New Articles For December 1999

Better Thinking Boosts Productivity & Profits

Are your employees empowered and supported to be more productive, to generate more profits for your business? This article looks at productivity and HOT skills in the workplace.

Are you too Busy to be Productive?

In this article Jeff Mowat looks at why customers shouldn't be your first priority. That's right - shouldn't. Read on to find out how this simple paradigm shift can help you work smarter, not harder.

The Big Bang Publicity Campaign

If you are serious about growing your business, publicity is a marketing opportunity that you can't afford to ignore. Discover the steps that lead to media stardom .. and more business success!

Marketing Biz: Once You're Up And Running

Marketing mistakes, strategies and tips - part 2 of our interview with Jay Levinson, Guerrilla Marketing guru, looks at marketing an established business.

Systematize and Simplify

Are you tired of hectic deadlines and having too much to do? Here's a tip that will help you reduce the time you spend on repetitive tasks.

Essentials of Insurance: Small Business Options

In the midst of an unexpected crisis, small business owners have one thing to fall back on – their own personal assets. That makes having insurance – and being informed about it – a vital issue.

Marketing & Branding: For the Customers' Sake

Getting your product to your target market involves knowing your customers' needs. Click here for advice on how to convey the distinctiveness of your product to your buyer.

Unplug Your Workplace: The Blocks to Employee Productivity

People instinctively want to be productive. But sometimes employers can block productivity through poor business practices. Click here to read about five productivity-blocking practices you should avoid.

Avoiding SpamScams

Online opportunity or Internet scam? In this article an RCMP officer explains how you can avoid being burned by a spam scam.

Suggestion Boxes: From Scraps to Solutions

Suggestion boxes aren't just for scrap paper anymore. Click here to find out how to bring the power of suggestion to your company.

Creating a Customer Feeding Frenzy

We all want to see our sales jump, but what is the secret to success? This month Jeff Mowatt shares four simple sales techniques that can generate a customers feeding frenzy in your business.

Marketing Biz: Keeping Abreast

In the final part of our interview with Jay Levinson, Jay answers our questions about marketing trends and keeping abreast evolving marketing techniques.

Destiny, Quest, Story - Transformative Learning Processes for the New Organization

In times of change, examining the core values, direction, and story of your business may pull your business through the transition.

All in the Family

Few family-business owners think about strategic planning or training successors until they end up in a crisis. But business experts agree that planning now is the only way to avoid hassles when you retire.

Bookkeeping...Why Bother?

Despite the hassels there are many excellent reasons to make bookkeeping a priority. Read on to find out why you should not procrastinate when it comes to keeping your company's accounts.

Writing an Effective Business Plan: Introduction

Need to write a winning business plan? This article will teach you how to do just that, with information on the four major sections of a business plan and tips for writing a business plan that gets investors excited.

Writing an Effective Business Plan: Page 2 - An Overview

As you start to visualize how different aspects of your business will look, research your market, verify your assumptions, and put together some basic financial projections you have already entered the planning process. Add some structure – using an outline to direct your research and planning – and you are well on your way to creating a business plan.

Writing an Effective Business Plan: Page 3 - Why Plan?

Many entrepreneurs will skip over the planning stage, but to do so is to put your business at risk. The process of researching and planning helps you thoroughly understand the business, your competitors, market conditions, and the risks.

Writing an Effective Business Plan: Page 4 - The Executive Summary

In two pages or less, your executive summary needs to describe the business opportunity, provide an overview of your plan (including your business model, strategies, and management team) and provide a brief summary of key financial information.

Writing an Effective Business Plan: Page 5 - Business Data

The first section of your plan contains business data. This information describes the business, its target market (ideal customers of your business), the strategies you will use to set yourself apart from your competition, key company personnel, your marketing strategy, and some of the main risks facing your business. In essence, you are using words to build a picture of your business.

Writing an Effective Business Plan: Page 6 - Financial Data

While words will describe your business strategies, numbers will define your business opportunity. For an existing business, you will want to include financial statements for the last three years, along with projections for the next 1-5 years. Projections will include a balance sheet, an income statement, and a cashflow summary.

Writing an Effective Business Plan: Page 7 - Supporting Data

The addition of supporting data often sees a plan grow from its initial 20 pages to the final 50-100 pages. It is here that you include relevant information on the tactics of your business. Do you have a list of major suppliers? Clients? Rate cards from your competitors? Include this information in your plan's appendices.

Writing an Effective Business Plan: Page 8 - The Outline

There is no one outline that will work for all business plans. The outline you will use for your business will depend on the type of business, the stage of business, and the reason for preparing a business plan. Nonetheless, there are some standard items included in every plan. Here is a look at one sample outline.

What Every Business Leader Should Know about Knowledge Management

Effective knowledge management can transform the way your business captures, manages, distributes, and interacts with its critical information. Here are some keys to using knowledge management effectively in your organization.

Yes, I Mind Waiting

Don't let lineups frustrate your customers; here are some suggestions that will help you create a win-win environment when your lines get long.

Would You Like Fries With That?

Here's a simple, free technique that could increase sales by as much as 20 - 30 per cent.

Successful Selling Strategies for the Entrepreneur - Part 1

If you dislike selling, you are not alone. Find out how you can overcome your fears and learn to sell succesfully. (Installment 1 in a multiple part series on selling.)

Opinion: Driving Away your Online Customers (or How Not to Design a Website)

Is your website driving away customers? This opinion piece looks at how one online grocery site took less than thirty seconds to turn away one potential customer.

Accessing Government Funding in Canada - Page 6: Know Your Environment

The final consideration when seeking government funding requires an understanding of the environment you are working within.

Don't Give Innovation a Bad Name

Innovation is a word commonly found in mission statements, but how many of those companies are truly innovative?

Steps to Survival - Step Three: Pump Up Your Sales Efforts

This month Paul Adams shows you how you can increase sales no matter what business you're in.

Transporting the Goods: Shipping from Canada to the World

A freight forwarder can help the small business exporter. These people are transportation experts. It is their job to know about any restrictions on shipments, what are the best methods for this shipment, and how long it will take to get them there.

In Praise of Organic Foods

Organic food products are a growth industry as consumer demand swells and exports boom, but how does the average grocery shopper

Public Speaking for Publicity ...

Public speaking ... yes you can! Read on to find out how you can put the benefits of this powerful marketing tool to work for your business.

10 Things to Look for in a 'Good' Survey

Is it time for a market research survey? Here are some tips on how to get useful results.

Association Profile: Canadian Bankers Association (CBA)

Read this month's association profile to find out about the free information and seminars offered by the Canadian Bankers Association.

You the Expert

Let your expert status propel you to success!

A Newbie's Guide to Communicating on the Net: Chatting Basics

Discover basics dos and don'ts of online discussion forums.

