Nova Scotia Come To Life Interview Tuesday, 11 May 2010 13:26 |  Written by Richard Black |  
A few weeks ago, I did an interview with a lovely young lady from M5 Communications for the Nova Scotia Come to Life initiative. I've posted the interview in it's entirety below. (To see the original, simply follow this link.)
But, that’s just the type of guy Rich Black is – friendly, conversational, droll; a social being; the type of guy that immediately puts you at ease with his pleasant and relaxed demeanor. That’s probably why networking comes as second nature to him. Lucky for him. In his line of work, networking is key to success. At least, it has been the key to Black’s success. Richard Black operates his own web and graphic design company in Dartmouth. When he’s not busy building corporate identities from scratch, designing websites or putting together the myriad pieces of the Web 2.0 puzzle for his clients (and training them in how to use it), he’s networking with peers and potential customers – constantly staying on top of the scene; continually evolving his business. “There’s a fine balance between networking as much as possible to ensure business development unfolds and actually sitting in front of the computer and producing tangible results,” says Black. “And both aspects of the business (development and production of high quality collateral) are equally important.” In fact, Black finds so much value in networking that he developed his own informal group, called Dartnet. When it began in January 2009, Dartnet comprised a few dedicated members who met weekly over breakfast. Today, Dartnet meets monthly and has expanded its membership ten-fold. In fact, this January more than 40 people celebrated the first anniversary of Dartnet as they informally chatted about the industry to which they all have intimate ties. Certainly, Black’s tie to the design industry is an intimate one. The Cole Harbour native studied at NSCAD University for a few years and then attended the New Brunswick Community College where he concentrated in animation and design. From there, he landed a gig producing animation for a CBC show. Today he heads up Rich Graphics from his home office. Rich Graphics is a small design studio that offers cohesive design solutions for both print and web applications. Black designs for a multitude of media, including: brand identities, graphic design for print, web design and development, social media and web hosting. His clients include small- to medium-sized businesses, most of whom are local. “Local small- and medium-size businesses have always been my target audience,” explains Black, as he reflects on the entrepreneurial dream he has made a reality. “We have a vibrant business community here in Nova Scotia. I try to stay true to my roots; support the local community as much as possible.” Most recently, he developed the website for the Governor General’s community spirit award. But he has also worked for many clients across diverse sectors. Black finds clients by doing what he does best: socializing, mingling at professional networking events or chatting via social media. And positive word of mouth from his uber-satisfied clients doesn’t hurt, either. It’s no wonder this people-person has a passion for new media: he lives and breathes social interaction every day of his life. Black explains, “Social media is part of what I sell. I’ve set up custom Facebook pages and coinciding Twitter backgrounds for clients; then I show them how to work it all.” And soon, he will embark on a speaking tour focusing on social media and how to use it corporately. He will be sharing his insights and experiences with Nova Scotia’s business community. Regarding social media, Black says “I think people are innately social creatures, and that’s why they’re taking through Facebook and Twitter – not just in their personal lives, but in the workplace as well. “I believe that interaction through the Net will continue to prosper. It’s an extension of networking.” And, of course, from Black’s perspective, networking is paramount. “With social media taking flight in the business world, connecting with new clients and learning from peers becomes much easier,” he says. “And I’m lucky to be operating my business in a province that is really on-board with emerging technologies.” Black says running a business in Nova Scotia has some definite advantages. “One of my favourite parts of operating here is the reciprocal friendliness between competitors. We learn from each other and help each other out – it’s friendlier here than in the big, densely-populated cities that have more vendors than work,” he explains. “My competitors are more like mentors than opponents,” adds Black. “And often, I’m able to collaborate with people in the industry – writers, designers, PR specialists – to deliver high-caliber pieces for large-scale projects.” Though Black currently operates the business alone, he hopes to one day expand. “Sure, I’d like to employ some people,” he says matter-of-factly. But for now, producing quality results for clients and continuing to connect with his peers and potential clients is at the top of Richard Black’s priority list. It’s a job he does well. Whether hosting breakfast networking opportunities through Dartnet, presenting on the latest design industry happenings, or meeting clients over coffee, he’s always staying connected. Black writes a blog, too. And as it turns out (evidenced by blog posts and photos), he may have joked about bullying Sidney Crosby on his hometown schoolyard, but he really does know Olympic snowboarder Sarah Conrad, who he used to snowboard with behind Cole Harbour Place as a young man. And that’s certainly not surprising for this well-connected social butterfly, for it’s this knack for relationship building and design work makes Rich Black the kind of guy he is.
