a popular professor, and a generous philanthropist who believed education had the power to transform lives.

Having left high school before graduation, MacPherson completed a special preliminary year at McMaster University in order to pursue higher education. He graduated from McMaster with a Bachelor of Arts in geography in 1952, and landed a job with Imperial Oil.

Read the whole story online , or as a PDF .

New Certificate in Mobile App Development

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 04 May 2022 16:20:12 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - New Certificate in Mobile App Development

Whether you want to order a burger, check your bank account, or run a meeting – today, there’s an app for that. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been an explosion of mobile applications to help people and businesses adapt and thrive. And tech companies have been scrambling to find workers with the coding skills to keep up.

So, if you’re one of the estimated 24 per cent of Canadian workers who have considered changing jobs during the pandemic, retraining for a career in Canada’s booming tech industry might be a great next step. And getting started is probably easier than you think.

Read the full story online , or continue below.

The Certificate in Mobile App Development offered through Western Continuing Studies can be completed in under a year. Offered online with real-time learning, the program is a partnership between Western Continuing Studies and RoboGarden , a Calgary-based Educational Software Development firm focused on building digital skills programs that prepare learners to engage with the world of digital technology.

“Coding is a new literacy,” says RoboGarden CEO Mohamed Elhabiby. “It is a skill that everybody is going to need in the future.”

As a required course in the Mobile App Development certificate program, Cross-Platform App Development – offered this May – provides a solid introduction to coding. Designed for people with no prior experience, the 90-hour course teaches students how to develop a mobile application from conceptualization through to design, development, and launch.

“At RoboGarden, we’re really focused on practice-based learning that leads to successful outcomes,” says RoboGarden Business Development Manager, Stephen Mackenzie. “It’s very much a step-by-step process where we encourage the learner to have fun as they develop their skills. So even if they come in to the program with some apprehension about their ability, they’re going to find an environment that has been built for their comfort and their success.”

The goal is to prepare graduates for entry-level jobs in the industry. “There is a lot of opportunity for junior app developers,” says Elhabiby. “Demand is massive.”

In London alone, tech employment has grown by 67 per cent in the past five years, earning the city the number 10 spot on the up-and-coming North American tech-talent markets list.

With starting salaries often in the $50-$60K range and many companies offering the option to work remotely, Mackenzie says that training to become a mobile app developer can be an appealing choice for people who may have lost their job during the pandemic, or who are looking to change careers.

“There’s a real opportunity for anyone to join this world,” he says. “And if you commit yourself to growing on completion of the program, your income and career can progress very rapidly.”

Supply and Demand

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 21:48:30 GMT

Ivey Intouch Magazine - Cover Story, Spring 2022

Supply chain disruptions have affected everyone over the past two years, causing an imbalance in supply and demand. Six Ivey graduates have been in the thick of it all and share their takeaways.

For many Canadians, the pandemic first hit home with a run on toilet paper. Store shelves were

emptied as people panicked about their household supply. Supermarkets placed limits on toilet paper

purchases, and in some instances sold by the roll. Amazon was out of stock. And memes about

stockpiling trended online.

But the pandemic’s effect on global supply chains would be no laughing matter. As nations around

the world locked down in an attempt to control the spread of the virus throughout much of 2020, the

flow of raw materials and finished goods slowed or even temporarily stopped, causing unprecedented

disruptions felt by almost every industry.

Read the full story online , or as a PDF .

Website Copywriting - BlackRail Homes

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 19:56:53 GMT

BlackRail Homes - New business website copywriting

As individuals, these two business owners had years of experience in the building industry. Together, they decided to form BlackRail Homes, and needed a website to help launch the venture.

Damian Box Branding asked if I would write content for the new site. I was happy to help!

Copywriting services provided
This was a 3-page SEO website copywriting project for a new home builder in London, Ontario. In addition to writing content for the Home, About and Services pages, I worked with the business owners to write descriptions for four model homes.

Outcomes achieved

BlackRail Homes was very happy with content, feeling that it captured their identity as a trusted builder of custom family homes.

The website launched in early 2022, and I'm looking forward to watching BlackRail Homes build their success!

Need some help with copy for your new website? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

Return to in-class learning

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:24:26 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - Return to in-class learning.

Western Continuing Studies is taking the first step towards welcoming students back to the classroom. This April, the Western CIM – Introduction to Human Resource Management course will be held at the new home of Western Continuing Studies in the Western Discovery Park. As a required course in the Western CIM Professional Certificate in Public Sector Management program, enrollment is limited to Western University employees and staff.

“I am excited to be able to bring Western employees back to class,” says Christine Wilton, Program Manager, Professional and Corporate Learning at Western Continuing Studies. “This course was designed in partnership with Human Resources at Western, and we have traditionally run classes during the day on campus since 2005.”

Read the full story online , or continue below.

The Western CIM Professional Certificate in Public Sector Management is an eight-course program that provides Western staff and leaders with foundational knowledge in a wide range of business areas. As a nationally accredited certificate program, it can be used towards the educational requirement of the Certified in Management (C.I.M) and chartered Manager (C.Mgr.) professional designations.

Western employees can take any or all of the courses offered, based on their learning needs.

Gayle Stuebing is one credit short of earning her professional certificate. Stuebing, who works as Executive Specialist for the Provost at Western University, has been taking one course each term since 2018. Then the pandemic hit and slowed things down.

“I can’t wait to be back in a classroom again,” she says. “I really enjoy the group setting. And I find that I learn better in person than I do virtually.”

At first, Stuebing saw the CIM program as a way to advance her career at Western. “But the subject matter covered is so broad that it’s actually really helped me in my current role,” she notes.

Stuebing says that Introduction to Human Resource Management was one of her favourite classes to date. “Students come from a variety of backgrounds across the university, so the discussions are really interesting. You get all kinds of different perspectives. I made relationships in that class that I still have today.”

Meeting other Western employees is just one of the benefits of the Western CIM certificate program, says WCS instructor, Dr. Lee Ann McKivor. “It gives students the opportunity to build a community of practice with other leaders on campus,” she says. “That’s a real positive for somebody looking to develop a support network within the Western leadership community.”

With coursework tailored to the Western experience, Dr. McKivor says students also come away with a better understanding of leadership within the context of higher education, and how Western operates as a large institution.

And though it can be daunting to think about going back to school while juggling work and personal commitments, Stuebing says Western Continuing Studies understands the challenges and is always willing to help.

“Everyone I’ve dealt with at Western Continuing Studies has been so flexible,” she says. “They want you to succeed and that’s really important. It encourages you to keep going, especially when you haven’t been in school for a long time.”

Case for Support - Culture as Care

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:36:48 GMT

Case for Support - Culture as Care

When St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation was looking for an experienced copywriter to help cover a maternity leave, they contacted me for support. They needed a copywriter who could:

Work remotely with their Marketing & Communications and Fundraising teams
Identify and incorporate key messages into website copy and communications
Clearly communicate the Foundation's vision
Tailor pieces to different target audiences

It was a challenge I was happy to take on!

Copywritng services provided

Our work together included:

Grant proposals
Internal and external newsletter articles
A series of short Cases of Support for the Foundation website

Outcomes achieved

Highlights of the year-long partnership include supporting the creation of an Indigenous Healing Space at the Parkwood Institute through writing successful grant proposals and a Case for Support for the Foundation website.

You can learn more about the project here, or here (PDF).

Does your organization need help covering a maternity leave, or just need an extra set of hands to help get things done? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

How to take a vacation when you’re a freelancer

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 22:07:32 GMT

How to take a vacation when you're a freelancer

We’ve all seen the Instagram posts of digital nomads who claim to earn a six-figure salary while lounging poolside in some exotic location. Having the freedom to work when and where you like is one of the perks of being a freelance writer, but actually taking a vacation when you’re self-employed can be tough.

I’ve been freelancing since 2004 and have spent many vacations getting up at dawn to put in a solid four hours at the keyboard while everyone else sleeps. And then sneaking off after dinner to put in two or three more.

A few years ago, I'd had enough. Life is too short to be chained to a computer. Today, I clear my work schedule for at least two weeks each summer, and I don’t work weekends.

Guess what? My business hasn’t suffered. In fact, my income has actually grown since I’ve made time to recharge.

With March Break coming up next week, and summer just around the corner, here are my tips for freelancers desperate to unplug.

Commit to your vacation

As a freelancer, you’re probably familiar with the feast-or-famine cycle. Or, you’re lucky enough to have a roster of clients who provide consistent work with consistent pay. Both scenarios can make you think twice about taking time off.

In reality, nobody expects you to work 24/7/365. Clients who respect your work will also respect your need to recharge - but it’s up to you to set your boundaries. Decide how much vacation time you need, when you want to take it, block off your calendar, and make your plans.

Let people know

If you have regular clients, let them know when you’ll be out of the office. Send them a quick email with the dates of your upcoming vacation. They’ll appreciate the heads-up and the opportunity to wrap up projects before you leave, or to put them on hold until you’re back.

Consider adding an out-of-the-office notice to your website and social media channels. And set up an automated reply to incoming emails if you really don’t want to check in.

Don’t let unexpected work crash your party

Your bags are packed and you’re almost out the door - when someone emails with a great gig. If they really want to work with you, they won’t mind your reply thanking them for their interest and asking if you can connect to discuss as soon as you’re back. You’d be surprised how much wiggle room most people have to work with.

In my experience, clients who insist they need things “yesterday” are usually not worth their trouble. Stand firm, and offer to refer them to a colleague if their project really can’t wait.

Leave your laptop at home

It can be tempting to pack your laptop – just in case. As someone who likes to travel with hand luggage and a backpack, my advice is to leave it behind. You've already told people you are out-of-the-office, so it's ok to literally leave your work behind.

And avoid the temptation of spending your vacation checking your phone for emails. I set aside a few minutes in the evening to clear my inbox. You’ll find that most messages can wait – or be deleted!

Organize your office before you leave

On a typical work day, my desk is hidden under a mess of paper, file folders, pens, and paper clips. So, my final piece of advice to freelance writers heading off on vacation is to make time to clean your office before you leave. That way, when you come home refreshed your work space will be ready to go.

Happy travelling!

Western French-Immersion School returns to Trois-Pistoles

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 16:14:55 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - French-Immersion School returns to Trois-Pistoles

Western University’s French-Immersion School at Trois-Pistoles is planning a return to in-person learning this summer, after a two-year switch to virtual classes in response to COVID-19 restrictions.

This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the school, making it the oldest French immersion program of its kind in North America. “You can learn vocabulary in a classroom, but the immersion experience brings the language to life in a way that nothing else can,” says Kathy Asari, Director of Western University’s French-Immersion School at Trois-Pistoles.

The partnership between the small francophone community and Western University began in 1932. Today, the School facilitates a variety of credit and non-credit immersion programs offered through Western Continuing Studies . It is also recognized by the Explore Program – a government funded initiative that promotes bilingual learning in Canada.

“While a lot of students enrol to earn credits towards their degree, we’ve also had many working professionals, Supreme Court Justices, and even Ontario Premiers,” notes John Doerksen, Acting Provost & Vice-President (Academic), Western University.

Read the full story online , or continue below.

French immersion rooted in community

Asari’s bond with the French Immersion School began as a student during her undergraduate days at Western. The program made a profound impression, inspiring her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in both Biology and French Studies. “There is something very special about this program. It’s personal, in the best sense of the word,” she says. Trois-Pistoles offers an ideal environment for French learners at any level. The town, located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, boasts a vibrant cultural scene and easy access to recreational activities like hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.

Students live with a host family during their stay, providing a unique opportunity to experience Quebecois culture and practice their language skills outside the classroom. “I still remember the conversations we had around the dinner table,” says Asari, who later returned to teach courses at the Immersion program, before being named Director in 2019.

“The whole community has adopted the School. It’s something they are very proud of,” she says. “Some of our host families have been welcoming students for multiple generations.”

Building confidence and connection

As a French teacher, Asari has seen the impact of the Trois-Pistoles experience first-hand. “When students come back, they have a new-found confidence. They are more comfortable speaking, and take a lot of joy in it."

But the benefits go beyond becoming more proficient in Canada’s ‘other’ official language. The intercultural sensitivity participants gain through the exchanges can be transformative, says Asari. “The social aspect of language is very difficult to recreate in a classroom,” she notes. “When students are able to build a personal connection with people and have a lived experience of the language, it changes who they are and how they interact with other people.”

Celebrating 90 years of learning

This summer, Western University and the community of Trois-Pistoles will be celebrating 90 years of building these linguistic and cultural bridges. The planned festivities include live performances by Quebec musicians, workshops, and a formal reception.

“Right now, this is all pandemic dependent, but if we can be in-person many of us – including civic and political leaders – will want to attend,” says Doerksen. “For an institution like this to last for 90 years is an extraordinary testament to the commitment of so many people, not the least of which are the people of Trois-Pistoles.”

Downsizing in style.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 18:55:36 GMT

Our Homes Middlesex - London, Winter 2021-2022

When Jorge and Julia Sousa decided it was time to downsize to a bungalow, it made sense to keep the project in the family. Their son, Carlos Sousa, co-owns XO Homes Inc . along with partner Chau Trac.

The company prides itself on building houses that are contemporary and timeless, and on giving clients the freedom to customize their living space – whether that means designing a new home from the ground up or modifying an existing plan.

When it came to building a home for his parents, Carlos says the main challenge was coming up with a spacious and functional one-story design on a narrow 40-foot lot.

Read the full story online , or as a PDF .

A path to success

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:15:17 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - Student profile: Chiara Cruz

Like many university graduates, Chiara Cruz wasn’t sure what her next step should be. Cruz knew she wanted to help people find their voice, but didn’t know how to translate her BA Specialization in Anthropology with a Minor in Psychology from Western University into a career.

A career counsellor suggested the Post-Degree Program in Public Relations at Western Continuing Studies. “I decided to apply, and I’m really grateful I did,” says Cruz, who graduated from Western Continuing Studies in April 2021.

Read the full story online , or continue below.

The Post-Degree Diploma in Public Relations is one of seven career-focused programs offered by Western Continuing Studies. The combination of in-class learning from industry experts and a four-month internship helps graduates stand out in the job market and expand their employment opportunities.

“This isn’t a stepping stone to a master’s degree or an upgrading program. It’s a one-year opportunity to develop clear competencies to kick-start your career,” says Western Continuing Studies Program Manager, Katrina McIntosh.

Ashleigh Lerch is the Work Integrated Learning Coordinator at Western Continuing Studies. It’s her job to help match students with a practicum in their field. “I build relationships with a lot of organizations,” she says. “I also offer students support with resumes, cover letters, and interview skills.”

“Our students have the training and are employment ready,” she notes. “Employers often scoop them up after the internship. But if that’s not the case, they have gained the practical experience to land another job.”

That’s exactly what happened to Cruz. After completing a successful practicum with a London social media agency, she went on to a summer contract with a Mississauga non-profit. “I was given an offer to stay on board with them, but decided to accept a position with my current company,” says Cruz, who works as Demand Generation Specialist with iApotheca Healthcare Inc.

While Cruz completed her Western Continuing Studies post-degree diploma remotely due to the global pandemic, students entering a program in September 2022 will have the option to study in-person at the London, Ontario campus with a hybrid model that combines in-class and remote learning, or fully online, with real-time learning.

“Western Continuing Studies really helped me understand public relations and build connections with my peers and people in the industry,” says Cruz. “It taught me a lot of practical skills that I am using in my current position. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t decided to enroll.”

Website Copywriting - Nelie's Retreat & Spa

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 22:26:30 GMT

Nelie's Retreat & Spa - Small business website copywriting

Nelie's Retreat & Spa contacted me in the fall of 2021. Having been in business for five years, it was time for a new website and they were looking for a professional copywriter to help spread the word. Nelie wanted copy that spoke to her target audience, represented her business in an authentic way, and clearly articulated her value proposition.

Of course, I said yes!

Copywriting services provided

This was a 3-page SEO website copywriting project for an established small business in London, Ontario. In addition to writing the Home and About pages, I worked with Nelie to polish the Services descriptions.

Outcomes achieved
Nelie was happy with the outcome - a no-fuss website that showcases her experience and personalized approach to spa services.

The new Nelie's Retreat & Spa website launched in November 2021.

It just goes to show, your business is never too small to work with a professional copywriter!

Need help with a copywriting project? Get in touch , and let's spill some ink!

Eight is enough

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 22:30:14 GMT

Our Homes Middlesex-London, Holiday / Winter 2021-2022

Brittany Zazula and Ben Davis climbed the property ladder one home at a time, renovating and reselling seven houses in eight years. Along the way, they learned the ins and outs of the design process and built relationships with some of London’s top trades.

Three years ago, the couple jumped at the opportunity to upgrade once again - to a home just around the corner. “We always admired this house when we walked the dog.” says Ben. “It had the space, the big windows, and the beautiful landscaping. When it became available, we immediately made an offer.”

A few days later, the couple discovered they were expecting their third child and decided this move would be their last.

Read the full story online , or as a PDF .

Finding your niche – A new approach.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 18:44:11 GMT

Finding your niche - A new approach.

A few weeks ago, I tuned in to a free webinar given by The Copywriter Club . The hosts – Kira Hug and Rob Marsh – offered five tips for freelancers looking to build their business in 2022. Having run my own freelance copywriting business since 2004, I’d heard most of their fantastic advice before – but it’s always good to start the New Year with a refresher!

Like most business coaches, Kira and Rob stressed the importance of finding your niche. But instead of defining the concept of ‘niche’ with the usual formula…

What You Love + What You Are Good At + What People Will Pay You For + The Problem You Help People Solve = Your Niche

….they stressed the importance of identifying your X-Factor. In other words:

What makes you different? And why are you the best person for the job?

As someone who thrives on variety and who has always resisted the pressure of limiting myself to working within a handful of industries, this approach really resonated! Here are few additional thoughts that I’d like to share on the subject.

If you’re launching your copywriting business, don’t feel pressure to identify your niche right away. Just highlight your strengths as a writer and your past experience.
When you’re starting out, it’s OK to take every job that comes your way. (As long as it’s paid, and not completely out of your comfort zone.)
Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to copywriting projects you’ve never done before…and then figure out how to do them.

You’ll soon discover what type of copywriting you’re good at, which industries interest you, and what type of clients you enjoy working with. And at some point - your niche will find you.

So, what’s my niche?

I’m a trained journalist who specializes in story-based copywriting. I love writing business profiles, website copy, blogs, case studies, and media releases.

As niches go, it may be a pretty broad definition. But, it works for me.

Happy niche-hunting!

Ivey Intouch Magazine - Class of 2021

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:28:46 GMT

Ivey Intouch Magazine - Class of 2021

The Class of 2021 has had an Ivey experience like no other. They came ready to take on the intense workload and transformational learning that builds careers and changes lives. But no one could have been prepared for the disruption caused by COVID-19.

Intouch spoke with five recent grads about how they, like their classmates, rose to the challenge and stayed the course. They reflect on their unique Ivey experiences, how the pandemic offered unexpected opportunities for personal and professional growth, and how going through this trying time together as a class helped forge deep friendships that will last a lifetime.

Read the full story online , or as a PDF.

Landing Page: Moving with Music - Online

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 21:09:49 GMT

Copywriter for Moving with Music - Online landing page

Julia’s Place Music Therapy Center has been offering music therapy programs for people with a variety of needs and abilities since 2017.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person programs, Julia developed a curriculum that could be delivered virtually to seniors and their caregivers. She was designing a landing page for Moving with Music - Online and was seeking copywriting support.

Copywriting Services Provided

I worked with Julia to develop landing page copy that:

Speaks directly to the target audience
Explains the benefits of the program
Explains how the program is delivered online
Encourages people to sign up, or learn more

Outcomes Achieved

Julia was thrilled with the outcome, a landing page that simply and succinctly explains the program benefits, how it is delivered, and what’s included in a membership.

“This is great. Thank you!”
~ Julia Kowaleski, Owner, Julia’s Place Music Therapy Center

Take a look at the Moving with Music - Online landing page.

2022 - What's your plan?

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 18:34:14 GMT

2022 - What's your plan?

