Making the most of your summer vacation . . . For many people who work really hard throughout the year, vacations are somewhat complicated. They know that it’s important to unwind, recharge and spend quality time with their families, but it’s very challenging to take their minds off work. I’ve struggled with this myself at times, and have found a way to balance these two feelings. Vacation time is family time . . . and it’s book time. I use the opportunity of being out of the office to...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Why 7-11-4 might be the most important rule you’re overlooking . . . It’s hard to put a number on trust, but here’s the formula that might do it: 7-11-4. I’m currently reading "Oversubscribed: How to Get People Lining Up to Do Business with You" by Daniel Priestley and he has a great perspective on the 7-11-4 rule, originally created by Google. In a nutshell, the 7-11-4 theory explains the level of familiarity needed for someone to feel comfortable buying from you (whether you sell a product...
5 months ago • 4 min read
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what is a video worth? I believe in the power of video. When my family left China and moved to Canada, I didn’t know any English. But I began picking up the language from cartoons and conversations. Learning how to write English came after several years of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes. This is natural. After all, humans are wired for spoken language first. Babies and kids learn to listen and speak before they read or write—a pattern that...
6 months ago • 3 min read
The most important brand in the world… you. Can you guess how many brand messages you see each day? Here’s a hint - it’s a LOT. Researchers estimate that each of us is exposed to 6,000 - 10,000 ads daily. Between social media, search and display ads, emails, and even good old-fashioned billboards and bus stop benches, brands are everywhere. The same holds true for you. While personal branding seems like something we’ve been saying forever, the term itself only goes back to 1997, when Tom...
7 months ago • 3 min read
What do you want your legacy to be? Welcome to 2025! As we begin this fresh, shiny new year, it’s a perfect time to revisit our legacies. There’s a belief that one way to live your life to its fullest is to write your own obituary. Envisioning what your final legacy will be allows you to build that roadmap now. So, what do I want my legacy to be? Simply put, I want people to say that I made them feel seen and heard. I grew up thinking it was better to stay quiet and not bring attention to...
9 months ago • 3 min read
Legacy over currency: a reflection at the end of 2024 As we close out 2024, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for all of you. Launching the Tech Legacies newsletter has been a dream of mine for quite some time. Being in your inbox is a privilege and I always want to provide you the most value possible for your time and attention. I’m especially grateful for the thoughtful feedback many of you have shared. Your suggestions and feedback make Tech Legacies more...
10 months ago • 2 min read
A Holiday Reminder to Engage and Appreciate As Thanksgiving approaches in the U.S., here’s a little-known fact to bring some holiday humor: it’s actually the busiest day of the year for plumbers! With all those big feasts, clogged drains and overworked garbage disposals are often on the “menu.” Thanksgiving is a wonderful reminder to be grateful, and that includes showing appreciation for your LinkedIn followers! Each follower isn’t just a number—they’re individuals who’ve shown interest in...
10 months ago • 2 min read
Introducing the Leadership Spotlight Series! Service-based organizations face a unique challenge. Their most valuable intellectual property lies in the expertise of their subject matter experts (SMEs). To grow and succeed, these firms need to showcase that knowledge to clients and prospects just like the media. But here’s the catch: how do you leverage their expertise for marketing without pulling them away from their core work? The answer lies in efficiency: minimize time, maximize impact....
11 months ago • 3 min read
Are you ready for 2025? I love it when October rolls around. Not only do we get a respite from the Texas summer heat here, but Q4 means planning for the next year begins in earnest. My corporate clients are now preparing their strategic plans and budgets for 2025 and I’m doing the same with my business in thinking how I can best support them. Here’s one area of marketing that I see as ripe for explosion: podcasts and live shows. Now, you may be saying: “Hey Fanny, podcasts have been around...
12 months ago • 2 min read