Tag Archives: business

Filling Out My Dream Team Roster

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By Jason Menard

It’s been proven over and over in sports that success does not come exclusively by having the best players — it’s having the best team that wins championships. After all, even on the Dream Team not everyone could be Michael Jordan. Someone’s had to be Christian Laettner.

That rings true in all aspects of life, including business and politics. Everyone wants to be (or thinks they are) the idea person, the visionary, the leader. There’s a whole market predicated on selling motivational posters to those who want to believe that individualism matters more than collective will.

It’s true that single-mindedness and tunnel vision can lead to successfully completing a goal or project. And if you’re interested in your own needs, that’s often enough. But true success — the kind that uplifts people from across all walks of life — can only come from balance and teamwork. Continue reading →

What Would Jesus Tweet?

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By Jason Menard

What Would Jesus Tweet? If Facebook will not come to Muhammad, then would Muhammed log on to Facebook? And what is the role of religion on social networking?

For obvious reasons, this weekend I found an increase in religious commentary on both my Facebook timeline and Twitter feeds. From generalized well wishes to full-scale scripture-quoting, the Christians were out in full force.

But does social media represent the right forum for religious messaging — especially if you’re also using social networking as a business tool? Continue reading →

Fear Drowning in Social Media? Start in Shallow End, Avoid ‘Expert’ Sharks

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By Jason Menard

Small-business owners who may be interested in dipping a toe into the social media waters are, naturally, scared of drowning. And certain “experts” are no better than sharks who end up dragging people down with over-aggressive projects and plans.

Though it may not be as lucrative, any responsible social media consultant should encourage businesses to test out the shallow end of social networking — and not drown them in flash and hyperbole. Sadly, for a business that preaches honesty, there are more than a few shysters who don’t practice it. Continue reading →

Don’t Let the Roar of the So-Called Social Media Expert Misdirect Your Business

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By Jason Menard

Why is it that so many so-called social media experts promote their craft with all the subtlety of a carnival barker? It’s true, the squeaky wheel gets the grease – but in the case of social networking, that grease is often little more than snake oil.

I’ve been heavily involved with social networking as part of my job for a few years now. I love it, I think I’m good at it, and I strongly believe in its potential for both business and personal applications. Continue reading →

What if We Stopped Filling Space with Empty Words?

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By Jason Menard

Empty words plague sports and business writing alike, so when it comes to providing value to the audience, why do we prize who says something over what they say?

Earlier today Doug Smith, a Toronto Star sports writer/columnist, wrote an insightful blog post under the heading “Talk is cheap and sometimes not necessary,” in which he examines the value of canned quotes over author-penned insight.  Continue reading →