When I was newly-single and trying to decide whether to grow my freelance writing business or get a "real" job, I signed up for a weekend bootcamp for new entrepreneurs. It gave me the courage to stay the course as a work-from-home mom, and provided me with several practical strategies that I'm still using today.

That's why I spent this morning writing my business plan for 2022.

As a solopreneur, I had never considered the importance of setting yearly goals and committing them to paper. Today, writing my business plan is at the top of my annual to-do list. And it doesn't take long.

The business coach provided a simple one-page template, which I modified to fit my writing business. I also added personal goals to the list. Here's a rough idea of what it looks like:

My Revenue Goal for the year goes at the very top. Then I break it down into monthly and weekly income. Since I occasionally wait months for payment, I track the amount of money invoiced. I know this goes against most advice, but it works for me. It all adds up by the end of the year, and I've only had to write off one bad debt since 2004.

Next comes three goals each for Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Profitability.

For example: This year I want to update my website (marketing), start building a travel writing portfolio (sales), set firm and realistic office hours (operations), and stick to my guns when it comes to my rates (profitability).

On the personal side, I want to exercise three times a week and make time to connect with friends - even if we can't get together in person.

The final step? I tape the plan to my office wall. Having it in plain sight keeps me focused when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It helps me make decisions that are aligned with my business goals. And it forces me to reflect on what's going well and what I need to do better.

So, as the first week of 2022 comes to an end...what's your plan for the year ahead?

2022 - Word of the Year

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 21:47:26 GMT

2022 - Word of the Year

Remember last January? Optimism was in the air as news of COVID vaccines held the promise that 2021 would bring an end to the global pandemic, or at least the chaos it has wrought.

Mother Nature had other plans, and here we are – fully-vaccinated and beginning 2022 with rising case-counts, advice to up our ‘mask-game,’ and ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions. It’s enough to make you want to hide under the covers until it’s all over.

But that, obviously, is not an option. Instead, we’re just going to have to do our best to adapt yet again. Which brings me to my word of the year:

FLOW

As a work-from-home mom of a hockey-playing teenage boy, I tend to live by my day planner. And I don’t like it when something knocks me off-course. So the past 21 months have been stressful, to say the least.

But looking back, I realize that I've managed to go over, under, around, or through every obstacle that 2021 threw my way. And despite the fact that my income took a hit last year, my business is still standing and the things that are truly important in life - family and friends - are all doing well.

This year, I’m going to try and keep that truth in mind when I find myself stressing out over circumstances that are beyond my control. Instead of making myself miserable by trying to resist the unexpected, my goal is to take a deep breath and have faith that things will work out in the end – even if I can’t predict all the twists and turns on the road ahead.

In short, I’m going to try to go with the flow.

I’ll let you know how it goes…. In the meantime, I wish you all a healthy, joyful, and prosperous 2022!

My Top 3 of 2021

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 18:30:27 GMT

My Top 3 of 2021

2021 has been a bit of a blur. Lockdowns, social distancing, online learning, closed borders, and all the other challenges brought about by COVID-19 made it a year that I'll be happy to put in the past.

But I choose to focus on the positive: I'm triple vaccinated, my friends and family are healthy and doing well, my son's school and hockey are back on (for now), summer was almost normal, and work was steady.

Like 2020, much of my writing over the past 12 months has been pandemic related. Here are three stories that made it a year to remember.

Pandemic be damned

If you've ever shopped for event wear in London, Ontario, chances are good that your search included a visit to Elizabeth Noel . It's where I found the perfect gown for my son's bar mitzvah, and where generations of teens have scored the perfect prom dress. So I was pretty pumped when London Inc. asked me to write a story on the boutique's new location on Dundas Street for the Spring 2021 issue.

A beautifully-renovated space full of sequins and tulle was like a breath of fresh air during the winter lockdown, and it was inspiring to hear about students who celebrated their milestones despite pandemic restrictions. Life goes on, it's OK to be frivolous, and personalized service is something Amazon will never be able to replace!

You can read the story here .

The creative impulse

This was another assignment from London Inc. magazine, and another story about how COVID has changed lives - in this case, giving graphic designer Jason Recker the free time to pursue his passion for art.

It turns out that other people like Recker's art, too. Last summer he opened a studio and gallery space in London's Old East Village - right across from Aeolian Hall for those of you who'd like to pay a visit. After almost two years of interviewing business owners struggling to survive, it was great to meet someone who has been able to truly make the best out of a bad situation.

You can read the story here .

Ivey Lives Remembered

It might seem strange that a memorial column made it to my Top 3 list for 2021. But it's a big responsibility to try and sum up someone's life in under 400 words, so these stories tend to stick with me.

Written for the Fall 2021 issue of Ivey's Intouch alumni magazine, it's clear that Professor Jane Howell was a woman ahead of her times, and that she was loved by family, friends, and former students.

You can read the story here or as a PDF .

One detail is missing from the article. Everyone I interviewed spoke about Howell's love of fashion. She made it to the top of her field while wearing fabulous shoes. But in today's hyper-sensitive age, this facet of her personality didn't make the final cut. For me, it made her more human - and a more compelling role model. No matter what your goals are, life is too short for sensible footwear!

On a personal note...
As I get ready to quietly ring in 2022, I'd like to wish you all a safe, joyous and COVID-free New Year! Here's to getting together, up-close and in-person, in the very near future.

The creative impulse

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:56:35 GMT

London Inc. - October 2021

Jason Recker always thought he would take up art during retirement. As the creative force behind graphic design agency Carve Design since 2004, the 51-year-old was too busy building brands for some of London’s largest players to pick up a paint brush.

Then the pandemic hit, and Recker found himself with time to spare.

“I was at the top of my game as a graphic designer, and all of a sudden there wasn’t a game,” Recker recalls. That’s when his wife made the suggestion to buy some canvases.

After spending the best part of three decades creating at a computer screen, Recker found it liberating to create with his hands. An avid rock music and pop art fan, he began with a series of reimagined multi-media Rolling Stone magazine covers.

Story continues below. Or read online or as a PDF .

Recker posted the playful artwork to his social media accounts. “After about the third painting, someone asked: Is that for sale? Things moved pretty fast from there.” Recker’s first commission came from New York. “They loved it and the wife asked if I could do one for her sister in Seattle.” Recker was soon selling enough artwork to think his new business might have legs.

“Social media has been key,” he says. “I never would have been able to do this the traditional way by getting into an art gallery that takes half.”

A single TikTok video of Recker pouring a resin finish on his artistic tribute to Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip garnered 20,000 views in one weekend ― and led to eight commissions. More recently, Pearl Jam shared one of Recker’s reels with their 2.7 million Instagram followers.

Recker says most of his clients have been women in search of a one-of-a-kind birthday or anniversary gift for their spouse. He’s also sold to recording studios, to families renovating a rec room and to people working from home during Covid who had grown tired of looking at their beige walls.

“I think my art hits a chord with people,” he says. “It takes them back to a time when life was simpler.”

This summer, Recker took another step towards turning his side hustle into a full-time business. He signed a lease on a 1,400-square-foot art studio and gallery, located across from Aeolian Hall in London’s Old East Village. The former gym and retail space needed little work, apart from the addition of lighting and two large workstations.

“I hadn’t been considering a storefront, but as soon as I walked in, I knew it would be perfect,” Recker says. “I’ve always thought there is a lot of potential on this strip,” he adds. “If I can help bring this area back to life, I want to be part of it.” Recker Art is currently open by appointment, with Recker keeping fairly regular work hours in the studio.

Londoners and visitors to London will have the opportunity to see more of Recker’s art when the Hard Rock Hotel opens at 100 Kellogg Lane in late 2022. Already familiar with the global brand, Recker reached out to the company as soon as he heard about the London project. His rock ‘n roll artwork and background in branding turned out to be the perfect fit, and Hard Rock offered him the position of art curator for the new hotel and entertainment venue.

“Their mandate is to use as much local talent as possible,” explains Recker, who will create his own original pieces for the property in addition to sourcing work from others.

That project and his own artwork should keep Recker busy for the foreseeable future. But that doesn’t mean Carve Design is on hold. Although he’s excited to see where Recker Art will go next, Recker is still working with his stable of existing graphic design clients.

“I’ll always be a graphic designer,” he says. “The pandemic gave me the time to explore another creative outlet. It opened up a whole new door for me. I decided to go through it and to see what happens.”

A Perfect Match

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:13:29 GMT

Ivey Intouch Magazine - Fall 2021

Like many young professionals, Luc Hartwick wants to make a difference through volunteer work but has found it a challenge knowing where to start. "Where do I get involved? How do I apply my skills?" he asks.

His partner Melissa Hartwick has seen the issue from the other side. As Chair of Ontario's Heart & Stroke Young Leaders committee, she knows how difficult it can be for non-profits to attract volunteers to help fulfill their mission.

"When the pandemic hit, any in-person volunteer opportunities disappeared," she notes. Not only did non-profits face a significant fundraising shortfall, but many were also left behind in the sudden pivot to digitization.

So, when the couple found themselves at home during Ontario's provincial lockdown, they used their spare time to create 10,000 Hours.

Read the full story online , or as a pdf .

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter, copywriter and content creator, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Stackable Learning - Meet Adam Smoluk

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 21:48:16 GMT

Stackable Learning

When Adam Smoluk stepped into his new role as managing director of Film Training Manitoba two years ago, he knew it was also time to take his next step in lifelong learning.

Film Training Manitoba provides training and workforce development to support the growth of the province’s booming film and television industry. “As an executive, I am often dealing with competing interests and unionized environments,” Smoluk says. “I needed to develop my skills in managing conflict in the workplace.”

After researching programs across Canada, Smoluk decided the Leading Through Conflict certificate from Western Continuing Studies was the perfect fit. The three-course accelerated program combines interactive remote learning and independent study to help managers learn how to lead difficult conversations, address team tension, and resolve conflict.

“The program is perfect for someone like me who is working long hours in an executive position,” says Smoluk, who completed the certificate in less than six months.

Read the story online , or continue below.

Smoluk credits Western Continuing Studies instructor Janine Higgins with changing the way he looks at conflict. “Most people just want to avoid arguments,” he notes. “One of the concepts she brought forward is that conflict exists, even inside yourself. Once you understand that conflict is inevitable, you can develop a willingness to engage it and to do your best to navigate it.”

Smoluk was so impressed with Higgins’ professional knowledge and teaching expertise that he is working with Western Continuing Studies to create conflict management training for Manitoba’s film and television professionals.

Learning new skills has been key to his own career advancement within the organization. Having worked in film and television as an actor, director, and producer, Smoluk joined Film Training Manitoba as a part-time administrative assistant 15 years ago. “You just can’t predict where life will take you, so I’m always looking to develop my knowledge,” he says.

This September, he will continue his learning and take advantage of Western Continuing Studies stackable courses when he begins studying towards his certificate in Emotional Intelligence.

“As a professional, it’s easy to fall into the habit of doing things the way they’ve always been done,” Smoluk says. “It’s a great feeling to discover something new that you can apply right away. I’m a huge fan of continuing education. The investment is worth every penny.”

Does your website need a fall tune-up?

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 01:07:05 GMT

Does your website need a fall tune-up?

For many working parents, back-to-school means back-to-a-regular-work-schedule. If you’re anything like me, that comes as a welcome relief after spending more than a year running a small business, running a house, and trying to keep a teenager motivated in his virtual classroom.

Some things inevitably fell through the COVID cracks. If that thing was updating your website, now is a great time for a tune-up. Here are four tips to get you started:

Give your site a good once-over. Your website should make a great first impression. So go through every page. Do you need to fix broken links? Does your contact form still work? Fill it out to make sure messages end up in your inbox and not lost in cyberspace! If you have employees, are staff titles and contact information accurate? What about the descriptions of your products / services? Does your copy need a rewrite to reflect where your business is today?

Add some fresh content. The easiest way to keep Google happy is to update your website with useful content on a regular basis. So, if it’s been ages since you posted a blog or added an article to your news section - what are you waiting for? It's time to get writing!

Check your hosting plan. The last 18 months have been a blur, so you’ll be forgiven if you have no idea when your hosting and domain accounts expire. Now is a good time to check. If your accounts are set up for automatic renewal, make sure your credit card information is up-to-date so you don’t have any unfortunate surprises!

Assess the overall design. Your website can be accurate and packed with great content, but if the design looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2009 it may be sending the wrong message about your business. How do your images look on the latest computer monitors? What is the user experience like on a mobile device? If you run an online store, is it easy for people to find what they need? Do you offer a seamless and secure checkout?

Take an objective look at your site and then check out your competition. Your website was never intended to be set in stone – that’s the beauty of online publishing! If it’s time for a brand new site, there’s no time like the present to get started.

Nicole Laidler is a content creator, copywriter, and freelance reporter serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Three Project Management Trends to Watch

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 22:59:45 GMT

Three project management trends to watch

With more than 25 years of managing complex systems integration and software development projects, Kevin Aguanno has had a front row seat to the evolution of project management. It’s an industry in flux, says Aguanno, President of Procept Associates Ltd. and its Agile Practice Lead.

As organizations struggle to keep pace with a rapidly-changing work environment, it’s up to project managers to keep stakeholders working together towards a common goal. Here are three project management trends Aguanno says can help them succeed.

Read the story online , or continue below.

An expanded lifecycle

For many years, a project was deemed successful if it was delivered on time and on budget. Today, Aguanno says that’s no longer enough.

“Business people are looking for the achievements of business case benefits and whether the project delivers the value it was intended to bring in the first place.”

Project work actually begins long before a contract is signed, Aguanno notes, and involves everything from gathering project requirements and preparing the business case to setting realistic expectations and budgets.

“I would strongly suggest that upfront work is sometimes what makes or breaks a project,” he says.

In response, professional standards bodies such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) have identified stakeholder management and business analysis as key knowledge areas for project management professionals.

And a project manager’s work no longer ends when the deliverables have been met. “We may have delivered a new system, but we need to make sure that people are trained and are motivated to use it,” Aguanno explains. “A project isn’t over until the benefits are realized, which may extend the project well into the future.”

Motivating a global team

In the past, most projects were completed in-house. Today, team members may be located in different countries across the globe.

Managing a virtual team presents project management professionals with several new challenges. “Not only do you have to work across time zones, but you may be managing projects with team members from diverse cultural backgrounds,” Aguanno notes.

Communicating via email or over the telephone eliminates visual clues that can be crucial to effective team management. While video conferencing can make things a little easier, technology still can’t replace face-to-face discussion.

Aguanno believes that the next big trend in project management will be learning how to grow cultural awareness to better manage virtual teams. “How do you motivate somebody you’ve never met?” he asks. “That’s the challenge that we will see more of as we continue to become a globalized society.”

An ability to manage rapid change

As the scope of project management grows, so too does the necessity to respond to a complex work environment where change is indeed the only constant.

Traditional project management, which takes a phase-based approach with minimal communication between team members, often can’t adapt quickly enough to rapid change.

That’s led to the rise of Agile project management – a strategy that incorporates flexibility into the process from the outset.

“Agile is a set of management practices intended to reduce project risk in a high-change environment,” says Aguanno, who currently teaches the Certificate in Agile Project Management at Western Continuing Studies.

“The idea is to have a high-level plan, but to work out the details in little pieces just-in-time. By breaking a project up into smaller segments you can use the latest information instead of creating waste by planning too far in advance.”

While Aguanno cautions against taking a one-size-fits-all approach to project management, he says the ability to adapt to change will continue to play a key role as organizations struggle to maintain their competitive edge in the global marketplace.

Alison Adair has completed certificates in Project Management and Agile Project Management through Western Continuing Studies. She says growing her knowledge has helped her “keep all the balls in the air” in her role as Communications Manager at Western Continuing Studies.

“In communications and marketing, you often have numerous projects on the go, whether it’s a new campaign or a website launch. I knew that project management would really help my skill set,” she explains.

Adair says learning the Agile approach has been particularly valuable. “Agile allows you to constantly evaluate and to build in efficiencies as the project progresses,” she says. “The biggest thing I’ve noticed is the huge improvement in communication and collaboration. Everybody now feels accountable for the end result. They feel part of the bigger plan and can see the role they play in achieving it.”

Family Ties

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:23:55 GMT

Our Homes Middlesex-London, Summer 2021

Michele and Kevin built their forever home with a little help from family - and social media. Located just west of London, the striking contemporary farmhouse sits on land once owned by Michele’s grandparents. The property backs onto her parent’s farm, and her brother lives just a stone’s throw away.

"I've always loved living out here," Michele notes. "It's ideal to be in the country but also close to Lonodn and its amenities."

Before breaking ground, the young couple spent more than two years scouring the internet for architectural plans and countless hours scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram for design inspiration. They worked with Brandon Home Designs Inc. to combine the best features of their favourite plans into a unique layout that met their needs and fit their budget.

Continue reading online , or as a PDF .

6 Tips to Lead Remote Teams Post-Pandemic

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 18:33:05 GMT

6 tips to lead remote teams post-pandemic

In response to the global pandemic, more than one third of Canadian workers suddenly found themselves working from home. Many will not be returning to the office any time soon. A recent survey by Statistics Canada found that once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, close to one-quarter of businesses expect that at least 10% of their workforce will continue to work remotely.

So, if you’re a leader, chances are good that if you’re not already leading a remote team, you will be at some point in the future.

Remote work is nothing new, says Glendalynn Dixon, who teaches Leadership Communications at Western Continuing Studies. But the unplanned and unprecedented shift to virtual work caused by COVID-19 means that traditional approaches to managing remote teams may not be appropriate for the post-pandemic world.

“People are not working from home because they necessarily want to,” she says. Many employees may not have a dedicated home office. Others may be trying to juggle work with childcare responsibilities. Many more may simply be struggling with the isolation and anxiety brought about by the global pandemic.

Fortunately, Dixon says there are a few simple things managers can do to help support employees as organizations begin the transition to the new “new normal.”

Read the story online , or continue below.

Lead with compassion

“My very first piece of advice for every manager guiding a remote team is to lead with empathy and compassion,” Dixon says. “Even though it’s been well over a year, this situation is not the status quo.”

Opening up the conversation can be as simple as asking a general question about how remote work is going. Sharing concerns and acknowledging stress can help build a sense of empathy between team members.

“There is a huge cohort of workers who are burnt out,” says Dixon. She encourages managers to identify mental health resources available in their workplace and the community and to be aware of the toll the pandemic has taken on the workforce – and themselves.

Set clear expectations

Of course, work still needs to get done. Dixon says setting clear expectations is key to keeping a remote team on track. “Managers need to ensure they are very focused with their communication. They need to be clear about timelines and make sure they give people as much notice as possible so they can meet their deadlines.”

Leaders can help set clear expectations around work-life balance, too. “We know that many people are working longer hours and having difficulty switching off,” says Dixon. “So don’t send that email at seven o’clock in the evening if you can help it.”

Minimize video meetings

Online video platforms like Zoom have been an invaluable tool to help keep remote teams connected during workplace shutdowns. But Dixon cautions that on-camera meetings should be kept to a minimum.

“Being on camera is a draining experience,” she says. “People can become self-conscious about looking away from the camera to take notes, or be nervous that they are going to be interrupted by their children or their barking dog.”

If it’s not absolutely necessary to speak face-to-face, Dixon suggests sending an email or picking up the phone.

Provide options for communication

Ideally, managers will reach out to each employee to find out whether they prefer to be contacted by phone, email, text, or video call for private conversations.

Not everyone has a suitable space for work-related calls, notes Dixon, and some employees may prefer to keep text messaging for non-work-related chats. “Asking shows respect, and will help ensure you get the most out of those conversations,” she says.

Provide opportunities for remote social interaction

At the end of a long day, most employees probably don’t want to hop back on Zoom for an after-hours get together. But that doesn’t mean leaders shouldn’t try to find creative ways for people to connect socially while working from home.

It can be as simple as opening up a video meeting a few minutes early to allow people to chat before getting down to business, or taking a five-minute break to play a Kahoot! trivia game. “There are a lot of free online games that you can tailor to your team,” says Dixon. “Keep it simple, and try not to be forced.”

Practice equity

Looking ahead to a future when many people may continue working remotely at least part of the time, Dixon says it will be more important than ever for leaders to practice equity.