Ten Ways to Think Money-Smart

Ten tips designed to help you handle your money.

Getting Terrific Tradeshow Results

Discover how to create a get the most out of your next tradeshow .. even if you're on a tight budget.

Steps to Survival - Step One: How to Save a Sinking Business

This month Dr. Paul Adams looks at how to rescue a failing business.

Don't Go For Broke

Some years are difficult for businesses, and bankruptcy seems a real possibility. Read on for advice on how to keep your head above water in stormy times.

Exporting from Canada: Insuring Your Goods

After major time and effort, you are finally ready to seal that first big export deal. All that's left is to kick back and watch the money roll in. Not so fast. Have you thought about what happens if your customers go out of business or if they simply refuse to pay? Insuring your exports can provide peace of mind in an uncertain climate.

Fit for Success

A passion for physical fitness drives two women on opposite coasts to share the benefits of an active lifestyle with clients of all ages.

Manage Success by Objectives

Are you wondering where to take your business next? Read on to discover how to plan and move towards your business goals.

Don't Put it Off Any Longer: Cure that Procrastination Virus

Do you find yourself waiting to the last minute to tackle projects? This month we take a look at the common habit of procrastination.

Unmasking the Mysteries of Small Business Advertising - Part I

You want to advertise to grow your business. But where do you begin? And how can you be sure that your budget will deliver the needed results? In the first of a three-part series on small business advertising, columnists Robert Lee and Margaret Taylor look at the basics of small business advertising.

Getting your Foot in the Door

These seven steps will help you boost your cold calling success.

Do Your Employees Steal from You?

Employee theft can have a significant impact on a small business. In this article Paul Adams offers advice that will help you prevent unwanted 'silent' partnerships.

Want Sales to Jump 19.5 TIMES -- Without Spending More?

How can you get more sales, for fewer dollars? In this article Jody Horner explains the power of testing, and how it can bring in more business for your company.

Primitive Connectivity

Robert Spiegel, the Shoestring Entrepreneur, talks cyber life in primitive times.

Cross Training as a Motivational and Problem-Solving Technique

Cross-training could improve your staff's morale . . . here's how!

Creating Attention, Interest, Desire and Action Online

Does an attractive website translate into immediate sales? Not necessarily. How to keep your customers coming back for more . . .

Empower Yourself at Work

Work -- an experience we create. Is yours a positive one?

Work Smarter Not Harder: Using Strategy to Improve your Business

How many of us work harder, when we should really work smarter? This article looks at how you can use strategy to accomplish more .. with less!

Terminating an Employee: the Dignified, Legal Way

Firing an employee can be a risky, difficult job. Here are some tips and guidelines to protect yourself, and keep the situation under control.

Growth and Value through Great Ideas

Great opportunitues are at your fingertips, but you have to make time to implement them. Part 2 in an innovation series.

The Lost Art of Business Letter Writing

Despite the advent of fax, voice mail, and email, the art of business letter writing is not a lost cause. In this article Reg Pirie, a Canadian author and speaker, explains how - and when - to write an effective business letter.

Who Needs Marketing, Anyway?

This introduction to an ongoing column on marketing, starts by addressing the question: 'who needs marketing, anyway?'.

Business Sense - Need Advice? Create an Advisory Committee.

This month Paul Adams tells us when it's time to go beyond your lawyer or accountant for business advice.

Opinion: You Can't Get There from Here

Tales of the dark side: One writer's experience with big business customer service.

Competitive Intelligence: No Longer Just for Big Business

Have you ever wondered what the competition is up to? Here's a process that might help you find the answer.

Exporting Contracts: The Backbone of Your Business

This month we turn our attention to international sales contracts in our ongoing exporting series.

He's in Front of the Net. He Shoots. He Scores!

Lots of companies talk about innovation, yet few actually achieve it. Read more about how you can turn your dreams into actions.

Stop Bugging Me

No summer is complete without those pesky mosquitoes and black flies buzzing around us waiting to pounce on our unsuspecting skin. Meet two entrepreneurs who found good business in bugs.

Association Profile: CIBPA (Canadian-Italian Business and Professional Association)

Building Partnerships: Check out what the Canadian-Italian Business and Professional Association can do for your SME.

When you're the Top Dog

In this article Jeff Mowatt explores three keys to leading like a professional.

The Truth About Networking - Part 2

So, you've met a great business contact. What's next? Reg Pirie will tell you how to cultivate that relationship in the second part of his series on effective networking.

Traveling with your Salespeople is a Must!

If you think that you don't have the time, think again. This simple approach will help you discover the problems that could put you out of business.

Ten Things You Must Know Before You Sign a Business Lease

Things you need to know before negotiating a business lease.

Training Dichotomy Hampers Competitive Edge - All Canadians Need More HOT Skills

When it comes to typical perspectives on employee training, a change of approach may be the needed next step.

Don't Throw Traditional Wisdom Out the Window

Even though times are booming, business basics still apply.

Solving The Data Loss Mystery

Here are some tips to help you protect your computer data .. before it's too late!

A Newbie's Guide to Communicating on the Net: Final Tips

In part III of A Newbie's Guide to Communicating on the Net Claire Belilos offers these final tips.

Making Connections: How to Create Rapport With Anyone in Under 30 Seconds

Creating better connections could be as simple as using a little smoke and mirrors.

Five Essential Web Writing Guidelines

Effective copy is a critical component of a sucessful business website. Yet too many business owners fail by saying either too little or too much. Here is how you can write get your web copy right.

Women Entrepreneurs Build Business Through Effective Networking

An update on the Canada/USA Businesswomen's Summit from Donna Messer, the summit's 'official matchmaker'.

Business Communications: Introduction

The thought of communication make you cringe? A new series from CanadaOne will help you with your image, business proposals, even your handshake.

Service Stinks ... Usually!

This story of excellent customer service touches on the best elements - and typical shortfalls - of customer service.

Employees: A Resource or Expense?

With good management your employees can be your company's best 'generators of revenue' and 'reducers of expenses'.

Don't Get Caught in the Web: Legal Protection in Cyberspace

Make sure that you don't get caught in a legal bind in cyberspace! This article looks at some of the legal issues and risks associated with 'getting wired'.

Swinging From The Heels

Marketing (part II): entrepreneurs need to know when to 'swing the bat' in order to be successful in business.

Interrupt Interruptions!

A piece of paper and a pencil are all the strategy you need to save time.

