It's a very sunny Saturday -- May 9, 2015 to be precise -- and I have spent the last three weeks getting Herb Communications up and out the door. A lot of running around Toronto signing paperwork, speaking to small business experts and generally getting all my ducks in a row.

I've been wanting to do this for a while = start my own business. Take the reins, be accountable, make decisions, plan and adapt, network ... and help organizations to enhance their brand by offering a range of services.

After 20 years of working in the media -- nearly 30 years of earning a crust if you count my very first job in 1986! -- I want to create something of my own. Herb Communications is that something.

Suffice to say it's very exciting for me personally. I've done freelancing in the past, a lot of side projects of my own to keep me interested and so on. But this is more of a formal step. It's up to me how well Herb Communications performs for others, and I take that very seriously.

Those who know me or have worked with me have seen my integrity, honesty, transparency and willingness to sometimes deliver the bad news that most people don't want to hear. But I sincerely believe that if you don't stick your neck above the trenches and say how it is, then things can't be fixed and improved.

It's not personal! It's just because I believe in doing the best work I can and delivering the best results possible.

I hope that Herb Communications will be able to gain your trust over the coming months and that, if we work with you and you're happy with the service that you receive, that you'll refer us to colleagues.

Many thanks for reading.

John.