This goes beyond simply making sure that everyone on your team has the same access to information. “Access to relationship building is often overlooked when people work from home. And quite often those relationships are what helps people get promoted,” Dixon notes. “We can’t ignore the fact that right now, women specifically are more likely to opt to stay home.”

The path back to the office will be different for each team, she says. “It’s still a bit of a social experiment. There is no exact roadmap.”

Be part of the podcasting boom

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 16:14:35 GMT

Learn how to create your own podcast.

Chances are good that you have spent at least part of the global pandemic listening to a podcast. According to Edison Research , nearly 13 million Canadians – that’s around 45% of the population – tuned into a podcast last year. More than one-quarter tuned in monthly, with the 2020 Canadian Podcast Listener report identifying a dedicated six percent who listened each day.

“Podcasts offer the intimacy of radio, but you have hundreds of thousands of channels to choose from,” says Mike O’Connor, who teaches the new course in Podcasting at Western Continuing Studies.

Free, and easily accessible from mobile devices, podcasts owe much of their growing appeal to their ability to engage and entertain listeners through great storytelling, or to satisfy their curiosity about an almost endless list of topics.

And if you’ve got something to say, it’s never been easier to launch a podcast of your own.

Read the story online , or continue below.

That’s exactly what Ryan Robinson did this past December. A former producer at Rogers TV, Robinson co-hosted the OHL London Knights post-game show with veteran broadcaster Pete James. The two kept in touch and recently decided to harness their passion for sports into the PJ & RR Podcast.

Currently available on YouTube and Facebook, the podcast features interviews with industry insiders and lively conversations between the two hosts. “It’s an interesting dynamic because I’m in my mid-thirties and Pete’s in his eighties,” says Robinson.

As someone with broadcasting in his blood, Robinson sees podcasting as an opportunity to continue doing something he loves while he works as a digital content coordinator at King’s University College. “We try to do a new episode every two weeks. Especially when you are getting off the ground, it’s important to maintain a consistent schedule,” he notes.

Many people choose to launch a podcast for fun, but the medium is also becoming a powerful marketing tool as a podcast can be easily integrated into existing social media platforms.

“Podcasts are a great way to enrich your relationship with your clients or customers,” says O’Connor. The on-demand nature of podcasting allows businesses and brands to tell their story any time and to establish authority in their field with a potentially global audience.

YouTube, Apple Podcasts / iTunes and Spotify are the most popular listening platforms, but with more than 700,000 podcasts listed in Apple Podcasts alone, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd and it takes time to develop a loyal audience.

“The thing to remember is, it’s not about you,” says O’Connor. “It’s about how you can make their lives better and solve their problems.”

The new podcasting course at WCS is designed to appeal to everyone from business owners and entrepreneurs looking to build their brand, to people who simply have an idea they want to share. Delivered online, the 18-hour course covers podcasting essentials like coming up with ideas, recording your first episode, editing and uploading, and promotion.

“The idea for this class is to try and keep podcasting as low budget or no-budget as possible,” O’Connor says.

“With a decent mic and a few other pieces of software, you can produce a very professional-sounding podcast. You don’t need to be a technician,” he notes. And thanks to online platforms, distribution is easier than ever. “Today, you can literally hit one button and send your podcast out into the world.”

Mid-Century Reset

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 14:57:16 GMT

Our Homes Middlesex-London, Spring 2021

These homeowners loved their west London neighbourhood so much that when it was time to downsize, they bought the house across the street. Built in 1961, the one-story home came with a large lot and a swimming pool. Today, those features are almost all that remain of the original property.

“When I started removing the wallpaper and looked behind the plaster, I realized there was no insulation,” the homeowner says. That’s when the vision for a larger renovation began to take shape. The couple called in interior designer Erika Friesen to help bring their ideas to life.

“I knew they were adventurous and appreciated creativity,” says Friesen. “This was a really fun project. It was a bit of a carte blanche for me.”

Continue reading online , or as a PDF.

3 Marketing Trends to Watch in 2021

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:37:56 GMT

2021 marketing trends that are here to stay

It’s been a year since governments around the world began implementing lockdowns and other physical distancing measures in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. And it would be an understatement to say that the past 12 months have brought about unprecedented change as companies and organizations found new ways of doing business.

Trying to predict what lies ahead for the rest of 2021 may be foolhardy, but when it comes to marketing, here are three trends that are likely here to stay.

Continue below, or read the story online .

E-Commerce is no longer optional

According to Statistics Canada, retail e-commerce sales nearly doubled from February to May 2020, even as total retail sales in Canada fell by almost 18 percent.

“Companies that already had a strong e-commerce strategy are doing incredibly well compared to those that lagged behind,” says Craig Flinn, who teaches the Emerging Trends in Marketing course at Western Continuing Studies.

Nearly 85 percent of Canadian consumers now buy online, and many people will continue to shop from home post-pandemic. “We will reopen the stores, but I don’t know if we’re ever going back to normal,” says Flinn. Instead, he foresees a hybrid model where traditional brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce work hand-in-hand to give consumers more choice and a better buying experience.

Social Media as a point of sale

As little as two years ago, social media was seen as a place where brands could interact and build trust with their target audience before consumers ventured into a store or online to make their purchase.

Today, social media posts increasingly act as a virtual storefront.

“It turns out that people are willing to be sold to on social media, as long as they are excited about the product. And they don’t want to be taken off the platform,” Flinn says.

That shift presents both an opportunity and a challenge for marketers. “Creating a seamless process where people can buy a product in a couple of clicks is exciting from a brand’s point of view,” says Flinn.

The challenge, notes WCS Marketing Research and Analytics instructor Tanya Wickett, lies in establishing brand trust in an increasingly-crowded and segmented playing field.

“If we want our brand to shine, we have to place it in the right venue,” she explains. “It used to be Facebook. Then it was Instagram and Snapchat. Now it’s Tic Tok, and who knows what the next thing is going to be? It’s really important for marketers to be aware of their social media, and to use consistent messaging across all platforms.”

More data for a more personalized experience

There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data will continue to play an important role in understanding what makes consumers tick.

“Once you have the data, your work begins,” says Wickett. “Market segments are being redefined every day, including more and more diversity. I like to hone in on psychographic traits: How do people spend their time? How do they spend their money? That has really changed.”

At the end of the day, effective marketing still boils down to building relationships. “Data is a tool that we can use to create a more personalized experience, but we shouldn’t use technology for technology’s sake,” Flinn cautions. “We should never forget about the human aspect, and that marketing is about figuring out how to solve problems for people.”

Stats Can Data Source:

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2020001/article/00064-eng.htm

This media release made news...Here's why!

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 17:55:57 GMT

This media release made news...Here's why!

Last year, London's Advanced Composites Training asked me to write and distribute a media release about the company's involvement with the MARS rover. This March, the company was back - with a request to publicize their use of augmented reality in their training programs.

I was happy to oblige, and even happier when the release was immediately picked up locally by London Inc . magazine, London Economic Development Corporation , and Tech Alliance , as well as several international trade publications.

Media releases are always a bit of a gamble, but here are three reasons why this one was a hit:

1. ACT is the first in the world to use augmented reality in advanced composites training. A world first is always newsworthy.

2. As shutdowns stretch into year two, stories about companies pivoting in order to survive the global pandemic are trending. This story features cool technology to boot.

3. ACT provided two great photographs that show how the technology works. Even though this is a tech story, you don't need a science degree to 'get it.' (And supplying images made the editor's job that much easier.)

So, the next time you are considering investing in a media release ask yourself these three questions:

Is my news truly newsworthy?
Is my news something the general population might be interested in learning about?
Can I provide print-ready images, videos, or other visuals to enhance my story?

It was exciting to help this London company receive some well-deserved media attention. I can't wait to see what they'll be up to next!

Pandemic be damned

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 18:19:24 GMT

London Inc. - Spring 2021

After 52 years in the event wear business, Elizabeth Noel wasn’t going to let a little thing like the global pandemic slow them down. While many other clothing stores turned their focus to online sales, London’s premier gown shop doubled its brick-and-mortar presence by moving to a new location — smack in the heart of Dundas Place.

“At first we were looking at suburban areas, because everyone always moans about parking,” says Elizabeth Noel owner, Veronica Hosszu, who began working at the boutique in 1987 before taking the reins in 1992.

Then realtor Eavan Travers showed Hosszu a space previously occupied by The Honest Lawyer. With Petrov Bridal Boutique and Garber’s Bridal just down the road, Hosszu decided Elizabeth Noel had found its new home.

Read the full story online , as a PDF , or continue below.

It took a clear vision and an extensive renovation to transform the former bar into an upscale gown shop. Today, the 6,400-square-foot-space boasts an exposed brick wall and high ceilings that hearken back to Elizabeth Noel’s first home on Richmond Row.

“I love that vintage, shabby-chic aesthetic,” says Hosszu, who describes the boutique’s open-concept design as a “blank canvas” where her impressive collection of glittering gowns can take centre stage. A comfortable sitting area and 11 spacious dressing rooms — featuring full doors in a nod to Covid-19 protocols — are tucked away in a private area at the rear.

Elizabeth Noel carries 35 brands, making its selection of formal wear and prom dresses one of the largest in Southwestern Ontario. “We are the only store from Toronto to Detroit that can carry Jovani. They are an incredible brand and very well-known internationally,” Hosszu notes.

The new location officially opened on December 22, just in time for Ontario’s second lockdown. But if you think Covid-19 killed the demand for event wear, you’d be at least partially wrong.

While there were certainly fewer weddings, black-tie events and holiday parties to dress up for over the past year, sales of prom and grade-eight graduation dresses remained strong despite the pandemic.

“The truth is, prom is the occasion, but it’s not the event,” says Hosszu. “The girls are so resilient and came up with some great solutions.”

For example, many attended multiple, small gatherings to celebrate their graduation milestone, says Hosszu, who offered virtual appointments and personal shopping appointments (when restrictions allowed) to help her #ENoelGirls find the perfect outfit for their big day.

“The girls wanted their special moment. They wanted to be with their core friends. They wanted that incredible feeling of getting dressed and getting ready. And they wanted the photo, because social media is such an important part of their lives,” she says.

Social media is also an important part of Elizabeth Noel’s marketing mix. “Our demographic is not really on Facebook,” notes Hosszu, “but we do quite a bit on Instagram and have started doing TikTok. A lot of our content is from clients, which we love. We want to put real girls out there, and not just professional models.”

Interestingly, while a strong online presence has been key to maintaining sales over the past 12 months, there remains no plans to launch an online store.

“There are a lot of knock-off dresses online. Every year we unfortunately see girls who have bought a fake,” Hosszu explains.

When it comes to high-end gowns, she continues, nothing can replace the in-store shopping experience. “It really is about seeing it, feeling it, trying it on and working with a salesperson who can help create your vision.”

Make the most of your online learning

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 15:59:44 GMT

Make the most of your online learning

Western Continuing Studies is no stranger to high-quality online learning. Prior to COVID-19, around 30 per cent of our courses were offered online. This winter, we’re proud to say that our classrooms are entirely virtual and courses are being offered in four formats to meet the needs of our diverse learners.

Whether you’re a recent graduate looking for a competitive edge in today’s job market, or a working professional wanting to upgrade your skills, online learning can be a great way to increase your knowledge, strengthen your credentials, and grow your network while balancing other life commitments.

But online classes can also present unique challenges – if you’re not prepared.

Christine Wilton, Program Manager, Professional and Corporate Learning at WCS, has been working with online instructors and their students for more than a decade. As WCS gets ready to launch a winter semester with 40 online courses on offer, she shares the following tips for students looking to excel in the virtual classroom.

Read the full story online , as a PDF, or continue below.

Choose the learning format that fits

Not everyone learns the same way. Some students have the discipline to be completely self-directed. Others thrive on the interaction between teacher and student. That’s why WCS offers courses in four online formats: Online-Paced, Online – Self-Paced, Online-With Real Time Learning, Online-Live.

“It’s important to understand how the course will be delivered and to make sure it works for you,” says Wilton.

Log on early and often

Whether you’ve signed up for self-directed classes or will be joining a live virtual classroom, make sure you show up – especially on the first day. That’s when most teachers review course materials and expectations, and provide time for introductions so you can meet your fellow learners.

“You don’t want to feel like you’re behind before you even start,” says Wilton.

At WCS, students typically gain access to their online courses a few days before the official start. That gives people the opportunity to become familiar with the format and to make sure their technical skills are up to the task.

“Our courses are designed to be accessible for people who have never learned online before,” notes Wilton. “But if you find yourself stuck, our information specialists are available to help walk you through.”

Once you’re up and running, make a commitment to your studies. “Like any type of learning, you really get out what your put in,” Wilton says.

Establish a study routine

The flexibility to learn on your own schedule is one advantage of taking classes online. But if your time-management skills are lacking, that freedom can pose a challenge.

“With online learning, you are responsible for staying accountable and motivated,” Wilton explains. “It’s important to set goals, create a study schedule, and have a dedicated space where you can learn without distractions.”

It’s a good idea to look through the course syllabus to determine how much time you’ll need each week for lectures, readings, assignments, and participating in any forums. Make note of important dates, so you don’t find yourself cramming for an exam or pulling an all-nighter to finish a project. Be realistic about other commitments, and create a schedule that works for you.

Have a hard time sticking to your plan? Pair up with a classmate or ask a family member or friend to be your accountability partner.

Be an active participant

Taking online classes can be an isolating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. “Make an effort to connect with classmates by participating in online forums,” suggests Wilton. Many WCS classes create a private Facebook group or WhatsApp chat where students can discuss the latest lecture, ask for help, or just get to know each other better.

One of the biggest benefits of online learning is having the chance to meet people from all over the world. “Expanding our online course offerings has really broadened our student base,” says Wilton. “We have a lot of Western alumni reconnecting through our programs. Having a global perspective really enhances your learning. So that’s been exciting to see.”

Ask for help if you need it

If you are struggling to understand the material, or feel like you are falling behind, speak up. “Instructors are there to support learning,” Wilton says. Don’t wait until the last minute to email your teacher to ask a question or to report an issue.

Remember why you started

If you are juggling work and family commitments, adding an online course to the mix can feel overwhelming at times. But Wilton says continuous learning is always worth the effort. “There are all kinds of hidden benefits, beyond the specific learning objectives.”

With a huge shift to online work, taking online courses is a great way to improve virtual communication and collaboration skills, grow your international network, and to demonstrate that you are self-motivated and have good time-management skills.

“These are the types of things that employers will be looking for in the post pandemic world,” says Wilton.

Preparing graduates for in-demand career

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 15:29:33 GMT

Preparing graduates for in-demand career

The COVID-19 pandemic has put workplace safety in the spotlight like never before. And while you may not have previously considered a career in Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), the profession is in high demand and offers a wide range of opportunities.

Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety prepares graduates for in-demand career.

Just ask Bruce MacKinnon, Regional Health and Safety Manager, AGF Access Group Inc., and an instructor in the Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management program at Western Continuing Studies.

Trained in chemical engineering, MacKinnon fell into the OHS profession more than 30 years ago when a laboratory accident left a colleague with life-changing injuries. “Fortunately, I wasn’t in the lab at the time. But that incident started me on a lifelong path of learning how to make sure we do things safely,” he says.

Read the full story online , as a PDF , or continue below.

Over the past three decades, MacKinnon has worked as a safety specialist for the industrial, construction, laboratory and healthcare industries. As a certified Construction Health and Safety Officer through WSIB, he’s also worked on construction sites here in Canada and in Afghanistan (Op Athena). That’s in addition to his experience delivering workplace training programs and sharing his professional knowledge with students in the Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management program at Western Continuing Studies.

The ten-course diploma provides graduates with a solid understanding of legislation, workplace hazards, occupational illnesses, and the role occupational health and safety plays within organizational structures. It is recognized as an approved academic program for the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP®) designation.

The program can be completed full-time in 12 months, or part-time over 24 months. It includes a 560-hour practicum where students are able to apply their knowledge in a practical setting, gain valuable work experience, and build their professional network.

The only prerequisite is a university degree.

MacKinnon says students enter the program with a wide variety of backgrounds. “It doesn’t really matter what your degree is in,” he says. “The important thing is to apply your practical skills and knowledge to health and safety. You need to have a passion for people and a willingness to have those critical conversations.”

Katie Fielding entered the program with a BSC, Biology. “I was looking for something that would lead to a worthwhile career,” she says.

Fielding chose the program at Western Continuing Studies because the curriculum is taught by industry professionals.

“I also liked the idea of getting firsthand knowledge of the industry through the practicum.” The staff at WCS work hard to help each student find a placement that is a good fit, she says. “Gaining the hands-on-experience you need to start your career is absolutely invaluable.”

After graduating last October, Fielding continued with her practicum placement at AGF Access Group before joining Flynn Group of Companies as a Health and Safety Specialist in February. She enjoys the variety of her chosen career – which has already included visiting job sites, creating and delivering training programs, and writing policies and reports.

MacKinnon notes that COVID-19 has put workplace health and safety in the spotlight. “It’s put safety practitioners on the front line, talking to workers about how critical proper hand hygiene is,” he says.

The pandemic also underscores the importance of continual learning, even for seasoned OHS professionals. MacKinnon takes up to eight courses each year in order to upgrade and learn new skills. “This is not a job where you train once and you’re done,” he says. “It’s critical that health and safety professionals are always learning new things.”

Western Continuing Studies Management Certificates now accredited through NCMA

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 15:59:18 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - Announcement

Western Continuing Studies is excited to announce that our Professional Certificate in Business Management and Professional Certificate in Public Sector Management (Western Employees) are now nationally accredited through the National Centre for Management Accreditation (NCMA).

“These accreditations recognize Western Continuing Studies as a leader in business and management education,” says Karen De Heus, Program Support Manager, WCS. “It speaks to the quality of our programs.”

Students enrolled in these newly-accredited programs are now eligible for free Associate Membership with the Canadian Institute of Management (CIM) / Chartered Managers Canada. Benefits of membership include access to professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as numerous affinity programs.

Read the full announcement onlin e, or continue below.

In addition, program graduates will meet the academic requirements of the Chartered Management Program (CMP), allowing them to seamlessly pursue two internationally-recognized CMP professional designations – Certified in Management (C.I.M.) or Chartered Manager (C. Mgr.).

“These designations are internationally recognized,” De Heus notes. “They help graduates build their career skills and strengthen their employment potential.”

Which accredited certificate is right for you?

The 8-course Professional Certificate in Business Management is open to the public and is designed for people who are launching their career, considering a career change, or already working in a management role. Classes are taught online, and students have up to 36 months to complete the program. Register now to begin learning this Spring.

The 8-course Professional Certificate in Public Sector Management is open to Western University staff and leaders interested in strengthening their management skills. Classes are being taught online for the 2020-2021 year.

How do I sign up for my free CIM / Chartered Managers Canada Associate Membership?

Students enrolled in the Professional Certificate in Business Management or Professional Certificate in Public Sector Management (Western Employees) can visit www.cim.ca/student, enter their contact information, school, and NCMA Nationally Accredited program to sign up and enjoy all the benefits of membership.

To learn more about how to obtain your C.I.M. or C.Mgr. designation please visit the CIM Chartered Managers Website.

Keep your writing business on track with a one-page business plan.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:02:41 GMT

Keep your writing business on track with a one-page business plan.

I’ve been writing professionally since 2004. When I started, I was happy to approach my freelance journalism and copywriting as a lifestyle business – one that allowed me to earn a modest income doing something I enjoyed while I raised my son.

A few years ago, I decided to see if I could grow my writing business into a real business that generated real income. That meant putting some structure around my approach. One of the most valuable things I did was write a business plan.

I have a BA in Administrative Studies, so the concept wasn’t new to me. But as a solopreneur, I had always figured that my business plan was in my head and I’d never taken the time to put it down on paper.

Sound familiar?

After I made the decision to grow my business, I signed up for a 12-month bootcamp geared towards small business owners. Creating a one-page plan for the year ahead was part of the process. I’ve been writing one ever since.

Although this isn’t the kind of in-depth analysis and planning you’d learn about at business school, the one-page approach works for me.

