About Talia Whyte

Posts by Talia Whyte:

Do Your Census Today!

Today is National Census Day!

One of the few things that isn’t canceled is the Census.  The U.S. Census Bureau is urging residents to complete the Census online or over the phone to lessen the need for in-person, door-to-door outreach while the country grapples with the coronavirus outbreak, preferably by today.  It’s available in 13 languages at my2020census.gov or by calling (844) 330-2020. Additional toll-free numbers in other languages can be found online.  If you already received a mailer, it contains a Census ID number you can use to log in online, which the Census Bureau recommends as the fastest method. You can still respond online even if you haven’t received the number or lost it.  It takes only ten minutes to do and can be done while social distancing at home!

With all the social distancing I have been doing later, it has made me even more grateful for the services supporting my community like grocery stores, pharmacy, and restaurants.  I am also thankful for public libraries.  Although all of them in my area are closed, my library – bpl.org- offers a wealth of free online resources that are available to me and my community.

All of these things are made possible for communities with accurate counts from the Census.

So, do your census today!

It reminds of a quote from Zadie Smith’s book, Feel Free:

“Well-run libraries are filled with people because what a good library offers cannot be easily found elsewhere: an indoor public space in which you do not have to buy anything in order to stay.”

 

Personal Website: Start One Today!

The Web Design ProcessWith the coronavirus outbreak consuming the world, many people in self-quarantine are not only looking at ways to stay busy in the immediate future but also what their futures will look like in the long term. 

With all the free time you have right now, you might be thinking about your financial future.  Maybe you want to start a business, switch careers, improve your branding or just start a simple blog to promote your passion project.

One of the most frequently asked questions from our clients is whether or not they should have a personal website.  Many of them are job seekers looking to better brand themselves to potential employers.  Personal websites can only enhance your chances of finding your dream job.  In today’s competitive market, anyone in any field that is not self-employed also needs a website to get the next job.  

Let’s break down the reasons:

  1. You can control your brand – The first thing most recruiters do today is Google the names of prospective job applicants.  As many of you know, both good and bad things about you can show up in a Google search.  Having your own website can control your brand and help protect your reputation online.  Presenting information on your own website shows you in the way you want others to view you online.  Also, having your name as the website’s URL (yourname.com) also establishes your brand and will guarantee that your site will show up on the top of the first page in search engine results.
  2. Sell yourself – The whole point of your personal website is to sell yourself.  Why should someone hire you?  Your online portfolio should be a grand showroom of your best work for recruiters who want additional information about you that goes beyond a traditional CV or resume.  You can show off what makes your skills and personality unique and marketable. Also, anyone in the world can see your website, and you never know where your next job will come from.  Many people have received really awesome job opportunities from other people who happened to stumble upon your website!
  3. Show your investment – Having your own website shows others that you invest in yourself and career by branding yourself online.  Employers will take you more seriously.
  4. You are accessible – Having a website makes it easier to find and contact you about work.  Your website should have a clean, simple navigation design, where it is easy to find your biography, contact information, and samples of your work.  Stick to the three-click rule, make sure your site supports web diversity and avoid busy-looking websites like the plague.
  5. Links to social media and networking tools – Your website can also be the one-stop to all of your social media accounts, which makes it easier for recruiters to find you online in other places.  You can also put links to other online spaces where recruiters can find your work.  A word on social media: many people ask why they should have a website when they already have a Linkedin or Facebook page.  The reasons are already stated above.  Everyone’s social media accounts look the same.  Having your own website distinguishes yourself from others and showcasing your unique skills and personality.  Furthermore, there are always new social media tools coming onto and going away from the market.  Websites are more future-proof that can grow with your career.

If you need help with starting your website, contact us at info@globalwireonline.org, and take advantage of our 15th-anniversary sale which ends on 31 March 2020.

15 Years in Business Spring Sale and COVID-19 Update

With the coronavirus pandemic grappling the world, Global Wire Associates is committed to staying open to business to accommodate the needs of our clients.  As our team mostly works remotely and not in a physical office, we will continue to do the same high-quality work you expect from us.  We canceled all of our upcoming in-person workshops and meetings for the foreseeable future and use more online tools to communicate with clients.

In celebration of our 15th anniversary, Global Wire Associates is giving a 15 percent discount on our suite of communication services through 31 March 2020.  Now is a great time to clean up and refresh content strategy.

Check out our offerings and let us help you with your next communication project.  Contact us today.

Brand Development

Having a clear brand strategy is very important for every individual and organization today, but are you clearly delivering your message? Whether you are looking to motivate your customers or supporters, establish credibility or grow your organization, it is vital to spend time researching and building your brand with a solid content development strategy. We can help you develop a brand strategy that serves your content marketing purposes.

Content Strategy

It really doesn’t matter how fabulous your website looks or how many social media tools you use. If you don’t have great content on your sites, most people will not only not care about your web presence, but they will also not care to learn more about you or your organization. Having high-quality content on your web presence is a top priority for establishing both your credibility and your brand. Global Wire Associates can write and edit persuasive copy, as well as provide suggestions on how to best use digital photos, graphics, and videos for marketing your cause, service or product.

Copywriting

You might already have a content strategy in place and are just looking for someone to write copy for your blog, website or other marketing collateral. We can also provide ghostwriting services for confidential purposes. Our staff is made up of experienced writers, journalists, graphic and web designers and other multimedia content producers ready to serve you.

Media Development

Global Wire Associates was started by journalists guided by the principles of freedom of expression and diversity in journalism. We provide technical training for journalists around the world who support democratic dialogue through a free, independent media.

Media For Development

Media for development is a term referring to the use of mass media to convey messages about current international development issues. We work with individuals and organizations in developing countries on constructing content strategies and message development.

“In Case The Apocalypse Happens” Shopping List

Growing up, my mother kept a pantry in the basement with extra non-perishable foods, medicine, water, and other supplies.  She said it was always a good idea to have some extra things in your home in case of any type of natural or manmade emergency.

I used to have an emergency pantry, but food would go to waste because I forget the expiration date and had to be thrown away.

But then the coronavirus happened, and I had to rethink starting up my pantry.  Mom is right; you never know when sh*t will go down and you have to be prepared.  When and if the coronavirus hysteria calms down, it is still a good idea to have a preparedness plan.  I found this video very useful, and I hope you do, too!