Forward Level logo

Inspired thought

Knowledge, ideas, and insights that help you think differently about the overall human experience of your business from a marketing and hr perspective.

All Read Watch
Top 10 Must-See Films at CIFF 2024
General | Read

Top 10 Must-See Films at CIFF 2024

The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is back for its 25th year, and this year's lineup offers a little something for everyone. We have ten films, organized alphabetically, that we think you should watch out for at CIFF 2024.

September 12th, 2024 | 5 minutes to read

Is Your Facebook Set-up Outdated? Try a Business Portfolio
Marketing | Read

Is Your Facebook Set-up Outdated? Try a Business Portfolio

Managing your business on Facebook doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Let's talk about why a Facebook Business Portfolio is a game-changer compared to using an individual Facebook profile, and the risks you face if you stick with the old ways.

August 27th, 2024 | 4 minutes to read

Tips on Navigating Constructive and Respectful Performance Discussions
HR | Read

Tips on Navigating Constructive and Respectful Performance Discussions

As we guide and support managers through the review process and the discussions that follow, we start by asking them to reflect on how they are giving feedback and why it’s important to be intentional about the language they use.

August 8th, 2024 | 3 minutes to read

What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Marketing | Read

What’s Love Got to Do with It?

Unravel the secrets of consumer affection as we delve into the neuroscience of love and its profound impact on brand loyalty. Explore how emotions, trust, shared values, and personalization strategies shape our attachment to brands.

February 20th, 2024 | 3 minutes to read

Love, Breakfast, and the Psychology of Seasonal Marketing
General | Read

Love, Breakfast, and the Psychology of Seasonal Marketing

Explore the power of emotional marketing through a heartwarming Valentine's Day tale with WestJet. Learn how a clever seasonal campaign created lasting memories and showcased the impact of strategic emotional connections in marketing.

February 12th, 2024 | 3 minutes to read

HR Housekeeping Part Two: Five Boring HR Tasks You Can't Ignore (and how to make them more fun)
HR | Read

HR Housekeeping Part Two: Five Boring HR Tasks You Can't Ignore (and how to make them more fun)

Discover how embracing these five seemingly dull tasks can be the secret sauce to optimize operations, ensure compliance, and foster a thriving work environment.

February 2nd, 2024 | 2 minutes to read

HR Housekeeping Part One: Four People Tasks That Are a Must in the New Year
HR | Read

HR Housekeeping Part One: Four People Tasks That Are a Must in the New Year

We get it; you’re busy. So is your team. It's easy to overlook the essentials that keep everyone in sync. Here are four Marie Kondo-worthy organizational tips to start the new year right.

January 22nd, 2024 | 2 minutes to read

Beating Burnout with a Dopamine Menu
General | Read

Beating Burnout with a Dopamine Menu

Discover the ultimate antidote to burnout with a personalized dopamine menu. Quickly select activities from categories like "Appies" (under 10 minutes) or "Mains" (fulfilling, longer activities) to recharge instantly. Enhance everyday tasks with "Sides," indulge in moderation with "Dessert," and treat yourself to occasional "Specials." Say goodbye to mindless scrolling, download our PDF guide, and take control of your well-being now!

December 14th, 2023 | 2 minutes to read

Business is a Human Experience
HX | Watch

Business is a Human Experience

Discover the power of integrating HR and marketing in today's evolving business landscape. As we embrace the importance of the human experience, uncover how our unique approach is reshaping the way companies connect, succeed, and unlock their true potential.

June 19th, 2023 | 2 minutes to read

Why ChatGPT Misses the Human Touch When it Comes to a Marketing Strategy
Marketing | Read

Why ChatGPT Misses the Human Touch When it Comes to a Marketing Strategy

Discover the limitations of AI when it comes to your marketing strategy and how to overcome them.

March 30th, 2023 | 3 minutes to read

The 5 W’s of Human Resources
HR | Read

The 5 W’s of Human Resources

The who, what, where, when and why of Human Resources - everything you need to know!

