Welcome to our newsletter...in it we have information, articles, events to help you propel your business forward. This month I want to talk about making change and also 5 key ways to be "recession proof" in your venture.


It's the 4th Quarter and it's time to make a big play!




We are well into the 4th quarter...and a year is soon drawing to a close. In football when it's the 4th quarter it's do or die time. You might see a big play, or great defensive stand...or the quarterback throwing a long bomb "Hail Mary" kind of pass hoping that the receiver catches it and get's a fast touchdown or a big gain in yardage.

Isn't this time of year like that now for you in your business or life? It's time for the big play. Or do you breathe and take the loss, but begin to prepare properly for the new year ahead?

I say that you are the one with the time clock...no one else but you is putting pressure on you to throw that long bomb...or make that big play now!

But, do an analysis of your life or business and begin to plan out what really needs tending too now!

Rank the importance of the key areas of your life and if it is highly important to make change, make change now. Don't wait. Work on the most major concerns first. Make the calls and take the actions needed to change what it is that's affecting you or hurting you most.

If it's money, call a financial planner...and get an action plan going. If it's a debt, talk to a trustee in bankruptcy and work out a plan for creditors.

If it's a health issue, call the doctor, go to the gym, get a personal trainer or a nutritionist.

If it's a family or relationship issue, get counseling, reach out, come to compromise, get some help to right the ship at home.

If it's a work issue, work on your resume, start networking, talk it up with others to maybe make a job change.

If you need more accounts and clients, reach out, make an action plan to meet 15 new clients between now and the end of the year...make things happen, network, joint venture ask for referrals...just grow your business.

The fact is you have to take action and although there is no time clock on you to get going, you do want to get going on the most important things first.

Begin with your most pressing issues first but then get into action, call the people and contacts you need on your side to help you take care of the things in your life that need changing the most.

So today, I encourage you to take that first step, the 4th quarter is now and it would be nice to end the year with a touchdown!

Go team!






How to beat the Recession in your business...5 key ways



As I sit down to write this article, I am still hearing that for a lot of us it's the "Economy Stupid"...the economy is playing havoc on our minds. There is a lot of uncertainty for sure. IN the U.S. the economic recovery and jobs are the 2 most important factors that saw the "Republicans" and the "Tea Party" came out as big winners. The American people are worried about jobs, money and making it.

Don't kid yourselves either, it's the same here in Canada. We don't want big government any more. We want responsible government and to say so long to the old boys and fat cats that spent, spent, spent. I mean just witness what happened in the Toronto Mayoral race.

So, yes there is a "Sea" change taking place. The economy is shifting. You can count on not counting on anything anymore. Change is rampant, things are moving faster and faster, there is more noise, competition, bankruptcies are up and there is a concern about our future out there...and there are no if's and's or buts about it.

So what can you do as a small business owner to rise above the recession?

Well...here are 5 things that come to mind...the first thing is to niche. Find that niche that you can do better than anyone else and market it to the exact channels your going after.

Find your niche:


One example of this is my friend Tiina Veer. She is a great business woman. She's young, passionate and creative. She is a plus sized woman. She is a top notch yoga teacher and is a massage therapist.

But...being a plus sized woman, Tiina can relate to how other plus sized (BBW) are challenged to do yoga, especially in an environment where they aren't watched and one in which they feel safe in.

So Tiina, does Yoga for Round Bodies. Brilliant! She owns that niche. Everything she does is geared to helping Big Beautiful Women. From retreats, to counseling, to yoga. Tiina leads a wonderful class too and may even branch out to plus sized men too in the not too distant future.

But find me one yoga class in Toronto doing what Tiina does, the way Tiina does it.

She's an avid social marketer too...often found linking up with her peeps on Facebook.

So...find your niche and build on it.

Get into the Green:

Get into the green. The Green business is about to take off in Ontario... A recent article in the London Free Press newspaper suggests that the Green industry is taking a new turn in the Province of Ontario... to quote...

"The green energy revolution is entering a new phase in Southwestern Ontario. It’s progressing from harnessing alternative energy sources to opening manufacturing plants at which the harnessing tools — such as wind turbines and solar panels — are built. And that could spell hundreds, maybe thousands of jobs for the London region, still reeling from a recession that sucked away 4,400 jobs in the last year."

Ontario has a number of things going for it. We have a close proximity to the U.S., we have a good labour force and excellent infrastructure (roads, transit, high tech). It's all making us the place to look for green sector investment.

Add to the fact there is a huge solar power project about to be happening soon...in fact the London Free Press quotes,

"Ontario is getting so much attention from European and North American manufacturers it's "turning heads in other provinces. Alberta is now looking (at the Ontario Green Energy Act and feed-in tariff program). What is going on in Ontario is hard not to notice," he added.

Also, the Ontario government struck a $7-billion deal this spring with Korean industrial giant Samsung under which it will build four manufacturing plants in the province, employing 16,000 - about one quarter of the jobs permanent."

So if you want to beat the recession, go green.

Go after the new:

The other hot trend is to tap into newcomers. Yes, it was a bit of an issue and political hot potato for Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, but newcomers are coming to Canada n a steady basis and is the impetus to our economic growth. Without new immigrants we would probably have negative population growth. So newcomers are ensuring that Canada stays on the plus side of the ledger as far as growth goes.

