Many independent or freelance creative and marketing professionals will work at low cost - or no cost - to get a gig and gain exposure. But when is it worth it, and when does your own worth become compromised?

One of the reasons you started your business, practice or consultancy is because you are an expert, right?! You have knowledge and wisdom in your field, and you are building your own empire. There are so many ways to share your know-how with others - and an all-time favorite of mine is hosting a workshop.

New businesses are popping up everywhere! Great! Home offices, new storefronts, online only…you name it. But are they really ready to launch? While some might like to dole out their business when they’re able (but when they're not quite ready), their prospects may be left confused or uninspired and, worse, move on.

As a business owner (new or otherwise), when cash-flow is low there are things you can do to get your marketing going - affordably, even at no cost. This is not a long term strategy, of course (invest dollars in yourself!), but in leaner times you can still stay out there and gain traction. Thinking creatively helps, too!

It's said “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." The concept of luck can be ethereal, like it’s a mystical force (maybe it is). There are some lucky breaks in life that can only be described as fortuitous twists of fate. But in business, so much of your luck can be self-made.

As a student at Boston University, there was a robust communications program where I could immerse myself. One of the more intriguing classes was Journalism 101. It may sound simple, but some of the basic lessons were challenging…and, as it turns out, quite lasting.

A recent New York Times article reflecting on the career of advertising legend Dan Wieden, co-founder of the award-winning agency Wieden + Kennedy, sparked some thoughts on crafting a powerhouse tagline. He did it, and so can you.

There are pockets of time throughout the year that can be so busy…and so quiet. Summer, especially, can be a really slow-biz period - it can feel like walking through mud. So, what can you do now to be productive?

It’s a no-brainer to stay in touch with your customers and let them know your hours, location and how to get in touch. But lately, with ever changing schedules and interruptions, businesses have been lax here. Not you!

Ah, the 70s! Let that number guide an easy formula to craft your social media posts. There is a quick rule on how to divvy up your content, starting with the powerful number 70.

We take for granted the content we read. It should all be correctly written and make sense, right? Yet in places we usually trust, this is not always the case.

It's easy to fall into the trap of trying to do it all. The best advice is to concentrate on your trademark skill/business/practice and hire experts to do the rest.

There are are so many layers to a total brand experience - from the name of your business, to your look and style, to what happens when customers engage. Does it all add up?

Often it's simply the simple things. Have you had a marketing check up recently? Sometimes a quick makeover is all you need.

From a lemonade stand to a major corporation, you have a brand. No matter your size or your business, it's time to embrace your branding.

There are so many ways to expand your network and expand your mind at the same time. Share your expertise - and gain new business.

Design is often in the driver's seat when it comes to creative development, but it's the writing that's also the foundation of any work.

Think of it as a road map - the direction for a successful journey. It's easy to wing it, but it's essential to have a marketing brief and effective brand positioning that sets you on your way.