March 15th, 2023 | 3 minutes to read

Trying to Make Shish Kabobs but End Up With a Stir Fry?
Marketing | Read

Trying to Make Shish Kabobs but End Up With a Stir Fry?

A mouth watering analogy showing the importance of having a solid marketing strategy in place. Say no to messy grills!

March 7th, 2023 | 1 minutes to read

Preparing for Alberta’s Impending Labour Shortage
HR | Read

Preparing for Alberta’s Impending Labour Shortage

Find out what economists are predicting for Canada's economy and how Alberta is expected to fare better than most.

February 21st, 2023 | 3 minutes to read

HR Housekeeping and How to Make the Most of Your Year
HR | Read

HR Housekeeping and How to Make the Most of Your Year

Find out how to make the most of your year with these simple HR housekeeping tips that are often overlooked.

January 31st, 2023 | 4 minutes to read

Prepping Your Marketing for a Recession: Why Now is Not the Time to Go Silent
Marketing | Read

Prepping Your Marketing for a Recession: Why Now is Not the Time to Go Silent

Find out how marketing in a recession can maintain your customers' loyalty and help you build for the future.

December 15th, 2022 | 2 minutes to read

Empowered Employees are the Key to a Powerful Customer Experience
HX | Read

Empowered Employees are the Key to a Powerful Customer Experience

Customer experience starts with a superior employee experience and both experiences should be at the forefront of your marketing strategy.

November 15th, 2022 | 6 minutes to read

The Blair Witch Project: A Case Study in Viral Marketing
Marketing | Read

The Blair Witch Project: A Case Study in Viral Marketing

The story behind how a low-budget horror movie scared up record profits and global attention using marketing witchcraft.

October 26th, 2022 | 5 minutes to read

Five Social Media Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business
Marketing | Read

Five Social Media Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business

Change is hard, but it may be time to move on if you're not getting what you want. Here are five social media marketing ideas for growth.

October 13th, 2022 | 4 minutes to read

Top 5 Marketing Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them
Marketing | Watch

Top 5 Marketing Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them

In this video, find out how to avoid making the most common mistakes business owners make with their marketing.

October 12th, 2022 | 1 minutes to read

Why HR is Important and Not Something to DIY
HR | Read

Why HR is Important and Not Something to DIY

Catch yourself wondering why HR is important? Some business owners think they can DIY their HR needs but it can be a risky cost-savings.

September 15th, 2022 | 5 minutes to read

Content Marketing and Formula 1’s Drive to Survive
Marketing | Read

Content Marketing and Formula 1’s Drive to Survive

Pitching a show to Netflix might not be part of your content marketing strategy, but there are some lessons we can learn from F1's success.

August 24th, 2022 | 9 minutes to read

A Marketing Strategy vs. Marketing Plan
Marketing | Read

A Marketing Strategy vs. Marketing Plan

What makes a marketing strategy versus a marketing plan? While similar, both are essential tools in a marketing foundation built for success.

August 3rd, 2022 | 4 minutes to read

Five Ways to Adapt Your Marketing in a Post-Pandemic World
Marketing | Read

Five Ways to Adapt Your Marketing in a Post-Pandemic World

The way we do business has changed over the last few years. Here are a few ways to adapt your marketing post-pandemic.

July 29th, 2022 | 3 minutes to read

Demystifying Marketing Through Education
Marketing | Read

Demystifying Marketing Through Education

Effective marketing shouldn't feel like a mystery. A little education goes a long way in bringing clarity to your marketing efforts.

June 28th, 2022 | 6 minutes to read

Which Social Media Platform is Best for Your Business?
Marketing | Read

Which Social Media Platform is Best for Your Business?

Choosing which social media platform is best for your business comes down to your audience, your offering, and your commitment to learning.

June 8th, 2022 | 8 minutes to read

How to Build an Employment Brand That Attracts and Retains Great People
HX | Read

How to Build an Employment Brand That Attracts and Retains Great People

Learn how to build an employment brand that helps your business attract and retain talent by following this process.

