Archives Archives - Afton Aikens

East coast photography

East Coast, a set on Flickr. Just figured out how to connect Flickr to WordPress, so I thought I’d share some of my favourite photos I’ve taken at home (Nova Scotia).

Embracing the new

It’s always good when you make a huge life change and it turns out better than you could have hoped for. When you take a risk and the universe rewards you. Needless to say, I’m enjoying my new mountain home and new job. Just a little. The excitement of the new is great – but [...]

Practicing what you preach: customer service

I had an interesting experience with Canada Post recently that got me thinking a lot about customer service. Brands like Canada Post – and WestJet, too, which is a brand I love – and many others I’m sure, often talk about how they “care”. But how does “caring” or any other messaging of the like [...]

Leaving town

This time next week, I’ll be getting ready for my first day in a new role as a marketing coordinator in Banff. Moving to a new town or city in your 20s – especially if you have employment secured before you leave (I’ve done this with and without) – can be an amazing experience that [...]

Using research in your communications

One of the first things I learned about in PR school was the RACE formula, and how solid research is a crucial first step in the communications process. But as communicators know, the fast-paced nature of the job can sometimes make us feel like there’s little time for in-depth research. Last week, I attended a [...]

Maximizing your professional development

In less than 30 days from now, I’ll be living in a new province. Well, not really new, because I’ve lived there before, but a different province. I can’t wait for this next adventure, but naturally, it’s got me thinking about what I’m going to miss here in Nova Scotia. What does that have to [...]

Podcamping

Happy Monday! Normally I post on Saturdays, but I wanted to recap my first Podcamp Halifax experience, which took place yesterday. Podcamp is a free, informal conference (or an “unconference”) all about the web, social media, blogs, mobile and other related stuff. This year’s topics included insights on social media strategy, branding, buzzwords, web content [...]

Loving what you do, doing what you love

Sometimes I butt heads with realists. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t like conflict. I’m talking more about those differences of opinion that leave you shaking your head and not quite able to reach an understanding. For example, this quote: “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. [...]

Recharging for 2013

Around this time of year, whether you’re thinking about what you’ve accomplished over the past 12 months and what you’d like to accomplish over the next, or just trying to find the best New Year’s party to attend, time flies. A hectic holiday schedule doesn’t leave a lot of downtime to recharge for 2013. I’m [...]

Compartmentalizing, goal setting and going for it

Not to sound like one of those people who’s “so busy” (*cough* and so self-important), but the past week was the kind that knocks you into bed at 9 p.m. and leaves you still drained the next morning, your brain still buzzing. We all have those weeks. For me, it’s a reminder that I need [...]