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Archive for the ‘Writing’ Category

Some Favorite PR People, Sites and Resources

March 3rd, 2010 by Mandy Vavrinak

I spent some time this week editing my feed reader and was reminded again about how much good information exists out there on the interwebs. Also a lot of bad, really bad, information… and I want to make sure to share the good stuff with you guys.
I compiled a beginning list on the Journal Record’s [...]

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Posted in Public Relations, Small Business, Social Media, Social Media, Writing | 4 Comments »

My brother is a shoe bomber (Or… context matters)

February 26th, 2010 by Mandy Vavrinak

So…. my brother is in Nashville for an FOP convention (for the uninitiated, that’s the Fraternal Order of Police). While wandering around the sights after the convention wraps, the sole of his boot starts to separate. He, being the McGyver type and also a serious cheapskate, decides to use superglue to reattach the sole. He makes the repair, and satisfied with the results, winds up the trip, packs and heads to the airport.

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Start with WHY – and Win

January 22nd, 2010 by Mandy Vavrinak

List posts have their place, and I know they are good for traffic. I’ve written them, too. But our super-connected world and the constant flow of information seems to be driving us to oversimplify complex subjects and interactions. By creating lists. Lots of lists. In some cases, lists of lists.
I’m not against all lists… I [...]

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Posted in Marketing, Public Relations, Small Business, Social Media, Social Media, Writing | 3 Comments »

It’s NOT a “Fall Festival”

October 29th, 2009 by Mandy Vavrinak

It’s Halloween. Part of a three-day celebration (at least, in the Catholic church) called Hallowstide. All Saints’ Day, or All Hallows Day, is November 1st. The eve before is therefore All Hallow’s Evening… All Hallow’s e’en… Hallowe’en. The day after (in case you’re curious) is All Souls’ Day, or Day of the Dead.

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Truths About Building Community

October 20th, 2009 by Mandy Vavrinak

If the purpose is to create “a community of bicycle enthusiasts” you need to re-think. You’ve defined who you’re after (bicycle enthusiasts) but not WHY they’ve come and WHAT you hope they’ll do for or be to each other. A better purpose (lens) would be seeking to create “A place where bicycling enthusiasts can share knowledge about the best trails/rides so others can discover and enjoy them, too.”

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Posted in Marketing, Public Relations, Small Business, Social Media, Writing | 7 Comments »

Hardwired to Communicate

October 14th, 2009 by Mandy Vavrinak

Humans are hardwired to communicate. Effective communication involves framing and sending signals plus receiving/interpreting them accurately. Reducing the noise between buyer and seller would yield immediate tangible benefits.
Even more life-changing would be this type of investment in our other personal relationships.

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Beyond “Know Your Audience” > Writing With Purpose

October 8th, 2009 by Mandy Vavrinak

But I challenge you to go beyond “writing for people interested in marketing” (for instance)… are they neophytes? Experienced but still enthusiastic? Jaded? Bored with the field and seeking new inspiration? A post that would appeal to a neophyte marketer and one that would appeal to the jaded among us are likely very different posts even though both would be written for people interested in marketing.

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Posted in Marketing, Small Business, Social Media, Writing | 3 Comments »

5 Basic Communication Rules

August 25th, 2009 by Mandy Vavrinak

If you clearly set expectations with your customers (or your kids), including noting the choices or options available, sharing any relevant urgency, reminding them of the important parts and delivering what you promised, your interactions will be much more fruitful.

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Posted in Interesting Stuff / Other Things, Marketing, Small Business, Writing | 3 Comments »

It's Complacency That Breeds Contempt – For Your Audience

July 29th, 2009 by Mandy Vavrinak

A few butterflies before a presentation is a good thing… it’s been said that familiarity breeds contempt but I think it’s complacency that breeds contempt for your audience.

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Real Writing Help and Support

July 28th, 2009 by Mandy Vavrinak

I just found this new service called eduify. It helps you write faster and smarter, rather like having a writing coach by your side. It’s in beta testing at the moment. Some of the tools include:

Finding Quotes, citing sources
Creating work cited pages
Tutorials & writing examples
Checking for Plagiarism
Storing, Sharing, Editing documents online
Community & expert help

Check it [...]

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