Unmasking the Mysteries of Small Business Advertising - Part III

Ever think of elevators and pencils as effective advertising tools? Columnists Robert Lee and Margaret Anne Taylor have. Explore their article to learn about unconventional and cost-effective ways of giving people the heads-up about your product or serv

Amanda's Story

How to Register a Business in Newfoundland

If filling out forms, performing name searches and paying registration fees is something you'd like to avoid, then you might try registering your business in Newfoundland. Writer Melissa Cotton discovered that none of these annoying procedures are requir

Example of Benefit Calculation

Canadian Insurance Companies that offer DI

Ten Ways To Break It To Them Gently

How do you tell a customer that you're prices have increased? Or, that you've run out of their favourite product? Find out how to break bad news to customers without losing them in Jeff Mowatt's article.

Life's a risky business. Can you afford to get sick?

Read the comprehensive workshop on disability insurance to learn more about what it is, why you might need it and how to get it even with a limited budget.

Life's a risky business: can you afford to get sick?

So, how do you know if you need disability insurance (DI)? Paul Tanti, an independent insurance broker, suggests asking yourself the following questions

Life's a risky business: can you afford to get sick?

Once you've decided that you need disability insurance, the next step is to understand the ins and outs of disability insurance and to create a more specific list of questions to identify the terms and conditions of a policy that will fit your individual needs.

Life's a risky business: can you afford to get sick?

James Piper, an independent chartered accountant, cautions that the definition of disability ought to be studied carefully to prevent the insurance agency from denying legitimate claims.

Life's a risky business: can you afford to get sick?

Independent business owners may find it difficult to purchase disability insurance for two main reasons. This means that even if an entrepreneur wants – and can afford – to purchase disability insurance, he or she may not be able to, as Paul Lima discovered.

Life's a risky business: can you afford to get sick?

Obviously, more coverage and considerations result in a higher premium costs, assuming that you qualify for the policy you want. However, cost is just one factor; ultimately you want to ensure that your policy is structured so that you can collect.

Life's a risky business: can you afford to get sick?

Read the comprehensive workshop on disability insurance to learn more about what it is, why you might need it and how to get it even with a limited budget.

Life's a risky business: can you afford to get sick?

Read the comprehensive workshop on disability insurance to learn more about what it is, why you might need it and how to get it even with a limited budget.

Life's a risky business: can you afford to get sick?

Read the comprehensive workshop on disability insurance to learn more about what it is, why you might need it and how to get it even with a limited budget.

Life's a risky business: can you afford to get sick?

Read the comprehensive workshop on disability insurance to learn more about what it is, why you might need it and how to get it even with a limited budget.

It's Not the 'R' Word – But We're Not Out of the Woods Yet

Expert economists from Canada's largest banks say that Canada hasn't succumbed to an economic recession, but it's being affected by the sluggish U.S. economy.

Success Requires Action not Talk!

You need urgency to be an entrepreneur. If you hire someone who doesn't have it, it could sap your resources and ruin your business, as Paul Adams recounts in his article.

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce: Where culture and business meet

Read on to find out how this business association merges mentoring programs, educational seminars and high-profile networking events to help entrepreneurs become successful.

Jody Hornor's Story

Paul Lima's Story

From Student-Painter to Franchise Magnate

Franchising has been a lucrative business for 45-year old Steve Rogers. Find out how he hurdled over barriers to establish what's become a $600 million enterprise.

Keeping Customers When Things Go Wrong: Five Keys to Turning Upset Customers into Fans

Don't let medicore customer service get in the way of your success; these five strategies will help your company deliver great customer service.

Useful Sites for Canadian Businesses

Our team regularly scours the web to find the best resources for Canadian small businesses - here are some of the latest additions to our resources directory.

Multifunctional Machines: Helping Maximize Your Office Space

Consider the benefits that a multifunctional machine - serving as a fax, printer, PC-fax, and personal copier - could offer your SOHO business.

Staying Afloat on the Seas of Change

Here are some suggestions to help you survive in a time of rapid technological change.

Effective Follow-up Will Make Your Sales Soar

Want to increase sales and stay ahead of your competitors? Here's how an effective follow-up system can help you do just that!

Don't Put Yourself Out of Business

To beat the odds of failing in business, start by understanding who you are and why you want to be an entrepreneur.

epost.ca: Electronic Wonder or Standard Email Service?

Canada Post is busy promoting its new Electronic Post Office. But what - if anything - sets ePost.ca apart from the plethora of existing online mail services?

Connecting your Office Computers

Networking your office computers can be a simple process that will save you money while using your technology more efficiently.

All About Canadian Trademarks

Trademarks are a valuable asset that can differentiate your business in the marketplace and add real value to your bottom line. But what exactly are they? When should you use them? And how do you register one? To find out we interviewed Gord Thomson, an i

Key Questions to Ask Before Writing & Before Testing Advertising Copy

You know you have a great product. How can you write good advertising copy to convince your customers of the same thing? Read on to find out.

The Bear in the Air

Canada has a long history of entrepreneurial action in aviation. Bearskin Airlines proves that it is possible to run a successful airline in these uncertain times.

Employment Law: Wrongful Dismissal & Termination Without Cause

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between wrongful dismissal and termination without cause? Read on as MyLegalAnswers tackles these issues.

The 12 Steps to Entrepreneurial Success: Manage Your Money, Your Most Important Asset

If money management is not your top talent, don't toss your business plans aside, learn to master it. Knowledge, curbing your spending impulses, patience, and the fear of failing may do it for you. Here are some general rules of successful cash management.

The 12 Steps to Entrepreneurial Success: Recognize The Risk

Dr. Paul Adams continues his series on entrepreneurial success. This month he looks at managing your most important asset – your money.

The 12 Steps to Entrepreneurial Success: A Sure Way to Fail: Quit too Soon!

Dr. Paul Adams continues his series on entrepreneurial success. This month he looks at managing your most important asset – your money.

The 12 Steps to Entrepreneurial Success: The Twelve Affirmations to Success

Borrowing on the common self-help practice of "affirmation for action," here are the "12 Steps" presented as promises to yourself. Many people credit success and sought after behavioral changes to the use of affirmations- perhaps you will as well.

Beyond Canada's Borders: How to Take a Piece of the Foreign Market

Have you ever considered exporting your products and services, but don't know where to start? Extensive research and planning must precede any attempt at cross-border selling. Yet when a business ready to expand, don't be afraid to look outside Canada for that prime market. Here's what you need to know, from planning to that important first shipment.

Legal Q&A: Answers to four common legal questions

Can you hire replacement workers during a strike? Does an invention belong to the employee or the employer? What can you legally ask in a job application? Legal Q&A answers.

Why is it so Hard to Buy?

With a $400,000 budget and ready to buy, Jody Horner was surprised by how willing companies were to drive her business away. Read on to find out how something as simple as a little help can make the difference between a sale and a 'see-you-later'.

Are You Waiting for the Perfect Goal?

Successful entrepreneurs are driven by goals, which are integral to their success. Here's how you can define goals that will get you moving.