But they bring skills, know-how, money and they are in need of products, services and skills. As Canada reaches the tipping point with now more than 50% of Canadians born elsewhere, this sector is too hard to ignore.

Tap into the niche markets of newcomers. You will be justly rewarded.

There is a "new Canada" just over the horizon — home to a diversity of skin tones, birth countries, languages and religious faiths unprecedented in the nation's history.

By 2031, at least one in four people in this country will have been born elsewhere, new population projections from Statistics Canada suggest, and just half the working-age population will belong to families that have lived in Canada for at least three generations.

As Sultan Mahmood suggests, Canada's multiculturalism enriches our social fabric...

"This is enriching our society," says Mahmood, who moved to Calgary from Pakistan in 1992. "We're getting good people and all the good things from all over the world, and I think this diversity has made Canada one of the best countries in the world, and I think Canada will remain one of the best countries in the world because of this diversity."

Be excellent at customer service:

How many of you know what your clients are passionate about? Do you know what kind of hot dog they like? Do you know their golf score? Or do you know their birthdays?

Jack Mitchell does. So does Harvey MacKay?

Oh and are your customers having fun? Do they enjoy the buying experience?

If you go to Pikes fish market in Seattle their clients are having a blast...fish flying everywhere, employees joking, singing, yelling, having fun.

Paddy Lund the dentist in Australia is the closest thing to experience unconditional love in a business contest according Randy Basch former Fed Ex executive.

If you aren't putting the customer first you're going to lose out.

Case in point, I was at a Country Style donuts location near the Rogers Centre. I went in needing change for a $20 bill, so I could feed the parking meter. The clerk at this location told me no...no change without buying something.

Okay, fair enough, I want a country bit...for $0.25 ...she refused to sell it to me. But I am buying something, I replied. She refused again. Not only that she left the counter and went into the store room and shut the door behind her.

She left! Refusing to honour my transaction.

She finally came out to and agreed to the business transaction, but it was under protest and she yelled at me as I left, that she would never do that kind of transaction again.

I phoned Country Style head office to complain, they took my complaint, but never followed up with me to make things right or let me know they had contacted that clerk.

Personally, I won't go to Country Style again. Ever. Bad service...and wouldn't you know the Tim Horton's I go to in the morning welcomed me with open arms...in fact I know the clerk at the drive through personally, we chat, we joke and I get excellent service...even for just buying a coffee in the morning.

So make sure you are excellent at treating your customers like gold...because they are.

Pinch the pennies...

Finally, the other key trend to beating the recession is to look at your expenses. How many you have had a review of all expenses and seen where you can cut back.

Call your accountant and re-group...re-calculate, find the waste, shop around, get deals, negotiate ...just do what you have to to stop the financial bleeding.

If you follow these 5 steps you will have a much better business at hand. I wish you nothing but the best in 2011.


Cheers/David

Welcome to our newsletter...in it we have information, articles, events to help you propel your business forward. I am really excited about adopting this new format for my newsletter and hope that you like what it's all about.


September is a powerful month:


September...for some it signifies the end of summer...but don't fret my friends...because this is a very powerful time of year. It's a time of new beginnings, kids go back to school, we get a bit more dedicated to work and new projects and initiatives.

Plus, the cooler air is welcome for a good night's sleep.

In spiritual terms the fact that September is here means a few more things from my vantage point. Being of the Jewish religion, I want to share a concept about this time of year. This is the time before the Jewish New Year, it is a time when God had a thought. The thought was about creation.

God created the world according to biblical text when the Jewish New Year is celebrated. Rosh Hashana is the holiday and it means "The head of the year" or the start of the year.

But prior to the new year, there was the idea, the seed or thought of what God created in 7 days.

Then during the time of this holiday it's about actually manifesting the thought.

I share this with you, not because I think my religious views are better, but I share out of wanting to educate and enlighten. All religions have the path towards something higher, a better way of being.

So let's go back to what this time of year signifies according to Jewish text, it signifies taking an idea or thought to actual creation.

It's a time to celebrate that very thing. Isn't it a miracle when an idea you have actually happens?

Isn't there joy in seeing your business take shape, customers coming in the door, the phones ringing?

You bet!

So this month, celebrate, create and honour your ideas, thoughts and actions.

That's what the point of this newsletter/blog is about.

It's Jewish custom to begin to reflect on the year that was and to begin to clean up any messes you've made with those in your life, it's a time to ask for forgiveness and to right wrongs. It's a time of prayer. Praying for health, peace for all and life!

It's a time to connect with family and friends and wish them well. It's a joyous time, but a reflective time too.

So what is that you want to create?

What do you need to clean up in order for you to lessen the load?

Who do you have to forgive so you can begin anew?

These are some compelling questions to ask yourself.

Motivational expert, speaker, writer Raymond Aaron suggests that there is "power" in cleaning up messes...

He says, "Messes are the lock on the gate towards true abundance". You can't get to the future if the past is still messy. You have to clean up personal and professional messes. Oh and don't think that it's not important to clean up physical messes as well...Having an uncluttered life allows for clear thinking and allows you to move forward without the past taking you back into it's vortex.

So as you clean up messes, call someone you've wronged or hurt, work on establishing a new beginning with close friends and family or let go of relationships that hurt you in a proactive and compelling manner that allows for you both to be okay with it ending so that you can both agree to disagree and move forward.