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Hailing from the hometown of the heroic Sidney Crosby, Richard Black’s introductory line of choice is: “I knew Sid the Kid; I used to bully him on the playground.” Of course, Black is quick to admit the story doesn’t check out: he’s 10 years Sidney’s senior.
#PodCampHfx 2010 - One Day of Social Media Paradise in Halifax, Nova ScotiaMonday, 25 January 2010 18:08 | Written by Richard Black |
On January 24th, Halifax held it's second annual PodCamp festival at the Alderney Gate Library. It was a day filled with tweets, iPhones, Blackberries, and plenty of presentations involving social media, design and online video. Two words can effectively sum up the experience: information overload. This free event attracted 300 people interested in Social Media and the cream of the crop decided to present. PodCamp is known as an 'un-conference' - that is, it's put on by the people for the people. All of the presenters are also attendees, and everything is free. It's a great event, and I'd like to give a special nod to @RyanDeschamps and @SpiderVideo for investing their time, blood, sweat and tears into putting it on. Though it's the participants that make it great, something of this magnitude wouldn't get off the ground without a committed, enlightened core group. Hats off to you two, and everyone else working behind the scenes to make #PodCampHfx such a huge success. If you keep up with the blog, you'll remember I attended PodCamp last year as well, and had an amazing experience. This year, I decided to take it to the next level - and ran a workshop titled 'Using, Branding and Integrating Social Media for Business.'The session ran 45 minutes, and I had a total of 110 slides. Most were hand-drawn, with a handful of screen-captures thrown in for good measure. My session was a rousing success, with a total of three dozen attendees. I consider myself honoured for the chance to present, and must admit I really enjoyed the experience. It was nice to give back to my peers, and to network with some of Halifax's social media elite. I apparently have come a long way in a year.... I distinctly remember seeing a video of me asking a question at last year's PodCamp, and my voice cracking like a pubescent teenager. Some notable events include Giles Crouch's presentation 'The State of Social Media in Atlantic Canada', lunch with the #halifaxchicks and @thecoolestcool, the keynote address with @mcleangreaves and the #BattleDecks challenge at the end of the day. Giles represents Media Badger - a local Social Intelligence Agency. They have their own crawler, MediaSphere360, which collects useful social media data in our region and beyond. Giles was kind enough to share some data about Atlantic Canada and New England with the PodCampers, such as:
The keynote speaker this year was the infamous @mcleangreaves - who hails from Toronto, and is a legend in the digital, broadcast and print media industries. He seemed to have the inside scoop on all things tiwtter, facebook, and social media. From bold predictions of which tech giant was buying which Canadian start-up this year - to the insider track on Apple's new iPad tablet computer (releasing tomorrow!) - McLean seemed to know it all! PodCamp wrapped up with an event called 'BattleDecks.' And contrary to some guesses, it was not two DJs squaring off with beer involved somehow. #BattleDecks originated at the #SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. It pits several challenges against each other, vying for the title of Social Media Bullshit King... I assume. Each challenges has to talk to a dozen slide, for twenty second each, that they have never seen before. The also have to follow a general topic guideline, which consists of some current social media buzzword, for the most part. I can't justify the hilarity that ensued in mere words, I'm afraid. Suffice to say, I had tears in my eyes for the duration of the event. A nod to @firecatkitty, @Prire, and @TheCoolestCool for their amazing skills of delivering maximum BS on-the-fly. Carmen Pirie was declared the winner, but I personally thought Ross Simmonds had it with his 'Generation Y' theme, and downhill spiral into sexual-innuendo at the end... So, to wrap it all up, PodCamp Halifax was the place to be last Sunday. As I often say, "The Geeks will inherit the Earth." - and we proved it and then some at PodCamp. The energy at the event was incredible, and everyone left a richer person. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of these - take it! You'll network with the best, and learn until your poor brain can't take any more. Best day of 2010 so far for Rich Graphics and myself, hands down. The CEED SEB ShowcaseThursday, 31 December 2009 04:57 | Written by Richard Black |
