Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Tapping the Expertise of Trusted Advisers ...

One of the things that I discovered many years ago is that you can not be ALL things to ALL people.

So why is it that so many entrepreneurs feel they can boldly move forward without input and advice from the broad array of professionals, experts and potential mentors? 

  

Recognizing the need for this type of specialized expertise as businesses grow and develop, one of the programs that I’ve been very pleased to have helped develop in Alberta, (Canada) introduces entrepreneurs to many of those areas of expertise. What’s more, it’s a totally FREE service, provided without cost or obligation on the part of the businesses that access the service!

The Business Link's “Guest Advisor Program” provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to speak with business management consultants, business coaches, lawyers, accountants, and financial representatives who volunteer their time to discuss the business owners concerns. Think of it as an introduction to the variety of business services available to from within the private sector. It’s an opportunity to discuss specific business situations with a professional in a neutral location and can provide great insight into how working with a professional can assist in the development of that business.

More information on the “Guest Advisor Program” can be found by CLICKING HERE.


Continuing with the theme of connecting with various professionals to assist the entrepreneur, here is another portion of that great
article we saw in the Ivey Business Journal a while ago. As mentioned in earlier posts, I was drawn to the catchy title: “That’ll Never Work: Six important lessons from successful entrepreneurs” while preparing to facilitate a group of potential entrepreneurs who were working through the business planning process.

The article was written by Dennis Fortnum, Canadian Managing Partner for KPMG Enterprise.  I contacted the good folks at KPMG Enterprise and asked for permission to use a few of these terrific stories in this BLOG. Thank you very much for that approval. Let me also recommend that readers seek out and acquire a copy of the book.  It brings together the success stories of 19 Canadian entrepreneurs and a few of them were highlighted in the article that I’ve mentioned.

FYI - A few additional details to assist those who are interested can be found at the end of this post.

This BLOG POST features one of several stories from the article and provides some valuable lessons that these entrepreneurs learned as they made their way towards success!

In this particular story, Dennis Fortnum underscores the importance of recognizing when the expertise of others is necessary and beneficial for your growing venture.

Tapping the Expertise of Trusted Advisers

Entrepreneurs often require a steady hand to guide them, but they rarely realize it. Not only do most of the entrepreneurs in “That’ll Never Work” admit to wanting to know how to make the right decision every time, many said at one time they believed their employees in fact expected them to be all-knowing.

As Natalie Macaulay, partner and UK managing director of leadership consultants Emerge Learning puts it:

“There’s a difference between leadership and management. Often, leaders move up through the ranks, through what Emerge Learning calls individual contributor roles. They become experts in something and suddenly they find themselves at the helm as leader. One of the first steps they must take to become an engaging leader is to get rid of the notion that they’re supposed to know all the answers. In fact, they need to accept they will never have all of the answers. From there it’s about personal growth and helping leaders to be comfortable in their own skin, because you can’t lead a team if you have insecurities about your own performance.”

Most of the entrepreneurs in the book cited the need for one or several mentors, consultants or executives with broader business expertise than they had. They recognized—sometimes just in time—that they needed the perspective of someone who had witnessed more of the ebb-and-flow nature of business.

Trying to know everything is not only impossible, it’s exhausting, and detrimental to the business. While it may be scary to admit a need to defer to other experts inside or outside the company, it is an essential skill for any businessperson.


In closing, if you’ve ever felt like you were all alone as you walk this entrepreneurial road, let me encourage you to tap into the wealth of expertise that’s available to assist you. Many organizations can help point you in the right direction, and we would also be very pleased to assist in this regard, particularly when it comes to aspects of mentorship.

* For FREE information information related to Mentorship, "click" on the links for our Mentorship Blog and our YouTube Channel.
 
Please feel free to add your comments and suggestions to help other in moving forward with their hopes, dreams and aspirations.



NOTES: (As mentioned earlier)

About KPMG Enterprise’s book, “That’ll Never Work” - readers will discover 19 outstanding stories from Canadian entrepreneurs. These are men and women who took their vague idea, turned it into a winning one and built a workable business structure around it. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that all 19 have also been able to do the near impossible: keep their business intact and thriving for years, or even decades.