If you've got a messy office or car or house, clean it up. A bit at a time so you don't become too overwhelmed.

The bottom line is to really create a compelling future you want to complete the past first!


The next big thing to work on this time of year is to visualize what you want to create for the year ahead. Maybe it's time to do a vision board again, or maybe it's time to re-write your business plan or maybe it's time to write your goals out on paper and see the "idea" begin to take shape.

Linda Boertjens, creator and founder of Orange Peel Systems suggests that, "Visualization is an important success element in your goal achievement efforts. A very powerful way to apply visualization is by creating a so called "Vision Board", also known as a "Dream Board". It is one of the most powerful ways to put the Law of Attraction to work for you. A Vision Board is a collage of pictures of the goals and dreams you want to attract in your life. Important is to really use the exact image of what you want to attract, as whatever you show on your Board will become part of your reality"!

Don't forget to get help along the way too. No one ever got somewhere important alone. It's always advisable to have a mentor, coach, buddy, or a team to support you in your quest.

The fear is we are weak if we ask for help. We are not worthy of help either...this kind of thinking is bogus.

The truth is that all good leaders depend on the involvement and actions of others in order to make things happen.

Dr. John Grohol founder of the website, "Psych Central" writes; "Actually, successful individuals will tell you that the key to success is knowing your strengths and weaknesses. Learning how to delegate, asking for help and letting others show you the way are part of the plan. Successful people are driven and motivated — and when the going gets tough, the tough ask for help"!

Where to begin?

So, begin to sit down with yourself and visualize and write down what you want to create this year.

The last part of your mission this month is to begin to take action...like God did in 7 days, you might do in the year ahead or longer. Unless you work fast or can pull of some miracles of course...

But when taking action it means you need to incorporate good action habits. Here are a few to incorporate this month...



1) Write down your key actions each day on a daily "to-do" list and you'll find out soon that the things you wanted to create in your life end up happening...so your "to-do" list becomes your "ta-da" list...(How cool is that huh)?

2) Focus on the most important things first. If you are wondering where to focus...I say act as if your life depended upon it. What goals and actions must you do as if your life depended on it? If you can answer those each day, then that's where you put most of your time and energy.

3) Check in weekly with a buddy, coach, mentor to let them know how you're doing, to set weekly goals and to set up some accountability

4) Play! Goals, actions take place easily when there is an essence of play to it. Don't you remember playing as a kid? Time flew when we played. Play adds a sense of fun to it, play is enjoyable, play is socially engaging too...so add a dimension of play to your big goals and the key things you want to create.

5) Have a time table. See the end in your minds eye. Keep visualizing the success you're going to have when you've accomplished your goal or actions in a set time frame. I mean if you're going to be up to creating something cool for your life or business you want to do it preferably in this lifetime. So make sure you have an "end date" like a jug of milk has...or your dreams might sour a little too if it's past the best before date!

6) Celebrate along the way. I can imagine that when God created the world we live in, he probably patted himself/herself on the back. "Wow animals...look at that, how cool"! So be sure to pat yourself on the back for the gains along the way.

As you move forward in September, get clear as to what you want to create? Is it a better world? One with peace, abundance for all, health, a clean environment too...be sure to envision the people you want in your world too...I mean you gotta hang with cool people too in your vision.

Once you're clear on the vision, write it down, journal, do up a vision board, a business plan or a goal list.

Then get into action, get into making it happen.

So have a Happy New Year or as we say "Shana Tova" may it be a good, sweet year.

Here is a video on the 8 ways to be great, it's with Richard St. John, author of 8 ways to be great and a highly successful business owner. Enjoy!

Also please take our business development survey, we need to hear from you!


Click here to take survey


Cheers/David

Time to celebrate success

Welcome to our newsletter...in it we have information, articles, events to help you propel your business forward. I am really excited about adopting this new format for my newsletter and hope that you like what it's all about.

Celebrating success...it's challenging these days given that we are seeing some tough economic times. But alas, there is still success out there. In fact if you get a copy of Profit Magazine you will learn about 100 and another 100 fast growing companies in Canada.

In this most recent edition of Canada's Profit Magazine (Magazine for Entrepreneurs) shares the success stories of Canada's Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies.

Even in times like these, businesses are still growing and succeeding. But how, you ask?

Well for starters Canada's fastest growing companies are finding access to raising capital is critical to success. If you've gone to a bank or a venture capital fund, this is no easy task. Getting money is like pulling teeth these days. So really working the "streets" to access capital is critical to business growth.

In order to access capital you need to be creative. You've got to work on your pitch and don't be afraid to ask and go to where perhaps you wouldn't think to ask. Friends, family, your best suppliers, your legal team and your accountant might all be good places to start.

Another critical success factor is in your ability to decrease costs and reduce spending. I remember reading about a company in the U.S. during the recession in 1990-92...and the owner would even count paper clips to ensure cost savings...

Not that you have to be that extreme, but it's a good thing to look at what do you need vs. what you really, really need.

Selling skills come into play too in terms of those that made the Fastest Growing list. Selling in today's marketplace, means it's less about what you sell and more about how you sell it and who you sell it too. Make sure you're clear on the value proposition of your product or service and who can really benefit from it. Who is your ideal client? How do you help them get what they want? It's a much different way to sell than calling some company or client out of the blue and letting them know you've got a great "deal" for them.

