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Small Companies, Big Squeeze

For many American small businesses, the credit crunch hasn’t really ended. While big companies are raising major money through a revitalized bond market, banks are still reluctant to lend to even the healthiest of the small.

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How to Create and Distribute Effective Online Coupons

The age of the coupon is upon us. With historically high unemployment and uncertainty about the economy weighing heavily on consumer spending, the humble coupon has enjoyed a resurgence. Both the classic clip-and-save variety and new online options delivered via the web, e-mail, social networks, and mobile phones are popular among consumers.

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Do you buy or lease space?

Both have pros and cons. When Toronto entrepreneur Tristan Goguen launched an Internet service provider business in 1995, it was a gamble.

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Focus your energy and your business on key initiatives this year

With the economy expected to show signs of a slow recovery starting in 2010 according to the Bank of Canada’s Press Release (January 21, 2010), what is going to be your focus for the coming year?

If you’re like most of us in business, you’re just finishing two of the toughest years in recent business history. Two years that you’d rather not have to do again for a very long time. For many of us, revenues have been down, in many cases expenses continued to rise (especially if you didn’t take proactive steps to cut costs last year) and for virtually all of us, profits are not what they used to be. (more…)

Commit to Being an Active Participant and Support Your Business’ Community

I know we all say that our business supports our local communities, however I stopped into Treasure Islands Toys and I was impressed at just how much this store supports their community.

Out of their small 1,200 sq.ft. store, Lili and Ingrid work hard each year to support local area children sports teams and raise money for an annual donation that goes to help support 500 local area children in need. This is done through local area day care centres. Wow! Now that’s great community support.

And when you walk into their store on Danforth Ave. you know they are a part of that community. From the thank you notes written by children displayed in their front window display, to the pictures of the sports teams they support inside their store, Treasure Island Toys has certainly entrenched themselves in their community. It’s no wonder they receive so much support from their customers! (more…)

Confidence & Enthusiasm are Contagious and It Starts With a Leader

Is your team confident and enthusiastic about your company’s future? If not, maybe the problem isn’t them, maybe it’s you!

As the leader of a company, it is imperative that you conduct yourself in such a way that demonstrates confidence and enthusiasm toward your company’s future direction. Especially in today’s economic environment when many small businesses are struggling, it is vitally important that you instill confidence and enthusiasm in your team.

To help you, here are a four tricks for you to consider.

1. Always have a clear vision & plan. Communicate the plan with your team, and stick to it your strategy. Whether it’s navigating through a difficult period, growing sales, expanding into a new product line or growing your client list, make sure you have a clear plan and include your team in on it. (more…)

5 Ways Small Businesses Can Avoid Social Media Panic

The notion of getting into social media might seem overwhelming for any small business. Spending time upfront before launch to create a plan with goals that includes how to translate that social media presence into dollars will go a long way toward achieving success.

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