Here’s how it breaks down:

Revenue : Annual Revenue Goal / Monthly Revenue (Annual Revenue / 12) / Weekly Billing (Monthly Revenue / 4)
Marketing: How can I promote my business?
Sales: How can I generate more sales?
Operations: How can I work in the most efficient way?
Profitability: How can I earn more money?

I also include a section for personal goals.

I list three to five ideas or areas of focus under each category. Then I post the plan somewhere I can see it.

Keeping things short and realistic helps me stay focused on what really counts, especially when life gets crazy. If things feel like they may be veering off track, a quick read through my business plan is often enough to help me reset. And at the end of the year, it feels great to look back and see how many goals I’ve hit, and to acknowledge the areas that still need work.

Happy planning!

All jolt, no jitters

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 15:31:33 GMT

London Inc. magazine - Winter 2021

Entrepreneurship is often about building a better mousetrap. For Natalie White, owner of Cafézia Coffee, that means helping people brew a better cup of coffee. One that tastes better because it starts with premium organic beans roasted right here in London by Heritage Coffee. And one that is better for you because it is enhanced with three herbs traditionally used to promote good health.

Entrepreneurship is also about being in the right place at the right time. And for White, that meant being part of the same trail-running group as Dr. Tomas Dobransky, a London-based neuroscientist whose research includes studying the impact of nutrition on the brain.

Read the full story online , as a PDF, or continue below.

One day, Dobransky mentioned a coffee he had invented, a brew that delivered the welcome jolt of energy without the jitters, indigestion or interrupted sleep often associated with caffeinated beverages. White fell in love with the coffee at first sip.

“He mentioned that he was looking for someone to run the business,” recalls White, who graduated from Ivey Business School with an HBA and a Certificate in Sustainability in 2017.

The timing couldn’t have been better for White. In May of 2019, the 25-year-old left her job as a business lecturer at Ivey and went into the coffee business.

When she took over, White had a great product but not much else. “I just picked up the phone and started making retail cold calls,” she says. That led to in-store tastings and a growing number of loyal coffee drinkers. Today, Cafézia Coffee ― available in Dark, Medium and Light Roast ― is found at more than 50 retail stores in the London area, including Angelo’s Italian Bakery & Market, Remark Fresh Markets, two Sobeys and multiple Foodland locations.

It’s one thing to win consumers over with a steaming cup of organic fair trade-certified coffee. It’s another to convince them that the addition of three herbs ― cleavers, hyssop and yerba mate ― minimizes the downside of too much caffeine.

“That’s the biggest hurdle I’ve had to face, and the best way to overcome it is through the demos and word of mouth,” says White. “When people try it for themselves or hear it from a friend, they know it’s not a gimmick.”

With the pandemic putting an end to in-store tastings since mid-March, White has had to find new ways to spread the word. Cafézia lovers can now buy their beans directly from the company website, and White recently brought on Ali Aamir as brand manager to help run Cafézia’s social media accounts.

Apart from Aamir, White says the business is still very much “a one-woman show.” Her next goal is to find a distributor to help take it to the next level. “One person obviously can’t do it all,” she says.

No matter how big Cafézia Coffee grows, one thing that won’t change is White’s commitment to the environment. “I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and putting people before profits,” she says. “That’s been guiding all of my decisions as a business owner.”

2021 – Word of the Year

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 15:06:26 GMT

2021 - Word of the Year

The New Year’s resolution seems to have fallen by the wayside. Maybe it’s another casualty of COVID-19, as 2020 taught us all how futile it can be to make plans.

I’ve never liked resolutions anyway. Instead, I prefer to choose a word that sets my intention for the year ahead.

The word for 2021 is BALANCE.

Here’s why:

It’s a cliché to say that we are all living in ‘challenging times.’ The entire world turned upside down last March. And as my home province of Ontario begins the New Year with a month-long lockdown, it’s fair to say that although COVID-19 vaccines provide a light at the end of the tunnel, it will take a while until life returns to anything like normal.

If 2020 taught me anything, it’s that I have a lot to be grateful for. I have a beautiful home. My parents are healthy and live down the road. I actually like my teenager. And my business (although it took a big hit in March and April) is fairly recession-proof.

But trying to run a freelance copywriting business with a kid who is either learning remotely, or in the classroom for just 10 to 12 hours per week, has been a massive juggling act. And judging by the number of clients who joined me in shutting their office for the last half of December, I know I’m not the only person feeling the strain.

I spent much of the past two weeks thinking about how I can reduce the stress caused by the ongoing COVID-chaos. It’s clear that the ability to adapt to our ever-changing reality is key to maintaining any sense of calm and control. And that’s where the word balance comes in.

I’ve taken several courses that cover time management over the years. And I’ve identified strategies that seem to work for me. But somehow life happens, and time management goes out the window.

This year, I’m making a commitment to myself: I’m going to integrate those strategies into my work life so that I can strike a better balance between keeping clients happy, keeping my son on track during the global pandemic, and keeping my sanity.

Because as we’ve also learned during 2020, life is short. And we need to take – and make – time to enjoy it.

Here’s to a healthy, joyful, and prosperous 2021!

My Top 3 of 2020

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 21:55:26 GMT

My Top 3 of 2020

What can I say about 2020?

It’s been exhausting – but we made it! And despite the challenges, the past 12 months haven’t been all bad. Thanks to the global pandemic, I’ve enjoyed almost-daily walks with my parents, gotten to know my resilient and funny teenager in a whole new way, and discovered my hidden talent for baking bread.

My business took a hit in March and April, but work has been steady ever since. And although I won’t hit my target income for 2020, my biggest challenge this year was juggling my workload with a bored teen under my feet. That’s a blessing that I don't take for granted.

This year, much – but not all – of my writing has been pandemic related. So without further ado, here are my top three picks for this annus horribilis .

Equality vs. Equity: What does it mean for your workplace?

I wrote this article for Western Continuing Studies in January – four months before the murder of George Floyd. It’s just a short piece, and certainly not my best writing. So why did it make my list?

Because it made me think.

Before interviewing WCS instructor Rita Perepelitsky, I had never really considered the difference between equality and equity. Or what it meant in an institutional setting such as a school or workplace.

Curious? You can read the full story here .

Creating a more beautiful future.

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has made life tough for independent retailers. But the global pandemic didn’t stop Mairi Shewfelt from pushing ahead with her dream of launching Yatta Brand s. Her online store and retail studio offers the best in vegan beauty and lifestyle products from around the globe.

Not only is Mairi a client, she’s also become a friend. And I’ve become a die-hard fan of some of her glorious products. So it was great to be able to help this tenacious businesswoman spread the word with this article, written for London Inc’s content studio.

You can read the full story here .

Comfortably Grand

When COVID-19 hit, I wasn’t sure how it would affect Our Homes magazine. Luckily, the show went on and I’ve been able to continue writing about some of London’s most fabulous homes, including this one in Old North.

Turns out I’d met the owner, Grant Gilvesy, almost 20 years ago. After catching up, he took me on a (masked) tour of his beautiful heritage home. It felt almost normal and was a welcome distraction from all things COVID. That’s why this story made the cut.

Need a break from the daily COVID-count? Read my story here.

On a personal note…

As I get ready to welcome 2021, I’d like to acknowledge my clients who have allowed me to keep working at something I love.

This year has been a juggle, and at times I’ve struggled to keep all the balls in the air. Thank you for your patience and understanding when I’ve been stretched too thin.

I wish you all a peaceful, joyful, prosperous and healthy New Year.

Making headlines with Polar Imaging

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 01:58:20 GMT

Making headlines with Polar Imaging

Hiring a professional to write and distribute a press release is always a gamble. There’s no guarantee it’s going to get picked up. So, it’s always gratifying when a company takes a leap of faith and is rewarded with some great coverage.

That happened recently for Polar Imaging . The London-based tech company helps businesses and organizations manage their documents. They helped Woodstock Hospital digitize their patient records, a solution that was recognized with a 2020 ROI Award from Nucleus Research.

Sounds like a great news story, right?

Polar Imaging thought so, too. They posted a case study and a media release on their website. Crickets.

That’s when they reached out to see if I could help. After doing a bit more background research, I rewrote the media release and sent it out to targeted news outlets. A few days later, CTV News came out to cover the story.

You can watch the clip here .

What’s the moral of this blog post?

If you’ve got news, don’t be shy about sharing it. Journalists are always looking for a good story.
If you’re going to write a media release, do it right. Journalists are inundated with emails. You only have one chance and a few seconds to convince them to keep reading.
Try to send your release directly to journalists who cover your beat. It’s worth making the effort to dig up their emails.

Finally, don’t believe it when people tell you that media releases no longer work. In 2020, they may not be the only way to get your story out there, but they are still one of the best ways to be in the headlines.

Write an FAQ page people will want to read.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 03:30:56 GMT

How to write an FAQ page people will want to read.

Do you think your website doesn’t need an FAQ page? Or, do you already have a long list of frequently asked questions that you think are good enough? Maybe it’s time to think again.

Think about the last time you did a Google search. Chances are, you asked a question. That’s what many of your customers are doing too, which is why a well-written FAQ page can help your organic SEO and attract visitors to your site.

And think about why you visit an FAQ page. Most people read FAQs because they’re already interested in a company. Maybe they want to know more about how a product works. Maybe they’re interested in the shipping policy or how to make a return. Maybe they just need more information before deciding to buy.

Instead of scaring off warm prospects with a list of FAQs that read like they come from your legal department, take advantage of the opportunity to help people get to know you better.

Wondering how to do that? Here are five tips to help you write better FAQs.

1. Know what your customers are asking.

Go beyond the basics, and really think about the things people want to know about your product or service. If you’re not sure, ask your sales team. Do some online sleuthing and find out what people are asking about your competition. Or use Google Autocomplete and People Also Ask to find commonly-searched questions about your industry. Get inspired, and write from there.

2. Keep it conversational.

Your FAQ page is no place for technical jargon. Write your answers in a way that's approachable and easy to understand. Here's a tip:

Try writing your questions in the first person and answering in the second person, like this:

Q: How can I write in a way that is warm and friendly?
A: Pretend you're speaking to your grandmother.

3. Be brief.
An FAQ page is not an owner's manual, a scientific dissertation, or a novel. Keep your answers short and sweet. You can always link to another page with further details for readers who really want to know more.

4. Keep people on your site.
Speaking of links, an FAQ page is a great place to encourage readers to click through to the rest of your site, or to your social media pages. Internal and external links exist for a reason. (And Google likes them too.)

5. Group similar questions together.
If you’ve got a long list of FAQs, try organizing them into groups of related queries. That will make it easier for people to find the answers they’re looking for, which makes you look like a fount of useful information and someone they’d like to do business with.

Happy writing!

Got a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

Nicole Laidler is a content creator, copywriter, and freelance reporter serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

The Clinical Aspect

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 17:04:31 GMT

London Inc. magazine - November 2020

You'd be forgiven for associating the name Duo Building with residential projects. The company, founded in 1979 by Pat Malloy and Zoltan Balogh, has won numerous accolades for their residential renovations and custom homes, including six Renovator of the Year awards from the London Home Builders' Association.

But the next time you visit your dentist, take a good look around. It's quite possible that Duo Building played a role in creating that space, too.

Read the full story online , or as a PDF .

Custom Details, Family Fun

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 20:05:13 GMT

Our Homes London & Middlesex, Fall/Winter 2020/21

From the street, it looks like a standard luxury home. But cross the threshold and you quickly realize that that this house was designed and custom built with plenty of thought, attention to detail, and lots of love.

That’s par for the course for Julian and Christy Aveiro (Victoria Design Build). The couple has been building custom homes for 15 years, learning what works and what they would do differently with each new project.

This time, that meant having a walk-in pantry and upstairs laundry room for Christy and a sunken mud room for Julian. “That one step keeps you from dragging dirt through the rest of the house,” he explains.

With a young daughter, both wanted a house that was family oriented but still suitable for entertaining. “We love to have people over, and to spend time outside,” says Julian. That called for a chef-worthy kitchen, a formal dining room for special occasions, and a backyard ready for summer fun.

Continue reading online , or as a PDF .

How to Write a Better Blog

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 18:54:22 GMT

Quick Tips to Write a Better Blog

You’ve decided to add blogging to your content marketing strategy. You’ve brainstormed a list of topics that will bring value to your customers, and you’re ready to start writing. Before you begin, here are five quick tips that will help you write content that connects to your audience, drives people to your website, and strengthens your SEO.

Keep your audience in mind

Once you’ve decided which subject or issue you want to blog about, the next question to ask is: Who is going to be reading this?

You wouldn’t talk to your buddies in the same way you’d talk to your boss. The same principle applies when you write marketing content.

Tailor your writing to where you’re going to post

Will your blog sit on your website? Are you planning to share it over Facebook? Or maybe on LinkedIn? Each digital platform attracts a slightly different demographic.

Your company website will attract existing and new customers. LinkedIn is the place where your company can connect with potential business partners. And your Facebook and Instagram accounts are a chance for your company to interact with the general public.

Where does your audience like to hang out? Maybe they are on YouTube, TikTok, or Spotify - in which case it might be better to spend your valuable time creating a vlog or podcast.

Timing counts

You may have thousands of followers, but if you post your blog when nobody’s online your hard work could go to waste. Becoming familiar with basic analytics can help you find out when your audience is most active on social media. If you need more in-depth analysis, reach out to an expert for help.

Share your news

Social media share buttons are there for a reason. They make it easy to share your blog across different platforms. So, don’t just leave your blog sitting on your website. And don’t turn off the comments. Yes, you’ll need to monitor and respond to them, but social media is all about starting a conversation and building connections that will help grow your business.

Be consistent

Nothing is worse than a business blog with a handful of outdated posts. Whether you decide to post once a week, once a month, or once a season, make a schedule and stick to it. If you’re too busy with the day-to-day work of running your company, or just hate to write, working with a professional copywriter can help you successfully execute your blogging plan!

Got a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

Opening Doors in Middlesex County and Beyond

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:52:53 GMT

Advertorial - Fall/Winter 2020 Keepin' it Local magazine

Carol Koepke believes in putting clients first. As the owner and Broker of Record at Platinum Key Realty Inc., she’s proud of her company’s reputation for being a small brokerage with a big heart.

Carol brings more than a decade of industry experience to Platinum Key Realty, the full-service real estate brokerage she founded in 2014. Together with her team of real estate professionals - Kaleigh Eichenberger, Kristi Fuhrman, John & Stacey Landstra, and Asley Jeffery - she works hard to help buyers and sellers successfully navigate today’s housing market. And she strives to make the process an enjoyable one, each and every time.

With sales representatives who call Middlesex County home and a head office in uptown Mount Brydges, Platinum Key Realty are experts in the area with a focus on Strathroy, Mount Brydges, Delaware, Komoka, and London.

“These are great communities that offer plenty of space, easy access to the highways, and a mix of older homes and new builds,” says Carol.

Read the full story below, online , or as a PDF .

Whether you are a young couple looking for a first home, a family looking for room to grow, or empty-nesters ready to right-size, the Platinum Key Realty team will use their strong community ties and the power of the internet and social media to help ensure a worry-free experience. As part of an independently-owned brokerage, they have the flexibility to customize their service to best fit each sale or purchase.

For sellers, this could mean helping get your home ‘market ready’ through staging, re-design, or advice about practical repairs. The ultimate goal is to maximize value and attract a wide range of potential buyers. “When you list your house, you get one chance to put your best foot forward,” says Carol, who works with professional photographers and sometimes stagers to make sure each listing is a standout.

For buyers, this means listening to what you are looking for in a new home and neighbourhood, finding the right fit, and then negotiating on your behalf so you get it at the right price. “We are trained in the legalities of real estate transactions and know that buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people will ever make,” Carol says. “We take that responsibility seriously.”

The Realtors at Platinum Key Realty always have their client’s best interests at heart and enjoy great working relationships with other real estate professionals in the area and beyond.

“We are honest, reliable, capable and resourceful,” says Carol. Those qualities are especially important during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. “People will always need to buy and sell property. It’s our job to make sure everyone feels comfortable and that the process is as smooth as possible. And it’s a job we love doing.”

At the end of the day, real estate is about building relationships of trust, she says. “We know that trust is earned, and we look forward to earning yours.”

The Platinum Key Realty Inc. office is located at 22469 Adelaide Road, across the street from the Royal Bank parking lot in downtown Mount Brydges. Or visit us online at www.platinumkey.ca

Relationships run deep

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 21:06:27 GMT

London Inc. magazine, October 2020

Regardless of the business you’re in, it can be tough to have your voice heard at City Hall, Queen’s Park or on Parliament Hill. With the opening of a London office, Pathway Group is ready to help facilitate the conversation.

The Toronto-based government relations, public affairs and communications firm has been helping clients build working relationships with three levels of government since 2002. The company is known for having a team that crosses political boundaries and for working with a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and infrastructure, post-secondary education, agriculture and food and technology.

“London has a rich diversity of businesses, institutions, not-for-profits and industry associations that deserve affordable access to high-quality government relations services just like their counterparts and competitors in places like Toronto and Ottawa,” says Pathway Group partner, Jeff Bangs, in an email interview. “Our team is largely made up of people from smaller towns and cities, but we’ve been successful building incredible networks and understanding of how governments work.”

Read the story online , or continue below.

The new London office is headed by Pathway Group VP, Kirsten Krose.

A Forest City native, Krose grew up in a politically active household, but says her first poli-sci class at the University of New Brunswick failed to impress. “I switched to economics and really enjoyed that,” she says. That led to an interest in public policy.

In 2008, Krose worked on Peter MacKay’s successful election campaign in Nova Scotia before moving to Ottawa to serve as executive assistant to Bev Oda, then the Minister of International Cooperation. The following year, she landed a position in the Office of the Prime Minister. “I worked in the bullpen of the communications department,” says Krose. “It was very intense.”

Provincially, she has worked for the Department of Social Development in New Brunswick and for the Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development in British Columbia. She also has hands-on experience as a small business owner, having run a successful real estate business in Ottawa.

Krose returned to London to spend time with family in late 2018, with no intention of making the city her permanent home. “I was actually on my way back to Nova Scotia, but I started doing some consulting work and it grew from there,” she says.

A friend suggested she reach out to Pathway Group to see if she would be a good fit.

“Not long after meeting Kirsten, we recognized that she shares the values we’ve grown our company on — a strong work ethic, a desire to level the playing field between government and the people government is meant to serve. And she puts customer service above all else,” notes Bangs.

Krose officially joined the Pathway team in May, spending the summer months introducing herself to the London community by working the phones, participating in Zoom events and taking advantage of the city’s many patios for in-person meetings.

She describes her work as building a bridge between clients and government.

“Sometimes, if you haven’t had the experience working with government, it can be tricky to navigate the political landscape and policy process,” she says, noting that is where having an outside resource like Pathway Group can help.

“Aligning Kirsten’s demonstrated talent in government and politics with our track record in advocacy not only makes good business sense,” says Bangs, “it gives community leaders in London a local champion like they’ve never had before.”

Equality vs. Equity: What does it mean for your workplace?

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 15:06:53 GMT

Western Continuing Studies

When it comes to workplace trends, 2020 is set to be the year when people come first.

With companies across all sectors facing talent shortages and welcoming a new generation of employees who place a high value on flexibility, opportunities for growth, and corporate social responsibility, HR managers need to do more than ever to attract and retain the best candidate for every position.

“There are currently so many opportunities for employees,” says Rita Perepelitsky, Director Human Resources for Ardent Industries and an instructor in the Business Management and Project Management Certificate programs at Western Continuing Studies.

“People are not just looking for a paycheck anymore. They really want to belong to a company that is serving their higher good.”

That means companies can no longer afford to take a one-size-fits-all approach to hiring, training, and retaining their staff. Instead, the focus should be on achieving equity, rather than equality, in the workplace.

Read the story online , or continue below.

Perepelitsky explains that equality is about treating everybody the same, while equity is about giving everybody what they need in order to succeed.

Equality vs. Equity

“Equality assumes that everyone starts at the same place. Equity focuses on providing everyone with the tools and opportunities to end up at the same place,” she says. “It’s about looking at an employee holistically and recognizing that everyone has different motivations and needs.”

For example, employees may have a variety of learning styles. Visual learners, auditory learners, and tactile learners all process information differently. An equitable approach to training takes these differences into account and offers people the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them.

