Join me on a venture

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of another year and a busy one at that. It’s been a pleasure working with small business owners who offer diverse products, services, and experiences that make neighborhoods vibrant and distinctive. At the same time, it gave me good fodder for my weekly blogs. However, I want toContinue reading “Join me on a venture”

Print perfect

You’ve taken the time to write the perfect copy. Your design is stamped with creativity.  Now it’s time to work with a printer to get the perfect finished product. How will you make that happen? Here are some tips. Be clear on what you want. The more specific you are about your vision for theContinue reading “Print perfect”

Go team Club!

This past week, I had the pleasure of working with a supportive team of club members to deliver a Toastmasters Club Contest. Contests are a Toastmasters International annual tradition. Contests start at the Club level and continue through various levels until winners present on an international stage. These top speakers represent clubs from around theContinue reading “Go team Club!”

Face-to-face or online?

With the rise of digital communications, meeting online is more popular than ever. While virtual meetings offer convenience and flexibility, we can’t underestimate the value of in-person interaction. Here’s why meeting face-to-face still holds benefits over meeting online. Personal connection Meeting in person fosters a level of personal connection that you just can’t get fromContinue reading “Face-to-face or online?”

This quirky English language!

If all we did was speak and never write, we might be good with so many homophones. Yes, nasty homophones! ho·mo·phone One of two or more words pronounced alike but different in meaning or derivation or spelling (such as the words to, too, and two) merriam-webster.com So why do homophones even exist? Hair and hare,Continue reading “This quirky English language!”

What’s in a partnership

Building a strong and lasting partnership, whether in business or personal life, requires a foundation of trust, communication and mutual respect. Here are five key elements I believe make a successful partnership. 1. Clear communication Clear and concise communication prevents misunderstandings. It’s important to express ideas and expectations clearly. Active listening is also important. HavingContinue reading “What’s in a partnership”

Finding the right mentor

I think it’s safe to say most people have been mentored in one way or another throughout their career, whether formally or informally. A mentor is an experienced person who supports and guides a protege/mentee and empowers them to reach their goals. My career started in clerical roles until I landed a position as anContinue reading “Finding the right mentor”

Small business litmus test

Good ideas are a dime a dozen, but great ideas? They’re gold. If you’re an entrepreneur thinking about starting a small business, you’re in good company. Madeinca.ca claim that nearly 98% of business in Canada are small businesses. However, according to Made in CA, who focus on small business in Canada, “About 50% of smallContinue reading “Small business litmus test”

Starting a business? Major move!

Almost a year ago, I took the first step into a new business venture. Working with my business partner, we bounced around ideas that eventually evolved into what we hope will be a new and exciting product in the market. The creative process was a fun one. Once we had a concept for a productContinue reading “Starting a business? Major move!”

Positioning statement – part of the brand puzzle

Building a brand takes time and planning. After all, you want to build a brand your customers will rally around. When you build a strong brand, they’ll understand who you are, what you offer and why they should do business with you. And, better yet, they’ll talk about you in the best possible way. BeforeContinue reading “Positioning statement – part of the brand puzzle”