May 26th, 2022 | 6 minutes to read

How to Use Purpose-Driven Marketing to Drive Sales
Marketing | Read

How to Use Purpose-Driven Marketing to Drive Sales

Purpose driven marketing encourages customers to form a deeper connection to your brand which in turn, drives sales and brand loyalty.

April 21st, 2022 | 3 minutes to read

The Importance of Building Community Around Your Brand
Marketing | Read

The Importance of Building Community Around Your Brand

Building a community around your brand is a process not so different than building the communities we live and work in every day.

March 7th, 2022 | 5 minutes to read

The Best Part of the Super Bowl? The Ads, Of Course!
Marketing | Read

The Best Part of the Super Bowl? The Ads, Of Course!

The chance to advertise during the Super Bowl inspires brands to get creative, but prioritizing creativity should not be a special event.

February 10th, 2022 | 5 minutes to read

NFT, 123, Baby You and Me!
Marketing | Read

NFT, 123, Baby You and Me!

Just because something is popular, doesn't mean you're missing out. Stick to your strategy, align with your purpose and innovate your own way.

February 3rd, 2022 | 4 minutes to read

Adopt a Learning Mindset in Your Marketing
Marketing | Read

Adopt a Learning Mindset in Your Marketing

Marketing is a big investment into the future of your business. It only makes sense to adopt a learning mindset.

January 27th, 2022 | 5 minutes to read

Stop Chasing, Start Strategic Marketing
Marketing | Read

Stop Chasing, Start Strategic Marketing

Are you playing "dump and chase" with your marketing? Focus on strategic marketing to stay in control and achieve your business goals.

January 20th, 2022 | 5 minutes to read

Don't Spread Your Focus Too Thin
General | Read

Don't Spread Your Focus Too Thin

Where the focus goes the energy flows. Don't spread yours too thin. Start with strategy and everything else will fall into place.

January 11th, 2022 | 4 minutes to read

Thought Leadership: “I’m a Thought Leader!”
Read | Read

Thought Leadership: “I’m a Thought Leader!”

Thought leadership is the act of creating and sharing content of value on a subject you’re an expert in. Start sharing your knowledge.

January 6th, 2022 | 4 minutes to read

Top Marketing Trends of 2022? Says Who?
Marketing | Read

Top Marketing Trends of 2022? Says Who?

Forget researching the top marketing trends of 2022. Want real results that help you achieve your business goals? Start with strategy.

December 14th, 2021 | 3 minutes to read

What is Brand Equity, or, How to Build a Brand That Lasts
Marketing | Read

What is Brand Equity, or, How to Build a Brand That Lasts

Brand equity is the influence the brand itself has on buying decisions. Equity is high for iconic brands, so how can you elevate yours?

December 8th, 2021 | 4 minutes to read

How to Improve Customer Perception Through A/B Testing
Marketing | Read

How to Improve Customer Perception Through A/B Testing

A/B testing allows you to hone your strategy, reduce time spent trying to figure out what works, and appeal to your customers.

November 2nd, 2021 | 4 minutes to read

Does Your Idea of Outsourcing Need an Update?
General | Read

Does Your Idea of Outsourcing Need an Update?

Offshore? Onshore? Nearshore? Outsourcing is no longer the exclusive domain of software development. Knowing your options is key to success.

November 1st, 2021 | 4 minutes to read

The Mall had it All, Until it Didn't
General | Read

The Mall had it All, Until it Didn't

What can malls teach us about the importance of adaptation in business? Things change, and it's critical to adapt our strategies with them.

August 11th, 2021 | 5 minutes to read

Keeping Your Current Customers Happy
Marketing | Read

Keeping Your Current Customers Happy

While creating new leads is crucial for your company’s growth, focusing on customer retention is equally important.

June 11th, 2021 | 4 minutes to read

Is Your Marketing Budget on a Rocket to Nowhere?
Marketing | Read

Is Your Marketing Budget on a Rocket to Nowhere?

Find yourself investing in marketing without results? Is your budget going to waste? Focus on your marketing strategy and implementation plan.