It just doesn't cut it any more. You've got think about selling strategically and then pitch, pitch, pitch!

Another key factor in business success is in the ability to tap into foreign markets. Canadian companies are still tapping into the U.S. market, but most notably their is growth in working in Africa, Brazil and Russia.




Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa...one of the emerging trading partners among Canada's Fastest Growing Companies.

Winning companies are also very clear about creating a "winning-team" culture as well. When polled many CEO's were concerned about protecting their employees from job loss during this recession. Often working long hours to make things happen in the business so that the staff stayed employed. Nothing contributes to low morale than a round of company layoffs.

These are all good business strategies to live by and it put into play, but what about the mindset of succeeding in this economy? Well...many owners of those listed on the Top 100 list see the opportunity in a recession rather that the liabilities. That is a terrific mindset to have! Is the glass half full or half empty? For example one business owner is spending more on marketing dollars...why? Well, rates for advertising have lowered considerably during this downturn and two, his competition isn't advertising as much if at all...thus creating a huge opportunity for his product to gain recognition and market share.



Important stuff for sure...

Here are some other facts and figures discussed in this issue of Profit Magazine...

Opportunity: Always be looking for the next big thing!

Starting up: Get a customer first. So many companies start without a solid idea of what customers really want, Find the customer and the customer will help you perfect your product. If you don't have a customer, you're not a real business.

Managing: Communicate, communicate and communicate. You can't go wrong by over communicating, but you can make a lot of mistakes by under communicating.

Strategy: Don't hire for the job you need done today; hire for the future. Hire for what you want your organization to be and it will become the organization you want.

Culture: Build a strong culture. It will give you a base through the bumpy times. When you don't land that big deal, people won't leave; they will stay and work even harder.

Delegating: Your entrepreneurial instincts tell you that you can do it all on your own, but the best things that have ever been accomplished were done by strong teams.

Giving back: I believe in Karma. Entrepreneurs are always chasing after the dollar, but the reality is if you give, you will gain back.

Motivating: To motivate your employees, listen to all of their ideas. When you use them, they feel part of the success and they work even harder.

Leadership: Be humble. Every time we think we're smarter than anyone else, it blows up on us.

Execution: Hire a good manager, because generally, entrepreneurs aren't good managers.

(These are some of the rules of wisdom from Canada's Fastest Growing Companies found on page 83 of the current edition of Profit Magazine).


Here are some other facts and figures that might give you some more insight into trends, ideas and the thinking of Canada's best business minds:

41 is the average age 80 of the top 100 were born in Canada

17 have a graduates degree

57 is the average number of hours that goes into a CEO's work week.

39 were solo founders 47 were founding partnerships and 9 companies were owned by women.

13 companies are in technology, 9 in marketing, 4 in HR, 3 in retail, 3 in consulting, 2 in transportation, 7 in other, 18 in manufacturing (who said manufacturing is dead in Canada)?... 16 fast growing companies are in software development, 10 in construction, 5 in consumer services, 6 in wholesale/distribution and 1 in investment.

Most growth capital is through the owners own assets, banks are next, followed by SR and ED, (financing) Leasing, credit cards, the BDC, friends and relatives, government grants or tax credits, private investors, IRAP's, Credit unions, venture and angel investors...

Ontario had 48 fastest growing companies Quebec had 20, Alberta 12 and BC 11...followed by the east coast and the prairie provinces.

So there you have it, check out the issue online at http://list.canadianbusiness.com/rankings/profit100/2010/Default.aspx?sp2=1&d1=a&sc1=0 or buy a copy, it's well worth it. There is hope for success...if you follow some of these secrets it will be yours for the taking!

Cheers/David

Welcome to our newsletter...in it we have information, articles, events to help you propel your business forward. I am really excited about adopting this new format for my newsletter and hope that you like what it's all about.

THE AUGUST EDITION:

Well, I just got rejected. I pitched the CBC a radio show idea and it got turned down. There used to be a time where that would really have an adverse affect on me. But not now.


Making the pitch!

Now, I tend to look at ways to build that relationship further...remembering someone wants to help you especially after they just told you "no". So I probed and asked about future opportunities and where I could have improved on my "Pitch".

The upshot of it all was that I could still be in the game at CBC radio and get in another way. The suggestion was to pitch being a contributor to other shows, like the Current and or Sunday Edition. Not only that to stay in the loop and get on board as a contributor to those two shows.

The bottom line is rejection doesn't mean it's the end...it means not now. It means you have to re-work things a bit to give people or your audience what they want.

So, when you're pitching business, keep pitching, stay in the game, nurture relationships, ask questions and plan for the future.

Let's delve into handling rejection a little bit more.

If you pitch a business proposal or make a cold call and you get rejected, the best bet is to check your attitude. It's never personal...it's just business. It wasn't meant to be and who knows maybe the next best thing is right around the corner.

Now that being said, none of us ever like to be rejected. It hurts. Sometimes the thing we seek is something that is vitally important to us. Sometimes, our future depends on it.


