Writing Samples
Below you'll find some samples of articles, blogs and OpEds I've written. I've been fortunate throughout my career to have written on a variety of interesting topics - from medical topics for an interventional radiology specialty clinic to business articles on social media, to blog posts on marketing, the creative process and even Mardi Gras. Some of these are written on behalf of my clients so the client is listed as the author.
How to buy a home in a competitive seller’s market
If you’re trying to buy a home right now, you know how tough it is. Have offers from other buyers beaten your offer? Perhaps the home you planned to look at is already under contract. If this sounds familiar, here are 6 tips on how to buy a home in a seller’s market, and make an offer sellers will accept.
Get pre-approved for the mortgage.
Taking the first step and getting your mortgage pre-qualification, or better yet, pre-approval (there’s a difference), shows the seller that you are a serious home buyer and that takes the uncertainty of loan approval off the table. Be sure to have the pre-approval letter with the offer amount and date of contract on it.
Shop under budget but be prepared to pay more.
When you’re trying to buy a home in a seller’s market, most homes are selling at or above listing price. If your budget and loan pre-approval is for $250,000 and you’re only looking at houses listed at $250,000, chances are you’re going to be disappointed more than once during the process. With that in mind, look at homes under your range, allowing yourself a cushion to make a higher offer if you get into a competitive bidding situation. (continue reading)
Home Buying and Selling
How to stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis
Stay at home orders, quarantine regulations and other concerns have many people questioning what is and is not possible during this COVID-19 pandemic. Real Estate transactions have been deemed as essential business, and REALTORS understand that we have a special responsibility and opportunity to continue operations while we adapt to these extraordinary circumstances.
We’re taking all the necessary precautions when meeting with clients and showing properties - maintaining social distancing and minimizing touching objects. We provide gloves and masks (as are many sellers) and ask that folks try to minimize their presence in a home while still viewing all the necessary rooms and amenities before an offer. When we show properties, we ask clients not to touch things, or bring outside family members with them. If children do come, we’re asking the parents to keep them close by at all times. We advise our sellers to leave doors to bathrooms and closets open when they know we have a showing to minimize hands touching surfaces.
Overall, we’re experiencing a tremendous increase in internet traffic to home listing websites. Whether it’s from bored folks trapped at home doing research on their dream home, or those truly in the market - internet traffic is significantly up.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers? (Continue reading)
Master of One Skill vs. Jack of All Trades
If you work in marketing, you know the vast number of disciplines within the industry. From design, illustration and copywriting, to public relations, crisis communications and social media. Then there are skills such as video production, video editing, web design, UX, coding, photography, writing, media relations – the list is seemingly endless. In this multifaceted environment, it’s a lot to consider.
How do you weigh in on this debate? Is it better to gain vast knowledge and specialized skills in one specific area, or have a little bit of knowledge and working skill in a broad array of skills? Would you prefer to be a generalist or a specialist?
Let’s start by clarifying the terms – A generalist, or a “Jack of all Trades,” is often referred to as someone who can offer a ton of great skills that they are skilled in. A specialist, or “Master of One,” is highly proficient at one (or perhaps a limited number of) specific skill(s) to offer in a distinct area. (Continue reading)
Taming the Twitter tyrant
It’s 3:31 a.m. and you just can’t sleep. There’s a weird light — wait — your phone screen is lit up — but why? You give it a glance and see hundreds of Twitter notifications. Further investigation reveals someone in your company has been tweeting up a storm, and it’s bad. Really bad. You roll over, hoping it’s a dream. But it’s not.
The drama surrounding the late-night twitter escapades during the presidential campaign reminds me just how quickly a firestorm can build on social media.
In our current “gotcha” social media landscape, one insensitive remark, unpopular opinion or even an ill-timed post can spur the wrath of those opposed and generate hateful comments. Someone unknown can become notorious overnight.
So how do you prepare for the worst? Do you avoid social media altogether?
