71 per cent of Canadian freelancers and micro-businesses struggle to get paid on time
It’s an issue that many Canadian entrepreneurs face – getting paid in a timely fashion. Now, a new survey released Monday by Interac Corp., indicates just how big of an issue it has become. The survey said 71 per cent of Canadian side hustlers (freelance or piecework in nature, providing a supplemental income) and micro-businesses…
Business leaders need to create a culture where everyone contributes with passion and where everyone can plan for their future
A girl recently told me she wants to quit her job – she doesn’t want to work any more or go to school. “It sounds like you want to retire,” I said. “What would you do with all your time?” “I might want to do some travelling or play basketball,” she said. “I really don’t…
47% don’t actually have a succession plan in place and 27% have not involved the next generation to take over
More than two-thirds of Canada’s private company owners are planning to either sell or transfer their business to the next generation, yet nearly half of those have no succession plan in place, according to a report from PwC Canada. The Once in a Lifetime report, released today, said private and family businesses are a critical driver…
Instead of thinking about closing every deal, we should be thinking about creating long-term value
I recently told a prospective client I didn’t think I could add enough value and wouldn’t take his money for business coaching. I did this even though it would have been a nice-sized account and generate thousands of dollars in revenue. He has 20-plus employees and does $2 million to $3 million in business. But…
These seven easy SEO tips can have a great impact on your website
If you are running a small business, SEO can seem complex. Primarily driven by Google, SEO best practices are always changing, which can make tackling them on your own seem even more difficult. Here are seven easy SEO tips that can have a great impact on your website and which any small business owner can…
These seven easy SEO tips can have a great impact on your website
If you are running a small business, SEO can seem complex. Primarily driven by Google, SEO best practices are always changing, which can make tackling them on your own seem even more difficult. Here are seven easy SEO tips that can have a great impact on your website and which any small business owner can…
If we invested in every opportunity that was presented to us, chances are we would be broke
You’ve probably never heard of Ron Wayne, but had he not sold his 10 per cent share in Apple Computer shortly after it launched, ultimately for US$2,300, he might now be as famous as partners Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. He could now be worth $40 billion. But he isn’t. Joe Green was Mark Zuckerberg’s…
When you need to find savings in your business, look at the areas of systems, energy, people and inventory
I was eating breakfast with my son Caleb the other day and noticed he left his crusts on the plate. “Caleb,” I said, “do you know how many kids in the world would beg for scraps of food like you’re wasting?” Watching him made me remember my parents’ reminders about the millions of starving children…
People are more likely to buy from those who are smiling. And happy staff solve problems easier than sombre workers
I was in a business recently where I couldn’t buy a smile. You know the type. You walk in and the clerk or receptionist seems to be having a bad day. Maybe you crack a joke or offer a compliment, but there’s no change in the demeanour. You feel awkward, like you’re an imposition to…
Technology entrepreneurs are locked behind bars of asset ignorance
Everybody has a story or two about an exciting new technology that was going to change the world; but was never heard from again. What happens to these great ideas? It’s all very puzzling. But, it does raise a serious question: what’s wrong with Canada’s tech sector? Is there a structural flaw? The short answer…
Our business problems are difficult to leave behind, especially when the business is tied to us personally, financially or emotionally
I was in Jose’s office one morning recently and he asked why I hadn’t brought up the business at hand when we were at the ball game a couple nights before. “I didn’t want to bother you with my problem in your off time,” I said. “I figured I would see you at our next appointment…
We need to develop systems of hiring and monitoring our employees to ensure we have the right people
Bob was frustrated, stressed and upset. One of his key employees, Keith, had just left to start his own business and had taken another staff member with him. I wasn’t surprised. I’d been working with Bob for several months and had met Keith several times. My impression wasn’t favourable and I had discussed this with…
Losing gives you greater clarity and insight, adds a little humility, and builds resilience
I’ve been called a loser more than once. Often it’s by my kids, who don’t like some stupid joke I just played on them. But I’ve also made a bucketful of mistakes in my time on this Earth and have lost everything from money to employees to elections to friends. I’ve even lost the trail…
Customer service, exclusive products, ambience, pricing and systems are all important to the coffee giant – and you
My wife Margaret likes Starbucks but when I ask her what she likes about it, she can’t quite put her finger on just what it is. She tells me that the coffee is good (I don’t drink coffee so I wouldn’t know) but I have friends who say that McDonald’s coffee is even better. She…
Any leader can be perceived as more charismatic if he or she practices and improves a few basic skills
Let's face it, in business dealings, charisma counts. A lot. And charisma is as much about body language and impression management as it is about issues and substance. I've seen many qualified people get passed over for promotion (or lose a sale or fail an interview) simply because they couldn’t project a sense of professional…