Resolution: Success

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2012 – and the promise of success. The New Year presents us with the challenges of exploring change and the opportunities for experiencing growth. Making resolutions is a tradition that many of us embrace, but few actually benefit from. Perhaps that is because making resolutions is often seen as a goal in and of itself, rather than a starting point for setting real goals and building a solid actionable plan. There are, however, ways to ensure that the goals you set are not only realistic and the right goals for your business going forward, but attainable.

When Change is Necessary

Like a lot of loyal consumers, I am not a fan of unnecessary change when I shop at my favourite stores or visit regular service providers. I enjoy the comfort and convenience of knowing where things are, that I can count on the products and services that I am looking for being available when I need them, and the consistent quality of service by staff that I have come to know. But make no mistake; I only remain a loyal customer, if that same enterprise that I so enjoy doing business with does make appropriate changes when they are necessary.

Cash is King

In business, as in the rest of our lives, finances, taxes, investments and cash flow demand a lot of our attention at this time of the year. The management decisions we made in the previous 12 months, and the hard work we did all year, will dictate whether that attention is a positive experience or a very stressful one for us now. You can minimize the stress and help to ensure financial security in the future by starting right now to maximize the opportunities presented at year-end.

Resolve To Be Your Best

As we welcome in another new year, a call for change seems to be an annual expectation. It is, after all, a time for reflection on things past, dreams of the future, and making plans to make those dreams come true. It's about facing the truth, and choosing to make those truths better down the road. Each new year presents an opportunity to reset priorities, and resolve to make the changes that are needed to meet those priorities.

Failure to Launch: Part One

In recent years I have encountered one marketing issue that seems to be pervasive among all types and sizes of businesses and organizations. They seem to possess all the basic elements to achieve success, including passion about their product, good understanding of sales, product selection, good customer service, a professional attitude and good marketing tools to name a few; but the road ends there ...the final leg; advertising is often missing in a long term strategic plan. No money has been allocated to reach out to potential customers through an organized process.

The Big Picture

by Jane Schnurr

What is the "big picture" for your business? Can you describe it in one or two sentences? As the Leader of your company, it is essential that you have a well thought out direction and plan for your business.

Fa La La La Love

Well the holiday season is upon us and we have been thrown into the hustle and bustle that is all part of it! Like most people, I have mixed emotions at this time of the year. Things that usually annoy me, totally frustrate me. Things that usually amuse me, can send me into fits of laughter. And yes, things that genuinely touch me and usually elicit a sigh or compassionate comment can bring torrents of tears and uncontrollable dismay. Everything is bigger at this time of the year! And stress is rampant!

Gearing Up for Busiest of Business Seasons

Like most Canadians, I enjoy our all too short summers, and experiencing the cooler night breezes, the shortened days, and the back to school sales at the malls, is a clear sign that it is coming to an end for another year. Fall heralds its return with vibrant colours and a renewed sense of excitement for getting back to business.

Secrets to Success

Entering my 10^th year of managing and consulting for the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre, I find myself wondering what it is that makes this job so special and still so fresh.  There are a lot of great things about the work that I do that are rewarding. But one of the most amazing things about the job is the absolute diverse nature of the people I get to meet every day, and the wide range of business ideas and goals that they come in with.

Back to School for Students and Businesses

No matter that my own children are grown and starting families of their own these days, I am still struck, every fall, with a familiar sense of excitement, anticipation, and purpose that is part of the busy “back-to-school” and “back-to-business” season. Like a breath of fresh air, fall sweeps in with boundless energy and opportunities for growth.  October is Small Business Month in Ontario, and in a year that has been designated the Year of the Entrepreneur, tradeshows, networking, conferences and business events abound. The prospects for change have never been more available or more exciting.