“We want to achieve consistent outcomes, but the approach is going to be a little different depending on the employee,” says Perepelitsky.

It can be difficult to convince people that treating people the same isn’t always the best approach, Perepelitsky notes. “I’ve seen instances where people are treated differently and that is perceived as favouritism,” she says. But advocating for equitable practices in the workplace is worth the extra effort because it helps everyone succeed.

Human Resources at Western Continuing Studies

Striking the right balance between equality and equity is just one topic covered by Perepelitsky in the Introduction to Human Resource Management course at WCS. Other areas of learning include human resource planning, recruitment and selection, employee development and learning, compensation and rewards, and workplace safety.

Perepelitsky says students range from people interested in a career in HR to office administrators and general managers. “HR affects all aspects of a business,” she says. “People tend to think we do payroll, we hire, we fire. But in reality, we take care of an employee from before they start their position to the point of retirement, and everything that happens in between.”

Stepping Up

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 15:08:05 GMT

Intouch magazine, Fall 2020

The coronavirus brought about unprecedented change. Yet it also provided an unprecedented opportunity for people to step up. As business as usual ground to a halt, entire industries pivoted, sometimes almost overnight, to new ways of doing things. In many cases, companies and individuals changed not only how they do things, but also what they do.

Across Canada and around the world, these Ivey graduates have been doing their part to work for the greater good in the face of a global pandemic. All credit their time at Ivey with giving them the tools and confidence to meet the crisis head on.

Read the full story.

Should I write for free?

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 16:39:53 GMT

Should I write for free?

At some point over the past six months, you’ve probably watched one of your favourite musicians play a free concert on Facebook Live. When COVID-19 put us all under house arrest in mid-March, these events seemed like a great way for working musicians to spread some joy and stay connected with their audience. Many accepted e-transfer ‘tips’ in the hopes of earning some much-needed income as they watched an entire season of gigs dry up overnight.

Lately, I’ve been seeing social media posts asking whether playing for free diminishes the value of music and undermines the ability for anyone to actually make a living as a culture worker in the post-COVID world.

Some musicians I know are calling for the practice to stop. Many are experimenting with streaming live shows that audiences pay to watch from the comfort of home.

Others see music as an essential service-for-the-soul and say playing for free allows them to build their brand so they’re ready to go when clubs and concert halls finally reopen.

What does this all have to do with writing? Well, at some point someone is going to ask you to write something - for free. The question is: Should you do it?

My answer is, no.

But sometimes, yes.

Let me explain.

In my opinion, if you are serious about making a living you should never work for free. If you have a passion that you don’t get paid for, that’s called a hobby. Having a hobby is great. The French word amateur translates as 'one who loves.' I love to cook, but I don't charge anyone to eat my meals. If your goal is to turn your passion into your profession, it starts with demanding a pay check.

One of the nice things about freelancing is having the ability to set your own rates. That gives you flexibility to work with clients who warm your heart, but who may not have the biggest budget. It also gives you the ability to raise your rates as you gain more experience, or acquire specialized skills. But even the smallest pay check is a sign of respect. It shows people that your service and your time is valuable.

So, what about the sometimes yes?

If you are just starting out and need to build a portfolio, then go ahead and write for free - or for a token amount. But do it purposefully, and for the shortest time possible.

Just to confuse the issue even more, here's a confession:

After more than 16 years in the field, I still occasionally work for free. If I’m asked to help raise funds for a cause I believe in, I’ll offer to write and send a media release, or to help with social media and other communications. Since I hate asking people for donations and have limited time to organize an actual event, I feel this is the biggest value I can bring to the table.

But if my calendar is booked solid with paid work, I’ve learned how to say: Thanks for asking, but I’m just too busy to take this on right now.

If you’re a freelancer with a big heart and bills to pay, it’s a phrase you may want to practice.

Happy writing!

Comfortably Grand

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 00:53:36 GMT

Our Homes London, Summer 2020

Grant Gilvesy knows a thing or two about renovating homes in London's old north neighbourhood. As the owner of Grant Gilvesy Design and In Bloom Designscapes , he's brought his distinctive vision to some of the area's most prestigious properties. He's also called the neighbourhood home for almost a decade. When a stately three-storey home on his favourite street came on the market it was an opportunity he didn't want to miss.

Built in 1890, the 2,800 sq. ft. home was the original farmhouse to the area. It had great bones, but hadn't been updated since the early 1990s. "It needed some love," Grant says.

He took possession in May 2019 and, with the help of Fisher Design & Drafting Services and Green Door Construction, began a complete restoration of the property.

Read the full story as a PDF or flip to page 24 .

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

#StaySafe#ShopLocal#SaveStores

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:58:17 GMT

COVID-19 : Five months in.

When I wrote my first “COVID-inspired” blog in March, I never could have imagined that we’d still be social distancing five months later or that my go-to summer accessory would be a mask.

Looking through my list of strategies to survive the isolation of the mid-winter shutdown, I realize many things have remained the same. I’m still putting on real clothes, cooking real food, letting my son set his own hours, staying in touch with the people who count most, and trying to limit my exposure to toxic news. As predicted, my work dried up in April but has been ramping up steadily since mid-May.

In addition to my copywriting gigs, I've had the opportunity to write about how the global pandemic has affected some of my favourite local entrepreneurs. All have had to learn how to do things differently. Some – like the team at Disinfect & Fog – have seized a new business opportunity and are thriving. Others – like Michael Gibson Gallery - are established players in a fairly recession-proof industry and have weathered the economic storm.

But many independent retailers I’ve spoken to have been hit hard, first by the mandated shutdown and then by the change in consumer behaviour. As one long-time local entrepreneur put it: People need to get off the internet and back into the stores.

Otherwise, Amazon may become our only choice.

As someone who loves the social interaction involved in selecting the perfect tomato, or pair of shoes, I think that would be a shame. And if you’ve ever read an article about working conditions at an Amazon warehouse, you’ll know that the convenience of 1-click-buying comes at a significant human cost.

So, while the online option has undoubtedly been a life-line for many local businesses over the past five months, I won’t be making it a regular habit. Instead, I’ll be grabbing my favourite mask, a bottle of organic hand sanitizer, and heading out to enjoy some socially-distanced, local retail therapy.

What’s your favourite place to shop local, and why?

Do I need to blog?

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 20:36:45 GMT

Do I need to blog?

You may have heard that blogging is a great way to boost your website ranking, attract new customers, and grow your bottom line. That may all be true – but it’s also true that a blog is not a miracle cure for sluggish sales.

So, if you’re a busy business owner – should your marketing plan include a blog?

The short answer is (probably) yes.

Even if your blog never goes viral, or gets a single comment or social share, it still has value. Done right, blogging is a great way to showcase your knowledge, set yourself apart from the competition, and allow your customers to get to know you better. And that’s important – because people like to buy from people they know and trust.

Writing a blog does not have to be complicated. But it does take planning and effort. Here are three tips to help you get started:

1. Decide how often you want to post. Is it once a month, once a week, or more? (Remember that a weekly blog post means you’ll have to come up with 52 ideas per year.)

2. Brainstorm a list of topics. Stick to one idea per blog.

3. Keep it conversational. You are not writing an English essay, PhD thesis, or competing for a Pulitzer Prize. Spelling and grammar still count, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

And although you may have read that a blog needs to be at least 1,500 words long, the best blog is a blog that people actually read. No one has time for padding. My advice? Use the number of words you need, to say what you want to say.

Happy blogging!

Got a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

What's your point of view?

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 10:24:23 GMT

What's your point of view?

If you’ve ever taken a creative writing class, you’re probably familiar with the concept of Point Of View (POV). You may even remember the three POVs: first person, second person, and third person.

In fiction writing, the POV defines who is telling the story – the writer, a narrator, or an external narrator.

But did you know that POV is important in copywriting, too? In fact, if your copy is falling flat POV is probably part of the problem. Luckily, it’s an easy one to fix.

But first, a quick refresher...

First Person POV – It’s all about me!

If a story is being told from a first-person POV, it’s being narrated by the writer. Look for pronouns like “I,” “me” or “we.”

Second Person POV – It’s all about you!

If a story is being told from a second-person POV, a narrator is speaking directly to the reader. Look for pronouns like “you,” “your” and “yours.”

Third Person – It’s all about them!

If a story is being told from a third-person POV, an external narrator is describing the action. Look for pronouns like “he,” “she,”’ “they,” “them” and “it.”

Third-person POV is generally used in academic writing, while fiction writers tend to pick one POV and stick to it to tell their tale.

Since copywriters use words to help readers experience a product or service, we get to have more fun. Using a combination of all three POVs with an emphasis on first and second POV – “I” and “you” - usually works best.

Think of your writing as a conversation, not a lecture. Your goal is to build a relationship. Using the right POV can help people get to know you and understand how they’ll benefit by using your product or service. Keep your readers front and centre and remember – it’s all about them, not about you!

Happy writing!

Got a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

The 6 Cs of writing for social media

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 10:58:03 GMT

The 6 Cs of writing for social media

Last week I shared a few statistics about social media use in Canada. After all, one of the first rules of effective copywriting is to know your audience. But what about writing the actual post?

Whether your goal is raising brand awareness, staying in touch with existing customers, or generating sales, great social media writing skills can help. Here are a few tips to help you hone your communication chops people don't scroll on by.

Be Concise.
Social media isn’t the place to dump a case study, or wax poetical on your latest product or service. Even though most platforms have expanded their character count, that doesn’t mean you should use them all. Keep your posts short – two to four sentences tops. After that, attention wanes.

Be Clear.
If you’re in an industry that uses technical jargon, keep it out of your social media feed. Don’t use a long word when a short one will do. And stay away from lengthy or convoluted sentences. Social media is not a English essay or PhD dissertation. (But do check your spelling!)

Be Casual.
Once you understand your audience, you can hone your brand voice. Remember that your social media accounts are not your website so you can take a more casual approach to your language. Think of it as meeting a client over coffee rather than in the board room. A simple way to keep things personal is to use “I”, “you” and “we.”

Be Compelling.
Regardless of the platform, your post will be competing for attention. Using a few well-chosen words as a teaser to a great image, video, or link is often the way to go.

Be Cheerful.
We all know that life is tough, but no one wants to do business with a Debbie-downer. Keep your posts upbeat and energetic. Acknowledge any negative comments publicly, and move the conversation to private messaging, phone or email.

Don’t forget your Call to Action.
What do you want your audience to do after they read your post? There's no need to be constantly promotional, but don't be shy about inviting people to Learn More, Watch This Video, Join The Conversation, Share A Post, or Attend An Event.

Finally, social media is a great place to experiment. The best way to find out what works for your business is to try different things and see what hits the mark.

Happy writing!

Do you have a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

Three numbers you need to know about Canadians and social media

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:15:05 GMT

3 numbers you need to know about Canadians and social media

Over the past few months, many business owners have told me they’d be dead in the water if it wasn’t for the internet. During the mandated COVID-19 shutdown, their online presence allowed them to stay in touch with customers and even generate some income.

Almost all had some sort of existing website before the pandemic began. After the shutdown, some jumped into the world of online sales for the first time. Many others turned to social media to help promote their goods and services.

One entrepreneur summed it up like this: Social media is free, and it’s an easy way for me to reach people.

Indeed, social media has been giving traditional paid advertising a run for its money for a while. Today you can eve hire a professional social media manager to do the work for you – and many will do it well.

But if you are one of the many business owners who are testing the social media waters with a DIY approach, here are a few statistics that can help you get the most out of each post you write.

25 million

That was the number of social network users in Canada in 2018. By 2023, that number is expected to grow to 27.1 million. That’s a lot of potential customers, no matter what type of business you are in.

That’s the percentage of Canadians on social media who say they regularly use Facebook. YouTube came in second at 70%, followed by Instagram at 52%. Only one quarter of Canadians said they used LinkedIn on a regular basis. And while I have never watched a TikTok video, apparently 18% of my fellow Canadians tune in.

What does this mean for your business? Invest in your Facebook page, but don’t neglect video or you’ll be missing out.

2.4

If you are going after the teen market, you won’t find them on Facebook. Less than 3 per cent of users are between 13 and 17 years old.

So, who is on Facebook? Just over a quarter of Canadian users are between the ages 25 – 34, but the fastest growing demographic on this social media platform is people over 65.

When it comes to making a sale, 26% of women say the platform has influenced a purchasing decision.

I hope knowing a bit more about who’s on the other side of the screen will help you with your social media strategy. If you’re wondering how to write better content, come back next week when I’ll be sharing a few tricks of the trade.

Do you have a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

Where to start (when you don't know where to start)

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 15:08:56 GMT

Where to start (when you don't know where to start)

Many non-fiction writers like to leave their beginning to the very end - writing an entire article or copywriting project before they come up with the intro. That’s not the way I work.

In fact, if I don’t get my lede right the entire project is usually a struggle. But if I nail my opening paragraph the rest often falls (more or less) into place.

So, where should you start when you don’t know where to start? The simple answer is “at the beginning!” But if it were always that simple, I wouldn’t be writing this blog.

You may have heard of the inverted pyramid. That’s the structure journalists generally use when writing a hard news story.

Why the inverted pyramid? Because the vast majority of readers won’t go beyond the first paragraph. In fact, around 60 per cent of people only read the headline .

Think things are better online? Hardly. Just over half of visitors spend less than 15 seconds scanning your post.

That’s why if you’ve got something to say, it’s important to say it fast.

Sometimes the starting point is obvious. Other times, not so much. If you’re stuck, try starting with the most interesting fact, a colourful quote, or a probing question.

Or, you could try my favourite trick and ask yourself the following:

If I only had one sentence to tell this story, what would it be?

Once I’ve got my answer, I’m usually good to go!

Looks like our 15 seconds are up. Happy writing!

Do you have a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

Nicole Laidler is a content creator, copywriter, and freelance reporter serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

A simple framework for effective leadership in a post-pandemic world

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 15:20:53 GMT

Western Continuing Studies, July 2020

It’s said that true leaders rise to the challenge during a crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided ample opportunity to put that theory to the test. Along with the health crisis caused by the virus, most businesses and institutions are grappling with the economic fallout caused by weeks of shutdown.

As organizations lay the groundwork for reopening and recovery, effective leadership is now more important than ever.

Read the story online , or continue below...

Western Continuing Studies instructor, Peter Sherriff, has spent most of his career facilitating leadership training programs to help organizations identify and nurture high-potential talent. During that time, he has worked with other adult educators to develop a stripped-down Leader-Manager Competency Framework, designed to help current and future leaders stay on track.

A competency is an attribute or skill that a leader needs to do his job effectively, Sherriff explains.

“Some organizations create a competency framework that is so complex nobody understands it. They say: in this leadership role you are accountable for 10 to 20 things,” he says. “That sets the leader, and the company, up for challenges. Nobody can really excel at that many things across the board.”

Sherriff’s approach boils the leadership framework down to four key competencies: The ability to transform, connect, inspire, and deliver.

“If you keep it simple, people understand it and they remember it too,” he notes. “When a manager gets up in the morning, they know their job is to be awesome at these four things.”

Sherriff cautions organizations against measuring leadership ability based on transformation and delivery alone. “Too often, we measure leaders by profit margin or market share.” Meeting economic benchmarks is important, he says, but if an organization experiences a high rate of staff turnover due to poor management, that profit may come at a high cost.

“We need to look at how leaders communicate and engage with others within the organization, and how they lead change,” he says. “Measuring what you do and how you do it have to go hand in hand.”

As organizations navigate the post-pandemic world, the ability to connect with employees and provide clear direction and inspiration for the road ahead are leadership traits that could make all the difference.

In addition to focusing on the four components of his Leader-Manager Competency Framework, Sherriff offers this advice to anyone working in a leadership role: “Never stop learning.” Nicole Laidler

What happens now?

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 18:35:10 GMT

London Inc. magazine - Summer 2020

You don't survive more than 35 years in the fashion business without building strong relationships. And it’s those relationships that helped independent clothing retailer Hangar9 stay the course during the province’s mandated Covid-19 shutdown.

“On Sunday [March 22], we were running our annual warehouse sale. By Wednesday, we were officially closed,” recalls Lisa Ferguson, who co-owns the business with two of her sisters. The order to close was a shock, says Ferguson, and it came just as the high-end ladies fashion store was ramping up for the busy spring-summer season.

Read the story online , or continue below...

The Hangar9 team went into survival mode. “We talked to our staff. We talked to our bankers. We talked to our landlord. And we talked to our suppliers. The first two weeks was about organizing the business. Our belief was that it’s not about what happens during Covid, it’s about the partnerships you want to sustain after Covid.”

In the midst of the chaos, Hangar9 and its Richmond Row neighbour, Andrew Douglas Clothier, were robbed. Ferguson and her daughter were physically assaulted during the break-in.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that before, but it’s a sign of the times,” says Ferguson. “The girl who assaulted us is a professional thief. With the closure, her business came to an end, too. She was desperate.”

Shaken but undaunted, Ferguson pressed on.

“Hangar9 has always been about relationships and the experience of shopping here. That has always been our strength and it’s something you can’t buy on the Internet,” she says.

The store’s commitment to personalized customer service did not change due to the pandemic. Resisting the temptation to launch an online store, Hangar9 instead turned to social media and Zoom to connect with customers and generate sales.

“The only employee we kept on during the shutdown was our social media manager,” says Ferguson, who hosted a series of weekly Zoom workshops on topics ranging from dressing for video calls to sustainability in fashion.

“If anything positive came out of Covid, it’s that it gave us an opportunity to really showcase what we know. We don’t just sell clothes. There’s a method to our madness,” Ferguson says. “And we had an outpouring of gratitude from our customers. I have a whole binder of emails just saying thank you.”

The store continued to offer personal shopping by inventing ‘The Style Box’ — a curated wardrobe of nine pieces hand-picked for individual clients to try on at home. And of course, if someone noticed a must-have piece on Facebook or Instagram, they could contact Ferguson and arrange for curbside pick-up.

With the store reopened since May 20, Hangar9 now offers the option of shopping virtually. Ferguson explains that one dressing room has been set aside for private Zoom consultations with clients who remain nervous about venturing out.

Other post-shutdown challenges remain, including sourcing inventory in time for the fall-winter season and the uncertainty over the future of downtown as a retail destination.

“There are still so many moving parts,” Ferguson says. “London supported independent businesses before Covid-19, but now we need people to get off the Internet and to support us even more.” Nicole Laidler

How to prepare for an interview

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 18:13:34 GMT

The do's and don'ts of preparing for an interview

You may have read my blog about the first question to ask in any interview, and the last . But what about all the questions in-between?

Well, that depends on the type of writing project you’re working on. But one thing is sure - you’ll never get the answers you need if you don’t ask the right questions to begin with. And that could leave you with some gaping holes when you sit down to write. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you avoid that pitfall.

Don’t confuse an interview with a conversation.

The best interviews happen when the person you are speaking with feels relaxed enough to answer your questions without thinking too hard about what they are going to say. That’s when the most colourful bits of information and quotes slip out. But that doesn’t mean you should approach an interview like it’s a casual conversation. It’s not. You are interviewing this person for a reason, and you should have a good idea about what you are looking for before you even begin.

Do your research. And then do some more.

If someone is giving you their time, the least you can do is come prepared. So do your homework. Find out as much background information as you can about the person you’ll be speaking with. Research their organization and / or the topic you’ll be speaking about. They’ll appreciate your efforts. And while you’ll want to quickly double-check any basic facts, you won’t waste anyone’s time (or embarrass yourself) by asking something dumb.

Do make a list of questions.

I know many journalists who like to wing their interviews. I am not one of them. It’s true that I no longer compose a complete list of fully-formed questions. But I do jot down points that I know I want to cover. And if I am asking questions about something technical or a particularly sensitive subject, I do take the time to think about the best way to formulate my query.

But don’t be afraid to go with the flow.

Sometimes the person you’re interviewing will say something that takes whatever you’re working on in a completely different direction - or at least on a fascinating side-trip.

So be an active listener and keep an open mind. If the interview goes off on a useful tangent, follow it. If an unexpected question pops into your head, ask it.

