News From Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
Terri Plaxton-SmithGreater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
Connect For Success
In This Issue
What's New at the GBBEC
Special Offer from RBC
Around Town
Tip of the Month
Workshops
Join the Entrepreneur's Club!
Coaches Corner
Business of the Month
Advice from the Experts
What You Have to Say
Quick Links
The Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
Ontario Business Connects
Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services
Ontario Women's Directorate
Personal Tax Planning
Planning for Tomorrow
Resource Guide for Business Immigrants to Ontario
The City of Barrie
Canada Business Service Centres
Canada's Community Access Program
Canada Franchise Directory
GD Sourcing Research & Retrieval
Industry Canada's Business and Consumer Site
Standards Council of Canada
Statistics Canada
Around Town
Social Networking
Tools for Business
Choose from either
Session One or
Session Two
Session 1
Wed, Nov 5th 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.Angus Ross Room,
Barrie Library Session 2
Mon, Dec 8th 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.SuiteWorks,
92 Caplan Dr
To Register call
726-1010
`````````````````````````````````
DO NOT CALL!
The Canadian version of the Telemarketers Do Not Call List is now in effect.
REGISTER - Do Not Call
```````````````````````````````````
Spend an Evening with our Experts
November 20th
5 - 7 P.M.
For Established Businesses
Serious Entrepreneurs Only
Get the information you need to take your business to the next level
This month lawyer Zarah Walpole discusses Contract Law
Find out if you qualify to become a member of the Entrepreneur's Club today.
Apply now and receive your invitation to attend our next meeting FREE! Call 720-2445
```````````````````````````````````
Downtown Barrie's 2008 Ornament
Now available - be sure to get the latest edition for your collection.
All proceeds raised will be used for future projects in the Downtown area.
Each ornament is $15
Gift Sets are $89.99 - which includes all 7 ornaments and gift boxGift Boxes are $20 (without ornaments)
Phone (705) 734-1414Fax (705) 734-1227Email: info@downtownbarrie.ca
www.downtownbarrie.ca
```````````````````````````````````
VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT
The City of Barrie is seeking the next group of volunteers for the extensive Business Retention & Expansion Project that we have undertaken
We need approximately 40 more volunteers to meet our goal!
Please contact
Stephanie Ward
Economic Strategy and Development Department 705-739-4220 ext. 5036
HAVE AN EVENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADVERTISED HERE?
Dear Bob,
Welcome to our monthlynewsletter.
The Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre (GBBEC) is one of 46 Enterprise Centres across the province funded by the Provincial Ministry of Small Business & Consumer Services to provide assistance and support to small businesses.
We can help take your business to the next level!
What's New
Spend an Evening with our Experts
On November 20th you could spend an educational and fun evening with our team of experts. Get the information you need to take your business to the next level from a whole team of business professionals.
This month lawyer Zarah Walpole and HR professional Lotte Struwing join the team. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best! Find out if you qualify to become a member of the Entrepreneur's Club today. Apply now and receive your invitation to attend our next meeting FREE! Call 720-2445
GBBEC welcomes new Director Corporate Strategy and Economic Development
As many of you know, former Economic Development Department Director, Robert Brindley recently left his post with the City of Barrie to take a position in St. Mary's Ontario. Hany Kirolos has taken on the vacated post and the GBBEC is thrilled! Hany has been an ardent supporter of our Centre for many years and we know he will be a genuine asset for the community.
According to his Facebook profile, Hany "is a well respected professional that is highly recommended for establishing, developing and leveraging international business and government contacts around the world. He has demonstrated and calculated success on behalf of many Fortune 50 companies."
Local entrepreneurs may recognize him from his recent work as an educator with Georgian College's Business & Management Studies Program.
Partnering with RBC for your Business Success
This month we were fortunate to be invited to visit 5 RBC Royal Bank locations in the City, to meet and greet their business clients, introduce them to our services including the Entrepreneur's Club and Bridges to Better Business, and to answer their business questions. If you would like to have us visit your organization or group for a consultation, site visit, or presentation, please call 720-2445 or email terri@barriebusinesscentre.ca
RBC Reinforces their Support with a Cheque to the GBBEC
RBC recently presented a cheque to the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre in the amount of $3500 to support our many services for the small businesses in our community. This is the 7th year that RBC has provided monetary support to our Centre, and we are very thankful. They also consistently provide volunteers to assist with youth programs such as Summer Company and Business Plan Challenge.
