Author Archives: Randy Clark

About Randy Clark

Randy Clark is the Director of Communications at TKO Graphix, where he regularly blogs for TKO's Brandwire. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He is a beer geek and, on weekends, he fronts the rock band, Under The Radar. He is the proud father of one educator, one principal, has four amazing grandchildren, and a public speaker wife who puts up with him. His twitter handle is: @randyclarktko, Facebook: Randy Clarktko, Google+: Randy Clark on G+

Worry About Yourself, Not Others


photo credit: rob.knight via photopin cc

Do you work with someone who spends too much time and effort worrying about others? They share negative opinions like, “So and so came in late and no one wrote them up.” “I can’t believe SHE got a raise.” “How did they ever make HIM a manager?” They’re seldom happy for others, which makes (read more)

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FAQ: Will Insurance Cover My Wrap?


photo credit: danxoneil via photopin cc

“My 2007 Ford Mustang was recently involved in a fender bender. One side was damaged, including the stripes I added after I bought it. Insurance gets confusing. I’m worried — will my insurance cover replacing the stripes, or will I have to pay for that out of my pocket?”

This should usually be covered, … (read more)

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Do You Work With Leaders or Commanders?

Do You Work With Leaders or Commanders?
You hate having someone stand over your shoulder. You find it smoth­er­ing, even claus­tro­pho­bic. You want to scream, “Let me do my job and quit micro-managing me!” But… it’s your boss, the manager. “Doesn’t he know he gets in my way and slows me down?” You’re seriously con­sid­er­ing taking that other job, even though it’s less pay and not the (read more)

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Photo Blog: Hummel Park Monument Sign

 Hummel Park Signage in Plainfield Indiana by TKO Signs

Have you ever noticed signs that didn’t fit their location or purpose? Signs that were out of place in their sur­round­ings, or inap­pro­pri­ate for the orga­ni­za­tion? I recall signs used a few years ago for highway rest stops. These rustic wooden style signs may have fit park areas, but looked out of place on the inter­state highways where they were (read more)

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Are YOU a Social Media Spammer?

Are YOU a Social Media Spammer?

You work in marketing, and since you “under­stand” all this social media stuff, you’ve been asked to handle the company’s social media accounts. Sometimes, man­age­ment doesn’t under­stand why you spend time on social media con­ver­sa­tions, or promoting other’s links. Shouldn’t you be promoting the company? Isn’t using the company’s social media networks to socialize against company policy? In other words, they want you to spam the company’s network.(read more)

Posted in Social Media & Networking | Tagged , | 2 Comments

How to Prepare to Present

How to Prepare to Present

Everyone has jitters. You aren’t alone. I haven’t met a presenter who didn’t. However, the more you present, the easier it is for most. You will mess up. You’ll omit, forget, and ramble. It’s no big deal, unless you make it one. Your audience doesn’t know, so don’t tell them. Don’t apologize for your mistakes. Take deep breaths and look (read more)

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FAQ: What’s the Best Way to Attach Logos to Apparel?

FAQ: What's the Best Way to Attach Logos to Apparel?

The answer depends on what type of apparel, the material, and what you want to accom­plish. There are five common options for applying design to apparel. Each has advan­tages and dis­ad­van­tages, from cost to color choices. Choosing the best method for your needs will help you accom­plish your goal. Any accred­ited ASI (Adver­tis­ing Specialty Institute) member can advise on your (read more)

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Retaining Your Truck Mechanics & Fleet Technicians

Retaining Your Truck Mechanics & Fleet Technicians
There’s been much talk about the trucking industry’s shortage of drivers and what to do about it. However, the con­tin­u­ing shortage of truck mechanics and fleet tech­ni­cians may neg­a­tively impact logistics more than the driver shortage. Like driver shortages, mechanic and tech­ni­cian shortages can affect the transport of goods. But not having enough mechanics and tech­ni­cians also impacts longevity of equipment and (read more)

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Photo Blog: Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

Photo Blog: Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

I’ve been taken to the hospital in an ambulance. I’m an adult, and it was scary. I was afraid. If it hadn’t been for the staff, it may have been ter­ri­fy­ing. Now imagine what an ambulance ride must be like for a child.

My first impres­sion of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital critical care transport was — “that’s fun!” It took me a minute … (read more)

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Your Best Networking Plan – Keep it Simple

Your Best Networking Plan – Keep it Simple
Last year, I rep­re­sented our company at a local business event. We set up a table, handed out brochures, and I answered questions. The event lasted the better part of an afternoon with speakers pre­sent­ing through­out the day. I was looking forward to seeing a scheduled pre­sen­ta­tion on net­work­ing — a passion of mine. The net­work­ing presenter spent nearly an (read more)

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