Category: Advertising and Marketing

Sales are the life blood of every organization, even ones not directly “sales” organizations. Marketing encompasses all aspects of promotion.

BUILDING FUTURES: Hiring Summer Students

Paul Wagenaar

Every summer, organizations hire students to fill short-term roles. Few stop to consider that they are shaping long-term futures.

For many students, a summer job is their first real encounter with responsibility, accountability, and workplace culture. It is where reputations begin. It is where habits are formed. It is where confidence is either strengthened or quietly eroded.

For employers, hiring students is not simply a staffing decision. It is a leadership decision. It is a choice about whether to treat young people as temporary labour, or as emerging professionals.

When approached intentionally, summer employment becomes more than seasonal work. It becomes mentorship, community investment, and the foundation of someone’s career.

“A Reasonable Expectation of Humanity”

Paul Wagenaar

We move through and interact with dozens of organizations and people every day, healthcare, government, work, housing, commerce, and community spaces. Most interactions are brief, yet over time they quietly shape our sense of dignity, trust, and belonging.

This post explores a simple idea: a reasonable expectation of humanity in those interactions. Not perfection or special treatment, but clarity, respect for time, basic human regard, competence with humility, fairness, and accountability when things go wrong.

As you read, notice where these standards are present in your own interactions, and where they quietly fall away. And if you work inside an organization that holds power over others, consider how humanity is supported by design, not just individual effort.

As with most of my posts, this is a little longer than most, thank you for taking the time to read.

Building Teams by Developing People

Paul Wagenaar

High performing teams are often desired by most organizations; however, it is remarkable how few of these organizations take the time to put all of the building blocks for success in place. Effective organizational dynamics and “how” teams function doesn’t happen by accident. Creating an inclusive and evolving “team charter” should be one of the first “building blocks” all organizations have on their “to do” list.

Answer …  Everything is about value and standing out

Paul Wagenaar

We are conditioned by society not to stand out, we all suffer to one extent or another because of the education system and by human nature. Fortunately “blending in” is a learned behavior that can be “unlearned.” The journey to success is helped by learning to stand out, to always provide value and it doesn’t matter if it is for yourself, personally, or for your organization; and it is something you can do, you can even start today.

Suggestions for Small/Medium-Sized Organizations

Paul Wagenaar

The United States is no longer the shining beacon of trade, hope, and freedom it was only a few months ago. Countries like Canada seem to be its new enemy and are subject to uncertainty, economic blackmail, and threats to its sovereignty. At a micro-level, many small and medium-sized organizations are facing decisions that were unthinkable previously … how to survive in a hostile trading environment.

In 1500 words or less, I can only suggest the beginnings of a new path, a way written expressly for a friend who operates her own business. My advice though, could help both “for profit” and “not-for-profit” organizations chart a new path, not by denying our new reality, but by “turning into the US-lead economic skid,” and begin working towards a future not based on US reliance.

Black Friday and Boxing Day (BFBD) … one merchant’s least two favorite days of the year

Paul Wagenaar

As a merchant, the end of November and the beginning of December is part of the most exciting time of the year. The holiday spirit infuses people and there a more of a willingness to make purchases during this period than at any other time of the year. Unfortunately, there are two events, Black Friday and Boxing Day (BFBD), that have come to represent the only shadow on this season. From a merchant’s perspective, let me share why BFBD are my least two favorite days of the year.

You may not have noticed … but it has already begun

Paul Wagenaar

As a merchant this was always the busiest time of the year. The Christmas and Holiday shopping season can be just as stressful for merchants as it can be for customers; however, for customers I can provide a guide to helping you navigate all of the sales and advertising to reduce your stress and help you obtain better value for your time and money.

An open letter of help to an entrepreneur and a friend.

Paul Wagenaar

People who start a new enterprise are rare and worthy of our praise. Only a few survive, fewer still thrive; however, that does not diminish their bravery. They are committed to making their dream a reality … sometimes they need a little help and that’s what this post is all about.

More than doing just one thing …

Paul Wagenaar

I began as a good manager but a poor leader. I benefited from good mentors and people who believed in my potential and through hard work, and many missteps, I have become a better manager and a good leader. In a small way, I hope this post repays their faith and helps you.

Success does not result from a single action, success is the cumulative result of hundreds of small intricate actions and decisions; but most importantly success comes from treating your people well.

It’s about what they want …

Paul Wagenaar

I am passionate about people, learning about them, learning from them, helping them, and helping me. For organizations that want to engage with their communities, with perspective clients and future employees a great vehicle is attending a trade show, job fair, or other types of exhibitions. Improve your success by considering the following “do’s and don’ts,” as always please feel free to add your suggestions.