Bridges to Better Business a Success!
Mayor Dave Aspden joined the Ministry of Small Business & Consumer Services (MSBCS) and the Canada Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) in welcoming local entrepreneurs and small business owners to the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre's 7th annual Bridges to Better Business Small Business Conference on October 23rd at Barrie's ANAF.
Bridges participants were entertained, informed and educated by speakers Brett Barr and Doug Jernigan and break-out facilitators Michael Woodbeck, Lindsey Fair and Scott Gingrich.
If you were among the many participants who attended the days events, we hope you completed a feedback form so that we can continue to provide the information that you find useful. If you did not, please take the time now to request and complete the feedback form. Thank you.
Special thanks are extended to our partners for helping to make our event so successful - the City of Barrie, MSBCS, COBSC, and the Simcoe County Training Board, and sponsors - Tourism Barrie, Barrie Public Library, Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce, RBC Royal Bank, UPS Minet's Pt Rd, Staples, Meridian Credit Union, Barrie Advance, Business Times, Business Development Bank, Rock 95 and Rogers TV.
_________________________________________
High School Business Plan Competition
On November 8th, highschool Business Plan Competition finalists from across the Province will gather at four separate regional banquets to celebrate the regional and provincial winners for 2008.
Representing the Greater Barrie area are: Amy Williams and Vanessa Williams of Eastview
Secondary School for their plan, Wacky Willows Summer Camp. We wish them luck!
And once again, we are ramping up for the 2009 Business Plan Competition. We have already begun to take our presentations into area highschools. All students are eligible to enter, regardless of their program choices. Deadline for submissions is May 25th. For more information or to arrange a visit please contact our office at 720-2445.
As always, sponsors are welcome. If you would like to donate prizes for the winning students or make a cash or in-kind donation for the awards banquet in June, please contact Terri to request a sponsorship package at terri@barriebusinesscentre.ca
_________________________________________
Limited Time Offers for Your Business and Personal Banking Needs from RBC®! Special incentives for your business banking needs are available now, only at the RBC Royal Bank branch at 400 & Essa Road, 241 Essa Road, Barrie. (705-725-7867) > Open an RBC Business Essentials Fixed-Fee Account® or a Royal Business Professional Account and get $100 deposited into your account, plus a free Davis + Henderson* Cheque Essentials Kit ($130 value)**.> More offers are available for your business banking. Stop in and ask for details. We also have a special offer for new clients for your personal banking.> $150 Visa* gift card - yours FREE!**> Open a new Signature No Limit Banking® account before December 31, 2008 and transfer your payroll by February 15, 2009. You'll get a $150 Visa gift card in the New Year.
** New business and personal clients only. Certain restrictions, terms and conditions apply.These are limited time offers available only until December 31, 2008. Please visit your participating RBC branch for complete terms and conditions. ® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.*Registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. Used under licence.
______________________________________________________________
Social Networking Tools for your Business Choose from either Session One or Session Two
Session 1 ~ Wednesday, November 5th 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Angus Ross Room, Barrie Public Library OR Session 2 ~ Monday, December 8th 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. SuiteWorks, 92 Caplan Drive
Fad or phenomenon, love them or hate them, social networking tools are here to stay and growing in popularity. The Internet continues to evolve and new technologies come along that quickly eclipse those that we may have just become comfortable with. Email marketing and bland web sites are often being ignored by savvy consumers as they embrace the myriad of social networking tools. If you have a business and are unfamiliar with or curious about social networking tools then you will want to attend one of the Social Networking Tools for You Business sessions being offered by Anne Dorsey, Barrie Public Library Business Librarian at Barrie Public Library or SuiteWorks. These sessions will cover Facebook, YouTube, blogs, wikis, podcasts and more. You do not require any specialized knowledge or technical skills to attend - just a willingness to learn something new that can benefit your business.
