Shopping for ideas in 2015

Shopping for ideas in 2015

When people ask me what I want for the holidays, I have a simple request: a fresh idea. Something that sparks my imagination and makes my brain ache when I try to understand it. You can’t believe how hard those are to come by. ‘But wouldn’t you prefer a book, a...
Social media is a lot like improv

Social media is a lot like improv

Canadians are naturally good at improv. Look at Second City, SNL, Kids in the Hall and all the standup talent from Yuk Yuk’s. Maybe it’s part of our DNA: the feeling we’re always gazing at something we can’t have. We’re also polite, happy to...
From optimist to optimize – a way forward for PR

From optimist to optimize – a way forward for PR

The PR profession has long relied on ‘the kindness of strangers’. In fact, I’d venture to guess that if you’re in PR and of a certain age, you’re probably an optimist. Or were at some point. How else could you survive in an industry with no...
Experience turned to arrogance is never a good thing

Experience turned to arrogance is never a good thing

Should a PR person ever call a journalist? In many cases, the answer is a resounding NO. Yet it’s something senior practitioners tell juniors all the time. ‘Why are you emailing, pick up the phone!’ We live in an age where relationships and trust are...
In praise of bad ideas, not bad judgment

In praise of bad ideas, not bad judgment

We’ve all heard the expression: there are no bad ideas. And you know something? That is just. not. true. There are some awful ideas out there. Real stinkers. But many times absolutely ridiculous-sounding, bottom of the barrel sludge can become the creative equivalent...