The Article by Dennis Fortnum: The article was seen in The Ivey Business Journal and at the time, was found at: <http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/author/dfortnum>         
    Strategy | March / April 2012 <http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/the_post_issue/march-april-2012>

The book, “That’ll Never Work” and related information: At the time of preparing this post, there was a significant amount of information related to the book found at: http://www.thatllneverwork.ca/

Monday, October 14, 2013

Financing is Key - and a Key is Your Business Plan



One of the most popular topics people ask me about when it comes to starting or expanding a business relates to gaining access to funding.



Every business requires some money in order to properly launch and develop, but many entrepreneurs seem to get frustrated and stall when they come against the first rejection of their funding request. But we need to get beyond that, and find out why the funding source came back with their negative response. Each interaction with them (or the next potential source) is an opportunity for you to learn more about their expectations and ability to assist you with your plans. Learn from each experience, rework your business plan and prepare to present your case. Remember – lenders are not investors in your venture, and venture capitalists are not looking for the same things as lenders. Tailor your proposal to meet the expectations of the reader.

I’ve mentioned in the past that I came across a fascinating article in the Ivey Business Journal a while ago. As I was preparing to facilitate a group of potential entrepreneurs through the steps involved in the business planning process, my eye was drawn to the catchy title: “That’ll Never Work: Six important lessons from successful entrepreneurs.”

The article was written by Dennis Fortnum, Canadian Managing Partner for KPMG Enterprise.  I contacted the good folks at KPMG Enterprise and asked for permission to use a few of these terrific stories in this BLOG. Thank you very much for that approval. Let me also recommend that readers seek out and acquire a copy of the book.  It brings together the success stories of 19 Canadian entrepreneurs and a few of them were highlighted in the article that I’ve mentioned.

FYI - A few additional details to assist those who are interested can be found at the end of this post.

This BLOG POST features one of several stories from the article and provides some valuable lessons that these entrepreneurs learned as they made their way towards success!

In this particular story, Dennis Fortnum illustrates how very important it is to be persistent. When it comes to attracting the capital you require for your venture,
your business plan is a great resource to help make your case
 
Financing is key

Stephen McIntosh, owner of Factory Optical/Optiks International/EyecandyOptiks, started his business in the summer of 1999 with, as he describes it, “considerable opportunity for failure.” He had a $30,000 debit balance at his bank and owed legal counsel $20,000 for having helped him complete his acquisition of some existing facilities and employees. He also owed his vendor $30,000 for the working capital left in the company and the assets he was buying.

But, during this incredibly challenging period, he managed to stick to his guns during a standoff with his new bank, making sure he negotiated the right deal.

“During the purchase I was trying to establish banking facilities in Regina by telephone from London [Ontario]. After securing the private equity funding necessary to fund the purchase of the company, we needed an operating facility to finance working capital. I was referred to a very young and inexperienced banker in Regina who pleaded our case to his adjudication group, but the result was an authorization of only half the monies I required, subject to the personal guarantees of my 17 equity investors.

This was a true deal breaker; it would have fundamentally undermined the spirit of equity investing. After all, I had gone out and pleaded, begged, and borrowed from friends and family, and it had taken 17 people to reach the $560,000 purchase price for the company, in consideration of which I provided them a 49 per cent collective interest.

As an alternative, this young banker allowed me to rewrite the credit application myself, and we were provided double the original funding requested with no personal guarantees to speak of. We were now capitalized to go forward.

McIntosh’s determination paid off and 12 years later his business has grown from one to 17 stores and from $500K to $20 million, with a plan to reach $30 million over the next couple of years.

McIntosh’s refusal to accept the bank’s initial offer and to return to secure the required financing allowed the company to execute on its business plan, ultimately becoming the successful business it is today.


In closing, let me encourage you to use your business plan as the central repository of the key information you will use in your financing proposals, strategic relationships with others, and in the ongoing management of your business.

Please feel free to add your comments and suggestions to help other in moving forward with their hopes, dreams and aspirations.