Registration information for all sessions:There is no fee for this session but you must register for this programme. Register by email or by phone at 728-1010 Ext. 7014. Please indicate the session you will be attending and provide your name, telephone number and number of attendees. ___________________________________________________________
Tip of the Month
Think Big ... Dare to Dream
When I stare into the beautiful brown eyes of my 7 week old grandson Lucas, I can't help but wonder what life will bring him, and what he will bring to the lives of all of us who love him. It seems so simple and everything so possible when there is nothing yet written on the pages of his life. But unbeknownst to him, life will throw a few curves and some of them will have a profound effect on the man he will grow up to be - positively and negatively. How we teach him to dream, hold onto those dreams and how to react to life's challenges and opportunities will ultimately determine what his life will look like.
Success is not determined merely by winning at the game of Acquisitions or Power. More importantly, it is about how we make a positive difference in the world around us, how we will be remembered, how happy we are, and how happy we make others. It comes from a feeling of accomplishment - that we have done good!
Because of this, it is important to teach Lucas not only that he is special and can do anything he wants to, but also that everything he does should be done with respect for the world and the people around him, for they are all special too. We need to teach him that he needs to see the big picture, not just his tiny world, for all of our actions impact much more than just our own lives. He needs to be encouraged to dream the impossible and to know that he can make it possible. He needs to learn that because unfair things exist, that he should work hard to make them fair, that he is tougher than he thinks, kinder than he thinks, smarter than he thinks and able to overcome all obstacles.
When I look at him I am filled with pride and wonder, fear and anticipation, and hope. They are the same feelings that I have for the many new business owners that I meet daily - those that have yet to write on the slate of who they will be and how they will succeed. They don't know, and all I can do is encourage them to dream big, plan well and not to give up! I give them the tools to help their dreams come true.
Whether you are just starting your business or have been working in it for years, perhaps it's time to re-assess the dream and empower yourself to live it fully. It's harder when you've been impacted by life's challenges, sometimes beaten up by them, to keep the dream alive or let it grow, but it's not impossible. You only need to remind yourself that you are special, that you are tougher than you think, smarter than you think and able to overcome all obstacles in the pursuit of that dream.
Think big ... dream well!
Terri Plaxton Smith
Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
To book a a one-on-one consultation with Terri, please email Nancy at : reception@barriebusinesscentre.ca
"Connect for Success" Workshops that Work
Monthly Brainstorming Sessions
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.Next Meeting: Nov 11, 2008
Searching for solutions, creative ideas or just another ear to bounce your thoughts off of? Then this informal brainstorming get-together is for you. Join us as we share marketing challenges, successes and curiosities.
Two heads are better than one - and the more the merrier! No Charge!
Pre-registration is a must for these FREE 2 hour sessions.
Call 720-2445 and inquire about this great opportunity.
Entrepreneur's Club
By Invitation Only
Are you looking for assistance to take your business to the next level? Would you like to have a team of Experts working with you, providing you Tips and offering Advice?
Then Join the Club, the Entrepreneur's Club!
Membership has its Perks!
For your FREE invitation
Call 720-2445 and find out if you qualify today!!
Coaches Corner
Communicate for Success
How well do you communicate? Exceptional communication skills are a definite must have to be successful in any enterprise. Communication is more than just saying what you mean. Effective communication also involves listening to what is said and in many cases what is not said.Great communication skills are required:
To sell your product or service to your clients
To get that line of credit at the bank
To encourage your team to jump on board with your new project
To explain your company policy to an irate customer
To balance your busy family life with a thriving business As a Coach, I get to work with many levels of a company from the maxed out entrepreneur to the mid-level manager sending out meeting minutes that no one wants to read. There are many exercises I use to get clients to improve and simplify their communication.Yes, you can improve. What would better communication skills do for your business? In most cases it increases efficiency dramatically and over time translates to increased productivity and a healthier bottom line. If you are not sure how well you are communicating, look at the results. Remember if you keep doing the same thing, you will most likely get the same results. © Awesome Coaching Enterprises 2008888-944-5338 or 705.444.5448. Email info@awesomecoaching.com Web www.awesomecoaching.com.
