Author Archives: Nick Westergaard
Your Brand Shouldn’t Be the Star of Your Story
As I’ve written recently, story can be a powerful tool for marketers looking to cut through the clutter in the distracted, digital world we find ourselves in. When you hear a story, your brain lights up with cortex activity in … Read More
Business Writing Tips from Elmore Leonard?
There’s nothing like a global pandemic to spur media consumption. At this point, I’ve binged almost everything from classics like The Sopranos (yes, I’d never seen it) to pop-culture kitsch like Tiger King to phenomenal new shows like The Queen’s … Read More
The Principles of Brand Storytelling
Let me tell you a story … I bet those six words got your attention. As overwhelmed human beings, we are, in short, story machines. We consume stories in many forms throughout our day and write stories of our own to … Read More
Old Man Yells at Clubhouse (Admits Businesses Should Try It)
It’s Super Bowl Sunday and my monthly business column for The Gazette isn’t done. Actually, it isn’t even started. I’ve procrastinated. Again. As I made the walk of shame to my home office in an attempt to get a draft … Read More
How Leaders and Brands Can Embrace Empathy in 2021
Happy New Year! As an author, speaker, podcast host, and educator, I’m often asked for trends that I see on the horizon of a new year. Twenty twenty-one was no exception. However, with the traumatic year we’re leaving behind and … Read More
Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s Lessons: Connection & Passion
As family and friends gathered in new ways to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, we were dealt another tragic loss with the death of retired Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh. The pain is especially acute because of what he stood for in … Read More
The Zoom Communication Checklist You Didn’t Know You Needed
At this point, it goes without saying that COVID-19 has changed everything. Especially the way we communicate with one another at work. Since the onset of the global pandemic, there’s been a sharp uptick in remote work, which means nearly … Read More
What to Consider Before Starting Your Podcast
Consumer behavior has been turned upside down by COVID-19. As personal and work routines continue to be disrupted, businesses are scrambling to find the best place to reach customers during these crazy times. Many are turning to podcasts.
How to Build Your Personal Brand Now
I’m consistently amazed at how often I encounter people who are skeptical of personal branding. Apple, Nike, and Starbucks need to focus on branding. But Jennifer in sales? No way. And yet, your personal brand helps you accomplish one of … Read More
It’s Time for Businesses to Do Better on Race
George Floyd’s murder at the hands of the Minneapolis Police has forever changed race in America. “Everyone was witness to a murder,” a colleague said to me recently about this critical point in our history. We’re mad. We’re sad. We don’t … Read More