For Openers - Five Greetings That Boost Sales to Walk-in Visitors

Discover how great greetings can drive up sales in your retail store.

Successful Selling Strategies for the Entrepreneur - Part 3

Can your sales staff list at least five significant reasons to buy your product or do business with you? Real reasons that go beyond the usual lines of quality, service and the like? The latest installment in Paul Adam's sales series explains how effectiv

Cash Flow Projections, Controls, Key To Surviving Early Stage Growth

When capital dries up, your monthly cash burn can put you on the road to insolvency. What can you do to turn things around if you find yourself in this situation? Read on to learn how cash flow projections and controls can help you survive early-stage gro

Cash Flow Projections, Controls, Key To Surviving Early Stage Growth

When capital dries up, your monthly cash burn can put you on the road to insolvency. What can you do to turn things around if you find yourself in this situation? Read on to learn how cash flow projections and controls can help you survive early-stage gro

Cash Flow Projections, Controls, Key To Surviving Early Stage Growth

When capital dries up, your monthly cash burn can put you on the road to insolvency. What can you do to turn things around if you find yourself in this situation? Read on to learn how cash flow projections and controls can help you survive early-stage gro

No Quick Fix Beats Common Sense

If you want to know what will keep your customers happy, ask them! Head back to basics with updated surveys, employee training, and other common-sense ways to grow your business.

The 12 Steps (Advice) to Entrepreneurial Success: Introduction

Success. It's not easy, nor is it based on luck. Drawing on personal experiences as an entrepreneur and research as a business professor, Paul Adams has discovered some common threads of success, which he has broken into twelve steps. Here are the first s

The 12 Steps (Advice) to Entrepreneurial Success: Understanding Yourself

Do you wonder why there are those charmed individuals that the gods seem to favour–what is it they have that others don't? Is it some mystical charm, the right fortune cookie, or something more down to earth such as knowing who they are and what they want out of life?

The 12 Steps (Advice) to Entrepreneurial Success: Getting Things Done

If you are thinking about starting a business -do you know how to get things done? People who meet goals, accomplish objectives, and perform as promised, usually succeed in life.

The 12 Steps (Advice) to Entrepreneurial Success: Apply Yourself- Don't Be Lazy

Boy, do I hate to admit that I may be lazy. But, at times I know I am. And I suspect I could indulge myself even more if my guilt mechanism would permit it.

The 12 Steps (Advice) to Entrepreneurial Success: The Importance of Getting Organized

Disorganized entrepreneurs find it tough to manage their businesses. They become "reactive instead of proactive," in other words, defensive, allowing the needs of the business and the demands of employees to establish their schedule and workday.

The 12 Steps to Entrepreneurial Success: Keep Your Emotions in Check

How we feel about ourselves and the world around us can help us to prosper or it can sabotage our success. To be successful in business or other activities, don't overlook the effect of your emotions.

The 12 Steps (Advice) to Entrepreneurial Success: Learn to Say No

Contrary to popular opinion, saying no is not always negative thinking- it may mean the survival of your business. Saying yes too often can place your money and your business at risk. As tough as it is to do, saying no is saying yes to your success.

Faces of Entrepreneurship III - The Retailers

For two companies, promoting the youthful passions of toys and candy lead to retail success. This month we peek into the world of the local retailer.

Conquer the Fear of Public Speaking

Stomp that #2 fear and gain the skills to knock their socks off the next time you represent your company in front of a live audience.

Like Bees to Honey: Write Sweet Copy that Draws Web Surfers to Your Site

With millions of websites out there in the ether, surfers need a compelling reason to stop and stay at your storefront; have them sticking to yours in four easy steps.

Getting Ergonomic

Six safety factors that must be considered if you want to create an ergonomically safe workplace.

Successful Selling Strategies for the Entrepreneur - Part 2

If you picture rejection and slimy salespeople in tartan suits when you think of sales, you are not alone. Here is a simple strategy that can help you handle the fear of rejection that often accompanies sales.

30 Seconds to Significant Sales - How to up-sell without turning off your customer

How can you increase the potential profitability of each sale? The answer lies in how your staff manages 30 seconds of their time.

Registering a Business in New Brunswick

Starting a business in New Brunswick? Here's how to reserve a name and register a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation.

It Isn't Over Till You Get Your Money

In business, if you can't collect, you won't survive. In his latest column, author and business guru Paul Adams outlines important strategies that will enable you to convert your invoices into liquid assets.

Tips to help you make those cold calls easier

Most of us hate cold calling, so this month we've compiled a list of sales and marketing tips that will make it easier to get around the awkward first moment and make your cold calls easier.

Disability Insurance follow-up: Killer negotiating strategies with hard-nosed insurance companies

Here are some killer strategies that improve your odds of success if you ever find yourself negotiating with hard-nosed insurance companies.

Working It Out With An Expert - How Can You Tell an Imposter from the Real Thing?

Need to find an expert, but nervous about making the wrong choice? Read on to find out how to separate the experts from the imposters.

Kindness as a Superior Approach to Human Resources (HR) Management

Encouraging kindness in the workplace may sound like a lame strategy. But as two HR specialists tell us, the kindness concept can be an inexpensive and very effective. Read on to discover how a little kindness can deliver bottom-line results, such as incr

7 Words to Guide Your Thinking ..

Constructive, Comprehensive, Creative, Connective, Candid, Critical, and Correct .. discover how these 7 C's can help you hone your thinking skills.

Marketing Biz: Getting Started on a Shoestring

If you had the ear of a leading marketing guru, what questions who you ask? We were recently fortunate enough to have this opportunity, as we interviewed Jay Levinson, the noted author of Guerrilla Marketing.

Test your Telephone Effectiveness

Read this article to find out if your phone practices are winning or losing customers.

Equity Financing: Understanding Venture Capital

Discover the ins and outs of venture capital investments, and learn how this form of financing could potentially powerdrive your business.

Accessing Government Funding in Canada - Page 5: More Assessment Criteria

A continued look at government funding, and the importance of assessment criteria if you are looking to obtain government funding for your business.

Perspectives on Innovation

In Perspectives on Innovation Ed Bernacki shares insights into the things that define a truly innovative company.

Steps to Survival - Step Two: Be a Miser! Hoard every Dollar!

This month Paul Adams looks at how to conserve your cash without taking on more debt.

Practical Ways to Get Paid as a Canadian Exporter

Collecting money from a foreign buyer is one of the biggest concerns for every exporter, big or small. Different rules apply when doing business abroad, and getting paid is no exception. Options exist, but some methods work better for the exporter while others benefit the buyer.

What's your Biggest Problem? Surveys can Reveal Need for Staff Testing

Are you concerned that your employees don't have the basic skills to do their jobs? Here are some tests to find out.