Coach Jane Schnurr coaches business leaders and individuals to increase their performance and effectiveness for extraordinary results in business and life.
Business of the Month
Mortgage Intelligence
Find out how a simple "mortgage check-up" can help you. A single call may be all the care you need.
It's important to protect yourself against market conditions. But how do you know you have the right mortgage if you haven't seen what's possible?Simply call us today for a "mortgage check-up" and you'll be better prepared.705.720.1001 or 1.888.500.1841
39 Collier Street, Ste. 300Barrie ON L4M 1G5
Email Gary MegerVisit our Website
From the Experts
Marketing & Communications
Running scared 'cause a recession's on its way?
We started our business in 1982, in the midst of a hard recession. Since then, we've weathered two more recessions. Each time, our business, and our clients' businesses not only survived, but thrived.
We all thrived because smart businesses buck the normal response to a business downturn. Instead of reducing their marketing expenditures, they took a positive view, and increased them. Each of those clients came through the recession stronger than theircompetition. Most of them saw increases in their businesses, not decreases. While their competitors tried to survive by cutting costs, our clients thrived by investing in the market.
The tip in all this? Go against the flow. If your competitors are hunkering down and cutting their marketing investments, it's a golden opportunity to increase yours. You even get a bigger bang for your buck, due to the lack of competitive clutter. Remember: You can't save you way to success.Keith Thirgood, Creative DirectorCapstone Communications Group905-472-2330
marketingtip1@capstonecomm.com_________________________________________________________________
Financial
Tax Perks for Students!
During these uncertain economic times most of us are looking a little closer at our finances and cash flow. Here are some tips to help you along.
Create an emergency fund. If you aren't positioned for six to eight months of "safety cash", now is the time to put that in place.
How are your finances? Now is the time to review your cash flow, personal balance sheet and budget and get on the right side of debt management - more assets than liabilities.
Cash is King: If you are sitting on excess cash be ready to do two things (a) pay down bad debt-credit cards, non-deductible debt next (mortgages). Then get ready to invest back into the market at "sale prices" when the time is right.
Irene ByrneBookkeeping and Tax for Small BusinessBarrie (705) 812-2002Angus (705) 424-8980
www.irenebyrne.ca
Your Say
Cyndie de Silva says:
Hi Ms. Terri,
Thank you very much for going out of your way to help me. As always your encouragement keeps me going.
Your experienced input is greatly appreciated.
The printer has confirmed the delivery date (of my new children's book - The Quest )will be the 25th of November. The Barrie Library is very interested in assisting with the launch
Traditionally we light an oil lamp for the launch, and I certainly will be honored with your presence.
Thanks,Cyndie
___________________________________________________________________________Do you have something to say that we could all benefit from? If you would like to share your tips, advice, or expertise with our clients by contributing to this newsletter, please send an email to newsletter@barriebusinesscentre.ca by 4 P.M. Thursdays, the last week of each month. Inclusion will be at the sole discretion of the GBBEC, dependent on suitability, space availability and the number of contributions received. This is not an advertorial or advertising spot, but rather an opportunity to share valuable words of wisdom or announce your upcoming events. Of course you will be given credit for the submission with a link to your website if available. We reserve the right to include your submissions in subsequent newsletters in addition to or instead of inclusion in the following week's issue.
How Can We Assist You?
One-on-one consultations
Seminars/Workshops
Seminar and Board Room Rentals (ASK ABOUT OUR GREAT RATES!)
Access to a computer workstation with internet access
Start up information
Assistance with writing a business plan or marketing plan
OTHER ... Tell us what you need .. if we can't provide it, we will find out who can!
See you at the Centre!
For more information visit our website at: www.barriebusinesscentre.ca
Ask about our GREAT RATES on seminar room AND board room rentals
Now with kitchen access!
Contact Information phone: (705) 720-2445
email: reception@barriebusinesscentre.ca
Terri Plaxton-SmithGreater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
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This email was sent to mrbob@mrbob.ca by terri@barriebusinesscentre.ca.