March 5th, 2021 | 3 minutes to read

Why Authentic Leadership is More Important Than Ever
General | Read

Why Authentic Leadership is More Important Than Ever

We chatted with friend and fellow Calgary business owner Dustin Anderson of Stack’d Consulting about the importance of authentic leadership.

January 20th, 2021 | 7 minutes to read

Media Matters: How to Use the Media to Tell Your Story
Marketing | Watch

Media Matters: How to Use the Media to Tell Your Story

Watch our webinar on media relations and how to leverage media to tell your story.

November 26th, 2020 | 2 minutes to read

How to Survive Tough Times (Without Losing Your Shirt) w/ Connor Curran of Local Laundry
Marketing | Read

How to Survive Tough Times (Without Losing Your Shirt) w/ Connor Curran of Local Laundry

We chatted with friend and fellow Calgary business owner Connor Curran of Local Laundry about how to make it through as a business owner.

November 12th, 2020 | 6 minutes to read

Riding the Pandemic Bull: How to Land on Your Feet
Marketing | Read

Riding the Pandemic Bull: How to Land on Your Feet

Adam Thompson of Friday Sock Co. on why now is not the time for cold feet and how innovation is the best way to keep you on your toes.

November 4th, 2020 | 4 minutes to read

Diversity and Inclusion in Business
Watch | Read

Diversity and Inclusion in Business

Watch our webinar on diversity and inclusion in business featuring Rachel Wade of Parkland and Including You Consulting.

October 29th, 2020 | 2 minutes to read

Riding the Pandemic Bull: Small Business Style
Marketing | Read

Riding the Pandemic Bull: Small Business Style

As tough as seasoned bull riders, the Calgary small business community is getting through this pandemic together.

October 21st, 2020 | 6 minutes to read

To our People, Thank You
General | Read

To our People, Thank You

Thank you to every single person connected in some way to us, past or present. You have shaped who we are and who we strive to be.

October 9th, 2020 | 3 minutes to read

Brand Equity: Sony, Microsoft, and the Promises You Make
Marketing | Read

Brand Equity: Sony, Microsoft, and the Promises You Make

Brand equity comes down to the balance between the promises you make and the promises you keep. That's why it's so important to deliver.

October 8th, 2020 | 5 minutes to read

Launching a Digital Product: Is Now the Right Time?
General | Read

Launching a Digital Product: Is Now the Right Time?

Watch our webinar on whether now is the right time for launching a digital product with Avnish Mehta of Stand & Command.

September 2nd, 2020 | 2 minutes to read

How to Become a Customer-Driven Company
Marketing | Read

How to Become a Customer-Driven Company

Investing into getting to know your customers is the first step in becoming a customer-driven company. Make them the hero of the story.

August 21st, 2020 | 8 minutes to read

Accessing New Revenue Streams Through Effective Marketing
Marketing | Read

Accessing New Revenue Streams Through Effective Marketing

Watch an informative webinar on how effective marketing can help you access new revenue streams with your business.

July 29th, 2020 | 2 minutes to read

Everything Old is New Again
Marketing | Read

Everything Old is New Again

We're in a period of adaptation and evolution, but innovation doesn't mean only looking ahead. Sometimes, you can look to the past to move forward.

July 8th, 2020 | 4 minutes to read

Marketing and Sales are Different but the Magic Happens Together
Marketing | Read

Marketing and Sales are Different but the Magic Happens Together

Marketing is not sales, and sales is not marketing, but for your business to be successful they must be aligned and working together.

June 23rd, 2020 | 3 minutes to read

How the Last Two Months Have Made Us Better
General | Read

How the Last Two Months Have Made Us Better

Business owners have learned the importance of developing smart, flexible business plans that allow them to be more proactive and more prepared.

May 27th, 2020 | 5 minutes to read

Simple and Effective
Marketing | Read

Simple and Effective

By looking at your objectives through the framework of what is simple and effective, you'll bring immediate, impactful wins to your business.

