Shelby Shaffer

With all that’s going on in the world today, there’s never a better time to talk about mental health. Coronavirus forced a lot of us to pack up and create a make-shift home office as we entered lockdown and a 6-month quarantine. But the sudden shift in our daily routines and the absence of social … Continued

What do Gallagher, Evil Knievil, and Bert Kreischer have in common? These three entertainers have unique brands, but one thing stands true for each of them, their weird branding works. People of all ages nationwide can tell who they are. They are memorable. So how can businesses learn from these examples of weird branding that … Continued

“Thanks for calling. We appreciate our customers, and your call is very important to us. Please stay on the line as all of our customer service representatives and serving others” via GIPHY I don’t know about you, but when I call a business and get a recording similar to this, I certainly do NOT feel … Continued

“Hey, Summer, how did that website project turn out? Did you review website flaws to avoid before sending it to the new design intern?” “Ugh! Gene, I’m a little frustrated. Jay understood what website flaws to avoid, but the bounce rate is still high. He and I spend months putting it together, working with our … Continued

It’s been about two whole days since I was assigned to write this blog, and just now, at noon on day three, I’ve forced myself to sit down and write.  My to-do list, which is sitting next to me, is seemingly long, but this task is highlighted because it takes priority. My list isn’t just … Continued

I remember growing up; my mom always would say, “Shelby, what is the Golden Rule?” I’d giggle and blush (or if called on bad behavior, I’d cross my arms and mumble) “The Golden Rule is to treat others how you want to be treated.” I’m sure you were taught something similar. It’s synonymous with “treat … Continued

“Fish are friends, not food!” I’m sure you remember this iconic quote from Finding Nemo when Bruce, Anchor, and Chum invited Marlin and Dory to their Fish-Friendly Sharks support group. As a business owner, YOU are the shark, and your customers are the fish. This same friendly principle should be applied to your business model, … Continued

We can all agree that Henry Ford was a smart businessman. His legacy and business models still live on today. But there is more we can learn from Henry Ford than just assembly-line efficiency.  Henry Ford taught business owners how to say “no”. Ford famously insisted, “Any customer can have a car painted any color … Continued

It’s 2 am when I wake up and I hear nothing.  via GIPHY Normally, at 2 am, hearing nothing would be ideal.  It’s not a scene out of a horror movie when hearing nothing means there’s a bad man hiding in your house. But it’s the hottest night of the year so far and I … Continued

If you’re anything like me, you absolutely LOVE the feeling of clean teeth after you’ve been to the dentist. Sure, I follow the recommended brushing and flossing rules they say to follow, but nothing compares to the cleanliness of freshly clean and polished teeth. A handful of dental practices were able to remain open during … Continued

(Feature Image from VisitBucksCounty.com) When COVID-19 struck and the government issued a mandatory quarantine, no one could have predicted or prepared for the financial and economic consequences. It’s been almost two months since then, and businesses are still closed or struggling to stay open.  HelpSquad, along with our sister companies LiveHelpNow and Insane Lab, sprung … Continued

Lowen Anders loved her job. For six years, Lowen worked as a freelance contractor for an architecture firm that valued sustainability and the overall health of the environment. As part of her contract, the firm offered her a comfortable salary and health benefits. Because offering freelance employees health insurance benefits wasn’t required, Lowen knew how … Continued

March 10, 2020. The date will stick out in Lowen Anders’ head for years. It’s the date she got the call that said schools were closing because of COVID-19. Lowen was laid-off.  Lowen had been a freelance contractor for the New York City school system for six years teaching architecture in elementary and middle schools. … Continued

Image from Cosmopolitan, UK Instagram You may consider yourself lucky if you’re quarantined with your pets. But do your pets feel the same way?! Suddenly, we’re spending all day with them. We’re interrupting their naps, increasing their snack intake, and judging them for sleeping all day – poor things!  But in all seriousness, the mandated … Continued

New things can be scary.  In 1876 when telephones were becoming more and more popular, people were suspicious. It was during a time when few people had firsthand experience with electrical machines.  There were many fears surrounding the telephone. Was it dangerous? Could other people listen in on conversations? Telephone companies had to work hard … Continued

“Today, you have the opportunity to transcend from a disempowered mindset of existence to an empowered reality of purpose-driven living. Today is a new day that has been handed to you for shaping. You have the tools, now get out there and create a masterpiece.” Steve Maraboli, The Power of One Today, despite the mandated … Continued

Just about every school-aged kid I know LOVES a snow day. Heck, I loved them so much when I was a kid I would perform every snow day ritual known to man at the slightest chance of snow. That meant spoons under pillows, pajamas inside out, and when I really wanted a snow day I … Continued

Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen Pour myself a cup of ambition Yawn and stretch and try to come to life Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin’ Out on the street the traffic starts jumpin’ With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5… well not anymore. … Continued

“Thank you for calling our customer support hotline. Your call is very important to us. All of our customer representatives are busy serving other customers right now, but we will be with you shortly! Please stay on the line.” via GIPHY Sound familiar? Thankfully customer service is changing, and we couldn’t be happier.  People are … Continued