Category: Blog
6 steps to help you think more strategically
Building a Business Strategy for 2019 Thinking strategically and building a business strategy is an important exercise for all businesses—large and small. Unfortunately, many small business owners aren’t sure where to start, how a more strategic approach will impact their business, or if it’s even worth the time away from the important work of meeting…
12 quick ideas to make the holidays work for your small business and your family
Separation between work and home lives is a myth for most small business owners. (You’re likely living proof of this constant battle.) Time is your most valuable possession and the holiday season makes the overwhelming demand of your time much more noticeable to you and to your family members. For many business owners, the holiday…
Small business budgeting for the new year
Even if your business is not what is typically identified as a “seasonal” business, your business likely ebbs and flows with seasonal fluctuations—at least that’s been my experience over the last 35 or so years. Fortunately, after a couple of years at the helm of your business, those fluctuations can be anticipated; making it possible…
All you need to know about short-term loans: A quick recap
When you’re beginning your research into financing for your business, there are a lot of items you need to consider. The most common question is ‘what type of loan should I get?’ There’s a myth out in the business world that it’s best to get the most amount of money for the longest payback period…
Cash flow: What business owners should know
Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business. Without cash, it’s hard to purchase inventory, pay employees, and ultimately keep the doors open. In fact, according to PreferredCFO.com, 82% of small businesses fail because of poor cash flow management skills or a poor understanding of cash flow. “While there are multiple factors to consider with…
4 ways to recover from a rejected loan application
Most small business owners don’t jump into their entrepreneurial dream because they are experts at financing a business. As a result, it’s not uncommon for a loan application to be rejected. Sometimes it could be the creditworthiness of the business, the criteria of the lender, or simply not completely understanding what the lender considered when…
Getting into the holiday spirit: Tips from an Ottawa restaurateur on preparing for the busiest season of the year
The holiday season is typically the busiest time of year for Canadian small business owners, especially those in the restaurant industry. A 2017 Canadian Holiday Outlook Report from PwC Canada found that 58% of Canadian consumers plan to shop with local and independent retailers during the holidays, estimating that they will spend an average of…
Your Credit Profile: Are You Smart Enough?
Today is Get Smart About Your Credit Day. As a small business owner, you don’t need to be a credit or finance expert, but in today’s world, it’s critically important that you have a strong foundation of credit knowledge and are vigilant in your efforts to build and maintain a strong profile. Every small business…
3 Unexpected Ways Business Owners are Wasting Time
Here you are, coffee in hand, ready to tackle your store’s to-do list. But before you know it, you’re dealing with an order that came in unexpectedly, recounting last night’s cash report because it doesn’t add up and covering for your cashier whose, once again, late. Sound familiar? That’s because, on average, business owners spend…
How to Motivate My Employees When They Return from Vacation
Employees Returning from Vacation? Here are 6 Tactics to Keep Them Motivated at Work. The end of summer can have a sad ring to it. For many business owners, it means time to get back to work and finish the year strong. It’s also is a time when your employees are returning from their vacations…
From Temp to Perm? How and When to Do it Right?
Should You Bring Your Temporary Employee on Full-Time? Hiring temporary employees is a natural course for many small businesses during the busier seasons. Temporary employees come in many shapes, sizes, and with different expertise. The most common reasons to bring on a temporary employee include: college interns on summer break, to have an extra hand…
Balancing Online and In-Person Sales
Tips for Balancing Between Online and In-Person Sales An Interview with Parth Sharma, Brand Breeders I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with Parth Sharma, the owner and founder Brand Breeders. Launched in 2011, Parth’s company helps consumer goods brands launch and scale their business. Part manufacturing, part consulting, Parth spends his days…