If you are well prepared, you’ll be able to get the interview back on track if needed and will leave with all the information you need and the rare gems that can make any writing project truly memorable.

Happy writing!

Do you have a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

Performance in a Pandemic

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 16:07:37 GMT

London Inc. magazine - Summer 2020

If you think the fine art business ground to a halt because of Covid-19, you would be wrong. “Serious collectors are still collecting,” says Michael Gibson of the Michael Gibson Gallery. And artists are still creating.

And even while closed to the public, the Carling Street gallery continued to mount shows.

Read the story online , or continue below...

In May, a solo exhibit by Saskatchewan-based Jonathan Forrest sold well, says Gibson. In June, the space featured abstract work by Montreal’s Michael Smith and a series of pandemic-inspired paintings by New York-based Canadian artist Keiran Brennan Hinton, who spent the lockdown cooped up at his mother’s apartment in Toronto. Collectors snapped those up, too.

“On the whole, other than the closing of public galleries and the impact on art fairs, the pandemic has not had a devastating impact on the industry,” Gibson says.

“People have more time and are spending it at home,” he notes. “They don’t have additional expenses and realize the value of owning artwork. It is a tangible asset, not something that will disappear on the stock market. Record prices were achieved in the past few months and demand is strong.”

Of course, finding clients with the disposable income to invest in art is not something that happens overnight. But Gibson, in business since 1984, has worked hard to build a nationwide reputation for offering the best in established and emerging Canadian talent.

Gibson was also an early adopter of technology. He launched a gallery website way back in 1997 and has since embraced e-newsletters and social media, including video channels, as a way to reach beyond the gallery walls.

During the height of the pandemic, the gallery hosted Zoom openings where collectors could see the new exhibit and speak with artists from the comfort of home. “It was actually kind of cool,” Gibson says.

The technology also allowed Gibson to pay virtual studio visits to artists located in Winnipeg and New York. “From a business point of view, and particularly my visual business, it worked really well,” says Gibson. “It’s something we may actually continue.”

At the beginning of the pandemic, the gallery’s weekly e-newsletter took on a decidedly personal tone, with Gibson sharing anecdotes from his life in art, favourite recipes and movie and music suggestions.

“A lot of people were pretty depressed. I was wondering, How are we all going to get through this?” he explains. “I decided why don’t we just have a really decadent grilled cheese sandwich, a nice bottle of wine and maybe listen to some jazz. I think it was a form of escapism, but the response has been amazing.”

Having spent a considerable amount of time at the gallery during the height of the pandemic, Gibson says he is excited to see life returning to the core. “It’s going to be a challenge for a lot of businesses,” he comments. “We are going to suffer from the big office towers and Budweiser Gardens being empty.”

And while it remains to be seen how people’s shopping habits may have changed due to Covid-19, Gibson believes there is still an appetite for unique experiences and local personalities.

“We need some new, interesting tenants. We need millennials to sign a lease and open up whatever they want to open up. And we need people to support independent businesses and to get to know the people they are supporting.” Nicole Laidler

Surprising ways to crush writer's block.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 13:35:02 GMT

Suffering from writer's block? Try these 3 counterintuitive tips.

A strange thing happened to me at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown. For the first time in 16 years, I experienced writer’s block. During a horrible two week period at the end of March, the words simply wouldn’t come.

Obviously, I was able to get back in the groove. But I know many people struggle to get their words down on paper. And although it took a global pandemic to freeze my creative juices, I’m not always filled with inspiration when I sit down at the keyboard.

Here are three things I do when I’m not feeling particularly creative:

Surf the internet.

Yes, it can be a big time-waster. But when I’m struggling to find the right words, reading other people’s words can help. I’ll often give myself 15 or 20 minutes to catch up on the day’s news - or the daily gossip. (Hello, Daily Mail!) I keep an egg timer on my desk to make sure I don’t lose an entire morning to click bait. Giving your mind permission to take a break from the task at hand is sometimes all you need for a reset.

Try another location.

I find that work feels less like work when I’m not doing it in my home office. On days when I wish I was doing anything else, I’ll take my laptop into the kitchen or out onto my back deck. Something about literally being able to smell the petunias makes almost any assignment feel more like a vacation.

Sleep on it.

This one won’t work if you are up against a deadline. But if you’ve been smart enough to give yourself some wiggle room, putting a tough project aside for a day or two is sometimes the best way to reboot the process. You’d be amazed at how many times a great lead has popped into my head while I’m brewing my morning coffee. The trick is to find a pen and a scrap of paper and write it down before the idea floats off into the ether again!

The next time you're feeling stuck, I hope these tips will help. Happy writing!

Do you have a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

The last question to ask in any interview.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:27:19 GMT

Doing an interview? Here's the final question you need to ask.

Last week I shared some advice on the first question to ask whenever you’re interviewing someone over the phone.

This week I’ll help you wrap up your conversation by sharing the very last question I ask in every single interview. Are you ready? Here it is:

Do you have anything else you’d like to say?

You’d be amazed at the information those nine words can unlock.

No matter how much research you’ve done and how carefully you’ve prepared your questions, you may have missed a key piece of the puzzle. It may be a brand new development, information that isn’t public knowledge (yet), or an important detail that simply slipped your mind.

And because this question ‘wraps up’ the official part of the interview, it’s often when sources relax and stop thinking so much before they speak.

Often, this is where you’ll get your best quote - the one that doesn't sound scripted or like business-speak. Or your source will share a colourful anecdote that adds life to your writing project.

Sometimes, if the person you’ve been interviewing has been reluctant to speak, this ‘wrap up’ question becomes the starting point for your actual interview. That’s happened to me more than once over the past 16 years!

Try it the next time you conduct an interview, and let me know what happens.

Do you have a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

The first question to ask in any phone interview.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 13:38:21 GMT

Doing an interview by phone? Here’s the first question you need to ask.

Whether you’re a journalist interviewing a source for a story, a content creator interviewing a customer for a case study, or a copywriter interviewing a business owner to get the background for their website’s About Us page, when you’re conducting a phone interview you want to get the conversation off to a good start.

So, whether you’ve scheduled the call or are connecting on the fly, there’s one question you need to ask right off the bat:

Is this a good time to talk?

Why is this always the first question to ask?

Because if it’s not a good time to talk, I can pretty much guarantee that your interview will fall flat. You’ll hang up without the detailed information or the colourful quotes needed for a successful writing project.

Confirming that it’s a good time to talk shows you respect the person’s time, and it gives them a way out if they really are too busy to give you their full attention.

Most of the time the answer is a resounding “yes” and you’re off to the races.

Sometimes you’ll hear a pause. If you sense that the person on the other end of the phone may be preoccupied, offer to call back in 30 minutes.

Occasionally, you’ll get a “no” followed by a suggestion to try again at a later date.

Once I reached a source as they were on their way out the door to a funeral. They had completely forgotten about our call. Obviously, it was not a good time to talk and I asked if they’d like to reschedule for later that week or whether they’d like me to find another source. They suggested I find another source.

This brings me to another quick tip: Always leave a few days of wiggle room between your interview and your deadline. That way, you’ll always have time to come up with Plan B if an interview falls through.

Next week I’ll share the question I ask at the end of every interview.

Do you have a question about writing great copy? Ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer in a future post!

Change is the new normal. Here’s how to manage it.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:53:00 GMT

Western Continuing Studies, June 2020

Accelerated certificate in change management teaches strategies to survive and thrive in a rapidly-shifting environment.

In business, and in life, nothing ever stays the same. But the amount of global change brought about by COVID-19 is something most have never experienced before. Business models have been upended and entire industries have pivoted – almost overnight – into a new way of working. And we still don’t know what the post-pandemic world will look like.

Western Continuing Studies new accelerated certificate in Managing Change is designed to help business leaders, managers, and individuals support their organization through these unprecedented times.

“The idea for the program was actually developed late last year,” says Western Continuing Studies communications manager, Alison Adair. “Now it’s incredibly vital.”

While change management is a theme that runs through all Western Continuing Studies management, leadership, and communications programs, the focus tends to be on the successful implementation of a specific project or change initiative.

In contrast, the new certificate in Managing Change takes a more holistic approach.

“It’s about learning how to embrace change as part of organizational culture,” Adair says.

The accelerated certificate is offered online and can be completed in less than seven weeks. “It is a combination of self-directed learning and learning facilitated by the instructor,” explains Adair, who holds an MBA and teaches the required class in Managing Change.

Electives in Design Thinking, Advanced Strategies in Business Communications, and Business Strategy, provide students with complementary skills needed to create an organizational culture that thinks differently, communicates effectively, and incorporates ongoing change into the strategic plan.

Adair says the certificate will benefit anyone tasked with keeping their organization on track in a rapidly-evolving business environment.

“Change is no longer seen as something you put a team together for and then go back to normal,” she says. “Today, everything is in constant change. For organizations to be successful they need to build the capacity to embrace change and commit to continuous improvement.”

Read the original.

Content marketing in the post-pandemic world.

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 22:15:55 GMT

Why content marketing is key in the post-pandemic world

You’ve undoubtedly heard the expression: content is king. And as we move into the post-COVID world, content will count more than ever.

As one business owner I interviewed recently put it: Without a strong online presence, I think businesses are now dead in the water.

What does it mean to have a strong online presence?

In 2020, having a website should be a given. Post-pandemic, having a website that inspires confidence and facilitates online sales is critical.

Whether you’re selling goods or providing a service, great design always makes a good first impression. But it’s your words that will seal the deal or send your prospects running to the competition.

Then there’s the issue of being found on the world-wide-web. In 2019, Google processed more than 40,000 online searches per second. People can’t buy from you if they don’t know you exist. Good content marketing can help.

What is content marketing?

Essentially, it’s the art and science of communicating with your existing and potential clients – without the hard sell. Think blogs, social media posts, media releases, case studies and white papers. And today, video should not be left off that list.

Still not convinced? Then consider this:

• Almost 50 per cent of customers consume three to five pieces of content before making a purchasing decision.

• Content marketing gets three times the leads of paid search advertising.

• The average Canadian spends 11 hours a day on their screens, with social media and watching videos the most popular internet activity.

So, if you’re not thinking about your content marketing, you should be. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but a well-thought-out strategy and great content could make the difference between surviving and thriving in the post-pandemic marketplace.

Creating a more beautiful future

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Wed, 27 May 2020 19:24:56 GMT

Creating a more beautiful future - London Inc. content studio

Getting a new business off the ground is tough at the best of times. Doing it during a global pandemic requires an extra dose of tenacity, flexibility and faith in the future. Mairi Shewfelt, founder of Yatta Brands, has all three ― as well as a previous career as a currency trader that helped her stay ahead of a rapidly changing retail landscape.

Yatta Brands brings the best in vegan beauty and self-care products to the Canadian market. Sourced from small producers located in England, Italy, Australia, Canada and the U.S., many are available in North America exclusively through Yatta.

After testing the local demand for eco-luxe skin care, hair care, cosmetics, perfumes and jewelry through word-of-mouth sales, Shewfelt quietly launched Yatta’s website and online store in October of 2019.

This February, she signed a lease at The Factory Creative Businesses at 538 Adelaide Street with plans to transform the space into an Eco-Studio to house Yatta’s retail store and an event venue.

Then Covid-19 hit.

Read the full story.

Deep-cleaning boom

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Thu, 14 May 2020 00:44:26 GMT

Deep-cleaning boom - London Inc. content studio

Where some see uncertainty, the entrepreneur sees opportunity. Such was the case with the team behind Sock Savings, a business consulting group founded last October by Joseph Jongsma, James Smith, Paul Yuhasz and Anneka Burghout.

Watching the Covid-19 crisis unfold in China this February, the team realized 2020 would not be business as usual. Drawing on their entrepreneurial experience and a heartfelt desire to help others, they worked around the clock to develop Disinfect & Fog, a disinfecting and fogging business designed to help people safely return to work in the post-pandemic world.

Read the full story.

Countryside Chic

nicole@spilledink.ca (Nicole Laidler) — Mon, 11 May 2020 15:40:33 GMT

Our Homes magazine - Spring 2020

Some home renovations are born from the need to create a more functional living space or to bring a heritage home into the modern age. This renovation was inspired by a painting.

Laura fell in love with the abstract canvas at first sight. But its bold brushstrokes in shades of black, grey and gold just didn't fit with her traditional and somewhat eclectic decor. So she convinced her husband, Dave, it was time to renovate.

Flip to page 64 to read more.

Or, read as a PDF.

#StayHome #StaySafe #SaveLives – Part 3

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 21:28:10 GMT

COVID-19: What’s working for me

It’s now been seven weeks since the Ontario government closed schools in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. While we seem to have avoided the horrors seen in Italy and New York, staying home and staying isolated is definitely taking its toll – mentally, emotionally, and economically.

Like many small business owners, I’ve watched most of my work dry up. It’s different from 2008 when projects gradually slowed to a trickle before quickly picking up again. This time – over the course of four days in late March - almost every client I’ve been working with emailed to say that unfortunately things were on indefinite hold.

I knew those emails were coming, but they still hurt. Each one represents someone I have built a good working relationship with. And each was written by a fellow business owner or employee who must also be wondering what life will look like once the dust finally settles.

Everyone is struggling to juggle social isolation and the absolute uncertainty about what the future holds. And it seems like every parent I know is dealing with the additional challenge of keeping our kids on track with school.

But the sun continues to rise, the birds continue to sing, and we all have to find a way to make the best out of the current situation. Here’s what’s been more-or-less working for me as a business owner and a mother:

Setting my alarm clock

Like many people, my sleep patterns have been disrupted by the stress of our new reality. But I found sleeping in meant my days passed in an unproductive blur. Also, once my son emerges from his room (around noon), my workday is pretty much shot. So, I started setting my alarm clock.

I don’t necessarily jump out of bed at 6 am, but I’m usually moving by 7. That gives me plenty of time to enjoy a good cup of coffee, take the dog for a walk, and hit my office for a few uninterrupted hours of productive work.

Dressing for my day

I’ve always worked from a home office, but I prefer in-person interviews and never write in my pajamas.

These days, all communication is done by phone or email and my outings consist of dog walks and the occasional supermarket run. I may have embraced an office-casual uniform of yoga pants and sweatshirts, but I make sure I feel ready to face my day by doing my hair and applying minimal makeup before I hit the keyboard.

Staying in touch

It’s an unfortunate reality that many of my regular clients have no work to send my way. But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about them. I’ve made an effort to reach out with a quick email to see how they are doing, and to wish them well. And I’ve gotten a reply. Every. Single. Time.

The reality is, jobs always come and go. It’s the relationships with people that really count. Especially in difficult times.

Making schoolwork quality time

I’m reading lots of articles about the frustration and futility of online learning for kids. My son is in Grade 9, and I can totally relate.

After a few weeks of arguing over schoolwork, I realised that what my son really wanted was some in-person support. It’s not that he lacks self-discipline, but without the threat of graded assignments and final exams the motivation to sit and do the work just wasn’t there. (Final exams have been cancelled and grades can’t drop below where they were in mid-March.)

Once I decided to become my son’s ‘teacher’ by reading through the course materials with him and trying to help him work through difficult questions, everything calmed down. I let him decide what he is going to complete each day and give him my undivided attention for the hour or so it takes. Who knew I would be learning the Periodic Table at almost 50?!

Running a home, not a military dictatorship

I’ve also read lots of articles about parents who are using this time to teach their kids how to do dishes, fold laundry, and cook. They are coming up with schedules and everyone in the family has a to-do list a mile long.

This is not my approach.

We’ve had conversations about the fact that we may be self-isolating together for several more months, and that we have to work together to keep the house running smoothly. But I also told my son that his job is to stay on top of his school work and his at-home off-ice training program. (He’s a goalie).

Once those must-dos are complete, I don’t really care how many hours he spends playing video games with his friends. It makes me happy to hear him hollering in the basement. He already knows how to cook pasta and grilled cheese, he’s maintaining friendships, and laundry can wait.

How are you coping during self-isolation? Share your comments below.

A Better World

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:09:23 GMT

Intouch magazine - Spring 2020

In Canada, charity is big business. How big? According to Statistics Canada, economic activity in the non-profit sector represents 8.5 per cent of Canada’s GDP and around 2.4-million people are employed by a non-profit organization.

That number includes many Ivey alumni who are going beyond volunteering and philanthropy to create meaningful careers with social enterprises, established charities, or even launch their own initiatives.

Whether they work in Canada or around the globe, these Ivey grads are united by the desire to use their for-profit skills to build a better world.

Read the full story.

Simple strategies to reset for spring

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 17:00:14 GMT

London Heritage Foundation - Blog

Have you noticed?

The snow is melting. The grass is greener. The days are longer. The birds are starting to sing. There’s no doubt about it – spring is in the air!

News about social distancing and closures can be overwhelming, but all the more reason to hit the reset button and take some of your time at home to rejuvenate.

Here are a few simple strategies to help you destress, feel good, and enjoy the coming of spring.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Infused with colour

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 22:59:41 GMT

London Inc. Magazine - April 2020

When Steve Tracy arrived in London in 2008, he was already an internationally recognized artist with a CV that included exhibitions in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, and corporate clients like Apple, Microsoft and Bank of America. But that didn’t help the California-born Tracy make inroads with the local art establishment.

“Nobody wanted to represent Steve. He wasn’t Canadian. He wasn’t local. His work was nice, but it wasn’t suitable,” recalls Steve’s wife and business partner, Gert Tracy.

The couple had met at an art exhibition in Key West in 2007, married 59 days later and moved from Steve’s home in Lakewood, Colorado to London to be closer to Gert’s family.

Faced with a lukewarm reception in their new hometown, Steve commuted back and forth to the U.S. while Gert called on her experience in sales and real estate to take a different approach to cracking the Canadian market.

Read the full story.

#StayHome #StaySafe #SaveLives - Part 2

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:36:24 GMT

COVID-19: What I’ve learned so far.

It’s been exactly three weeks since the Ontario government closed schools in response to COVID-19. That seems like a lifetime ago. After experiencing writer’s block for the first time ever, I am slowing starting to find my words. And although I would love to turn back time and return to my crazy hockey mom schedule, I am finally settling in to a ‘new normal’ routine.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

I need to be kind to myself.
I’ve come to accept that I am not the super-efficient multi-tasking entrepreneur that I was three weeks ago. Even though I’ve always worked from a home office, I don’t have the emotional or mental energy to put in a solid eight hours in front of my computer. Instead, I’m setting one professional goal per day. Sometimes, you have to cut yourself some slack. This is definitely one of those times.

I have raised a great kid.
My teenager can be obstinate and mouthy. And boy, can he roll his big green eyes. But I haven’t seen this side of him since the day school and hockey came to a screeching halt. Yes, he’s playing video games until the wee hours of the morning and sleeping until noon. But he’s also sweet, funny, and respectful. And he’s eating everything I cook without complaint. If the coronavirus does indeed keep us under house arrest for the next four or five months, I’m sure we’ll have our moments. But for now, I’m in awe of how well he is handling the situation.

I love baking bread.
I had always thought that my baking skills ended with muffins and quick breads. Well, I’ve successfully discarded that limiting belief. So far I’ve whipped up Challah, Crusty French Bread and Pitas. Judging by my Instagram feed, I’m not the only one who has turned to baking as a form of therapy. When this is all over, there's a good chance that I will never buy a store-baked loaf again.

What have you learned about yourself over the past few weeks? Share in the comments below!

#StayHome #StaySafe #SaveLives

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 02:33:58 GMT

How I'm trying to stay sane during social distancing.

Coronavirus. We can’t see it, but it’s turned our world upside down in only a few weeks. And G-d only knows where we are heading from here.

I’ve worked from home since 2004 so am used to a fair bit of social isolation, but the uncertainty about what the new-normal will look like when we finally reach it has kept me up at night and given me the worst writer’s block I’ve ever experienced. In fact, I’ve barely gotten any productive work done in the last ten days – and there’s none in the pipeline once the few projects on my plate are complete.

But rather than add to your anxieties by giving voice to mine, I’d like to share a few strategies I’m trying to put in place that I hope will keep me sane during the weeks (and possibly months) ahead.