I recently had the opportunity to set up a booth at the first-ever CEED SEB Showcase. I am an alumni of CEED (Centre for Entrepreneurship and Education) - and their SEB (Self-Employment Benefit) program. This two-hour networking event featured great food (catered by Culinary Inspirations), a dozen or so booths, and a graduation ceremony. My booth featured a laptop with my website, brochures, business cards and a prize draw. My colleague Kathy at Time On Task VA Services was also in attendance with a booth of similar caliber.  This was a great opportunity to market to people who are just starting their own business and established businesses who are growing. The experience of manning a booth was a new one for me and the venue was a great place to learn how! The crowd seemed forgiving when my ancient laptop overheated and shut down several times - and lessons like this were best learned at a small venue like this - before paying big bucks for a booth at some other venue in the city. This opportunity also motivated me to catchup on some personal business projects - new business cards, new brochures, and some website updating - that I'd been putting off in favour of billable-work for the last few months.If you ever have the opportunity to put together a booth and show your product or service - be sure to take it! I'm glad I started small, and am now eager for the next opportunity. I've learned a few lessons, and have a few ideas to improve my presence next time. If you require any materials for your booth, don't hesitate to contact us today. Rich Graphics specializes in printed material as well as cutting edge websites. Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch RelayTuesday, 15 December 2009 10:47 | Written by Richard Black |
The Olympic Flame passed through the Maritimes recently, and after seeing it in Halifax, I proceeded to follow it all the way to New Brunswick! I attend the ceremonies in Halifax and caught a glimpse of Sidney Crosby - and more importantly, Olympic snowboarder Sarah Conrad. My friends and I used to snowboard with Sarah - in the fall - behind Cole Harbour Place - on Zamboni snow. Her father was a big advocate for the sport even then, and built the first rails that Martock ever used, if memory serves me. Go Sarah! The Halifax Ceremony featured music by Skratch Bastid and Classified, and tons of Coca-Cola and RBC memorabilia and exhibits. People were scrambling to get the limited edition cola bottles - especially the one that glows different colors. Gotta love corporate sponsorship - and Coke is certainly the king. A week later, I found myself in the car headed to Moncton, New Brunswick to see the torch once more. Turns out my sister there was chosen as a torch-bearer - and all the family was converging on Moncton to show their support. So my lovely wife an I drove 600 km return to see Monica wield the flame or 10 minutes or so. Long drive, but certainly worth it to see this once-in-a-lifetime event. Go Canada! Even though I won't be at the Games on the other side of the continent, it was nice to experience a part of them at home. Nova Scotia - Come To Life!Saturday, 05 December 2009 08:28 | Written by Richard Black |
Rich Graphics was recently invited to join the Nova Scotia Come To Life initiative - and had the opportunity to sign the Come To Life Charter with our Premiere, Darrell Dexter. A number of local cutting-edge businesses were in attendance for the ceremony - and it was a great opportunity to meet some new peers and touch base with some I hadn't seen in a while. It was particularly nice to see Spider Video, Media Badger and Head Space Design represented. What is the Nova Scotia Come To Life initiative all about you ask? It's essentially a branding program for the province - and by signing on - I am responsible for helping to promote Nova Scotia as a great place to learn, visit, prosper and live. Something I can totally get behind, being a Cole Harbour boy who believes in supporting local businesses. If you'd like to learn more, be sure the check out the Come To Life Website! |
The event took place at the new 
| "Richard is very professional to work with and is often found with pencil in hand, pondering a design sketch or two. He constantly is thinking up new ways to promote businesses and help them with their graphic and web appearance and presence. His work is always prompt, effective and most of all, created with much thought as to what the overall message is about and what his client is looking to convey to others." -Kathy Colaiacovo, Time on Task VA Services |