Every once in a while you’ll screw up, make mistakes and do or omit to do something which will cause you some remorse and regret. As a business owner, I have often found myself in situations where I messed up. It happens. To err is human. What you do with that error and how you respond to it is what is really key in whether you will salvage and strengthen relationships or damage them. In coaching my clients, I have observed that so many of them still don’t know how to offer a good (and sincere) apology. More recently, one of my friends did something to upset me and made what seemed like a good enough apology to her (but [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
I am very honoured to be invited as a speaker at the upcoming networking event for Wired Woman’s Toronto Chapter. Although the organization primarily mentors women in technology, this event is open to all (yes, men are welcome!). Aspire to be inspired. Take an energetic and fast-paced journey through the world of technology and business with five accomplished women for an evening of insight, entertainment and networking. On May 31st, Wired Women Toronto has invited five prominent women at different stages in their careers to share their path to success. Learn how this inspiring group of women have taken the business world by storm, overcome life and work challenges and earned the respect and recognition of their peers. Speaker Panel: [...]
Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are becoming increasingly reliant on email, text and bbm as means of communications as opposed to the old fashioned letters, faxes, telephone conversations or face-to-face meetings. There are many reasons for this: 1. It saves time: We can so it quickly and and receive (and sometimes even expect) an instant response to our query. 2. It cuts through the small talk: Your message can be brief and to-the-point and its acceptable. 3. It’s open all hours: The communication revolves around your availability and convenience. If you’re up at 3 am, there’s nothing wrong with firing off that proposal at that hour (even if you know that the other person will only see it [...]
During World War II, the British Government commissioned a propoganda poster bearing the now famous words, Keep Calm and Carry On. The poster was intended to be a “last case scenario” delivering a message that would stiffen the people’s resolve in the event that Germany succeeded in invading Britain. Although the poster was never used, its message is not to be dismissed. As Entrepreneurs, you will quickly realize that things don’t often go as planned. Whether it’s a cashflow crunch, a heated argument with an employee or a crisis over a deadline, there will be moments when you may be tempted to give it all up and seek the stability of a paycheque! At times like this, it will help [...]
This June I will be featured in FUSIA magazine. For those that may not get a chance to see my interview in print, I have reproduced it below. Any person can buy a business, it takes an entrepreneur to create a business. No one knows this better than Syerah Virani, Editor-in-Chief & CEO of MyBindi.com. When Virani acquired MyBindi.com from its founders in late 2005, it was just another website and one that was in decline. Since then, Syerah Virani quit her bay street law practice and she has transformed MyBindi.com from a website to a thriving online community which is now a go-to destination for everything from event listings, wedding planning, parenting tips to recipes! In this issue, Syerah [...]