1. I’m doing my best to keep my home clean, organized, and disinfected. I shower, dress, and put on makeup each morning – just like an ordinary work day. I may not have any control over what is happening outside my front door, but I can do my best to create a sense of order inside.

2. I’m allowing my son to keep his own hours and play lots and lots of video games. He’s 14 and his world just came to a screeching halt. No more hockey. No more school. I nixed visits to the mall, movies, and restaurants, as well as getting together with friends a week before the government did. I’m betting school is done for the year and that classes will eventually be moved online. This hasn’t happened yet, and as far as I’m concerned his education can wait until it’s launched.

3. I’m cooking. A lot. Bread. Pickled Lemons. Soups. Cookies. Pizza-from-scratch. See #1 about maintaining a sense of control.

4. Most people don’t know this because it’s not ‘Facebook-official’, but I have a boyfriend who lives in Paris. He’s stuck there now, alone, and I’m 6,124 km away. We’re staying connected thanks to What’sApp, FaceTime and HouseParty (depending which app seems to be working best.) Today, we went for a virtual (stationary) bike ride together. Hopefully, it will become a regular ‘date’ until we can meet again in 3-D.

5. I’m reaching out to friends. Ones I actually know, and ones I know only through Social Media. We’re all struggling to comprehend what is going on at the moment. Even a quick thumbs-up let’s people know they are not alone.

6. I’m tuning in to FB Live concerts, classes, and talks. Feeling part of a larger community, even through a screen, is good for the soul.

7. I’m restricting my media intake to legitimate new outlets like the CBC, Globe and Mail, The Guardian, and The Washington Post, and taking it in small doses.

8. I’m anticipating that my work will dry up for the foreseeable future. Once my brain starts functioning again, I’m planning to take a few copywriting courses so I’ll have new skills to offer when we finally come to the end of this horrible road. See #1 about maintaining a sense of control.

How are you dealing with #stayinghome? I invite you to share your strategies in the comments below. Your ideas may help someone get through their day.

Working from home because of Coronavirus? Here are 5 tips to make it work.

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:29:17 GMT

Working from home because of COVID-19? Here are 5 tips to make it work.

If you are one of the many people who have been told to work from home because of the global health crisis caused by COVID-19, you may be wondering how on earth you’re going to get everything done without the structure and stimulation of a traditional office environment.

As someone who’s been running a business out of my home office since 2004, I know a few things about the challenges – and benefits – of a 30-second commute.

So, if you find yourself suddenly working from home because of the Coronavirus outbreak, here are a few simple strategies to help you stay on track.

Create a dedicated work space

The biggest pitfall of working from home is allowing your work to dominate your home. If you hope to achieve any kind of efficient work-flow, enjoy a decent work-life balance, and avoid having sticky fingerprints on that vital report you’ve been working on for two weeks, creating a dedicated work space is key.

If you don’t have a home office, don’t worry. Your work station doesn’t have to be large, but it does need to be a dedicated area separate from your personal living space.

Create a work schedule

With your desk only steps away, it’s easy to work any time of the day or night. And that makes it easy to work around the clock. Having the flexibility to arrange your work schedule around your personal schedule is great. Never finding the time to spend with family and friends, not so much.

Set regular work hours, and then stick to your schedule.

Just do the work

With the kitchen just steps away from your office, it may be tempting to take a break and empty the dishwasher. Or fold the laundry. Or pick up your son’s dirty socks.

And with no boss looking over your shoulder, it’s easy to lose a morning to Facebook or the newest release on Netflix.

Getting up from your desk for a quick break or enjoying a proper lunch at your kitchen table is fine – but losing your day to housework or social media is no way to keep your boss happy.

Dress for success

Working from home means you can roll out of bed and hit your desk in your pajamas. Right?

Wrong.

You may not need to wear a button-down suit to work from home, but you should still dress in a manner that makes you look and feel like a productive professional.

Stay connected

Working from home means you get a break from the creep in the next cubicle or your narcissistic boss. But it also means you miss out on the camaraderie of a traditional work environment.

Working from home can be lonely and isolating, and you may find yourself having long conversations with the family pet.

Make an effort to stay connected with colleagues and clients. Schedule a coffee meeting, or go for lunch. If COVID-19 has you afraid to venture out, try a virtual coffee over Facetime or WhatsApp.

Regular social interaction is good for your mental health, will keep you motivated, and will help maintain the connections you need to enjoy professional success, long after Coronavirus has run its course.

If you work from a home office, share your biggest challenges and helpful hints in the comments below!

3 Victorian Valentine's Day Traditions To Try This Year

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:20:10 GMT

London Heritage Foundation - Blog

Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the coming spring (and fertility), but it was the Victorian’s who made it into the holiday we know today.

In England, before the invention of the modern postal system, most Valentines were simple sheets of paper, folded and sealed with wax. That all changed in 1840 with the introduction of the Uniform Penny Post, which meant that Valentine’s Day cards could be sent through the mail for just one penny. By 1871, the General Post Office in London (UK) handled more than 1 million Valentines a year. Now that’s a lot of love!

The tradition of sending cards to a beloved caught on in Canada and the US in the 1860s, but it wasn’t until 1913 that Hallmark got in on the action.

Today – in the age of swipes, snaps, texts, and tweets – sending a card through the mail may seem quaintly old-fashioned. But if you really want to make an impression on your Valentine, you might want to take a cue from the Victorians.

Here are three of our favourite Valentine’s Day traditions that deserve to be back in style:

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Naturally curious about natural beauty

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 16:30:11 GMT

Naturally curious about natural beauty

I’ve always been naturally curious, which comes in handy when you’re a freelance reporter and copywriter. After almost 16 years in the writing trenches I know quite a bit about a lot of subjects. (This is probably why a table of writers is a force to be reckoned with at any Trivia Night.)

Last year I had the good fortune to begin working with Mairi Shewfelt, who needed a copywriter to help with her new business, Yatta Brands.

As a committed Vegan with a taste for luxury, Mairi has searched far and wide to bring some of the top Vegan beauty and lifestyle products to the North American market. Think Italian perfumes, British face creams, body scrubs and hair products, Canadian-made soy candles, and American nail polish and makeup.

Along the way, Mairi has become a friend – and I’ve become a customer.

Why? Well, I’ve learned a lot about the beauty industry since working with Mairi, and here are two facts that really stood out:

1. Your skin is your largest organ.

2. Depending on which report you believe, the average women who uses cosmetics is exposed to between 200 and 600 chemicals just getting ready to face the day.

If you think that sounds crazy, just consider what’s involved in my morning routine:

Facial wash / shampoo / conditioner / hair styling product / eye cream / facial moisturizer / body cream / foundation with SPF / eyelid primer / eye shadow / eye liner / eyelash primer / mascara / blush / lipstick / deodorant

And that list doesn’t even include brushing my teeth!

I’m also at an age (49) when I have outlived a few of my friends, who have all died from cancer.

I know enough about science to understand that it’s almost impossible to pinpoint a direct cause-and-effect when it comes to this complex disease. I also know that we are living on a polluted planet and that it’s practically impossible to avoid chemicals. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

I made the switch to all-natural cleaning products a few years ago. I’m trying to buy organic whenever possible and have been cutting back on my meat consumption. And over the past few months I’ve started cleaning up my beauty routine.

I’m not here to plug a client or a particular brand, but I will say that Yatta has made it easy to find plant-based and toxin-free products that actually work. As a bonus, many are less expensive than the so-called premium brands I had been using. So, if you’re naturally curious about natural beauty….you know where to click .

Want to learn more about the chemicals lurking in your cosmetics? Check out this article from The Guardian.

Measured momentum

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 14:58:29 GMT

London Inc. magazine - February 2020

Carmina de Young is making her Canadian dream come true, one step at a time. Since graduating from the fashion design program at Fanshawe College in 2009, the Mexican-born Young has been working towards realizing her goal of making the Carmina de Young fashion label a household name.

In 2011, Young was designing and sewing custom event wear in her living room. By 2015, she had secured a modest Impact Loan through Goodwill Industries and moved production into the organization’s Centre for Social Enterprise and the Environment on White Oak Road. A year later, she brought her first ready-to-wear collection to the London market—sold through pop-up stores and private shopping events.

Today, the Carmina de Young team includes business advisor, Lina Bowden, and design director, Donald Procunier. The business occupies space on two floors of the social enterprise space, including an office, showroom and large sewing and production studio. And the Carmina de Young label is found in more than 20 boutiques across southwestern Ontario and British Columbia.

Read the full story.

5 questions to ask your wedding caterer

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:03:15 GMT

London Heritage Foundation - Blog

If 2020 started with an engagement – congratulations, it’s time to start planning your big day!

Once you’ve picked your venue, you’ll want to start thinking about your menu. Whether you’re dreaming of a large event or an intimate ceremony, food and drink will be one of the largest items in your wedding budget. So, it’s important to get it right.

At Elsie Perrin Williams Estate and Grosvenor Lodge, we trust our celebrations to three of London’s top caterers – Culinary Catering, Great Hall Catering, and Blackfriars Catering.

We reached out to find out what questions couples should ask to ensure their wedding caterer serves up exactly what they’re hoping for.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Farmhouse-inspired in St. Thomas

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 14:41:14 GMT

Our Homes London, Winter 2019

Since 1970, Hayhoe Homes has been designing and building houses that reflect how families want to live. Today, that means practical layouts, ample storage, and the attention to the details that truly make a house a home.

The Carson model home in St. Thomas's Orchard Park community is no exception. At 2,693 sq.ft., this four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house checks all the boxes.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

2020 – Word of the Year

Sun, 12 Jan 2020 20:23:18 GMT

2020 - Word of the Year

I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. (Who wants to start their year with a 12-month to-do list?) Instead, I have the tradition of setting my intention through a word that describes where I am, and where I’m going.

My word for 2020?

GROWTH.

Here’s why:

Looking back, 2019 was a bridge to a new beginning.

On the professional front, I launched a new website to better showcase my experience and skills as a copywriter and journalist. I strengthened my writing chops through intensive professional development. I began working with clients and publications outside of London, Ontario. And while my son is still super-busy with hockey, he’s now a teenager and in high school. So, the stage is set for the next stage of my career – and I can’t wait.

On the personal front, after several difficult years I am back in my happy place with ‘optimist’ as my default setting. I’ve made new friends and strengthened my connection with old ones. Without going into details on the world wide web, I have reconnected with myself on every level. I’ll be turning 50 later this year, and I’m ready to embrace my second act.

What’s your word for 2020? Or do you prefer to make a list of resolutions? Whatever your choice, words are powerful. Set your intentions and write them down. Then, let's make the next 12 months count.

Marketing Trends to Watch in 2020

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 16:33:39 GMT

Western Continuing Studies: December 2019

As 2019 draws to a close, it’s a great time to look ahead at the marketing trends set to shape 2020.

While technologies such as AI and data-driven marketing will continue to advance at lightning speed, Simone Moreau-Rodgers says that 2020 will be the year of the consumer.

“Artificial intelligence, the internet of things, robotics, and big data are all shifting the way we do business,” says Moreau-Rodgers, who teaches marketing fundamentals and marketing strategy in the new Professional Certificate in Marketing Management at Western Continuing Studies.

“But the biggest shift in marketing is the increased focus on the customer experience.”

Read the full story.

Winter Wedding Dos & Don'ts

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:18:37 GMT

London Heritage Foundation - Blog

Gently falling snow, cozy fireplaces, and mugs of mulled wine. Winter can be a romantic time of year to celebrate your love. If you’re dreaming of a Winter Wonderland wedding, here are a few dos and don’ts to help you make the most of the season.

Do pick your date with care.

The months between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day are packed with holidays – from Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza to New Year’s Eve and even Superbowl Sunday. If you’re planning on saying “I do” during the busy holiday season, keep in mind that some of your guests may have other plans.

My top 3 of 2019

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:02:49 GMT

My top 3 of 2019

Variety is one of the things I love most about being a freelance writer. Despite the commonly-given advice to ‘find a niche,’ I’ve always avoided focusing on one industry. Instead, I claim storytelling as my specialty. And over the past 12 months, I’ve had the privilege of sharing dozens of different stories in both the traditional and digital space.

This year, I’ve found it difficult to pick my favourite projects. But since this has become an annual tradition, here - in no particular order - are my top three of 2019.

Chapman’s Ice Cream - Website Copy

If you’re Canadian, chances are good that Chapman’s Ice Cream is part of some of your happiest memories. So, it was an honour to help this iconic Canadian company create their new website.

I worked closely with the PR and communications team to tell their brand story in a voice that is both friendly and informative.

But let’s be honest - the only thing more fun than writing about Chapman’s was sampling their products - all in the name of research, of course!

Check out the site , and think of me the next time you enjoy a scoop!

Lenape Nation - Feature Story

Last year I began writing for Broadview – formerly the United Church Observer Magazine. As the longest continuously-published magazine in Canada, they cover a wide variety of topics that go well beyond the Church.

This summer, Broadview asked me to report on a historic land transfer between the United Church and the Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit, more commonly known as the Lenape people of the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown.

Moraviantown is located less than 45 minutes from my front door, and yet I knew next to nothing about the history of this First Nation. It’s fascinating, and you can read more about it here.

Chief Denise Stonefish was kind enough to spend a morning with me at Moraviantown and the Fairfield historic site. In addition to being the leader of her Nation, she’s also a hockey goalie – just like my son – so we had plenty to chat about.

You can check out my story here , and if you are ever driving to Chatham I encourage you to take a few minutes to stop at the historic sites that commemorate the Fairfield community and the death of Chief Tecumseh at the Battle of the Thames.

Linear Perspective – Feature Story

It’s not often that you get to interview someone you’ve know since you were 14 years old. But that’s exactly what happened a few months ago when I was assigned a story about the 35th anniversary of Michael Gibson Gallery .

As the daughter of a professional print maker, I’ve known Michael Gibson since he purchased Roth Art on Talbot Street in the mid-80s. As a teenager, it just happened to be on one of my favourite blocks in downtown London.

I know first-hand how tough the art business can be, and it was inspiring to learn more about how Gibson has managed to survive, thrive and become one of the top commercial galleries in Canada – all without a formal background in art.

It just shows what you can accomplish with passion, hard work, community support, and some lucky breaks.

You can check out the story here . And if you’re in London, drop in to see his hockey-themed December exhibition.

On a personal note….

As I look ahead to 2020, I’d like to acknowledge three of my biggest blessings: my strong, sassy and resilient son, my friends and family who have kept me smiling through thick and thin, and my many clients who allow me to continue earning a living doing something I love.

I wish you all a peaceful, joyful, and prosperous New Year.

On The Cover : Melanie-Anne Atkins

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:22:37 GMT

Western Continuing Studies - December 11, 2019

Western Continuing Studies welcomes more than 3,000 adult learners every year. Each student follows a unique path to our classroom, but all are fueled by a passion to enhance their lives through professional development and personal enrichment.

Melanie-Anne Atkins featured on the cover of our Winter Course Calendar, shares a few key takeaways from her time at Western Continuing Studies.

Transformative Learning

Melanie-Anne Atkins calls her time at Western Continuing Studies “one of the most transformative experiences I’ve had in all my years of schooling.” That’s high praise from Atkins, who holds a Ph.D., Educational Psychology and who works as the Doctor of Education Manager at Western University.

Last summer, Atkins returned to the classroom to complete an accelerated certificate in Leading Through Conflict at WCS. “The idea of leading through conflict rather than trying to avoid it intrigued me,” she says. “It made a lot of sense, and I wanted to learn how to do it.”

Atkins had read widely about negotiation and mediation, but found the focus on winners and losers at odds with her background in equity and social justice.

“I believe when two people come together, we can both get what we want,” she notes. “But I didn’t have the language for that mindset - until I took this program.”

The 12-week accelerated certificate left Atkins with new leadership skills that have had a positive impact on both her professional and personal interactions.

Read the full story.

Linear Perspective

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 13:58:39 GMT

London Inc. magazine - December 2019

Michael Gibson is not one to shy away from taking a leap into the unknown.

It’s a quality that allowed him to purchase Roth Art—a framing and fine art poster business—while still in his 20s, despite having no professional background in the field. And it’s a quality that gave him the courage to reinvent that business 13 years later in a bid to survive the economic downturn of the 1990s.

Today, as Gibson celebrates 35 years in the field, Michael Gibson Gallery is a nationally-recognized commercial art gallery on par with any in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal or Calgary. The gallery represents both regional and national artists and works with serious art collectors from coast to coast. And Gibson has done it all from the heart of downtown London.

Read the full story.

Hands-on learning leads to a chosen career

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 17:22:21 GMT

Western Continuing Studies. Published November 2019

Like many university students, Jenna Fayad wondered how she would find meaningful employment after graduating with a degree in English and French literature from Western University.

“I didn’t want to pursue a career in teaching or journalism, but felt like there might be a future for me in communications,” the 23-year-old Fayad says.

She decided to continue her studies with a Post-Degree Diploma in Public Relations at Western Continuing Studies (WCS).

“I knew I needed a specialized skillset and recognized WCS as the place to learn from real-world practitioners,” says Fayad. She also knew a few people who had previously completed the program. “They all spoke extremely highly of it.”

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

5 Tips to Green Your Office Holiday Party

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 14:38:46 GMT

Heritage London Foundation - Blog

‘Tis the season of the office holiday party. And while these year-end get togethers can be a great opportunity to socialize with your co-workers away from the daily grind, they can also be stressful and bad for the environment.

Our suggestion? Keep it simple, and sustainable. Organizing an eco-friendly holiday party demonstrates your company values and can make a lasting positive impression on your employees. And that just makes good business sense.

Here are five simple tips to help make this year’s office celebration sustainable, socially responsible, and fun!

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

4 Frighteningly Fun Facts about Victorian Halloween

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 16:37:23 GMT

Heritage London Foundation - Blog

Don’t let the stiff black-and-white photographs fool you. The Victorians knew how to have fun, and Halloween was no exception.

What we now call Halloween grew out of the ancient Celtic harvest festival of Samhain and the spiritual observance of All Hallows Eve. Scottish and Irish immigrants brought the holiday to North America in the mid-1800s, where it was often celebrated with elaborate house parties.

At London’s Grosvenor Lodge, we keep the tradition alive with an annual Halloween Haunted Mansion. This year’s event features an escape room experience, October 25, 26, 27 & 30.

Guests will be locked in the mansion and asked to find clues and complete challenges in order to escape. If you’re brave enough, you’ll tour every inch of our property, from the creepy basement right up to the top floor landing. They’ll be volunteers to scare you silly around every corner!

To help you prepare for a good old-fashioned scare, here are four things that might surprise you about a Victorian Halloween.

Read the full blog.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Making headlines with the MARS 2020 rover

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:28:45 GMT

3 tips for writing a press release that works.

You may have heard that the press release is dead – a victim of the decline in traditional media. I’d like to respectfully disagree. Smaller newsrooms coupled with the growth of online publications and social media mean a well-written, well-timed, and well-placed press release can still pack a powerful punch.

Just ask the folks at Advanced Composites Training . They contacted me earlier this month for help telling an exciting story:

This summer, ACT CEO Wilson Boynton was invited to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab
to lend a hand in the production of the 2020 Mars rover.

Intrigued? So were the media, who quickly picked up the press release I prepared and sent out. ACT was featured on the evening news the very next day. The story was also included in a local weekly business news roundup and appeared on several industry websites, including this one.

Here’s why it worked:

1. We had a great story to tell!

Not everything is as newsworthy as working with NASA engineers on the Mars 2020 rover. But if you’re opening a new business, expanding an existing one, launching a new product, hosting a noteworthy speaker, organizing an exciting event, or doing anything that’s a bit out of the ordinary – it may be news that’s worth sharing.

2. We offered a selection of high-res photos.

Having a few high-res photographs to send out with your release makes it easy for news outlets to run your story.

Got video? In today’s digital age, that’s a bonus!

3. We sent it to the right people.

I have a pretty comprehensive contact list for local media. But when I asked ACT if there were any trade magazines that might be interested in their story, they delivered an impressive list of online and print publications. After a little bit of research, I had contact information for them, too.

