Em Dash Communications

02/12/2026

As a business owner, your growth problem isn't that you're not implementing enough marketing tactics.

The problem is you're implementing tactics without strategic purpose.

I was auditing a website a few months back. Great email sign-up form. So I subscribed.

Days and then weeks went by. Nothing.

When I asked about it, the business owner told me "An expert said I needed an email list to grow my business. So I added the form. But I almost never send emails."

Here's what nobody talks about:

Most marketing advice fails business owners. Because most marketing advice focuses on the WHAT without the WHY.

→ "You need to be on LinkedIn"
→ "Build an email list"
→ "Start a podcast"
→ "Do video"
→ "Post 3x per week"

All potentially good, and maybe even great, advice. But without a strategic foundation, these tactics sit there like logs placed 10 feet from your campfire. Sure, they're good firewood. But they're not helping your fire burn.

The solution isn't more advice.
It's better understanding.
Because with better understanding, you're more likely to use the tactic or can easily filter it out as something not right for your business (at least not right now).

Ask: Beyond "growing my business," what specific purpose does this serve? How does this connect to my other efforts? What value am I actually providing?

Without those answers, even the best "expert advice" can easily become wasted effort. Logs you've spent time and energy collecting. But never put on your fire.

Stop collecting tactics. And start building strategy.

What's one marketing tactic you implemented that's sitting there doing nothing? (No judgment. We've all been there.)

07/28/2024

Microaggressions in the workplace are often subtle and unintentional, yet their impact on mental health and job satisfaction can be profound. Village Veterinary Clinic is committed to recognizing and addressing these behaviors to create a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.

What are Microaggressions?
Microaggressions are everyday verbal, non-verbal, or environmental slights that convey a derogatory attitude towards marginalized groups. They can manifest in various ways, such as assumptions based on appearance, language and communication, and exclusionary behavior.

Impact on Mental Health
Repeated exposure to microaggressions can lead to stress, anxiety, decreased job satisfaction, lowered self-esteem, and burnout.

Commitment to Change
To combat microaggressions, Village Veterinary Clinic is implementing several strategies:

Regular diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
Encouraging open communication about experiences.
Clear policies for reporting and resolving incidents.
Leadership commitment to model inclusive behavior.
Providing support systems for affected staff.
By fostering awareness and promoting open dialogue, the clinic aims to create an environment where all staff members feel valued and respected. Together, these efforts enhance workplace culture and improve team cohesion and effectiveness.

07/06/2024

🐾Thank you to the staff !

It was lovely meeting and chatting with you about the mission of NOMV. We appreciate your support. Cheers! Shawn

01/02/2024

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! Hitting the road with your pet this year? Here are 6️⃣ tips to keep in mind if you're planning on traveling with your pet in 2024.

05/18/2023

Check out my new blog post and learn how promoting pet medical insurance can support your practice.

by Shawn Tryce, Em Dash Communications Your clients cherish their pets as they provide unwavering companionship and unconditional love. However, unforeseen medical emergencies or chronic conditions can pose significant emotional and financial challenges. This is where pet medical insurance comes to....

03/14/2023

Spring Training 😂