Jewelry on Ice: How Four Rabbis Survived the e-Commerce Meltdown

While other dot.com ventures have been going up in smoke these Jewish rabbis have found the secret to continued e-commerce success.

Exactly what is 'Thinking Outside the Box'?

Here's why you should think outside the box when building your organization.

How To Make Your Advertising Really Work

What does it take to make your advertising successful? Ask yourself these questions: What is it that stops me long enough to read an ad? Jody Horner lays out the six main points that make advertising work most effectively.

Credit Cards, Online payment, E-commerce - Canadian small businesses need to know how to collect money online

E-commerce. It's more than a buzzword. Increasingly, it's how business is conducted--with the click of a button. Paul Lima looks at many of the ways that payment can be collected on a website ...

Bedside Manners for Programmers, Part 1

Even as doctors have to be trained in bedside manners to help treat the patient as a whole person - so do programmers need to learn to remember the user...

Phrases that Pay: Simple Statements that Increase your Perceived Value

Quick - name two words which, when frequently used by waiters and waitresses, increase tips by 12%. (Hint: it's not please or thank you).

Sales and Expense Reports are Vital to Your Success

Dr Paul Adams suggests ways to manage a sales force to succeed for your business.

The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS)

The association we're profiling on CanadaOne this month is a national organization with a lot to say.

Making More Time

There are only two ways to spend our time: we can spend it wisely, or, not so wisely. These time tips will help you get more out of your week!

10 Reasons To Form A Strategic Business Alliance

How working with others can create a win-win for both businesses.

Accessing Government Funding in Canada - Page 1: Canadian Government Grants and Loans

Accessing government funding is a valuable, yet confusing source of financing often open to business owners in Canada. Canadian governments, at all levels, are actively involved in the business community. Each year they award hundreds of millions of dollars to small, medium and large enterprises in the hopes of stimulating local economies, fostering economic development and creating employment. As a businessperson this can spell opportunity for you and your business.

Accessing Government Funding in Canada - Page 2: First Impressions Count

This article looks at one of the most important steps in the process of accessing government funding: determining the assessment criteria for a given proposal. This information could be the difference between securing or loosing the government funding that you are seeking for your business.

Accessing Government Funding in Canada - Page 3: Determining the Assessment Criteria

This article looks at one of the most important steps in the process of accessing government funding: determining the assessment criteria for a given proposal. This information could be the difference between securing or loosing the government funding that you are seeking for your business.

Accessing Government Funding in Canada - Page 4: Determining the Assessment Criteria - Part 2

The second part of this article looks at the impact of the assessment criteria on the viability of a grant proposal when one is applying for government funding.

Canadian Business Financing: An Ongoing Workshop for Businesses in Canada

This ongoing workshop targeting small businesses in Canada will outline those options as we look at both traditional and non-traditional sources of financing that are available to Canadian companies.

Vehicle Leasing

Leasing a vehicle can have definitive advantages, but understanding the fine print is very important. Before you lock into a lease, take a moment to familiarize yourself with its basic components.

Award Programs: Alternative Sources of Financing

What do you do when you need additional cash to start or grow your business? Many entrepreneurs automatically turn to the banks, but this may not be the best - or even a viable - financing solution. Fortunately, alternative sources of financing do exist, with awards programs being one example

How you can Help your Referral Partners: Ten New Ways to Expand your Business

Are you interested in expanding your business by marketing through referral partners? Here are ten tips to help you get started.

Scrub your Space

Sometime in order to make room to find newer, bigger customers you first have to 'scrub your space'.

It's None of your Business! - Privacy and What it Means to your Customers

Protecting of personal privacy in an era of mass data collection is a major concern with Canadians, according to a recent study conducted by the Angus Reid Group for the Royal Bank. Here are some key findings from the survey, with insights into how this could benefit your business.

Unclutter for Success!

Learn how to reduce stress and frustration with these tips for uncluttering your business space.

Times have Changed.....Networking is Here to Stay!

Donna Messer explains her view on networking and how the way we connect with people can help us succeed in life.

Networking is the Future!

Do you network? According to Donna Messer, a Toronto-based networking specialist, learning how to connect to others will help you find a place in tomorrow's world.

Seeing Things from the Customer's Perspective

Step in to your customers shoes and consider how you can improve your business with this simple exercise from Claire Belilos.

It is Rewarding to Collect a Debt

Collecting past due accounts is one of the most unpleasant tasks in business, and yet plays a major role in the achievement of financial success. Here is advice for overcoming the reluctance to collect on unpaid accounts receivable.

Smaller Businesses Need Outside Directors

If you're running a smaller company beware the trap of appointing co-workers and family as directors. Your board will benefit from the experience and alternative view of your situation that can come from an outside director.

Relocating an Employee from Canada to the United States

If you are looking at sending an employee south of the border, here are some of the key tax issues that the employee will need to consider.

Accounting 101: Financial Terms Glossary

Basic steps to complete before investigating financing options for your small business.

Business Financing: Preparation Steps

Basic steps to complete before investigating financing options for your small business.

Keys to Home-Based Business Success

Follow these 3 P's and you will be on the right track to successfully compete in your home-based business.

If I could only get Organized!

Reg Pirie offers some excellent answers to the question many business people ask - How do I get organized?

Self-Publishing a Business Book...for Fun & Long-Term Profit

How do I publish a book myself? Reg Pirie draws on his experience in self-publishing several successful books to answer many of the questions asked by aspiring authors

Hiring Co-op Students: A Win-Win

A look at the ins and outs of hiring co-op students.

Staying the Course

Small businesses often start as the enspired dreams of entrepreneurs who not only believe in their idea, but also in their life choice. Staying the course can be challenging at times, and in this article Louise LeBrun offers advice that saw her through some of the tougher times as a small business owner.

Legally Speaking: When is an Independent Contractor an Employee?

Is your contractor really an  independent contractor ? Or could you find yourself facing a significant payroll liability if the person is, in fact, deemed to be an  employee ? Lawyer Ron Walton explains that a good contract is needed to ensure that the distinction is clear to both the courts and Revenue Canada.

Legally Speaking: What is a Trademark

Trademarks, trade names, patents, copyrights, and industrial designs are often confused. In this article Ron Walton (lawyer) explains the difference between trademarks and other intellectual property.

Legally Speaking: Dismissal for Cause

Employers in Canada know how difficult it can be to fire an employee. In this article Ron Walton, a Toronto based-lawyer, explains how employers may be able to use 'just cause' to fire an employee without notice or pay in lieu of notice.

The 7 Pillars of Visionary Leadership: Aligning Your Organization for Enduring Success

In the opening of a seven-part series, Dr. Michael Rock zeroes in on questions about leadership, and how an understanding of leadership can help understand the 'people factor' which accounts for so much in any successful enterprise.