NOTES: (As mentioned earlier)

About KPMG Enterprise’s book, “That’ll Never Work” - readers will discover 19 outstanding stories from Canadian entrepreneurs. These are men and women who took their vague idea, turned it into a winning one and built a workable business structure around it. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that all 19 have also been able to do the near impossible: keep their business intact and thriving for years, or even decades.


The Article by Dennis Fortnum: The article was seen in The Ivey Business Journal and at the time, was found at: <http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/author/dfortnum>      
    Strategy | March / April 2012 <http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/the_post_issue/march-april-2012>

The book, “That’ll Never Work” and related information: At the time of preparing this post, there was a significant amount of information related to the book found at: http://www.thatllneverwork.ca/

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Working “on” the Business, rather than “in” the Business ...

I came across a fascinating article in the Ivey Business Journal a while ago. As I was preparing to facilitate a group of potential entrepreneurs through the steps involved in the business planning process, my eye was drawn to the catchy title: “That’ll Never Work: Six important lessons from successful entrepreneurs.”

The article was written by Dennis Fortnum, Canadian Managing Partner for KPMG Enterprise.  I contacted the good folks at KPMG Enterprise and asked for permission to use a few of these terrific stories in this BLOG. Thank you very much for that approval. Let me also recommend that readers seek out and acquire a copy of the book.  It brings together the success stories of 19 Canadian entrepreneurs and a few of them were highlighted in the article that I’ve mentioned.

FYI - A few additional details to assist those who are interested can be found at the end of this post.

This BLOG POST features one of several stories from the article and provides some valuable lessons that these entrepreneurs learned as they made their way towards success!

In this particular story, Dennis Fortnum talks about something that I also feel is very important – having a business plan that helps you to focus your resources on the things that are going to make a difference for you and for your business.


Working “on” the Business, rather than “in” the Business

Some owners can get mired in the details. They become so heavily immersed in managing all aspects of their company’s day-to-day operations that there isn’t time for anything else. Clearly, careful management is critical to business success, but taken to an extreme it sometimes impedes owners from realizing their long-term vision. For some, clarity and perspective come with a step back and a bit of introspection.

Jory Lamb, president and CEO of software company VistaVu Solutions, went through the most critical time in the history of his business between 1999 and 2000.

After leaving a promising career as an accountant, Jory Lamb had learned so many lessons about running his own business the hard way. He had put thousands of hours into just staying afloat when cash flow was tight. Exhausted and mentally defeated, he did something not many in his situation would do; he took a vacation.

“I went away for six weeks, which is a huge amount of time for someone with a company that is technically insolvent. My family loaned me enough money to cover the bills for six weeks. It was love money. I took this money and I said to the people working for me, “You work with our creditors and make sure that the payments get made. These are the dates. Please, just make sure it happens.”

I went to Australia, where I had a lot of “windshield time.” I took buses, backpacked, and just kind of followed the countryside. And I read like a madman, searching for an answer to my many questions. One of the books I read was The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, which asked whether you planned to work in your business or on your business.

I remember I was in Townsville and there was this huge cyclone. It washed out the road and the bus was stuck. We couldn’t go back or forward, and I had nothing but time on this bus. I remember thinking right at this point, “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.” I had to decide I was not ready to quit. I needed to pull myself back up and make this thing work. I needed to listen. I needed to learn. At that moment, everything changed. A light went on…

I wrote out a plan, communicated it, and got focused. As a business, we were building a bit of everything, always scrambling. What we needed to do was build a few things well. We shed work we were doing just a bit of but weren’t good at, and all of a sudden it started to make a huge difference.

But I had to stand on the precipice. If we hadn’t faced bankruptcy I think somehow, some way, I would have rationalized bobbing along, not really making a good living, not really performing well as a company. Somehow that would have continued to be acceptable and I wouldn’t have had to go out and sell and do the things I wasn’t enjoying as much. But there was no choice. It was a great thing.”

Though he almost learned this lesson too late, Lamb’s decision to step back, gain some perspective and re-focus his energies on a more precise set of tasks and goals saved his business.