GET IN TOUCH WITH THE ANGER:

But when you do pitch or present a business idea/solution or proposal and you get turned down listen to the voice inside you. What's it saying? Is it hurt? Is it angry? Is it upset? If it is, then get that emotion out of you. Yell, scream, journal, whatever you do, just get your frustrations out...and really let it out, don't hold back.

I used to scream in my car alone and after about 10 minutes of that, I would just laugh at my being totally silly. That in that moment of outrage and hurt about being rejected, that after 10 minutes of pure screaming, I experienced a calm about the situation. A peace came over me.

So once you let it out...once you dump the anger...begin to shift your thoughts and think of what's next? What can you do to be better next time? This is where it's wise to ask the person that said no to your brilliant idea/proposal/concept or pitch is the person you need to ask about how you can improve in future?

It's a good time to ask about other possible ways to engage with the client and see if there are smaller opportunities so you get in on some level. You see if you close the door in anger, it may and probably will never open up again for you.


ASK GOOD QUESTIONS:

So be sure to ask the person that said "no" some questions to see if there is another possibility to continue some sort of relationship.

I liken it to dating, you might not be a fit for that person you go on a date with, but having them in your life as a friend may just be a really wonderful outcome!

So ask the person that said no...about staying in the loop somehow, because if you do get in...even on a small level, you never know when a brilliant opportunity might happen in the future. The key is to be there...and as Woody Allen once said, "99% of success is just showing up."

When you begin to explore why you're idea got rejected, you get a better sense of what the customer wants. So this pitch/proposal is a good first effort. The key now is to do a check in to see what the customer needs, based on that information you can tailor your proposals accordingly.

KEEP THE RELATIONSHIP ALIVE:

Ask also to maintain some kind of ongoing relationship with the person, keeping it light, professional and engaging. You don't want to bombard the individual, you want to just showcase your talents and ideas in a light informative way.


KNOW IT'S A NUMBERS GAME:

The other key thing about being rejected is that you have to know if you've given it your "best shot" that's all you can do. I remember pitching Adams Brands on handling all of their promotional products needs. We would have printed anything from t-shirts to pens with their logo's on it. I came in second. They loved what I did, but gave the business to someone who was offering a rebate discount. I didn't even think to offer that, so I lost the deal.

I do remember giving it my very best shot.

With this CBC radio proposal, I was up against 250 application/pitches a year. 2 of which get to air. It's hard to be upset when you're turned down with those numbers circling about.

I think I would have been more upset if I didn't have the nerve to pitch an idea.

So, never let fear be against you. Keep pitching, keep out there, keep going. If you do get rejected, seek to build and nurture your business relationships...sooner or later good things will come from it...

LEARN FROM IT:

One way to overcome rejection is to adopt a learning mindset. If you're open to learning and doing even better next time, have a learning mindset. You can be in judgment about the rejection, the company that rejected you or the person that said "no", or you can seek to understand where that "No" came from and then re-vise, re-work your submissions in future.

If you learn from rejection, if you adapt to what the market wants and you're open to being flexible, then rejection won't be so bad.

I hope this post helps you. I hope you have a ton of rejections, because that means you're playing full out. It means you're going to get business coming your way, because the more you ask, the more you pitch, the more you know your customers, the more you connect with people, the better your odds of success.

As usual, I include a motivational video and this month Brian Tracy (sales training/motivational expert) talks about handling fear. Have a great summer, keep going, remember there is still trillions of dollars changing hands around the globe each day and some of those dollars has your name on it.

Go make it happen!



Cheers/David

Welcome to our newsletter...in it we have information, articles, events to help you propel your business forward. I am really excited about adopting this new format for my newsletter and hope that you like what it's all about.



This is our annual Canada Day newsletter...and it's a time where I list the top 10 things you can do for free or little cost in the GTA.

Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy life a little. With the new HST tax increase and our budgets being tighter, it's nice to know you can still do some cool things in our city.

This is the 3rd edition of our what to do for free in the GTA issue and there are lot's of free things to take in...so don't let the HST bug you, or the tight budgets be an excuse, get out and enjoy these Top 10 events...

Cheers/David



Let's start with the Mosaic BIA (Danforth and Coxwell) Summer Jazz series in the park...this is a cool event with some very good talent this summer...log onto...
www.danforthmosaicbia.com/blog/... To see what is in store and check out the terrific line-up they have...

2. Mel Lastman Square in North York has the "Sunday Serenade" series once again...from 7:30-9 pm with great concerts and dancing...lots of fun and free as well... live Big Band concerts and great dancing too...so get your boogie shoes on for this event...from July 11th until the end of August...
http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/serenades/2010/events.htm


3. In downtown Toronto, on Wednesdays you can have fresh food and take in a noon hour concert at Nathan Phillips Square...all free, except the food...but check out this link... http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/wednesdays/2010/events.htm

4. Nathan Phillips Square plays the music again and serves up good food as well with "Tasty Thursdays"...so free concerts, good food from local restaurants and the fresh air...check it out... http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/thursdays/2010/events.htm


5. Harbour Front by Lake Ontario in downtown Toronto has free concerts, festivals, arts, dance and tons of cultural events...alot of it is free as well...log onto http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/ to learn more about Harbour Front...