In 2016, many prominent corporate heads are still not social media aficionados. But in just a few years, we will be facing a wave of young executives who have always been able to communicate instantly via social channels. (Continue reading)
To Share or Not to Share?
Social Media and Your Cancer Diagnosis
There is very little information in today’s world that can’t be found by a few strokes of a keyboard. Information is literally at our fingertips in an instant. Social media feeds expose us to additional sources of information and opinion that we might not otherwise seek out. Social media also allows us to instantly share information across our broad network of friends and family.
When you receive the diagnosis of cancer, it is overwhelming. Most people need time to absorb the news and consider the implications of their diagnosis on their life, their family and their friends. Once the initial shock passes, many struggle with how to, or whether they should, share their cancer diagnosis beyond those in their immediate circle.
Sharing your diagnosis is a deeply personal choice. Some people live their life as an open book, and the cancer diagnosis is simply another chapter that they share as any other bit of news. Some people are more private, preferring to keep such details of their life out of everyday conversation.
Social media brings another element into the decision. Information can spread immediately, and whether or not you choose to keep your diagnosis private, there are a few things to consider. (Continue reading)
4 questions you may have about ports
For long term IV access, placing a semi-permanent catheter such as a “port-a-cath,” chemotherapy port or IV access port into a large vein in the upper arm or neck can make treatment easier for patients undergoing treatments that require frequent or constant vein access such as:
- Chemotherapy or anti-cancer drug infusions
- Hemodialysis
- Long-term intravenous antibiotic treatment
- Long-term intravenous feeding
- Repeated drawing of blood samples
Unlike most other types of catheters, a port-a-cath is implanted completely underneath the skin. This type of port allows you to bathe and swim without the risk of infection. Port-a-caths can remain in place for months or even years.
If you’ve been told you need a port, you may have questions – here are 4 questions people want to know. (Continue reading)
3 things Mardi Gras Revelers
can teach you about Marketing
It’s that time of year when the many in the Southeast corner of our great nation lose their collective minds over a brightly colored round cake and oodles of cheap beads. Not solely confined to the South, but traditionally centered around New Orleans, Mardi Gras, by definition, refers to Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday, and more generally to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.
I nearly missed my first day of work at ndp two years ago after flight delays returning from my annual trek to NOLA. After working here for a couple of years, I’ve learned that ndp actually has a couple of ties to the great state of Louisiana. There's an Account Executive who grew up in New Orleans, and a Digital Designer also from the Cajun state. I wasn’t born there, but plan to reside there in my golden years, and for now will be content with being a member of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx, the first all-female Super Krewe in Carnival’s history. (Continue reading)
“You can do whatever you set your mind to do.”
Support groups offer guidance, encouragement and camaraderie
At Powell, we understand the emotional and physical changes that come with the trauma of losing a limb. Our goal is to provide you with not only a device but also a network of organizations and care to help you realize your potential.
That’s why we are active in a support group for amputees, their families and loved ones.
Amputee support groups provide a unique place for amputees and their family members and caregivers to connect with others who have overcome similar challenges while interacting with those who understand their daily struggles. Support groups provide emotional support, information, fellowship and so much more. (Continue reading)
Showing others how to stay physically active after amputation
Connie Moe is a firecracker of a woman from Richmond, Virginia. Though only 4’10” in height, her personality is as big as they come. Being an amputee hasn’t slowed her down one bit, and her story and determination to lead an active lifestyle is inspiring.
“I’ve always been athletic. I’m not particularly good at any sport, but love them all,” she said. Connie completed her first 10K in 2002, “One of the things I enjoyed most about doing a 10K was the training – that was as much fun as the 10K itself,” she said. It was during that race that she began to have issues with her ankle.
“I ran the 2002 10K in Richmond and after the race my ankle looked like it had a goose egg on it,” she said. “I went to several physicians, but could never get the problem fixed.” After a number of attempts to resolve the issue, she started considering her alternatives. “I had heard about ankle replacements,” said Connie, “I thought might be a smart option. After so many surgeries, the idea of a new leg and ankle sounded great to me!” (Continue reading)