In conclusion, let me encourage you to develop a business plan that will help you deliver the maximum from your businesses for the benefit of those who are important to you.

Please feel free to add your comments and suggestions to help other in moving forward with their hopes, dreams and aspirations.




NOTES: (As mentioned earlier)

About KPMG Enterprise’s book, “That’ll Never Work” - readers will discover 19 outstanding stories from Canadian entrepreneurs. These are men and women who took their vague idea, turned it into a winning one and built a workable business structure around it. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that all 19 have also been able to do the near impossible: keep their business intact and thriving for years, or even decades.


The Article by Dennis Fortnum: The article was seen in The Ivey Business Journal and at the time, was found at: <http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/author/dfortnum>        
    Strategy | March / April 2012 <http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/the_post_issue/march-april-2012>

The book, “That’ll Never Work” and related information: At the time of preparing this post, there was a significant amount of information related to the book found at: http://www.thatllneverwork.ca/

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Collaborating to Achieve Business Success

 I think we really do ourselves (and others) a great disservice when we choose to not cooperate and collaborate with others. Not only would COLLABORATION help each of us to get things done, but we would likely find better ways of achieving those objectives.

Think back for a moment to the world that our grandparents knew as children. Much of what we have today was inconceivable to them - it would have seemed to be sheer fantasy, and yet today so many of the conveniences we enjoy are considered commonplace. Who knows what advancements will be available to our grandchildren!

“There are FEW LIMITS more difficult to overcome, than those we impose upon ourselves.”

Individually, there comes a point where we reach our own PERSONAL LIMITS. Collectively, we tap into the skills, knowledge and expertise of others and significantly increase our capacity, and for all practical purposes find that there are, "NO LIMITS".

I like the quote from Zig Ziglar who said, “You can get everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” (Secrets of Closing the Sale - 1984) 

TELL US YOUR STORIES - SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES ...

We'd love to hear from you with your comments that demonstrate "COLLABORATION" to find success!

IN FACT - Let me quickly mention that "Collaboration" will be one of the Key Mentorship Characteristics that we'll be highlighting in our Mentorship BLOG. Feel free to review some of the previous posts there and add to that discussion. A link is provide for our Mentorship BLOG:  http://ProVision-Mentorship.blogspot.com/  

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Jared Smith, Principal at "Incite" with his insights on Business Success!



 












Jared Smith, Principal at Incite shares some of his 'insightful' comments related to Business Success! 

This is something that Jared knows from personal experience and in having developed very successful working relationships within the business community, and beyond! 


It's been a while since I got together with my friend, Jared Smith, Principal at Incite.  I had occasion to follow up with him regarding the most recent video upload that came from a previous interview. That discussion was primarily around the topic of Mentorship, but we also talked about Business Success Jared added a lot of great thoughts on the topic of Business Success and keys to success in business. We're very pleased to be able to now make this video available through our YouTube Channel.

In speaking with Jared off-camera, he talked about Incite's relationship-driven approach to customer care, and how it has resulted in meaningful, long-term client relationships with profitable and sustainable marketing strategies. Further, he said that Incite uses a model that leverages people, connections, ideas, and experiences, in ways where their team of professionals help valued clients extend those same powerful concepts to the varied audiences they serve. (Sounds like a 'successful' approach to me!)

To be very truthful, I need to thank Jared for encouraging me to ‘step into’ the world of social media! It was really only after the two of us had a discussion over lunch that I took a serious look at developing our current social media channels. And as a side note, although it's hard to believe, we’ve now got about 4 hours of edited interviews on our YouTube Channel. It’s been a lot of fun and we trust that the information provided has been of value to those we connect with ... and beyond that, that it will be helpful to those within your circle of contacts!

BTW - I just went back and viewed Jared's video interview that was uploaded some time ago on the topic “Mentorship” ... it has a lot of great comments that are still valid today.  That first video can be seen on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Aw-xHLwpI

To find out more about Jared Smith and Incite, please visit their website at: http://www.incitemarketing.ca/

NOW, here is the link to the most recent video upload featuring Jared Smith on the topic of Business Success.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO:   URL Link: http://youtu.be/q1wgZs1cXQ0

BE SURE TO ADD YOUR COMMENTS TO OUR BLOG - WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OUR AUDIENCE!
 