6. In Downsview where the Pope was a few years ago and the Rolling Stones were too...there are a ton of free things to do, including Movies in the Park...check this link out... http://www.downsviewpark.ca/eng/movies.shtml


7. Wanna get fit? In Ajax, Ontario, there are free family fitness events on Thursdays...check this link out and begin to "breathe" easier... http://www.townofajax.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=9248


8. There are numerous concerts in the park all over Durham Region, lot's of fun from Orono, to Oshawa to Ajax, there is no lack of music and fun and they are "free" check out this article in the Durham Region news for all the details and locations... http://www.newsdurhamregion.com/article/155869

9. If you want some theatre, the Canadian Stage Company offers live theatre for a Pay What you Can price point, here is the classic Shakespeare play in High Park info for this summer... http://www.canadianstage.com/dream

10. Lastly, if you long for the old days...wasn't life simpler in the 60's??? Then check out the listing of "Drive in" theatres, yup, roll the top down, put the kids in their "Jammies" and catch a few flicks...not free, but not over priced either...

http://www.toronto4kids.com/content/view/706/


Have a great summer and Canada Day, don't forget there is a ton of free things to do on Canada Day.


Cheers/David

Welcome to our newsletter...in it we have information, articles, events to help you propel your business forward. I am really excited about adopting this new format for my newsletter and hope that you like what it's all about.

The June Edition: Getting into the Zone

I have a secret to share, but you've got to promise not to share it with anyone. Here it is...when I sit down to write my newsletter, I have no idea of what I am going to write about until I sit down to write it.

Are you surprised? I kind of am. It amazes me that I can stay fresh and current when I post up a new article on my newsletter/blog. It kind of comes to me naturally. I don't force it. I just sit down and start punching the keyboard and usually I write something meaningful.

My best creative piece was when I came up with the "SWIFT" method for living. "SWIFT" is about setting goals in the 5 key areas of your life. "SWIFT" stands for Social, Work, Inner, Financial and Taking Care of.

So under a social goal you might want to set goals around your social life, under work...you set work goals and under inner you set goals like pray, read, meditate, study. The "F" is for financial goals...are you saving money, paying down debt asking for a bailout? Last but not least the Taking Care of is the time you spend at the gym, going for your physical, taking the family out...taking care is about taking care of the the things that really matter.

In this post I want to talk about your Inner game, or how to get into the zone. These days it's critical to stay in the zone. I don't know about you but the negative news, horrific world events and change has kind of thrown me off my game.

My sense is this may be true for you. Are you as sharp as you used to be? Confident about life? Optimistic? Nope? Here too.

Being a big baseball fan, I relate being in the zone to what a good hitter does when they are on a hitting streak. You'll hear terms like, "he's really seeing the ball well" or "they see the play unfold in front of him as if the whole game has just slowed right down".

The athlete that is in the zone has somehow found the sweet spot and an ability to be totally in the moment, all senses working at once, magically doing the big things naturally.

So how can we get to the zone in these wild and interesting times?

First of all it takes practice. This is not something that you can just do without applying some very critical daily rituals.

First of all you want to meditate daily. This doesn't have to be for an hour on end, but just meditate, visualize your day happening and unfolding the way you want it too.

Second of all, exercise every day. Change your routine too. Mix up aerobics, with weights or strength training and yoga to incorporate a full work out regimen.

Third, eat properly, your mom was right...eat your fruits and veggies every day and when grocery shopping and yes I am guilty of this...don't go into the middle of the grocery store, stick to the perimeter or the outside, because that's where to good nutritious food is.

Stay hydrated. Drink your water. It enhances fat loss and helps you look younger...you'll have better skin...and it contributes to your health and well being.

Take mini-breaks during the day...little time outs to re-charge the mind, soul and battery. All work and no time outs makes for an evening of being grumpy and tired...let's face it your family deserves better.

Surround yourself with creative, idea people and connect to set your daily intentions and goals for the day as a group. If you're on purpose and have a purpose with clear cut goals that you want to take on...then you will have more of a focus.

Do up a daily do list. Before you wind it up for the day, do up a daily list of what you want to take on. It's critical that you have that clear direction each day or you will be like a boxer flailing in the boxing ring, throwing punches wildly in the air and never landing a bop on the nose.

Don't work too long. Recent health studies show that working more than 8 hours a day on average actually contributes to stress, heart disease and diabetes...and if you think about it, you're probably at a desk job, working hard, stressing out...that's why that trip to the gym or a break in the day helps you...you can even meditate or nap during the day.

Know what you're playing for. Remind yourself as to why you're doing what you're doing. Is it for your kids? Are you inspired by someone, or something? Connect with what inspires you on regular basis so you don't lose the passion or interest.

Always connect to what inspires you and what your passion is. I get passionate about different things in my business and work and it's in a state of flow, yet the work remains consistent.

Let go of the struggle. When an athlete is in the zone or is seeing the ball well, they aren't even thinking about struggling, they're into the fun of it all...the game. Let go of all struggles and get back into the "game" of it all. To me a "game" is the part of the work that's akin to having fun.

Be of gratitude. Each day when it ends be thankful to whatever life brings you. Remember...one of my favourite lines in the Mel Brooks movie "Young Frankenstein" when Gene Wilder asked his trust worthy assistant Marty Feldman about a mistake he had made, Marty Feldman replied, "it could always be worse...it could be raining"!!!

