Many of the best ideas are the result of “happy accidents” rather than the result of a methodical and structured innovation process
For many would-be entrepreneurs, the only thing standing between them and a booming business is an idea. What product or service? What market? What niche? And, what problem is the idea going to solve? It’s the million-dollar question, but only half the equation. What about aligning the idea with the skills, knowledge, passion and character…
Four areas you need to tackle to get your business running smoothly in the digital world, and on the path to better profit and efficiency
If you’re not using technology to look after your business’s money, you’re wasting time, spending too much on bookkeeping and probably missing some customers. Imagine if your bookkeeping was already organized. Then it wouldn’t be a big job when it comes time to file taxes or produce reports. There are four areas you need to tackle to successfully go paperless: Cloud-based storage…
Follow these steps to be sure you're creating content that resonates with your audience, and reflects your brand values and personality
Your brand content is the emotional connection that converts a consumer into a customer. With more than 80 per cent of consumers researching – and shopping – online (Retailing Today, 2014), thinking strategically about how your content positions and reflects your brand personality is key. What is content? Content is the the new advertising. In the heady…
Once negative culture takes root, it's like an invasive weed in your garden; it takes a complete overhaul to return it to health
The best way to create a winning culture in your business is at the beginning. It’s easy to overlook or ignore culture when you’re in the startup phase, because there’s just so much other stuff to worry about. Creating culture is not easy by any stretch. It’s complex, often misunderstood and easy to get wrong. Culture…
Increased productivity leads to a stronger competitive position, higher profits and better quality
Paying attention to productivity leads to better profits in one-third of the Canadian small and medium-sized companies that measure their overall productivity index. Seems like a slam-dunk, doesn’t it? But a 2016 survey of more than 1,500 Canadian entrepreneurs by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) showed that less than half of Canada’s small and…
There are unmistakable signs that it is the right time to move on, with more than a few steps to get the transition right
It’s one of the most important decisions you will make. And one of the most difficult. Is it time for you to exit stage left and say goodbye to your business? There are a few unmistakable signs that it is indeed the right time – for you and the business – to move on. You A…
These simple steps will help you avoid poor cash flow management - the downfall of many profitable businesses
Your hard work, great ideas, solid customer base, and popular products or services are nothing if you can’t effectively manage your cash flow. It’s one of the biggest challenges for any entrepreneur. “Even a profitable, fast-growing company can face a serious cash flow crunch while waiting for money to come in,” writes the Business Development…
Make sure your vision for a website meshes with your designer's. Otherwise, it could be expensive, frustrating, and devastating to your small business
Every business today needs a website but finding the right team to help build it isn't easy. There is no HomeStars for companies that design and build websites in Canada. We have many clients who've had terrible experiences with website building. Either the strategy for the site doesn’t align with the results, the content doesn’t match…
One of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make is to underestimate the power and importance of marketing. Right from the earliest days of a startup, marketing deserves a seat with the big boys: finance, human resources, operations, product development and sales. It shouldn't be an afterthought. And it’s not fluff. “Marketing is a core part of…
You may be qualified to run your business, but that doesn’t mean you’re qualified and ready to write your own business plan
You may be qualified and ready to run your business. But that doesn’t mean you’re qualified and ready to write your own business plan. Whether you’re testing the waters on your business idea, looking for funding, or attracting equity investors, the quality of your business plan – and the soundness of your financials – is…
For many would-be entrepreneurs, the only thing standing between them and a booming business is an idea. What product or service? What market? What niche? And, what problem is the idea going to solve? It’s the million-dollar question, but only half the equation. What about aligning the idea with the skills, knowledge, passion and character…