May 22nd, 2020 | 3 minutes to read

Great Storytelling = Better Customer Relationships
Marketing | Read

Great Storytelling = Better Customer Relationships

Storytelling can strengthen your brand, develop better customer relationships, and keep them coming back for more.

May 13th, 2020 | 5 minutes to read

How Adversity Shapes Consumer Behaviour
Marketing | Read

How Adversity Shapes Consumer Behaviour

How does adversity like COVID-19 impact long-term consumer behaviour? The past gives us an idea of how companies must adapt for the future.

April 21st, 2020 | 5 minutes to read

How to Work With (the Right) Marketing Agency
Marketing | Read

How to Work With (the Right) Marketing Agency

Want to know how to work with a marketing agency? First, find the right agency that fits your needs and understands your business.

April 17th, 2020 | 4 minutes to read

People Buy Who You Are
Marketing | Read

People Buy Who You Are

A unique brand strategy developed to match your business, your needs, and your audience is key to forming genuine connections and getting the big wins.

March 10th, 2020 | 3 minutes to read

Top 40 Under 40 Calgary
General | Read

Top 40 Under 40 Calgary

Congratulations to Amish Morjaria, founder of Forward Level, for being selected as one of Calgary's Top 40 Under 40 for 2019.

November 8th, 2019 | 5 minutes to read

The Human Side of B2B Marketing
General | Watch

The Human Side of B2B Marketing

watch: B2B marketing has a reputation for being less people-centric than B2C. But at the end of the day, we're all human.

January 16th, 2019 | 1 minutes to read

The Power of Purpose and Corporate Social Responsibility
Marketing | Read

The Power of Purpose and Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility is about giving back to your community in ways that align with the purpose behind your business.

October 18th, 2018 | 2 minutes to read

Better Marketing: Good Enough Can Always be Better
Marketing | Read

Better Marketing: Good Enough Can Always be Better

If your marketing feels like it's just 'good enough' then that means it can be better. Better marketing means better results and growth.

February 9th, 2018 | 2 minutes to read

Don't Overcommit to One In-Market Audience
Marketing | Read

Don't Overcommit to One In-Market Audience

A good marketing strategy knows where your in-market audience is, knows where they aren't and is nimble enough to go wherever they go.

January 26th, 2018 | 2 minutes to read

Content Strategy: Less is More, and More is More
Marketing | Read

Content Strategy: Less is More, and More is More

A good content strategy = lots of good content on your website. But if your options are a little bit of good or a lot of bad? Less is more.

January 16th, 2018 | 2 minutes to read

It's Never Too Late to Focus on Social Media Engagement
Marketing | Read

It's Never Too Late to Focus on Social Media Engagement

Social media engagement is a key factor in the success of organic marketing campaigns, so make it a priority. It's never too late to start.

January 10th, 2018 | 3 minutes to read

Product Marketing: Stop Selling Your Product as a Product
Marketing | Read

Product Marketing: Stop Selling Your Product as a Product

When it comes to effective product marketing, you need to go beyond selling your product as a product and focus on value.

January 5th, 2018 | 3 minutes to read

“How Did I Miss That?”: 8 Tips for Editing and Proofing Like a Pro
Marketing | Read

“How Did I Miss That?”: 8 Tips for Editing and Proofing Like a Pro

The importance of editing and proofreading cannot be overstated. Seemingly innocuous errors can sometimes call your credibility into question.

October 30th, 2017 | 4 minutes to read

Marketing for Growth Post-Recession
Marketing | Read

Marketing for Growth Post-Recession

Marketing efforts are a key factor in how businesses manage and emerge from local recessions. Ensure you're primed for growth.

April 21st, 2017 | 4 minutes to read

3 Tips to Kickstart Your Legal Marketing Efforts
Marketing | Read

3 Tips to Kickstart Your Legal Marketing Efforts

Don't just do what everyone else is doing. Start with these solid tips to kickstart your legal marketing efforts the right way.

March 17th, 2017 | 3 minutes to read

7 Tips for Designing a Modern Website
Marketing | Read

7 Tips for Designing a Modern Website

Websites have changed a lot since the beginning. Modern website design means creating something that will take you beyond today.

