Zern Liew

Sydney, New South Wales
www.eicolab.com.au

I am a thinking designer who applies design thinking to help businesses innovate across their Branding, Communications, Processes and Systems.

I use my creative problem solving skills to help my clients build beautiful businesses.

I have a large body of work across diverse industries and can deliver a range of outcomes.

I give a damn about building beautiful businesses because they in turn make a beautiful world.

Zern's memorable quote
“Those who give, get; those who try to get, don’t.” Sir John Templeton

Articles by Zern

Zern is the co-author of articles listed here.

• Technology

  Seven layout mistakes to avoid

  Over the years, I have noticed common layout mistakes in documents, web pages and PowerPoint slides. Avoid these mistakes and you'll produce more professional documents.

  • Published 23 July 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 14 Comments

• Technology

  Eight no-nos of web design

  We all appreciate how a website’s design can help or hinder its effectiveness. Is your site guilty of one or more of these common web design no-nos?

  • Published 18 June 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 16 Comments

• Solo Psyche

  Do you run a socially responsible business?

  Running a socially responsible business means consciously managing the social impact of your business - how it relates to you, your clients and your community.

  • Published 14 May 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 8 Comments

• Working Smarter

  Problem solving model: Four phases

  Here is an overview of the problem solving model I have used successfully over the years. There are four key phases, each requiring a different set of skills.

  • Published 09 April 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 6 Comments

• Technology

  Six useful and inexpensive computer upgrades

  It’s easy to let years go by without reviewing your computer system, even though it provides critical support to your business. As your computer is probably the most indispensable part of your business, it is important to consider computer upgrades.

  • Published 22 February 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 12 Comments

• Working Smarter

  Project management: Why projects fail

  As soloists, our work is often project-based. Have you ever wondered why some projects go smoothly and others seem plagued with problems? Here are five reasons why projects can fail and how with good project management these problems can be avoided.

  • Published 07 January 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 7 Comments

• Marketing

  Communication techniques: Showing empathy

  As part of our lives as solopreneurs, we come across many different people who hold many different view points. To deal effectively with those who have a different opinion to our own, empathy is an important communication technique to develop.

  • Published 07 December 07
  • Zern Liew
  • 4 Comments

• Working Smarter

  Creating a professional development plan

  Most large companies provide training and career development support, but as a soloist this is often neglected. Here we look at advantages of both formal and self-directed learning and show you how to create your own professional development plan.

  • Published 07 November 07
  • Zern Liew
  • 4 Comments

• Solo Psyche

  Do you have a green business?

  The idea of having a green business is very topical at the moment and every change we make to the way we consume resources and reduce waste helps. Here are the green things I do as part of my business practice. What can you do in your business?

  • Published 21 September 07
  • Zern Liew
  • 9 Comments

• Working Smarter

  How social capital is good for business

  When social capital, or generosity, is a foundation of your business strategy, it provides huge benefits. It helps build strong relationships with your community and customers, plus when it comes to PR, it beats expensive advertising.

  • Published 17 August 07
  • Zern Liew
  • 1 Comment

• Marketing

  The basics of logo design

  Your logo is the primary part of your brand identity, so it’s important to make sure it communicates the right message. Here are four key things to bear in mind when looking at logo design.

  • Published 18 July 07
  • Zern Liew
  • 27 Comments

• Marketing

  Business Branding: The ABC of branding

  ABC, which stands for Actions, Beliefs and Clothing are the basic building blocks of business branding. You have an authentic and strong brand when these three aspects work together harmoniously.

  • Published 08 June 07
  • Zern Liew
  • 8 Comments

• Solo Psyche

  Get Real: Listening skills and being yourself

  Some soloists like to adopt different identities at work and at home. But if you avoid being yourself or leave a big part of yourself out of our work, you fail to be authentic.

  • Published 13 April 07
  • Zern Liew
  • 16 Comments

• Solo Psyche

  Do you own a moral business?

  The phrase 'it's just business' is often used to justify morally questionable behaviour. The immense power business wields over the well-being of this planet makes the issue of morality in business more important than ever.

  • Published 12 February 07
  • Zern Liew
  • 7 Comments

• Marketing

  Managing customer relationships

  To succeed in business today, you need to develop a real relationship with your customers. An authentic approach to managing customer relationships can help you shine through and win out over your competition.

  • Published 15 December 06
  • Zern Liew
  • 5 Comments

• Marketing

  Exceptional customer service: Having the right attitude

  Every business should care about providing exceptional customer service. But what does that “service” really mean?

  • Published 10 November 06
  • Zern Liew
  • 4 Comments