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Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre | 24 Maple Ave., Suite 202 | Barrie | Ontario | L4M 4Y8 | Canada
Terri Plaxton-SmithGreater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
Connect For Success
In This Issue
What's New at the GBBEC
Special Offer from RBC
Around Town
Tip of the Month
Workshops
Join the Entrepreneur's Club!
Coaches Corner
Business of the Month
Advice from the Experts
What You Have to Say
Quick Links
The Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
Ontario Business Connects
Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services
Ontario Women's Directorate
Personal Tax Planning
Planning for Tomorrow
Resource Guide for Business Immigrants to Ontario
The City of Barrie
Canada Business Service Centres
Canada's Community Access Program
Canada Franchise Directory
GD Sourcing Research & Retrieval
Industry Canada's Business and Consumer Site
Standards Council of Canada
Statistics Canada
Around Town
Social Networking
Tools for Business
Choose from either
Session One or
Session Two
Session 1
Wed, Nov 5th 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.Angus Ross Room,
Barrie Library Session 2
Mon, Dec 8th 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.SuiteWorks,
92 Caplan Dr
To Register call
726-1010
`````````````````````````````````
DO NOT CALL!
The Canadian version of the Telemarketers Do Not Call List is now in effect.
REGISTER - Do Not Call
```````````````````````````````````
Spend an Evening with our Experts
November 20th
5 - 7 P.M.
For Established Businesses
Serious Entrepreneurs Only
Get the information you need to take your business to the next level
This month lawyer Zarah Walpole discusses Contract Law
Find out if you qualify to become a member of the Entrepreneur's Club today.
Apply now and receive your invitation to attend our next meeting FREE! Call 720-2445
```````````````````````````````````
Downtown Barrie's 2008 Ornament
Now available - be sure to get the latest edition for your collection.
All proceeds raised will be used for future projects in the Downtown area.
Each ornament is $15
Gift Sets are $89.99 - which includes all 7 ornaments and gift boxGift Boxes are $20 (without ornaments)
Phone (705) 734-1414Fax (705) 734-1227Email: info@downtownbarrie.ca
www.downtownbarrie.ca
```````````````````````````````````
VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT
The City of Barrie is seeking the next group of volunteers for the extensive Business Retention & Expansion Project that we have undertaken
We need approximately 40 more volunteers to meet our goal!
Please contact
Stephanie Ward
Economic Strategy and Development Department 705-739-4220 ext. 5036
HAVE AN EVENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADVERTISED HERE?
Dear Bob,
Welcome to our monthlynewsletter.
The Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre (GBBEC) is one of 46 Enterprise Centres across the province funded by the Provincial Ministry of Small Business & Consumer Services to provide assistance and support to small businesses.
We can help take your business to the next level!
What's New
Spend an Evening with our Experts
On November 20th you could spend an educational and fun evening with our team of experts. Get the information you need to take your business to the next level from a whole team of business professionals.
This month lawyer Zarah Walpole and HR professional Lotte Struwing join the team. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best! Find out if you qualify to become a member of the Entrepreneur's Club today. Apply now and receive your invitation to attend our next meeting FREE! Call 720-2445
GBBEC welcomes new Director Corporate Strategy and Economic Development
As many of you know, former Economic Development Department Director, Robert Brindley recently left his post with the City of Barrie to take a position in St. Mary's Ontario. Hany Kirolos has taken on the vacated post and the GBBEC is thrilled! Hany has been an ardent supporter of our Centre for many years and we know he will be a genuine asset for the community.
According to his Facebook profile, Hany "is a well respected professional that is highly recommended for establishing, developing and leveraging international business and government contacts around the world. He has demonstrated and calculated success on behalf of many Fortune 50 companies."
Local entrepreneurs may recognize him from his recent work as an educator with Georgian College's Business & Management Studies Program.
