News and advice from the team at Last Word
Viewing entries by
Anna Jaquiery
So you’ve decided to start your own business? For most of us who make the decision to work for ourselves, it’s an exciting if somewhat daunting proposition. There are many things to consider before you take the leap.
The first thing is that you really need to do something you love. As with any creative project, there is little point taking risks if you’re not investing in something you believe in, wholeheartedly
Part of what’s involved in owning a company is trying to gauge what the future holds and what you might need to do to stay in business. And that’s not always easy. Integrating complex and swiftly changing trends into your business strategy can be hugely challenging.
It is, however, a necessary process. Some of the questions you will want to answer include the impact of demographic change on your customer base, as well as the impact of new technologies and future economic trends, both at home and globally.
Good writing is one of the hardest things to get right. And in our digital age, it is gradually becoming a precious commodity, not dissimilar to the skills required to handcraft a beautiful piece of furniture.
Good writing goes further than the ability to string words together, or insert a comma in the right place. It is about taking your reader on a journey, by creating a story they will believe and immerse themselves in, from beginning to end.
As a communicator, you might already know what strategies work best with your clients, where your strengths lie, and where you need to channel your energy.
But you’re probably also keeping your ear to the ground and gauging what developments are impacting your sector. Staying on top of your game and ahead of others is crucial in a field that is both crowded and competitive.
Here are a few trends that will shape communications in 2017.
Christmas is a time for family and friends, for reflecting on the year that has passed and for winding down. For businesses, it is also a great time to offer a little extra to surprise and excite clients. Creative initiatives during this period can go a long way towards securing loyalty and attracting new business.
So this Christmas, while others are adding tinsel to their trees and buying gifts, why not add some sparkle to your marketing and communications strategy? Here are some ideas you might want to consider:
It’s that time of year when most of us are winding down from work and looking forward to a well-deserved break. December 25 means spending time with family and friends, and gathering around a Christmas roast. In New Zealand, the end of the year might mean a longer break than usual over the summer period. Some of us might be staying home, going camping or cycling, discovering new places around the country or revisiting familiar spots. Others might be getting on a plane, exploring new cities and continents.
Good communications is about finding the right words to tell a story. But in a world of information overload, one has to consider the singular power of images.
Each day, we are bombarded with news. Articles, blogs, and editorials flood the Internet. Everyone is commenting on everything, whether it’s on Facebook, Twitter or on various websites where commentary is welcome, encouraged. We are continually assaulted with words. How much do we process, and remember?
In order to be a good communicator, you need words. But the words mean nothing without the people who inform them, who read and respond to them.
As a communications professional, you might find yourself writing a press release, editing an annual report, penning a feature article, or drafting a submission. It’s often a versatile role that tests your writing skills in a variety of ways.