If you saw the movie, the minute after he said that...thunder roared, lightning struck and sure enough it started to rain! Talk about being optimistic!

So yes even thought we are overwhelmed by change and challenges, it can always be worse.

This month, I encourage you to get into the zone and let me know if you adopt any of these daily rituals if it improves your "game"

I hope it does and would love to know if these strategies had a positive affect on you.

Until our next posting, stay well. Enjoy our motivational video included with this newsletter posting and I look forward to connecting with you soon.


Cheers/David

Don't go it alone in life or in your business

This Blog is geared to helping you run your small business. We post informative articles, links and share ideas and tips on how you can succeed. Being in business can be somewhat challenging at times and we are here to help you meet those challenges head on!

Check out our booklist, monthly polls and links...all geared to help you!

Enjoy the read.


Who is on your team?

This month, I have become present to the importance of having a team to support you in your business venture...in fact, having a team around you in whatever you are taking on that's big is almost mandatory. If you're having a baby, you have a doctor, a gynecologist, your friends and teacher from the prenatal class and so on. If you're taking it on to take off weight you've got support from a nutritionist, a doctor, a personal trainer and or the team at weight watchers as well.

Having a team is vital to your success. In biblical times, Moses had Aaron, Jesus had the disciples...Noah had a bunch of animals, but we won't go there this time...

The lesson in this newsletter is the importance of having a supporting cast around you to help you run and grow your business.

There are 4 key types of support in the business world.

The first is a mentor. A mentor relationship is with someone that's in your field, is successful in the field and is open to counseling you or guiding you once a month about your business and the direction you're taking it. One way to access a mentor is to talk to the trade association that's connected to the industry or field you're in. In almost every industry there is a trade association and what you want to do is ask the director of the trade association who the top 5 most successful business owners are in your industry. Once you've got that information and those contacts you then want to call each owner and see if they would be open to mentoring you.

Usually, when people are successful, they are all too happy to share their advice. Why? Because it's something to be proud of and it's an honour to share it!

A good mentor relationship is one that's done over the phone once a month. You have to be respectful of the other person's time. It's not out of the realm of possibility to send a thank you card and a gift certificate to your mentor as well...once in a while. Showing appreciation is always a good thing.


The second type of support you can have is a mastermind group. Your mastermind group can be made up of professionals in your industry or it can consist of a variety of business people from different industries.

The idea of a mastermind team was developed by the "grandfather" of the personal development movement, Napolean Hill. He felt the power of 5 or 6 minds were better than 1. One of the first mastermind groups included Ford, Firestone and Edison...quite the mastermind team to say the least.

When choosing your team you have to be with people you trust, who have the same goals and who can help you get to where you want to go. A typical mastermind meet up is about 2-3 hours a long and it's a chance for you to brainstorm, test, work through challenges and then get the advice and insight from 4-5 other people in your group.

I personally don't like a group that's more than 6 people or the meeting can take all day.

You can make your meeting fun, by having a nice breakfast, lunch, or maybe have a book review, share online resources, best practices. In my mastermind group we did experiential dance, that allowed us to get into our bodies...once we did dancing, we then created a vision board...my vision board had pictures and words cut out from magazines that resonated with me. I then glued each picture and word onto a bristol board.

My vision board reminds me of what I want to achieve for my life and business.

A mastermind group has to have respect, trust, cohesion and good communication. I recommend you meet once a month to keep the flow going.

Your mastermind group isn't about you getting psychological help, it's about getting support, ideas, action steps that you can take for your business venture. Yes, some emotional issues may come up...but remember you are with business people not a psychotherapist or psychologist. Keep the meetings more about the task at hand rather than making them more personal.

A mastermind team can be a great support mechanism for you to put into action in your business venture and the ideas and the encouragement you get is invaluable. Heck you might even get to dance like I did in a couple of my meetings and anyone who knows me...can tell...I am no "twinkle toes" but I did have fun and let loose for a while.

Sometimes you need to let loose and play even if it's during a work day.

Another support system to put into place is an advisory board. An associate coach of mine, Tanya Geisler teaches her clients about the power of an advisory board. Tanya leads entrepreneurs to have access to their very own advisory board. The difference between a mastermind team and an advisory board is that the advisory board focuses solely on you. Whereas a mastermind team is a shared focus. Log onto Tanya's site and check out the work she does helping small business owners start their own advisory boards... http://tanyageisler.com/board-of-your-life/

Another advisory board is an experience I had this past week. On Thursday, I met with 4 senior business executives this week and they helped direct me and give me ideas, advice and feedback on my business. I went in totally cold, not knowing what to expect. I did go in with some key areas I wanted to discuss and I got 90 minutes of ideas, counseling and advice to put into action immediately. I also became clear about the most immediate next steps to take and engage in.

I met with this very unique organization called A-S-E. (The Association of Senior Executives) and for $90 you get to consult with 4 very astute professionals about your business. I had a 90 minute meeting with them and walked away with some ideas that had never occurred to me before...check them our at www.a-s-e.ca

These seniors have made their living and it gives them a chance to be vital, give back and make a difference, plus the advice I got was really very amazing.

Finally as far as advisory board goes...to quote my friend Tanya...when she helps to lead and facilitate an advisory board...here is what's possible...