Partnering with RBC for your Business Success
This month we were fortunate to be invited to visit 5 RBC Royal Bank locations in the City, to meet and greet their business clients, introduce them to our services including the Entrepreneur's Club and Bridges to Better Business, and to answer their business questions. If you would like to have us visit your organization or group for a consultation, site visit, or presentation, please call 720-2445 or email terri@barriebusinesscentre.ca
RBC Reinforces their Support with a Cheque to the GBBEC
RBC recently presented a cheque to the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre in the amount of $3500 to support our many services for the small businesses in our community. This is the 7th year that RBC has provided monetary support to our Centre, and we are very thankful. They also consistently provide volunteers to assist with youth programs such as Summer Company and Business Plan Challenge.
Bridges to Better Business a Success!
Mayor Dave Aspden joined the Ministry of Small Business & Consumer Services (MSBCS) and the Canada Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) in welcoming local entrepreneurs and small business owners to the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre's 7th annual Bridges to Better Business Small Business Conference on October 23rd at Barrie's ANAF.
Bridges participants were entertained, informed and educated by speakers Brett Barr and Doug Jernigan and break-out facilitators Michael Woodbeck, Lindsey Fair and Scott Gingrich.
If you were among the many participants who attended the days events, we hope you completed a feedback form so that we can continue to provide the information that you find useful. If you did not, please take the time now to request and complete the feedback form. Thank you.
Special thanks are extended to our partners for helping to make our event so successful - the City of Barrie, MSBCS, COBSC, and the Simcoe County Training Board, and sponsors - Tourism Barrie, Barrie Public Library, Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce, RBC Royal Bank, UPS Minet's Pt Rd, Staples, Meridian Credit Union, Barrie Advance, Business Times, Business Development Bank, Rock 95 and Rogers TV.
_________________________________________
High School Business Plan Competition
On November 8th, highschool Business Plan Competition finalists from across the Province will gather at four separate regional banquets to celebrate the regional and provincial winners for 2008.
Representing the Greater Barrie area are: Amy Williams and Vanessa Williams of Eastview
Secondary School for their plan, Wacky Willows Summer Camp. We wish them luck!
And once again, we are ramping up for the 2009 Business Plan Competition. We have already begun to take our presentations into area highschools. All students are eligible to enter, regardless of their program choices. Deadline for submissions is May 25th. For more information or to arrange a visit please contact our office at 720-2445.
As always, sponsors are welcome. If you would like to donate prizes for the winning students or make a cash or in-kind donation for the awards banquet in June, please contact Terri to request a sponsorship package at terri@barriebusinesscentre.ca
_________________________________________
Limited Time Offers for Your Business and Personal Banking Needs from RBC®! Special incentives for your business banking needs are available now, only at the RBC Royal Bank branch at 400 & Essa Road, 241 Essa Road, Barrie. (705-725-7867) > Open an RBC Business Essentials Fixed-Fee Account® or a Royal Business Professional Account and get $100 deposited into your account, plus a free Davis + Henderson* Cheque Essentials Kit ($130 value)**.> More offers are available for your business banking. Stop in and ask for details. We also have a special offer for new clients for your personal banking.> $150 Visa* gift card - yours FREE!**> Open a new Signature No Limit Banking® account before December 31, 2008 and transfer your payroll by February 15, 2009. You'll get a $150 Visa gift card in the New Year.
** New business and personal clients only. Certain restrictions, terms and conditions apply.These are limited time offers available only until December 31, 2008. Please visit your participating RBC branch for complete terms and conditions. ® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.*Registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. Used under licence.
______________________________________________________________
Social Networking Tools for your Business Choose from either Session One or Session Two
Session 1 ~ Wednesday, November 5th 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Angus Ross Room, Barrie Public Library OR Session 2 ~ Monday, December 8th 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. SuiteWorks, 92 Caplan Drive
Fad or phenomenon, love them or hate them, social networking tools are here to stay and growing in popularity. The Internet continues to evolve and new technologies come along that quickly eclipse those that we may have just become comfortable with. Email marketing and bland web sites are often being ignored by savvy consumers as they embrace the myriad of social networking tools. If you have a business and are unfamiliar with or curious about social networking tools then you will want to attend one of the Social Networking Tools for You Business sessions being offered by Anne Dorsey, Barrie Public Library Business Librarian at Barrie Public Library or SuiteWorks. These sessions will cover Facebook, YouTube, blogs, wikis, podcasts and more. You do not require any specialized knowledge or technical skills to attend - just a willingness to learn something new that can benefit your business.