The 7 Pillars of Visionary Leadership: PILLAR I (Visioning)

In the first of a seven-part , Dr. Michael Rock talks about Visioning: 'Doing More With More, Unleashing a Future' how en-visioning goals and outcomes can be essential to the success of any venture

The 7 Pillars of Visionary Leadership: Pillar II (Mapping)

This is the second of a seven-part series by Dr. Michael Rock where he writes about Mapping: 'Globalizing the Mind: Charting a Future'. Illustrated with real life case studies he shows how important having an organization-wide plan can be.

The 7 Pillars of Visionary Leadership: Pillar III (Journeying)

Leadership today involves a journey towards a new way of thinking. In this article, Michael Rock offers insights and a quiz to help you identify where you are on your journey, and where you still need to go.

The 7 Pillars of Visionary Leadership: Pillar IV (Learning)

Learning also equals change: learning = change. In effect, what we are claiming, therefore, is that we have no choice about change today. Change is not an option, which is the same thing as saying that learning is not an option.

Canadian Business Financing: Grants and Loans for Young Entrepreneurs in Canada

Accessing capitals can be a frustrating process for young entrepreneurs with a great idea, but little chance of securing a traditional loan. This article lists grant and loan programs for young Canadian business owners.

Media Training

Do you get nervous by the prospect of being interviewed? Here is a list of steps to help calm your fears.

Media Relations: A Fundamental Tool of Public Relations

Media relations helps businesses improve their bottom line and increase their stock value. Here's what you need to know if you are considering using PR to help your own company.

Self-Publishing a Business Book...For Fun & Long-Term Profit (Part 2 of 2)

So you want to publish a book? This two part article looks at issues behind the self-publishing scene.

Doing your Home Work

The forecast is in: by 2001, 1.5 million Canadians will be working from their homes. So here's the rundown of what you need to know to create a functional and professional home office.

Succession Planning: Will You?

Do You have a will? If not, what will happen to your enterprise if you should die tomorrow? Norman P. Goldman, a Quebec Civil Law Notary, explains some of the possible consequences of not addressing these questions.

11 Accounting Tips that Will Help You Avoid Tax Time Traumas

Attendee - Making the Best Use of Trade Shows

Tips and tricks for getting the most out of trade shows that you plan to attend.

Office Gurus and Your Best Friend Why you should beware of self-professed computer experts

Trust your computer only to people who know what they are doing and not just people who say they do.

Securing a Domain Name and Your Social Media Usernames

Here's a quick tip for chosing a domain name (.com or .ca) for your company.

Is Your Business Burning You Out?

If you find yourself struggling to finish work or you no longer find enjoyment in things that you normally love you could be in the advanced stages of burnout. Learn to recognize the signs and manage your stress levels with this article.

CEO's Desk: Dressed for Success

This month we start a new series where we look at Canadian entrepreneurs who have made the leap from a small local business to a national enterprise. In our first article, we talk to high-end retailer Harry Rosen.

Café Season

In a tourist season battered by SARS we take a look at two Halifax entrepreneurs who are not only surviving but thriving this summer.

Identity Theft: How to Protect Your Business

identity, theft, crime, protection, Michelle Collins, personal, information, phonebusters, passwords, fraud

Thunder-Thinking... When Lightning Strikes

Brainstorming, where the creative power of several minds is unleashed on a single issue, can work miracles. This article will help you reap the benefits, while side-stepping problems that often occur.

Successful Marketing: An Interview with Eric Gilboord

Have you considered trying a new marketing strategy but aren't sure where to start? This month we talk to marketing guru Eric Gilboord to get all the do's and don'ts of small business marketing.

It Pays To Know What You Don't Know

Admit it. You don't actually know everything. Read on to find out where you can get the answers to some of your own frequently asked questions.

Disability No Obstacle in Business Success

Meet two entrepreneurs who aren't letting any obstacles stand in the way of realizing their business dreams.

Franchising with a Difference

Two entrepreneurs benefit from an unusual approach to franchising.

Seven Ways to Throw a Successful Staff Celebration

Planning a party? These seven tips will help ensure its success.

Recipe for Success

This one time professional chef shares his ingredients for success.

Christmas Lasts All Year For Retailers

While consumers aren't thinking about Christmas yet, retailers need to prepare well in advance. Here are seven ways that you can make your busiest season a success.

Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: An Interview with Dr. Michael Rock

A simple 'Good Morning' may say more about how an employee will fit into your company than their degree or diploma. It's all about EQ - emotional intelligence. This month Dr. Michael Rock explains EQ and how you can use it to hire the right people.

The Wounded Healer, Generation Gaps in the New Workplace Gen-Xers and Boomers Working Together

Using a case example of the generation gap between Generation-Xers and Baby Boomers in the workplace, this second article in the 'Corporate learning journey' explores the role of the Wounded Healer, an unsung hero of the new workplace.

Partners Program

How-To Make Facebook Ads Work for Your Business

Dramatically increase the response rates from you Facebook ads using this advice from Marty Weintraub, author of Killer Facebook Ads. This video contains clips and insights from Marty's presentation at SES Toronto in June 2011.

Interview with Councilor Palacio | Toronto's Graffiti StreetArt Showcase

Toronto has taken an innovative approach to the problem of graffiti vandalism. As part of the City's four part plan, one element supports graffiti artists with one spin off of this being the new Toronto StreetArt Showcase. Councillor Cesar Palacio talks about the showcase in this CanadaOne interview.

Understanding the Bankers' Formula

How can you improve the odds of securing credit from a bank? In this article we look at factors that affect your ability to secure debt financing.

Capturing Success: An Interview with Award-Winning Photographer Kristian Bogner

Award-winning photographer Kristian Bogner is living a life many dream of, travelling to exotic places, photographing famous people, capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments. Kristian is currently in Ladahk, India where he is photographing monks, monasteries and nomads. While he is off exploring the world, CanadaOne reveals some of Kristian's key insights into his success in business.

Proven, Effective Direct Email Marketing

This in-depth article looks at how you can effectively - and safely - use the email as a direct marketing channel.

Understanding the Banker's Formula: Part II

Understanding how to secure financing from the bank is not an obvious or simple task. In this article we look at common balance sheet mistakes that can stop you from getting the credit you need to grow your business.

Can Writing Improve Your Business? You bet.

Read on to find out how you can strengthen any piece of prose, whether it's a press release, a marketing letter, a business plan intended to pique investor interest, or another form of written communication.

Starting a Business Step 1: Evaluate & Prepare

Before you start your business make sure you follow these preparation steps.

Strategic Branding & Company Value

This article looks at how the value of your company may be enhanced by it's brand.

