My colleague Emily Oliver, owner of Goals Garden, recently shared info about a networking event called, “What is Your Business Love Language?” Not only did this resonated with me, but it inspired this pre-Valentine’s Day Wordsmith Wednesday post!
I get it – not everyone cares as much about good grammar as I do. But proper grammar usage actually DOES make us look more professional – even in this era of fewer words and shorter attention spans.
‘Tis the season when we focus on gratitude. And nothing says “I totally appreciated that” like sending a handwritten note.
Okay – maybe diamonds or a big wad of cash would be more impressive. But when it comes to heartfelt and sincere, a simple thank you note takes the cake. It’s classy. It sends a powerful message about what you value {kindness, generosity, manners.} And it makes the recipient feel special. Really special.
So why don’t we actually do it?
“Easy reading is damn hard writing.” – Anonymous
I wrote this before the COVID-19 s**t storm hit, and have struggled with whether to revise or toss it. Who needs more crap to sift through when we’re focused on staying afloat?
But one of the ways I cope with anxiety is by being productive. So I’m posting it – not just to have something to do, but because it’s {sort of} relevant.
Now more than ever, the content we write has to be readable.
“At its heart, a compelling brand story is a kind of gift that gives your audience a way to connect with you as one person to another.” Ann Handley
Just in time for the holiday shopping blitz, the WSJ reported at least a third of the online reviews for major retailers are phony.
In my neighborhood, inflatables sprouted on front lawns like weeds. Faux reindeer mixed with twirling snow globes and outsized Woodys or Charlie Browns. Read more
At a networking event last week, a woman I’d just met asked if anything has surprised me on the journey from where I started my business to where I am today. Without hesitation, I replied, “The fact that my idea actually worked!”
During the year I spent dreaming about Open Heart Creative, there was one thing I knew for sure: I wanted to work with women-led businesses.
I got plenty of pushback. “Why target just women?” “Aren’t you limiting yourself?” Read more
The heart-shaped balloons and bedazzled boxes of candy started hitting shelves January 2nd.
I think buying chocolate a month and a half before gifting it to your sweetheart is a bit sketchy. But I do enjoy seeing hearts at every turn. They’re a daily reminder of the value of moving through the world with an open heart.
I’m often asked why I named my business Open Heart Creative. The questions range from, “So, what’s with the heart thing?” to “Oh, you mean, like, open heart surgery?” Read more
My throat’s been really sore the past few days. The kind of sore that radiates into your chest, makes swallowing torture, and talking a last resort.
Whenever this happens I’m reminded of the healer who once told me I had a tendency towards imbalance in my throat chakra.
This wasn’t great news for someone whose livelihood revolves around communication, but it wasn’t a total surprise. The throat chakra is sort of like the Oval Office for creative self-expression: It‘s the energy center that allows us to communicate with clarity and confidence. Read more
It’s February – and we all know what that means. We’re bombarded with messages about love and romance and (if we’re women) keeping our hearts healthy.
All this heart talk got me thinking about my relationships with the people and things I love. Which eventually led to the following question:
When was the last time you fell in love…with your business? Read more
I’ve been telling stories about people, places and businesses my entire career. As Chief Storyteller at Open Heart Creative, I’m privileged to share my story in the process of helping other business owners share theirs.