Registration information for all sessions:There is no fee for this session but you must register for this programme. Register by email or by phone at 728-1010 Ext. 7014. Please indicate the session you will be attending and provide your name, telephone number and number of attendees. ___________________________________________________________
Tip of the Month
Think Big ... Dare to Dream
When I stare into the beautiful brown eyes of my 7 week old grandson Lucas, I can't help but wonder what life will bring him, and what he will bring to the lives of all of us who love him. It seems so simple and everything so possible when there is nothing yet written on the pages of his life. But unbeknownst to him, life will throw a few curves and some of them will have a profound effect on the man he will grow up to be - positively and negatively. How we teach him to dream, hold onto those dreams and how to react to life's challenges and opportunities will ultimately determine what his life will look like.
Success is not determined merely by winning at the game of Acquisitions or Power. More importantly, it is about how we make a positive difference in the world around us, how we will be remembered, how happy we are, and how happy we make others. It comes from a feeling of accomplishment - that we have done good!
Because of this, it is important to teach Lucas not only that he is special and can do anything he wants to, but also that everything he does should be done with respect for the world and the people around him, for they are all special too. We need to teach him that he needs to see the big picture, not just his tiny world, for all of our actions impact much more than just our own lives. He needs to be encouraged to dream the impossible and to know that he can make it possible. He needs to learn that because unfair things exist, that he should work hard to make them fair, that he is tougher than he thinks, kinder than he thinks, smarter than he thinks and able to overcome all obstacles.
When I look at him I am filled with pride and wonder, fear and anticipation, and hope. They are the same feelings that I have for the many new business owners that I meet daily - those that have yet to write on the slate of who they will be and how they will succeed. They don't know, and all I can do is encourage them to dream big, plan well and not to give up! I give them the tools to help their dreams come true.
Whether you are just starting your business or have been working in it for years, perhaps it's time to re-assess the dream and empower yourself to live it fully. It's harder when you've been impacted by life's challenges, sometimes beaten up by them, to keep the dream alive or let it grow, but it's not impossible. You only need to remind yourself that you are special, that you are tougher than you think, smarter than you think and able to overcome all obstacles in the pursuit of that dream.
Think big ... dream well!
Terri Plaxton Smith
Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
To book a a one-on-one consultation with Terri, please email Nancy at : reception@barriebusinesscentre.ca
"Connect for Success" Workshops that Work
Monthly Brainstorming Sessions
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.Next Meeting: Nov 11, 2008
Searching for solutions, creative ideas or just another ear to bounce your thoughts off of? Then this informal brainstorming get-together is for you. Join us as we share marketing challenges, successes and curiosities.
Two heads are better than one - and the more the merrier! No Charge!
Pre-registration is a must for these FREE 2 hour sessions.
Call 720-2445 and inquire about this great opportunity.
Entrepreneur's Club
By Invitation Only
Are you looking for assistance to take your business to the next level? Would you like to have a team of Experts working with you, providing you Tips and offering Advice?
Then Join the Club, the Entrepreneur's Club!
Membership has its Perks!
For your FREE invitation
Call 720-2445 and find out if you qualify today!!
Coaches Corner
Communicate for Success
How well do you communicate? Exceptional communication skills are a definite must have to be successful in any enterprise. Communication is more than just saying what you mean. Effective communication also involves listening to what is said and in many cases what is not said.Great communication skills are required:
To sell your product or service to your clients
To get that line of credit at the bank
To encourage your team to jump on board with your new project
To explain your company policy to an irate customer
To balance your busy family life with a thriving business As a Coach, I get to work with many levels of a company from the maxed out entrepreneur to the mid-level manager sending out meeting minutes that no one wants to read. There are many exercises I use to get clients to improve and simplify their communication.Yes, you can improve. What would better communication skills do for your business? In most cases it increases efficiency dramatically and over time translates to increased productivity and a healthier bottom line. If you are not sure how well you are communicating, look at the results. Remember if you keep doing the same thing, you will most likely get the same results. © Awesome Coaching Enterprises 2008888-944-5338 or 705.444.5448. Email info@awesomecoaching.com Web www.awesomecoaching.com.