Unmasking the Mysteries of Small Business Advertising - Part II

In this second column on effective advertising for small business, Robert Lee and Margaret Taylor look at the strengths and weaknesses of advertising in four of the most popular formats: newspaper, magazine, radio and television.

Bonding: Protect Yourself from Employee Theft

When your employees work on your customer's premises, or you simply want to protect your own business assets, bonding can protect your business.

Starting a Business in Canada

Starting a business in Canada? Be sure to use this 'must-visit' guide that includes articles on business basics, marketing, financing, networking and more.

CEO's Desk: Inventing Business

Business insights from an Alberta-based high tech entrepreneur.

Tech Tip: Hacker Risk: Critical patch for Windows XP, and possibly other versions.

Hacker Risk: Critical patch for Windows XP, and possibly other versions.

Canada's Cool Tools and Top Sites Awards

Simple Math: Success = Being Mission Driven

Dr. Chris Bart discusses how to be mission-driven as a business.

CEO's Desk: Cross Border Business

This month we look at a small CEO who has found big success south of the border.

Google Can Help You Calculate

Google Can Help You Calculate with its built-in calculator function.

CEO's Desk Company Culture

The holidays are a time of year when company culture comes to the forefront. It is also the perfect time for a business owner to think about how they can change and add new elements to this culture. This month we talk to a CEO who helps businesses do just that.

Invention Perspectives

Many would-be inventors have an idea that they've tucked away somewhere, or maybe they tinker away on protoypes in the basement with a dream of some day seeing their invention fly of the shelves. Yet what is really involved in the invention process? Read this article to find out.

Useful Alberta Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for Alberta.

CanadaOne Small Business Magazine | May 2012

CanadaOne's small business magazine provides in-depth how-to coverage on how to start, run grow a successful business in Canada.

Good Health Meets Good Business

Lately we've been hearing a lot about things like trans fats and obesity. While these issues could pose big problems for our society in the future, they can also represent big opportunity for entrepreneurs.

Biker Business

An influx of baby boomers and young families has fueled Canada's motorcycle industry in recent years. This month we take a look at this evolving industry.

Understanding Personalities Can Lead to Better Performance

Personality types can help us understand why people make decisions - and sometimes clash. This month we look at two personality assessment systems, the Myers Briggs Indicator and Keirsey Temperament Sorter.

Groupon and Beyond: How Group-Buying Sites Are Transforming Business

Increasingly, businesses are hopping on the group-buying bandwagon. Before you offer deep discounts online, consider what your business has to gain—and lose.

The Business of Adventures

With summer finally upon us we take a look at two PEI tourist businesses who prove there’s more to the Island than a certain red headed orphan.

Cottage Industries

Faced with the options of flipping burgers or digging ditches for the summer, Jeremy Kingston invented a third option and opened his own business. Through his company, Artchild Productions, he produces and distributes art around Toronto, ON.

Canadian Business Events Calendar

Browse our listings of Canadian business events and training seminars to find upcoming conferences, trade shows, seminars and events in Canada. You can also submit your own Canadian business event, free of charge!

Making Your Ideas Stick

Cell phones that explode at gas stations and beautiful women who drug you to steal your liver. They may not be true, but urban legends have incredible traction. They also have a lot to teach us about what it takes to make an idea stick in the minds of your customers.

EQ-i: A Successful Hiring Strategy (Part 1 of 5)

Do your employees have the 'right stuff' for your company? You may be able to improve your hiring practices by changing the way you value and evaluate prospective new hires.

Digital Estate Planning for Small Businesses: Part 2

Blogging for Business: How to Humanize Your Business and Connect with Customers

Tara Hunt of Buyosphere gave out some tips on how to use blogging as a tool to interact, engage with and increase your customer base.

Have Your Say: Your Message Was Sent Successfully

Thank you for using our free Have You Say service.

Ed Bernacki

Ed Bernacki shares his perspectives on innovation with entrepreneurs, business owners and executives to create innovative opportunities and solutions to business challenges. He now delivers workshops and presentations in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Ask an Expert

Canadian Business Directory

The Human Dynamics of Selling

How are sales made and where are they really lost? Here are three powerful insights into the human dynamics of selling that will increase your chance of making a sale.

Twelve Lessons in Leadership Series

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Star Entrepreneur

Inspiration drives innovation - learn how Jim Kendrick turned dew point frustration into a profitable business venture.

The New Balance Sheet: Emotionally Intelligent Workplaces

Emotionally intelligent organizations are so because the very senior people model the necessary behaviours and create the life-giving context to build a future worth going to. In the third installment of our New Balance Sheet series, Michael Rock introduces us to the success factors of emotionally intelligent workplaces.

Help! What Taxes Must I Pay?

Just started your business and baffled about how to tackle your taxes? Use this quick Q&A guide to get a basic handle on what taxes you have to pay, how to pay them and when.

eHiring in Canada

This free workshop covers everything that Canadian businesses need to know about using the Internet as a hiring tool.

Has Your Motivation Hit a Brick Wall?

Boredom and burnout top the list of success inhibitors. Quite often the two go hand-in-hand. Here is a look at how two entrepreneurs pulled themselves out of a motivational slump.

Backing Up Your Data: Technologies on the Rise and Fall

Backing up your data is critical with many options currently available. We look at new trends in storage networking, as well as which technologies are on the rise and which are on their way out.

Building Business at a Boutique Store in a Mall

Competing directly against a larger competitor is often unwise, as deeper pockets will usually win. But don't worry. There are ways to turn this threat into an opportunity.

Master the Art of Victory: Business Insights from a Samurai Warrior

Three hundred and fifty years ago Miyamoto Musashi recorded his understanding of the art of victory in The Book of Five Rings. There are many parallels between winning in battle and succeeding in business. Consider what how these five lessons could put your business on the pathway to success.

Finding a business: Franchising vs. the Independent Business

Understand Yourself: Assessing Your Business Readiness

This simple assessment exercise will help you identify your entrepreneurial strengths and weaknesses.

Finding the 'Way' to Business Success

In our hectic lives we are often driven by an internal frenzy that leaves no room for meditation or reflection. Consider how the rules of an ancient Samarai warrior could help you improve the way you run your business.

Polishing Their Way to Success

With months ticking by and the prototype of their machine still on the drawing table of an engineering firm, many entrepreneurs might have given up. Here is the story of how two business partners beat the odds and built their company, Disc Go Technologies Inc. into a multi-million dollar success story.

Develop the Quality of ... Unstoppable Persistance

Just as carbon hardens steel -- persistence hardens your willpower to blast past any obstacles you encounter as you pursue your dreams.

Do I Want to Own My Own Business?

Before you take the giant leap of starting your own business, be sure that you are happy with your answers to the questions in this article.

