Glad You’re Here. Now Come On Over…

There’s new stuff (and a lot of it) on the new site. Please come join me there… The blog is way more active on the new site, and some great people regularly join the conversation. The new site is live at mandyvavrinak.com. The new blog entries are also there. Please come check it out… !

Also on the new site is more information about me and my professional services.

If you need:

> Marketing Strategy

> Writing, Editing or Design work

> Advertising or Media Planning, Production or Buying

> Social Media Consulting

> Branding

> Economic Development Marketing or Retail Recruitment

I’m your girl. Well… me and a team of talented folks… Give me a shout and let me know how I can help you

New Website & Blog is Live

My new website is now live. Still a work in progress, but live. The blog is moving there, as well. All the posts and comments on this site have been transferred there and will live on.

This site will remain live for a while longer as I complete the transition to the new one. Please drop by & let me know what you think with a blog comment on the “Website is Live” post on the new site!

Thanks

5 Basic Communication Rules

I dropped my oldest child, now a freshman, off at school to attend his first high school dance tonight. I’d already cautioned him about appropriate behaviour, being where he was supposed to be when he was supposed to be there, etc., etc., when I realized I was delivering the same admonitions my own parents slung at me before my first “real” dance way back when. I took a deep breath, looked him squarely in the eyes, and told him I knew that he knew what I expected from him, and I knew he’d come through. And to have a good time.

Now, I’m not a new-age parent, or parent-as-friend practitioner, either. We walk on the stricter side of life when it comes to expectations and consequences. I know that my son understands what my expectations are because I’ve clearly communicated them to him over the course of many, many interactions. I also know he understands the consequences if he violates my trust in him because he’s experienced those many times as well.

Clear communication is the foundation for successful interactions, be they in business, among friends and co-workers, or between parents and children. Do you…

1. Clearly communicate what you want to have happen in a given situation? Be home by 9:30. Call us to set up a free appointment to evaluate your current materials. Order online.
2. Clearly explain any options or choices? Think of menus in restaurants, options on cars, travel packages… so many things could be improved through clear communication of any choices the buyer may have. My kid can either have me drop him off and pick him up, or one of the parents I know and trust among a select group of his friends. Those are the options.
3. Set expectations for timeframes and urgency? If the deal expires at MIDNIGHT, let me know! If your grass seed only performs optimally when planted in March, tell me. If coming home 2 minutes past 9:30 is still considered late, better let the kid know.
4. Revisit the important points as needed? Did your kids eat their vegetables after only telling them to do so one time? Mine didn’t either. Sometimes you need to repeat yourself in your copy, in your verbal presentation or in your parenting.
5. Deliver the promised results? If he’s late, he’s grounded. When we say it will ship today, it will ship today. It really is a free, no strings attached evaluation of your current marketing material.

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.

Have any additional basic communication rules? Please share them in the comments.