BLOG
Explore our collection of articles to discover valuable insights on business management, public relations, and digital marketing—all designed to elevate your business to the next level. You can subscribe to ELEVATED NEWS to stay ahead with updates on our latest content!
Make Art, Not Content
Big tech may be sinking deeper into internet ‘enshittification,’ but not every platform is following that path. Patreon CEO Jack Conte argues that the internet can still be a place where creativity, community, and genuine human connection come first. By designing algorithms that fund art - not ads - and keeping humans, not engagement traps, in control, platforms can provide a healthier digital ecosystem.
Overcoming Enshittification
Digital platforms that once helped small businesses thrive have become cluttered, noisy, and profit-driven — or what Cory Doctorow calls ‘enshittified.’ But small business owners who give a damn aren’t powerless. Discover practical digital strategies to cut through the noise and keep your marketing authentic, sustainable, and human.
Disagreeing Well: Structure a Debate That Builds, Not Breaks
Preparation, awareness of logical fallacies, and respectful discourse are essential foundations for a debate that builds rather than breaks. Without these elements, disagreements rarely lead to productive outcomes.
Running a Business Like a Dive Boat: Lessons From the Red Sea
Diving in the Red Sea aboard the Aggressor IV was more than a bucket-list experience—it became a masterclass in operational excellence, teamwork, and customer experience.
Times of Tariffs: Weathering Trade Turbulence
Tariffs are barriers to international trade. Paid by the importer, tariffs are fees assessed on the value of imported products, including freight and insurance, which increases the cost of importing goods. We provide five strategies businesses can employ to weather tariff policy uncertainty in the U.S.
To Build or Buy: The Software Dilemma Businesses Face
When equipping your business with the right software, the decision to build a custom solution or buy an off-the-shelf product can feel like a high-stakes choice. Owners must evaluate critical factors — budget, timelines, technical expertise, and long-term goals — to navigate this pivotal decision and ensure their software strategy aligns with business objectives.
Transition Your Startup into a Thriving Business: Practical Steps to Success
For most entrepreneurs, few things are as exciting as turning a great product or service idea into a profitable business. But while it can be exciting to conceptualize starting a new company, there are necessary steps to achieve sustainable success.
Get SMARTER
We’re approaching that often daunting time of year for setting annual goals. Whether it’s a financial forecast or a New Year’s resolution, set achievable yet challenging goals and milestones. Get SMARTER in your goal-setting process by anticipating roadblocks and detours on your path to achievement.
The Art of Win-Win Negotiation
Negotiation is an activity everyone engages in, sometimes daily. Two or more parties negotiate because there is a conflict of interest, and they believe they can get a better deal by negotiating than by simply accepting what the other side will offer. We provide five strategies to achieve a win-win outcome in any negotiation.
Sustainable Procurement: An Ethical Business Practice
Sustainable procurement, as an ethical business practice, supports human rights, reduces carbon footprints, and benefits local communities.
Now is the Time to Reframe Your Competitive Strategy
Direct competition is no longer the primary factor a business should consider critical to remaining relevant. A brand’s business strategy must continuously evolve to compete across industries based on customer experience.
Personal Branding is a Self-Investment
The resources you invest in developing your individual brand yield opportunities for personal and professional growth. Learn four reasons why it’s worth the investment to develop a successful personal brand.
3 Important Reasons to Involve HR in PR
A scarcity of talent was one of the biggest human resources (HR) obstacles companies faced in 2021. The widespread challenge of attracting and retaining talent emphasizes the need for collaboration between HR and public relations (PR) departments.
The Merits of Monotasking
When you receive a phone call and continue working on your current project, you’re probably not doing either activity very well. Successful monotasking, or focusing on one task at a time, requires you to ignore the myriad of distractions around you.
When Your Authentic Self at Work is Inappropriate
Contrary to popular thought, the Economist recently argued that "no one should actually bring their whole selves to work. People are a melange of traits, [many of which] should be kept well away from the workplace." A recent Below Deck Sailing episode provides a humorous reminder of why our colleagues don’t need to know about our authentic Friday night selves.
Sled Dogs Exemplify Leadership
Our five incredible Wintergreen Canadian Inuit dogs were friendly, loving, and docile, but when pulling the sled on the trail, they became determined machines focused on one thing: Pulling. These working dogs demonstrated remarkable leadership and teamwork.
Proactive Crisis Management in 10 Steps
Although predicting a true crisis is nearly impossible, you can mitigate its consequences with a proactive, forward-looking crisis management plan. Consider these 10 steps as a checklist in your crisis management plan.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Inventory ‘Evergreen’
Every business, whether product or service-oriented, has experienced the impact of limited product or component availability and long lead times. Now is the time, more than ever, to rethink sourcing, stocking, and sales strategies.
Manage Your Digital Assets to Maximize Company Value
Good digital asset management practices both protect you and allow you to leverage what makes your brand and business unique.
Survey Results Highlight the Top 6 Challenges for Small Businesses
Small business owners often struggle with limited resources and with deciding how best to use their cash flow. Read the results of the survey we designed to evaluate the most pressing challenges - or pain points - facing small businesses.