Monday, August 12, 2013

RISK and DARING

Those who dare NOT … don't. 


But those who are willing to take a RISK … 

STEP OUT ...  
and DO!




When you think of someone who is a RISK-TAKER, you may think of those involved in extreme sports or skydiving.  I work with entrepreneurs and business owners every day.  They too are often considered risk-takers, yet the truth is that they have usually thought long and hard about the steps they have taken. 

Those who start their own business are often called RISK takers. While there is some degree of risk attached to being an entrepreneur, having researched the opportunity and completed a through business plan will help to reduce the risk. This allows you to consider the potential impact associated with many of the variables you may face. It will help you to make better decisions when you need to face the changes that occur along the way. 
 
PLANNING is a KEY to SUCCESS. In business, you need to have a plan or you'll soon find yourself being pulling in a thousand-and-one different directions and being totally ineffective.

When it comes to business decision-making there is much that is involved. What is a DARING move for one person may be commonplace for another. A portion of the assessment will consider questions such as:
- What are you prepared to INVEST?
- What can you afford to LOSE?

And it's NOT always about the financial investment either. The impact of the decision should also consider the amount of TIME and ENERGY required to incorporate the change, as well the potential impact that will result on the organization's IMAGE and REPUTATION.

SO, if you are looking at several OPTIONS in front of you, WHAT suggestions would you offer others to help them with which ONE do you choose? 



A Closing Thought: With carefully planning, you'll have a better understanding of which direction is better for you to travel, and you'll reduce the risks of becoming a 'victim' along the way.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

"THINK, THINK, THINK, THINK, THINK!"

My 3 year old grand-daughter had just opened up a box. No sooner had the puzzle pieces landed on the floor and her little hands go into action. Each piece is quickly repositioned to reveal its image. Raising her hands toward her face, she uses them to tightly cradle her head, eyes now fixed on what is before her. Scanning the array of shapes and colours, she encourages herself towards success with that 'famous mantra' that so many of us have used, "THINK, THINK, THINK, THINK, THINK!" (SMILE)

It’s usually a good idea to THINK about something before attempting to do it.  It's an approach that works well when used prior to engaging in extreme sports such as mountain climbing and BASE jumping, but it also applies to so many other aspects of our lives, including business. 

Here's a great poem that I feel really captures the essence of the potential that our thinking can unleash!

“If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost,
For out in the world we find
Success being with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are:
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.”

― Walter D. Wintle

For the entrepreneur, I encourage developing a business plan before launching or expanding a business.  It’s nice to think-through the situations that you might face and consider how you would deal with them, prior to them actually happening.

As for my grand-daughter ... It didn't take long and she had the pieces properly assembled to complete the puzzle that she was working on! Did she do it all by herself? Well ... Grandfathers are there to help - sort of like a good Mentor, right? (Of course she did it!)

Thinking ... and Planning – Plan to THINK about it!  :)

NOW - How about sharing a few of your thoughts about what's involved in the PLANNING and THINKING for your business? We'd love to have your comments!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

ALWAYS deliver on your PROMISES

Here’s one way to move your business towards SUCCESS!

“Always deliver on your PROMISES to customers.”

PROMISES are commitments that we make to others, in this case – our valued CUSTOMERS. When we break our PROMISES to them - it likely does more to hurt us, and our reputation, than it does to hurt them. When we COMMIT … be very sure that we can DELIVER. Deliver just a little bit more and you'll DELIGHT your clients.

That’s the road that will lead to SUCCESS!


PLEASE ADD your comments regarding this topic - we'd love to hear from you! 

 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

What about Creativity?

When it comes to CREATIVITY, you've likely used it many times over the years and in various challenging situations that you've faced in business. 