November 24th, 2016 | 5 minutes to read

Four Reasons Not to Cut Your Marketing Budget in a Recession
Marketing | Read

Four Reasons Not to Cut Your Marketing Budget in a Recession

A report published by TD Economics last month indicated that the current recession in Alberta is likely to be one of the most severe the province has ever faced. The first reaction of most businesses in a recession is…

August 24th, 2016 | 3 minutes to read

What Does it Mean to be an Effective Leader?
General | Read

What Does it Mean to be an Effective Leader?

I’ve since reflected on the event planning process and an interesting correlation began to appear between managing an event and leadership.

July 18th, 2016 | 4 minutes to read

The Rules of Engagement: 3 Ways to Grow Your Social Media Presence
Marketing | Read

The Rules of Engagement: 3 Ways to Grow Your Social Media Presence

Social media is an ongoing evolution – the only constant being change. While it’s not always easy to know which social media tip or trick to invest in, the rule of engagement is one standby you can rely on…

March 31st, 2016 | 3 minutes to read

The Love Affair of Stories and Brands
Marketing | Read

The Love Affair of Stories and Brands

“You can’t hate someone whose story you know.” Interesting thought. Do you agree? I do. Especially after the person who taught me this notion (thanks sis)..

February 25th, 2016 | 2 minutes to read

The Voice of Influence: Inspiring Song Lyrics for Marketers
Marketing | Read

The Voice of Influence: Inspiring Song Lyrics for Marketers

At the impressionable age of 13, Alanis Morissette taught me, “You live, you learn; you love, you learn; you cry, you learn; you loooooose, you learn.” I’d be willing to bet that almost everyone has learned from…

January 11th, 2016 | 3 minutes to read

5 Tips on Giving and Receiving Feedback on Creative Work
Marketing | Read

5 Tips on Giving and Receiving Feedback on Creative Work

Producing creative work can be complex, but effective management of the feedback loop can avoid delays and ensure a smooth process.

November 25th, 2015 | 2 minutes to read

A Small Business Owner's Manifesto
General | Read

A Small Business Owner's Manifesto

Here in this small business owner's manifesto are 8 of the most impactful lessons learned during an entrepreneur journey developing Forward Level Marketing.

September 25th, 2014 | 5 minutes to read

The Ghost of the Office
Read | Read

The Ghost of the Office

The remote employee… it’s a strange gig. You’re the ghost of the office. Everyone knows you’re around, but you’re not chatting over morning coffee, sharing laughs throughout the day or going out for drinks after work.

July 17th, 2014 | 2 minutes to read

6 Things I’ve Learned About Working With the Media
Marketing | Read

6 Things I’ve Learned About Working With the Media

Here are 6 great tips about how to thrive with media relations learned after years of experience working as the "media contact" for various organizations.

June 26th, 2014 | 5 minutes to read

Change is Good: If You Have a Parachute
General | Read

Change is Good: If You Have a Parachute

Here is a quick entrepreneur view of a phenomenal business grow, in which you can realize that change is good if you have a "parachute" during the process.

April 30th, 2014 | 4 minutes to read

Writer’s Block: The Wall You Wish Would Come Tumbling Down
Marketing | Read

Writer’s Block: The Wall You Wish Would Come Tumbling Down

Here are five useful tactics to combat writer’s block. Give them a shot and good luck with the next written masterpiece!

March 25th, 2014 | 2 minutes to read

We are All Storytellers
Marketing | Read

We are All Storytellers

If all of life’s important lessons were told through story, Forward Level Marketing is here to tell yours... because we are all storytellers.

March 1st, 2014 | 2 minutes to read

Load More

“There are always a million reasons not to do something.” Jan Levinson // The Office

This is where we tell you about how creative we are, or innovative, or how passionate we are about doing amazing work and working with amazing people, and how if this sounds like you, you should apply. That’s all fine and dandy, but you want the goods. [ What we do for you ]