This Saturday (January 28), I will be speaking to a group of NGO’s and non-profits at the “Take Action” summit in Toronto, on how they can use social media to influence change. Social media, if utilized correctly, can be a very powerful tool for charities to get the word out, connect with constituents, rally support, and even raise money. However, that does not mean you can create a Twitter account, a Facebook Fan Page and then expect the donations roll in. We all know, it doesn’t work like that. At this seminar, I will review various features of Facebook and Twitter and demonstrate how, with hard work and diligence, charities can get the most out of social media when promoting [...]

I am very honoured to be invited once more by the TiE Institute for a very special session to be presented by all women  speakers.  I will share the panel with very passionate , accomplished and engaging speakers.  My session titled “Escaping Cubicle Nation: The Road to Entrepreneurship” Date and Time: Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00pm (dinner provided) Venue:   3400 One First Canadian Place Toronto, ON M5X 1A4 There is no charge to attend this event but pre-registration is mandatory.  Click HERE to register yourself. Agenda 6:00-6:05 PM Arrival and networking 6:05-6:10 PM Welcome 6:10-6.40 PM presentation Katherine Roos (including Q&A) 6:40-7.10 PM Presentation by Odette Laurie (including Q&A) 7:10-7:40 PM Dinner break and networking 7:40-8:10 [...]

It is said some of the best business ideas came about on a kitchen counter or in a pub/restaurant over drinks and conversation. I could not agree more. My Entrepreneurs’ Dinner Series was launched in Toronto in 2010 and I’ve decided to introduce it to this Meetup group and will be hosting the first session in Burlington. This is how it works: A small group of entrepreneurs (between 4 and 10) enjoy a 3 course meal and over dinner and drinks (selection of beer/house red and white) I lead the discussion on one or two topics.  For our first (hopefully not the last) Dinner Circle in Burlington, we will be discussing this topic: Social Media Marketing – What is it? [...]

It’s that time of year when we find ourselves contemplating our shortcomings and using the New Year as an excuse to change our ways and better our lives.  When it comes to personal resolutions, it is said that finding love, losing weight, living healthy and traveling usually top the list. Why not also use this time of year wisely and make resolutions for your Business?   Be sure to include action items for each goal so that you are able to “chunk it down” to manageable and measurable tasks. Here is my list of 5 things that every business should be doing. If you’re not already doing them, use 2012 as the year when you will launch these initiatives and make [...]

As we approach the end of 2011, I wanted to share this quote with you: “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” – – Henry David Thoreau Even when times are tough, it’s always important to keep things in perspective. You didn’t go to sleep hungry last night. You didn’t go to sleep outside. You had a choice of what clothes to wear this morning. You hardly broke a sweat today. You didn’t spend a minute in fear. You have access to clean drinking water. You have access to medical care. You have access to the Internet. You can read. Some might say you are incredibly wealthy, so remember to be grateful for all the things you do have. [...]

On November 11, 2011, I was invited by the Treehouse Group, to speak at the Toronto Reference Library, as part of the Treehouse Talk series where I shared insights on “The Personal Brand” and its importance for entrepreneurs. The time allocated to me was just 20 minutes and there’s a lot of material to cover. So instead of rushing into the techniques and tips on how to develop your personal brand, I chose to focus on its importance.  Hope you enjoy the video. I am a big fan of The Treehouse Group – a collective of Toronto-area thinkers who promote the exchange of ideas by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. Their sessions are free to attend and they bring [...]

On October 6,  I was a speaker at the TiE Institute’s program on Business Plans.  If you missed the session, my slides can be downloaded HERE and a full video/webcast of the presentation can be viewed here. As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.

This Thursday (October 6), join me as I speak about “Business Plans that actually work”. The session will be streamed live as well. My presentation is part of a larger discussion on Business Plans which will focus on the development and maintenance of business plans.  While other speakers will be discussing the merits of the Financial business plan, my seminar will review the importance of a dynamic operational business plan – one that comes from your heart and not just your head. I will share the importance of knowing your purpose, your market, your vision and how to cast and communicate this vision.  As always, I will offer some concrete action items and suggestions on processes and strategies that will [...]

I  have always maintained that good communication skills are integral for the success of any enterprise (or any relationship, for that matter).  On August 11, I will be sharing communication tips and strategies which can be harnessed by individuals and businesses, alike!  From building your personal brand to broadcasting it to your customers – as always, the information will be shared in an  ‘easy-to-implement’ and practical format. See details below and I hope to see you there! Eclipse the Competition We all know the names: Wal-Mart. Apple. Staples. Google.  In a market dominated by big players, how can your small business compete? We’ve got good news; through effective communication with consumers and investors, you can grow your business and hold [...]

Too many entrepreneurs these days are eager to jump on the Social Media bandwagon without quite understanding what it even means.  Social media is not just Facebook, Twitter, or even blogging. Do you know what it means to have a “Facebook Strategy” or how to “leverage twitter”? Join us for a candid and informative session on Social Media and benefit from the lessons I have learned.  What works, what doesn’t.  What makes sense for one business and not another. As always, the information will be shared in simple, practical and an easy-to-implement format! Attendance is limited to 12 registrants so please sign up asap! The fee is $25 pp and light refreshments will be provided. And, by popular demand/requests, this [...]