My experience has been that many of us will continue to trudge down the well-worn path - doing the 'same old, same old' without giving things a second thought. But there are a few (thankfully) who will put in that extra degree of effort and try something new. They are in no way guaranteed success, but because they are willing to take a risk, they have the opportunity to be successful ... and with it, the opportunity to be a difference maker.
 
It was just over a year ago that I attended the Annual Conference for Economic Developers Alberta and met Todd Hirsch, Economist with ATB Financial. I posted an item to this BLOG in January 2013 that mentioned some of Todd's comments and I thought this would be a good opportunity to revisit some of the other ideas that are mentioned in his work.

I think that Todd Hirsch brings an interesting perspective to the challenges facing the business community and he raises some great point in his book - “The Boiling Frog Dilemma: Saving Canada from Economic Decline”. Co-authored with Robert Roach, the authors place considerable focus on what they've labelled the New Canadian Entrepreneur - someone who is actively seeking to become more creative and takes concrete actions on ideas that have value.
 
For example, on page 158 of the book - there is an interesting discussion related to creativity, and the statement is made that, “a creative person is one who purposely tries to look at a problem or a situation in a new way. Creativity is not the same as the capacity for imagination. To actually be creative, you have to get off your butt and do something. So, one of the traits of a creative person is the willingness to take action on an idea, an impulse or a hunch.”

Here are some suggested activities from the authors to help us become more creative:

Easy – reading something different, flipping through a magazine on a topic you normally wouldn’t be interested in, taking a different route to work, or home from work.
 
Medium – attending an artistic event that would be out of the norm for you. That might be going to a rock concert, opera, or a conceptual art exhibit. Consider spending some time playing with a child under five and entering into their world of make-believe. Volunteering for a non-profit organization in your community.

NOW - What are some of the valuable lessons that you've learned through the development of your business?


Would you be willing to share some of those lessons and thoughts with our audience?

Here is your opportunity to ADD a few comments, tips or suggestions to assist others in a number of KEY ASPECTS that will impact their business and help them realize their own BUSINESS SUCCESS!

 
What suggestions or input would you offer to HELP                                     a fellow entrepreneur when it comes to "engaging" their CREATIVITY ???

Thanks in advance for adding your comments!

(Remember - your comments don't need to be   l o n g   to make a BIG difference.)

* Be sure to add your contact information to your response so that we can let others in our circle of contacts know how to reach you!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Improving Cash Flow ... and Business Success

YOU'VE LIKELY COME ACROSS a number of situations in business that have challenged your skills and tested your courage! Through that process, you've learned a number of valuable lessons that have continued to guide you through subsequent challenging times. Congratulations!

Would you be willing to share some of those lessons and thoughts with our audience?

Here is your opportunity to ADD a few comments, tips or suggestions to assist others in a number of KEY ASPECTS that will impact their business and help them realize their own BUSINESS SUCCESS!

What suggestions or input would you offer to help a fellow entrepreneur when it comes to improving their cash flow?

Here are a few suggestions from us to assist with your response:
  • "WHAT" should someone be aware of when it comes to this area of their business?

  • "WHY" is it so important?

  • "HOW" can the entrepreneur find success in this aspect of their business?

Thanks in advance for adding your comments!
(Remember - they don't need to be long to make a BIG difference.)

* Be sure to add your contact information to your response so that we can let others in our circle of contacts know how to reach you!

Friday, March 01, 2013

What is Business Success?

"May you live all the days of your life."


The quote that you see above is attributed to Jonathan Swift (1667 - 1745)

The successful LIFE is one that is able to completely "take in" the moments of the journey, fully appreciating and sharing the experience with others along the way. It is not sufficient to merely exist and plod along, but rather, the successful life strives to maximize and make the most of every moment, of every day.
  • What are your thoughts on having a successful life?
  • In particular ... When it comes to business – What is Business Success?
  • Can a person separate “Business Success” from other areas where “Success” may be evident?
  • What does Business Success mean to you?
We’d love to hear your comments and share them with others here. 

Let us know your thoughts!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

COMPETITION ... and Business Success

YOU'VE LIKELY COME ACROSS a number of situations in business that have challenged your skills and tested your courage! Through that process, you've learned a number of valuable lessons that have continued to guide you through subsequent challenging times.