Coach Jane Schnurr coaches business leaders and individuals to increase their performance and effectiveness for extraordinary results in business and life.
Business of the Month
Mortgage Intelligence
Find out how a simple "mortgage check-up" can help you. A single call may be all the care you need.
It's important to protect yourself against market conditions. But how do you know you have the right mortgage if you haven't seen what's possible?Simply call us today for a "mortgage check-up" and you'll be better prepared.705.720.1001 or 1.888.500.1841
39 Collier Street, Ste. 300Barrie ON L4M 1G5
Email Gary MegerVisit our Website
From the Experts
Marketing & Communications
Running scared 'cause a recession's on its way?
We started our business in 1982, in the midst of a hard recession. Since then, we've weathered two more recessions. Each time, our business, and our clients' businesses not only survived, but thrived.
We all thrived because smart businesses buck the normal response to a business downturn. Instead of reducing their marketing expenditures, they took a positive view, and increased them. Each of those clients came through the recession stronger than theircompetition. Most of them saw increases in their businesses, not decreases. While their competitors tried to survive by cutting costs, our clients thrived by investing in the market.
The tip in all this? Go against the flow. If your competitors are hunkering down and cutting their marketing investments, it's a golden opportunity to increase yours. You even get a bigger bang for your buck, due to the lack of competitive clutter. Remember: You can't save you way to success.Keith Thirgood, Creative DirectorCapstone Communications Group905-472-2330
marketingtip1@capstonecomm.com_________________________________________________________________
Financial
Tax Perks for Students!
During these uncertain economic times most of us are looking a little closer at our finances and cash flow. Here are some tips to help you along.
Create an emergency fund. If you aren't positioned for six to eight months of "safety cash", now is the time to put that in place.
How are your finances? Now is the time to review your cash flow, personal balance sheet and budget and get on the right side of debt management - more assets than liabilities.
Cash is King: If you are sitting on excess cash be ready to do two things (a) pay down bad debt-credit cards, non-deductible debt next (mortgages). Then get ready to invest back into the market at "sale prices" when the time is right.
Irene ByrneBookkeeping and Tax for Small BusinessBarrie (705) 812-2002Angus (705) 424-8980
www.irenebyrne.ca
Your Say
Cyndie de Silva says:
Hi Ms. Terri,
Thank you very much for going out of your way to help me. As always your encouragement keeps me going.
Your experienced input is greatly appreciated.
The printer has confirmed the delivery date (of my new children's book - The Quest )will be the 25th of November. The Barrie Library is very interested in assisting with the launch
Traditionally we light an oil lamp for the launch, and I certainly will be honored with your presence.
Thanks,Cyndie
___________________________________________________________________________Do you have something to say that we could all benefit from? If you would like to share your tips, advice, or expertise with our clients by contributing to this newsletter, please send an email to newsletter@barriebusinesscentre.ca by 4 P.M. Thursdays, the last week of each month. Inclusion will be at the sole discretion of the GBBEC, dependent on suitability, space availability and the number of contributions received. This is not an advertorial or advertising spot, but rather an opportunity to share valuable words of wisdom or announce your upcoming events. Of course you will be given credit for the submission with a link to your website if available. We reserve the right to include your submissions in subsequent newsletters in addition to or instead of inclusion in the following week's issue.
How Can We Assist You?
One-on-one consultations
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Seminar and Board Room Rentals (ASK ABOUT OUR GREAT RATES!)
Access to a computer workstation with internet access
Start up information
Assistance with writing a business plan or marketing plan
OTHER ... Tell us what you need .. if we can't provide it, we will find out who can!
See you at the Centre!
For more information visit our website at: www.barriebusinesscentre.ca
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Contact Information phone: (705) 720-2445
email: reception@barriebusinesscentre.ca
Terri Plaxton-SmithGreater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
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