"Imagine a brainstorming session dedicated to your unique values, your particular brilliance. Involving people who know you well and will applaud your success. An Advisory Board from your very own life that comes together for one single purpose: to help you land somewhere new—lovingly and safely.

Board of Your Life is not for the squeamish—it’s for people who are ready to take the reins of their life and become “unstuck”. Are you ready"?

An advisory board helps you discover pieces to your puzzle.






Our last support system is a board of directors. How many of you know what that is? Better yet, how many of you have one? I have a feeling that not a lot of business people have one of these. You are in charge of putting together a board of directors...even if your company isn't on the stock exchange, it's vital that you share the state of the nation as it were about your business venture.

A typical board of directors consists of your lawyer, banker, accountant and another business colleague. A typical board of directors meeting has you take these 4 professionals for dinner twice a year to share what's going on in your business.

Since you've got 4 very differing people at the table with you, you will get very interesting feedback. One from a financial perspective, one from a management perspective, one from a legal perspective and one from a banking money management perspective. All with contacts and experience that is crucial to your success.

Make sure when you meet twice a year with your board of directors, that you take them out for dinner...

Success...isn't that what having support is all about? Isn't that what we all want for ourselves?

We want to feel we've made a difference, that we're free from worry and financial stress, that we are living our best possible lives.

There are more support systems for you to access...in Toronto you can connect to www.enterprisetoronto.com

In Durham region it's the Business Advisory Centre at www.bacd.ca

In Peel it's the Small Business Service Centre Brampton and there is one in Mississauga too...just google these and you will get access to some terrific "free" help for your venture.

Richmond Hill and Vaughan has small business service centres too that can help you grow your business as well, in fact in Vaughan log onto http://www.centrebusiness.com

So as we head into spring and a new business quarter, get the help you need in your business. Don't go it alone, because quite frankly you're playing with matches if you do.

We all need the help and ideas and encouragement to move forward.

If you're wanting that for your business I will be launching the "E-Circle" and beginning guided and facilitated master mind groups in May. My colleague Danielle Di Prizio and I will be leading these sessions in May, s o if you're interested email me at thecoach@smallbusinessbigideas.com

Until next time, take good care, go in peace and strive for balance.

Cheers/David Cohen

Here is a video to remind you about the journey to your own personal success...Enjoy!

David

Reach out and touch someone

Welcome to our newsletter...in it we have information, articles, events to help you propel your business forward. I am really excited about adopting this new format for my newsletter and hope that you like what it's all about.

You gotta reach out and touch someone.

You remember the ad campaign, from the 80's that AT&T did, the message is simple, reach out and touch someone...

Well that is the message with this newsletter.

It's been a bit of a bugaboo for me for a while, especially since this "online social marketing craze" has taken hold.

Yes, even I have people following me on Twitter and truth is...I am not that interesting. Sometimes on Sunday's I don't shower until I hit the gym and that may not be until the early afternoon, so follow me at your own risk.

Plus I am following people on Twitter that I hardly know. How is someone in the States going to sell me a mortgage in Canada?

I now have over 500 friends on Facebook and truth is, I don't hear from all of them and a lot I haven't met and I am not sure I have a ton in common with them.

Don't get me started on Linked In...does that even work? Someone wants to connect with you on Linked in...that's what my email said. I wonder why they want too? Is it about quantity of people you know or is it the quality?

As I move forth into this new year, I am choosing something different. I want quality. I want to foster close personal business and professional relationships and hanging out online on Facebook, Linked in and Twitter is a glorious waste of time.

Ok, maybe an hour or two a week, but that's all.

This isn't to say that Facebook and these social marketing sites don't have benefit. Gosh, Facebook has connected the world and has become the leading communications tool for all of us globally!

But, from a marketing point of view... and you getting clients and building sustainable, long term personal relationships, it's not that great.

Why you ask? Because you know the answer. If you are using these sites, how many hours online does it take to convert these connections/friends/tweets into a paying client?

It takes forever and that's if you're lucky.

My time on these sites just doesn't yield enough results to make it pay.

So, here is my game plan for 2010...you can follow along with me or not...

1) I am going to phone my clients more often in the hopes to see them

2) I want to have more coffee meetings in person with my colleagues and clients

3) I want to send thank you cards and really "personally touch" them, rather than send an email

4) I am going to email less

5) When I call a colleague or a client I am going see how they how life is treating them

6) The time I waste online...I am going to read a book and learn how to be better at what I do

7) I am narrowing down and focusing on who I want to do business with

8) I am going to meditate at night and visualize, rather than visualize my computer screen as I watch what people are "Twittering" about

9) I am going to sell the old fashion way, in person, checking for needs, wants, hopes and goals and providing rock solid solutions

10) I am going to remember that no one ever cut a check or a p.o. (purchase order) over the phone or online. You have to reach out and touch someone.


I always remember my father saying, "you're to be seen and not heard". Not good advice for a kid who became a radio show host and facilitator, teaching small business owners...

So my advice to you is to get out there, shake hands, meet people, talk, dialogue with people, be creative about it too!

For example, when was the last time you had a dinner party, or a games night with friends? When was the last time you had a meaningful town hall meeting, or a discussion group at Church, your Mosque or Synagogue.

The key to surviving and thriving in these times is to build community and not lose spend your life online.

So get out there and make things happen...and touch someone!

Cheers/David