Congratulations!

Would you be willing to share some of those lessons and thoughts with our audience?

Here is your opportunity to ADD a few comments, tips or suggestions to assist others in a number of KEY ASPECTS that will impact their business and help them realize their own BUSINESS SUCCESS!

What suggestions or input would you offer to help a fellow entrepreneur when it comes to facing their COMPETITION?

Here are a few suggestions from us to assist with your response:
  • "WHAT" should someone be aware of when it comes to this area of their business?

  • "WHY" is it so important?

  • "HOW" can the entrepreneur find success in this aspect of their business?

Thanks in advance for adding your comments!
(Remember - they don't need to be long to make a BIG difference.)

* Be sure to add your contact information to your response so that we can let others in our circle of contacts know how to reach you!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The PINNACLE of SUCCESS

May the 'road' ahead be gentle and smooth ... and the heights of your SUCCESS continue to rise as you travel your 'life-path' with family and friends.

Many years ago I read an outstanding book called, “See You At The Top” by a wonderful speaker named, Zig Ziglar. It’s a book I would highly recommend to ANYONE who aspires to be successful in ANY profession that involves the sale of ANY product or service, pitching ANY concept or idea, to ANY other human being. (Yes, I think it’s that good!)

I understand that Mr. Ziglar recently passed away. And while that undoubtedly brings sadness to his family and
many friends, they can be very proud of the significant role he had in the SUCCESS of so many people. There are many people, likely millions, who benefitted from the wisdom that he shared over the years with people around the world. (And yes, I would be one of them too. Thank you Mr. Ziglar.)

The other day I came across a post that a friend wrote as a tribute to Mr. Ziglar, and with his permission I'm re-posting it here. I trust you’ll enjoy this as we wish you 'the BEST of Success' on your journey!

Here are some great thoughts from my friend, Bill Butler:
PINNACLE is the HEIGHT of SUCCESS.

Zig Ziglar REACHED the PINNACLE, in LIFE and BUSINESS.

He said, “The DEPTH of your SPIRIT determines the HEIGHT of your SUCCESS.”.

Today, I DEDICATE this post to the memory of Zig Ziglar, who started out as a little guy from a little town, who went on to MOTIVATE MILLIONS… and whose LEGACY LIVES on to INSPIRE people to MOVE from MEDIOCRITY to METEORITY.

Zig attributes P.C. Merrell of Charlotte, North Carolina, the President of a cookware company, for providing the EXHORTATION to EXCELLENCE.

“Zig, there is NO DOUBT in my mind if you REALLY went to WORK, and started BELIEVING in YOURSELF, you could go ALL THE WAY to the TOP.”.

Zig not only made it to the PINNACLE, he laid out the STEPPING STONES for all to PRACTICE PRINCIPLES OF PEAK PERFORMANCE and MEANINGFUL MEASURES that REALIZE RESULTS.

In short, they are to THINK, ACT, VIEW yourself, and PERFORM as a CHAMPION.
INCREMENTALLY INCREASING IMPROVEMENTS in these areas turns LIFE’S LEMONS into LEMONADE.

Here are a few of Zig’s famous quotations:

~ ABILITY can take you to the TOP but it takes CHARACTER to keep you there.”.
~ ATTITUDE determines your ALTITUDE.
~ CONFIDENCE is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat and taking the tartar sauce with you.
~ EXPECT the best. PREPARE for the worst. CAPITALIZE on what comes.
~ FAILURE is a DETOUR, not a dead-end street.
~ There has NEVER been a statue erected to honor a CRITIC.
~ You have to BE before you can do, and do before you can have.


The PINNACLE of any career is ACHIEVED through DEDICATION, DESIRE, DETERMINATION, DILIGENCE, DISCIPLINE, DRIVE and DYNAMISM.

The PINNACLE is the CREAM OF THE CROP….

