This year, I’m expanding my workshop offer. The past weeks I’ve worked on training modules designed to increase work productivity and website ranking. These half day modules are great for freelancers, small businesses and professionals working at larger companies. The workshops can take place either in-company or in my strategy lab. 

New modules include:
1. Cloud computing: tools and techniques for file sharing, bookmarking, project planning and more. Get more things done in less time by working with the cloud. 
2. Using the iPad for business: functions, how to use the iPad for presentations, composing and editing documents and quick & dirty tips to help you get the most out of your iPad
3. Search engine marketing: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Advertising (SEA) with e.g. Google Adwords, content– and keyword management to make sure your target audiences will find your website.

Social Media Marketing training. Photo: Barbara Mair, Mediamatic

Existing modules of full day workshops are:

1. Social media marketing (freelancers, small businesses, large companies)
2. Brand strategy (small businesses, large companies)
3. Personal branding (freelancers, individuals)

For more info and prices, please send an email to hello@minkehavelaar.com. 

A dozen social media marketing trainings via Mediamatic

Many sessions at my strategy lab with e.g. Artbox and KVHW 

Marketing plans for Elsevier,  LAAEL, Mainstudio and more

A guest lecture at VU University Amsterdam

Trips, to Berlin, the Ardennes, California & Tuscany 

Countless cups of coffee and lunch dates with inspiring people 

A puppy

…

2012 was pretty awesome and I want to thank everyone I worked with. I look forward to working with you again in 2013 and wish you succes, love and happiness. 

When you’re an artist or a small creative agency, most of your energy goes into creative processes, concepts and aesthetics, rather than in business. That’s why marketing your own ‘brand’ can be a challenge. Since I have worked with creatives a lot over the past years, and communication happens to be my area of expertise, I offer made-to-measure communication & PR modules for creative professionals. You can choose between a one-off PR package to boost your brand, or a monthly subscription to ensure consistent communication with your target market. Please click ‘Read more’ for the options. 

Photo: Minke Havelaar Communications, by Mariette Hoekstra 

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On November 6th 2012 I gave a full day workshop to creative professionals and entrepreneurs. Participants worked on their branding, learned how to strategically use communication tools and social media and created personas representing their target audiences. An inspiring day full of energy and brilliant ideas! 

Photo: Mariette Hoekstra

See more pictures on Facebook. For more info on my workshops, have a look at my calendar or contact me at minke@minkehavelaar.com. 

After 6 great years of studying, the time has come to take a new step in my life: working! As most people say: “student life” is the best time of your life”, I can truly state that I have fully enjoyed this period. Now I am inspired by Minke to bring the theory which I have learned during my study into practice at “Minke Havelaar Communications”. I work here part-time as a junior consultant in which I help Minke to write blogs about social media strategies. Furthermore, I assist her during Communication Strategy workshops. In the mean time I am looking for a full time job in the marketing/strategy field.

Mariette and Raf – Photo: Minke Havelaar

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During the last months of the year I will host monthly communication strategy workshops in my Strategy Lab. The workshops focus especially on the opportunities and challenges of creative professionals; designers, photographers, artists, etc. It is a full day workshop where you’ll determine a personal strategy based on your (long term) goals, your target audiences and your personal strengths and weaknesses —both as a professional and as a person. You will also learn how to apply smart communication tactics, easy marketing tools and social media. Join this workshop for an inspiring day full of new insights, personal coaching and collaborating with peers!

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Two weeks ago I moderated a communication strategy workshop with Hugo de Haas van Dorsser and Julia Kaiser from communication agency KVHW (Kunst Van Het Weglaten, or ‘The Art of Omission’). Hugo reflected on this day in such a clear, constructive and beautiful way that I invited him to a guest blog. I hope this inspires other creatives, independent professionals and small businesses to allow more life in their work, and more work in their lives. Thanks Hugo!

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Exciting news! This week I launched my pop-up strategy lab in Depot BG — the ground floor of the former Amsterdam City Archives and now the refuge of many creative professionals. Other than extremely talented, the guys working there are friendly enough to let me use one of their spaces to host innovation sessions and strategy workshops. Last week I made this space over into a serious playground for innovation and hosted my first workshop and coaching session. 

Communication strategy workshop 28 August 2012, photo: Minke Havelaar Communications 

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