MORE THAN PROFIT

Attention Getting Communication Strategies (Or W.C. Fields Was Wrong)

“Never work with animals or children.” W.C. Fields

Companies wanting to get their messages out are probably best not to follow W.C.’s advice.  After all, page two of this past weekend’s Toronto Star has an article about the latest in viral YouTube sensations: “Emerson–Mommy’s Nose is Scary,” which, at this moment, has more than seven million viewers. The video of the baby, whose response to his mother’s nose blowing alternates from looking  stunned and terrified to cracking up laughing has, according to the article, caught the attention of Good Morning America and the Today Show. Perhaps he will soon be given his own TV show, or at least a commercial like Jessica from that other viral video “Daily Affirmations.” (Although I would be interested in knowing how well that ad is working. I recalled the optimistic affirmation speaking young one from her YouTube video but I do not remember the product that was being advertised.)

So does that mean that you need to use a charming kid to get your message out?

Not necessarily, but you do need to rise above the clutter of the information overload we experience daily. Read the rest of this entry »

Green Guide for Communicators

Confused about the difference between Social Responsibility, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability? Don’t know what the ISO 26000 is? Want to help your business go green but are afraid of being accused of green washing?

Two of my colleagues on the International Association of Business Communicators Social Responsibility Committee have put together this excellent guide. Useful for anyone interested in the topic, it also has some local Toronto resources that you might want to check out.