It was exciting to see this little-known London company make news at home, and abroad. It just goes to show that a professionally-crafted media release can hit the mark, even in 2019.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

The Green Window

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 15:12:34 GMT

Website copywriting

Emily Cuddy is a young woman with a big dream. Instead of a burger joint on every corner, she wants to see a salad shop. Emily recently took her first step towards fulfilling that vision when she opened The Green Window in downtown London. Her website went live earlier this month.

When Emily contacted me to write her website copy, she knew exactly what she wanted; words that were as clean, crisp and honest as the food she serves. As a writer, I found her passion for quick, healthy and delicious food inspiring. I wanted to write copy that also conveyed her enthusiasm and positive energy.

Check out the results, and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Then, show this young entrepreneur some love and treat yourself to a delicious salad or bowl the next time you're in downtown London!

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Family Fare

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 14:02:47 GMT

London Inc. magazine, October 2019

Growing up in London, Constantine Marzavas spent summer holidays in Thisvi, Greece. He learned how to tend the family olive groves from his grandfather, while his dad—a beekeeper—passed on the art of making honey.

Fast forward to 2004, and Marzavas—now married and employed as a heavy equipment operating engineer—was working in Athens as the country prepared to host the Summer Olympics. After the Games, the couple was part of a movement of young people drawn back to village life, looking to make a living off the land. “With the recession, a lot of people decided to go back to their roots,” he explains.

Marzavas and his wife, Elena, returned to London in 2009, bringing along a drum of olive oil from the family farm. While other guests took wine to dinner parties, they were more likely to arrive with a bottle of oil. Thanks to rave reviews, the couple decided to make the elixir available to a wider audience.

Read the full story.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Celebrating 14 years in the mompreneur trenches

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 13:30:54 GMT

5 tips for mom & dad solopreneurs

Fourteen years ago today, I became a mom – and a mompreneur. I had graduated from J-school 18 months earlier and was already juggling a marketing and communications job with a fledgling freelance career when I welcomed my bundle of joy.

I kept freelancing during maternity leave, and never returned to the office.

My business earned just over $6,000.00 in that first year. Today, it brings in something close to a real income. I’m still not a ‘six-figure freelancer,’ but I also don’t work full-time hours. Instead, I enjoy the best of both worlds – having a job I love and the flexibility to be a hands-on mom.

Of course, not everyone has the financial freedom to step back from full-time work and a stable paycheck. But for those women (and men) who are juggling entrepreneurship and parenthood, here are five things I’ve learned over the past 14 years in the mompreneur trenches.

Accept your limitations

Before children, plowing through a to-do list is as easy as 1-2-3. But once that baby is born just getting out of the house can be a major undertaking. If you are working from home and your child is not in daycare, set realistic expectations and cut yourself some slack.

Yes, you may be able to work during nap time. But you may also need to catch up on your own sleep.

And you may not give birth to a napper. My son was a bundle of boundless energy right from day one. While other kids slept four to six hours a day, I was lucky to get him down for 45 minutes. Luckily, he loved hanging out in a sling while I was at my computer as a newborn, joined me in my office in his Jolly Jumper later on, and started a morning preschool program as soon as he was old enough to be registered.

To be honest, I don’t know how I got any work done during those first few years. But I kept my fingers in the game and discovered two things:

>It gets easier.

>I became more efficient.

Today, I’m often amazed at how much I can get done during school hours. If I have to bring work to the hockey rink, I can do that too. Luckily, the internet is (almost) everywhere, and my iPad fits comfortably in my purse.

Get out of the office

Working as a solopreneur can be isolating. So while this may seem counterproductive, carving out time away from the office is one of the best things you can do to stay refreshed and motivated.

If there’s a professional organization or kick-ass networking group in your area, find the time to join and show up as much as possible. Having a group of colleagues to call on for advice (or just to vent) can be a blessing.

It’s also a great way to grow your customer base.

Be honest with your clients

I am always upfront about the fact that I am a solopreneur who works from a home office. In over 15 years, it’s never cost me a job.

As a now-single mom to a competitive hockey player, I spend most evenings chauffeuring to the rink. So when I’m up against a pressing deadline, I wake up before dawn to get things done.

If your work schedule is full, don’t be afraid to ask potential new clients if their deadline is flexible. You’d be amazed how accommodating people can be if they really want to work with you.

If you simply can’t take on a new project, be gracious about making a referral to a colleague who may be able to help out. You’ll find these favours are returned over time.

Ask for help when you need it

If you need an uninterrupted block of time to focus on work, ask family or friends to help out with the childcare duties. Arrange a play date. Hire a sitter. There will be times when you can’t be everything to everyone. And that’s OK.

Make some me-time

You have undoubtedly read this before, but it’s worth repeating:

> Make time to do something for yourself – outside of work and being a parent.

Despite my self-imposed limitations on my work hours, I give myself permission to do an exercise class one morning a week. And as my son has grown up, I’ve started saying ‘yes’ to more and more evening events too.

If you're a solopreneur, how do you balance work and family? Let me know in the comments below!

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Suburban Transformation

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 14:31:16 GMT

Our Homes London & Middlesex County, Fall 2019

Two factors alone were enough to convince this young family to take a chance on a traditional suburban property in south London: location and lot size.

The house itself, however, was not at all what the homeowner had in mind. Built in 1979, the layout lacked flow and the decor was dated. But the spacious backyard, the proximity to the highway and a great listing price won the day.

"We knew we were going to do a complete renovation," the homeowner says, "but we lived here for four months before we figured out what we wanted to do with the space."

Read the full story.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Temple Israel of London

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 17:41:44 GMT

Temple Israel website project.

If you have the ability to help out, I believe you should help out. So when Temple Israel of London asked if I would oversee the creation of their new website, I agreed. Like many older websites, theirs had grown unwieldy and it was time for a complete overhaul.

Knowing my limitations, I recommended hiring the graphic design and programming services of Lionel Morise of Renaissance Monkey Design.

I’ve worked with Lionel before, and knew him to be a consummate professional who is also friendly and happy to walk people through the ins-and-outs of their new site. His rates are also very reasonable. In fact, I’ve recommended Lionel to several small business owners, and they’ve all been delighted with the results.

Working with the Rabbi and members of the synagogue board, I think we came up with a modern website that reflects the organization’s values and approach, is simple to navigate, and easy for the synagogue staff and volunteers to update.

The site went live in early September.

Take a look at our work and let me know what you think!

The Podcast Boom

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 15:07:16 GMT

Ivey Intouch, Published September 3, 2019

The podcast is having a moment. This surprisingly intimate form of digital communication is the perfect fit for our multi-tasking lives. A suitable podcast is always at your fingertips, and there’s a good chance you’re tuning in.

According to the 2019 edition of The Infinite Dial – an annual survey by Edison Research and Triton Digital – more than half of all Americans have listened to a podcast, and just over one third tune in on a monthly basis. That’s up from one in four people the previous year.

Apple confirmed there are more than 550,000 podcasts. The most popular genres? Comedy, education, and news.

Getting a podcast up and running is as simple as downloading an app, talking into your phone or mic, and distributing your soundbites around the world. With millions of people looking for free, mobile, customized content 24/7, podcasts offer a powerful opportunity for businesses – and individuals – to reach a global audience and build their brand.

So, it’s no surprise that Ivey alumni have taken to the airwaves. Here, two experienced podcasters share their adventures in this booming digital space.

Read the full story.

A lifelong commitment to learning

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 13:12:58 GMT

Western Continuing Studies, Published August 2019

Darren Hack believes in the value of lifelong learning.

He’s been taking courses through Western Continuing Studies since 2003, having completed certificates in Advanced Project Management and Agile Project Management as well as professional certificates in Leadership, Management, and Project Management.

Today Hack is working towards his Advanced Professional Certificate in Leadership and his Professional Certificate in Business Analysis, both through WCS.

Hack has combined his studies with a 29-year career with the City of London. He currently serves as Manager of Financial Systems, overseeing a team of 16. “Learning keeps me engaged,” he says. “And you can always take away something that can be applied at work.”

Hack first signed up for WCS shortly after starting a new role as a project manager with the City of London in 2002. “My manager had taken the course and highly recommended it,” he recalls. “At that point I had significant experience working on large projects, but WCS pulled everything together for me. I enjoyed it and kept going.”

Read the full story.

Ready for Re-Launch

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 16:16:47 GMT

A new website, a new blog, a new beginning.

From the outside, it may look like I’ve had a quiet summer. There haven’t been many new articles or projects to share. That’s because I took an intentional step back from working in order to make time to work on my business.

In late spring I signed up for a six-month online coaching program with Ed Gandia , geared specifically towards freelance copywriters. Ed’s course helped me take a strategic look at my business and prompted me to blow up my website and start from scratch.

The results went live last week, just in time for the back-to-school and back-to-work season.

Anyone who’s ever worked on a website project knows they tend to drag on well past the initial deadline. But thanks to Adam Strange of Strange Ideas , this project was practically painless and I’m thrilled with the results.

At the end of August, a friend mentioned she was going to join the London Chamber of Commerce . Thanks to Ed’s course, I had recognized that many of my favourite long-term clients are people that I have met, either on volunteer committees, through interviews, or socially.

I knew I needed to do more networking, but honestly – it can be a big time-waster, and as a single-mom to a competitive hockey player, time is often my most precious commodity.

Also, I had always assumed that my business was too small to join the Chamber of Commerce. Wasn’t that for big-boys in suits? My friend assured me it was not. And guess what? They have a membership for small business owners like me!

I applied, was asked if I had any interest in joining the Marketing Committee, and said yes. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, and helping the Chamber spread the word that you are never too small to join.

So here I am, with a new website, a new blog, and a new professional membership. It may have been a quiet summer at Spilled Ink Writing & Wordsmithing, but it certainly wasn’t an unproductive one.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter and copywriter, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.

Women who #MakeAnImpact

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 15:12:04 GMT

Originally posted March 16, 2019

I’ve been too busy to blog this month, so I missed getting this prepared and posted in time for International Women’s Day on March 8. Luckily, I discovered that women (rightly) get more than 24 hours of recognition.

In the US, Great Britain, and Australia March is Women’s History Month.

For some reason, here in Canada we celebrate women in October. The theme for 2018 was #MakeAnImpact.

As a freelance journalist and copywriter, I am fortunate to meet and write about many amazing women. Here are four who made an impact during 2018.

Nicole Haney

Many people dream of leaving the security of their office job to launch their own business. Nicole Haney actually took the leap, trading in her desk at Ivey Business School for her kitchen.

As the founder of Boho Bakery, she’s been sharing her passion for healthy and delicious snacks with an ever-growing customer base. I interviewed Nicole for the March, 2018 issue of London Inc. magazine – just as her Boho Bars business was taking off.

You can read the full story here .

Today, Nicole has achieved her goal of breaking into the Toronto market. You can now find Boho Bars in more than 20 retailers across the GTA.

I’m a Peanut Butter lover myself, and I usually have a few bars handy as a healthy snack-on-the-go. Keep your eyes on Nicole and her Boho Bars – if they are not already at a supermarket or health food store near you, chances are they will be soon.

Nicole Girotti

Like so many women, Nicole Girotti wears many hats. She holds a full-time position at Western University, is an instructor at Western Continuing Studies (WCS), and is the mother of two young children.

If that wasn’t enough, Nicole is also a WCS student where she has completed numerous professional certificates and is working towards several more.

I interviewed Nicole about her commitment to learning, and the challenges of juggling work, studying, and a family.

You can read my story here .

For Nicole, there’s no such thing as a “perfect work-life balance.” I love her honesty, her energy, and her determination to keep on growing.

Alison Konrad and Mirit Grabarski

Lots of people talk about gender and diversity in the workplace, but Professor Alison Konrad and PhD candidate Mirit Grabarski actually study it.

For them, diversity is more than a buzzword. It’s a social justice issue and a way to create a more equal and tolerant society.

These strong, smart women also work and teach at Ivey – and I had the pleasure of interviewing them for the school’s In Touch alumni magazine.

You can read that interview here . If you make it to the end, you’ll get to my favourite part where they answer the question: If you could give your younger self advice about navigating the workplace as a women, what would it be?

Their response might surprise you. And it got me thinking – whether you’re male or female, what would your answer be?

Take 5 with Kelsey Ramsden

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 14:58:04 GMT

Originally published June 19, 2017

This week started with a smashed cell phone, which put me behind the eight ball work wise. But I decided to honour my commitment to attend a breakfast meeting with Mompreneurs London on Thursday – and it was well worth the effort.

This month’s speaker was Canadian businesswoman Kelsey Ramsden.

This mother of three was named Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneur by Profit and Chatelaine magazines in 2012 & 2013. She has founded and run everything from a construction company to a monthly play subscription service, holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business, and is an in-demand business coach and speaker. And that’s the extreme Coles Notes version of her resumé.

See why I went?

Instead of simply presenting a prepared talk, Kelsey took questions from the audience. She answered with a refreshing mix of candor, humour and no BS honesty.

My journalism ears pricked up. Instead of taking conventional notes, I began to jot down newsworthy quotes.

In no particular order, here are my top five takeaways from Kelsey Ramsden:

On the biggest lesson learned as a business woman:

“Check your ego”

On developing a marketing strategy:

“Move the closest people closer to the line.”

On selecting an online marketing platform:

“Human interaction converts best.”

On launching a speaking career:

“Learning how to speak is a different skill set from having something to say.”

On time management:

“To find time, steal it from somewhere else. The world will not end if your laundry does not get done.”

Words of wisdom for the week ahead!

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Working on your website? Here are 5 reasons why you should never leave your words to the last minute.

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 14:51:16 GMT

It happened again. Someone contacted me looking for copy for their new website. After a general discussion about the project- how many pages they needed, whether I would be starting from scratch or polishing existing content, and who the target audience would be – I asked a simple question:

“When do you hope to launch the site?” Their answer: “By the end of the month.” Less than three weeks away.

I get it. People spend a lot of time working on design – their logo, colour scheme, and a wire frame. They may arrange a photo shoot and even have a video produced. The words? Those can get dropped in at the end.

Here’s why that’s the wrong approach:

A good looking website is important. It needs to be easy to navigate, and function properly. But even the most stunning photographs won’t sell your products and services if your words aren’t up to snuff. If your message isn’t clear you’ll lose sales. Period. Getting to the heart of what you really want to say, who you are saying it to, and what you want those people to do, takes effort.
After 15 years in the business, I’m pretty good at writing copy that is ‘on brand.’ But, I’m not a mind reader. My favourite clients are the ones who treat my first draft as just that – a FIRST draft. If something I’ve written doesn’t sit quite right, they let me know. And sometimes words read differently on the screen. I’m always happy to take another run – or two – at your copy. A bit of back-and-forth can take some time, but the results are worth it.
SEO. Your web designer should be ensuring your site is optimized ‘behind the scenes.’ But to help with organic search, your copy needs to be SEO-friendly too. Someone needs to research keywords and phrases. If you don’t have a list to send along, that someone will be me.
I know a little about a lot of things, but I’m probably not an expert in your field. In an ideal world, I’ll spend a few hours checking out your competitors’ websites to get a feel for your industry.
I’ve got regular copywriting clients, and I’m a contributor to a handful of magazines. I’m blessed to have ongoing work, but that means I’ll be writing your website copy while I’m juggling several other projects. I’m a queen of time management and I love what I do, but I also have a life.

Here’s one final copywriting misconception that I hear on a fairly regular basis:

“I only need a few sentences, so it shouldn’t take very long.”

In reality, it can take more time to write 60 words than 600. Why? Because if space is limited, every word counts. Those short, snappy phrases have probably gone through dozens of rewrites.

My advice to anyone working on their website? Give your copy the attention it deserves. Start thinking about your words at the outset. And if you’ll be working with a professional copywriter, reach out right away.

As for the person who contacted me this week? I’m going to squeeze them in to my already-full calendar. Happy writing!

Downsizing done right

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:01:33 GMT

Our Homes London & Middlesex, Summer 2019

Decluttering may spark joy, but downsizing from a traditional family home is a step that shouldn’t be taken lightly. After careful consideration, one London couple decided that while they did indeed want to scale down, moving to a condo was not for them. Instead, they have opted to enjoy the next stage of life in a tastefully renovated bungalow.

“We’re both retired and felt that we no longer wanted to maintain a large house and property,” the homeowner says.

Spaces to relax individually within a new home and easy access to a backyard and garden were at the top of their checklist nonetheless. After 35 years in the same neighbourhood, the couple didn’t want to lose their sense of community by moving to a different part of town. They wanted the convenience of one floor living in a space that was open and filled with light. They also wanted to incorporate their art and collectibles into the new space.

It took almost five years to find a house that fit the bill.

Read the full story.

The Rise of the Side Hustle

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 13:57:38 GMT

Ivey In Touch, Spring 2019

If you hear the phrase “side hustle” and immediately think “hipster millennial,” you may want to think again. In fact, the side hustle – defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “a part-time job or occupation undertaken in addition to one’s regular employment” – is a growing trend that spans multiple generations.

A 2017 U.S. survey by GoDaddy found that while half of all millennials had some kind of side hustle, so did a quarter of baby boomers. Most people cited the need to earn additional income as the primary motivation for their side hustle, but a majority also hoped it would turn into their full-time gig.

The desire to pursue a passion is what sets the side hustle apart from a regular second job. And passion is certainly what drives these side-hustling Ivey grads.

Read the full story.

Lenape Nation ‘long dreamed’ about return of land: chief

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 13:53:47 GMT

The scene is a familiar one in rural southwestern Ontario – a stand of trees surrounded by a farmer’s field. But if this piece of land could talk, it might tell stories of Fairfield, a thriving village where missionaries and Indigenous people lived together, welcoming travellers who passed through the region.

It might tell the tale of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, fatally wounded at the Battle of the Thames on Oct. 5, 1813, less than four kilometres away. It might bear witness to those American soldiers burning the village to the ground as they returned to Fort Detroit. And today, it might rejoice at being reunited with the First Nation that settled it 227 years ago.

On May 10, this piece of land east of Thamesville, Ont. was transferred from The United Church of Canada to the Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit, more commonly known as the Lenape (Lunaapeew) people of the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown.

Read the full story.

Published July 3, 2019, Broadview Magazine

Making time to take time off

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 13:39:28 GMT

If you’re a freelancer like me, chances are you’ve got friends and family who think your work life involves rolling out of bed around noon before spending a few hours in front of your computer wearing your pyjamas.

After more than 30 years hustling for my next gig -first as a musician and since 2004 as a journalist and copywriter - I can tell you that nothing could be further from the truth.

For most freelancers - myself included - anxiety over where the next pay check is coming from keeps us on a perpetual search for new projects. That’s on top of making sure we keep current clients happy by producing consistently high-quality work and (too often) politely chasing overdue invoices.

Sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day just to keep the ball rolling.

That’s why it took me almost 30 years to take a real vacation. In fact, last summer was the first time in my adult life that I completely closed my business to take time off.

And guess what? The sky didn’t fall in!

Instead, I returned refreshed and ready to dive back in.

In fact, the experiment was so successful that I decided to do it again this year - for a week in July and another in August. I escaped to Lake Huron, and left my laptop at home.

Here’s how I made it work:

I planned my time off well in advance, so I could manage my workload accordingly.
I gave existing clients plenty of warming so we could make sure nothing fell through the cracks while I was away.
I honoured my time off by making sure I could complete projects before I left, or by asking clients to extend their deadline by a week or two. I learned there can be a surprising amount of wiggle room - if you ask.

Then, I cleaned my office, turned off my laptop - and left it at home.

Did I check emails from my phone while I was away? Yes - once in the morning and again at night.

Did I get sucked in to new work? No. I simply explained that I was away from the office for a week and would follow up upon my return. Then I made a note for myself so I didn’t forget!

Did I lose any gigs by giving myself a break from the daily grind? I probably lost out on a couple magazine assignments, because the editorial deadline simply wouldn’t work on my end. Did I burn my bridge with the editor? No. (And I have two queries ready to send out at the end of this month to make sure he hasn’t forgotten about me.)

Will I do it again next year? Absolutely! In fact, I am hoping to treat myself to enjoying a few quick getaways this fall and winter. The reality is - life is short, when it comes to work almost no-one is irreplaceable, and if you don’t make time to take time for yourself, it just won’t happen.

Where do you think I should go on my next non-work-related adventure?