Here are some Zig Ziglar books I recommend:

~ Better Than Good: Creating A Life You Can’t Wait To Live.
~ Born To Win: Find Your Success Code.
~ Conversations With My Dog.
~ God’s Way Is Still The Best Way.
~ See You At The Top (orig. Biscuits, Fleas & Pump Handles).
~ Selling 101: What Every Successful Sales Professional Needs To Know.
~ Top Performance: How To Develop Excellence In Yourself and Others.
             (My website has links to these books... www.williambutler.ca)

"Zig" means…
Zenith In GREATNESS (God Reflected EXCELLENT Attitude That Never Ever Stops Shining).

"PINNACLE" means…
Personally I Nicely Negotiate All Challenging Life Experiences

Zig Ziglar, I am so proud of you. 
SEE you at the TOP!


Thank you very much Bill Butler ... This is an outstanding post and a very fitting tribute to Mr. Zig Ziglar. I appreciate your permission to repost these comments here.  

Readers can find more great comments from Bill Butler on his Facebook page, or at his website: www.williambutler.ca

PLEASE - Feel free to add your comments - perhaps you've got a favourite Zig Ziglar quote or motivational thought to share. We'll look forward to hearing from you!

Friday, February 01, 2013

MONEY and SUCCESS ...

 We frequently think of SUCCESS in terms of having a lot of MONEY, don't we? 

This past year, my wife and I have been leading a group of people in our community through a money management program. 

(Side note: We also have managed to hang wall paper together without getting into a heated argument, but that's another story!) 

Through the course, we've been challenged to re-examine areas of our own financial priorities, spending options and how we make financial decisions. 

In preparing for the program, I came across a report entitled, “Financial harmony: A key component of successful marriage relationship”, by Washburn and Christensen. In it, the authors include the following citation:  
The economic status of the couple does not seem to make a difference in most relationships. Having a lot of money is not a guarantee that finances will NOT be an issue, nor does living in poverty. However, the discussion and managing of the money will make the difference in the relationships (Goldsmith 2006).

Isn't that so much like what we see around us? It reminded me of the quip, 
"Rich or poor, it's nice to have money!" 

In my opinion, the amount of money coming in is not as important as the amount of money that remains after paying all of the bills. Cash flow is critical to keeping the 'wolves' away from the door.  As has been said before, 
“When your OUTFLOW exceeds your INFLOW your UPKEEP becomes your DOWNFALL."


HOWEVER - What is MOST IMPORTANT ... is NOT how much you HAVE ...
... but what you've BECOME, in getting what you have.

What are your comments on the relationship between MONEY and SUCCESS?

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Economic Activity VS Social Activity


Todd Hirsch, with ATB Financial, Leann Hackman-Carty, with Economic Developers Alberta and Jim Ewing

Looking back on 2012, it was great to have been able to attend the Annual Conference for Economic Developers Alberta in April of 2012. Following his delivery of the closing presentation, I was able to snap a quick photo of Todd Hirsch, Economist with ATB Financial, together with Leann Hackman-Carty, Executive Director with Economic Developers Alberta.

Todd had just provided the audience with a great overview on the state of the Canadian Economy and prospects within the Province of Alberta.  I find that Todd brings an interesting perspective to the discussion, and provides some great insights in the recently published book - The Boiling Frog Dilemma: Saving Canada from Economic Decline”. 

Co-authored with Robert Roach, one of the core ideas that mentioned is that of, "Rubbing Ideas Together".  

Economic activity is an extension of social activity, they say. Referencing the work of Francis Fukuyama, the authors say that the more people interact with each other, understand each other and trust each other, the more likely they are to successfully work together on economic projects. It means that not only do you have to trust your neighbour, but you also need to be able to trust the people running your government as well.  Collaboration is critical, according to Hirsch. 

Overall, Canadians are encouraged to take steps that lead to cultivating the interaction, familiarity, trust, collaboration and effective government needed to take more risks, translate creativity into commercial ventures and be a leading player on the world stage.

Thank you Todd for the insights that you and Robert have provided. I enjoyed meeting you as well as reading the book.

What are your thoughts on the balance between Economic Activity versus Social Activity? 

Please leave your comments for others to see and discuss.