Wolfing Down U.S. Sales

U.S. customers are driving sales for many online Canadian merchants. For the manufacturer of Urban Wolf pet foods these sales make the difference between just getting along and really making it in business.

Demanding More: the New Gold Rush for Entrepreneurs

Discover the next wave of entrepreneurs who are reconfiguring success on their own terms, by demanding more of themselves.

Retooling: The Reinvention of Leonard Lee

When most people would have been preparing to retire, Leonard Lee, who founded Lee Valley Tools Ltd. in 1978 had different plans. Rather than being resigned to "mall walking" the successful entrepreneur started a new business manufacturing medical tools. Here is his story.

The Humanity Variable

When their car was stolen from a hotel parking lot the last thing the owners expected was to be treated abruptly and without sympathy. Important yet elusive, the secret to great customer service might be more simple than you think.

Debt to Equity Ratio Calculator

Stock Photography Redefined

Bruce Livingstone's story is one of the entrepreneur who failed and tried again. Livingstone beat the odds and has created a rarity - an extremely successful 'dot.com' company. Here is his story.

Internet Postage Is Here

Are you prepared to pay for email delivery to ensure that your message is received? Recently America Online's and Yahoo!'s announced their intention to charge Internet postage for an optional "preferred email" service. Here is a closer look at how this will work and the implications for small Canadian companies.

Financing Basics for New Entrepreneurs The Myths and Realities of Financing a Business in Canada

What are your options for borrowing money to finance your business — particularly for sums under $100,000? Stanley Kershman helps us separate the myths from the fiscal realities of small business financing.

Welcome to the 'Dot.Bloom' Era

While the original Internet "bubble" was fueled by investors speculating on what often turned out to be little more than hot air, a new online business reality has been emerging over the last four years. It's not an explosion. It's a steady and promising evolution. Here is what we see on the "dot.bloom" horizon.

Innovative Company Develops Product to Combat HIV Virus

If you were to drive by the basic industrial building that houses Polydex Pharmaceuticals Ltd. you would probably never guess that inside this very ordinary looking company work is underway to bring to market a product that could slow the spread of HIV / AIDs. Yet that is exactly what George Usher, President and CEO of Polydex Pharmaceuticals Ltd., hopes to achieve with his company's microbicide product, Ushercell®. Read on to experience CanadaOne's first video feature on a Canadian entrepreneur!

Managing Growth: Pete's Frootique

Business challenges have led to some unusual solutions for this large-scale specialty grocer. Diane Hamilton explains some of the secrets behind their success.

Home

As Canada's small business source online we publish a free magazine, Canadian business directory, 1000+ resources, a suite of free business tools, and 300+ archived articles. Don't miss out on this incredible online resource for Canadian entrepreneurs!

Small Business Week 2006: Celebrating Entrepreneurship!

Wow -a new look and great new tools including an online job portal! Read on to see what changes are in store for Canada's oldest online business magazine.

About CanadaOne

Catching Counterfeit Cash

In the busy retail season it is important to ensure that your staff are trained to identify counterfeit currency. A process that may, in fact, be simpler than you think.

Celebrating the New Year with Diligence

If someone wanted to buy your business tomorrow, would you be ready? Read on to learn how running your business with diligence can help you seize a great opportunity if - and when - it arises.

Conversations with Entrepreneurs: Silver Lining

Meet Carissa Reiniger, founder and president of Silver Lining. She's 24, been in business for two years and already has 4 offices and revenues of $1.4 million. We interviewed Carissa to learn more about her business, her experiences and her success.

Conversations with Entrepreneurs: Billy Blanks

Fifty-one year old Billy Blanks has achieved the kind of success most entrepreneurs only dream of. His videos have sold over 76 million copies worldwide and physically he says he still feels like he is eighteen years old. We caught up with Billy when he was in Toronto to learn about the secrets to his success.

Shipping Case Studies

Inventor's Savvy Turns Wastewater into Savings

Gerald Van Decker sold his Ottawa home to launch the Power-Pipe. He's banking that his investment won't go down the drain.

The Ins and Outs of Vacation Time & Vacation Pay

Vacation pay in Canada is complex, with different rules for each province and territory. In this article we outline what you need to know for your province.

Using Gift & Loyalty Card Programs to Grow your Business

With annual sales estimated at $95 billion for 2007, gift and loyalty cards are a marketing tool you can't afford to ignore. Read on to learn how you can implement an effective gift and loyalty card program in your business this holiday season.

Conversations with Entrepreneurs: Donna Messer

When it comes to networking Donna Messer knows what it takes to build human connections that enable strong business relationships. We spoke to Donna in her Oakville office to learn what she had to say about using networking to a build business. Here's what she had to say.

Conversation with Yahoo! Canada's National Marketing Manager

Maor Daniels is the National Marketing Manager for Yahoo! Canada. We interviewed him to gain insights into search marketing and to find out what online trends small business owners should pay attention to in the year ahead.

Conversations with Entrepreneurs: Moe Somani

For eleven years Moe Somani has been helping small companies connect with services that were traditionally only available to larger firms. Here is his story.

Get Ready! It's Celebrating Time!

In March 1998 we launched our first issue, and to celebrate we have all kinds of plans for the coming month, starting with the March 2008 issue packed full of dynamite articles.

Registration

Napkin Business Plan Contest

Submit your start-up or business growth plan between April 4 to June 18th for a chance to win $1500 in cash, a Lexmark all-in-one printer, Simply Accounting from Sage, Maximizer CRM 10 and a 1 year subscription to Freshbooks!

Brand and Your Business

It is time for small businesses to wake up and pay attention to their brand. According to the first Canadian study of brand and small businesses, there is plenty of room for improvement.

Supreme Court Ruling Positive for Business

The Supreme Court ruling released on June 27, 2008 overturns the previous pro-employee decisions and sets new rights for employers.

The Problem with Golden Rules and Management Clichés

Ed Bernaki shares insights into how managers can get the best out of their people.

Conversations with Entrepreneurs: Raymond Aaron

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Start the New Year by Turning Holiday Contacts into Contracts

Turn your holiday contacts into contracts by following this simple networking advice from Leni Chauvin.

Napkin Business Plan Contest Winners

CanadaOne is pleased to announce the top 20 finalists from the Napkin Business Plan Competition held last spring!

Conversations with Entrepreneurs: Raymond Aaron

Author and entrepreneur Raymond Aaron talks about how his mistakes led to learnings for success. He also explains some of the ideas from his book, Double Your Income Doing What You Love.

Interview with Nurse Next Door

In this exclusive interview with CanadaOne, John DeHart shares insights into franchising and his company Nurse Next Door.

Is Your Business' Glass 'Half Full' or 'Half Empty'?

Ed Bernacki puts a new spin on how you can fill your company's 'glass' and expand the potential of your business.

Turn your Management Team into a Value-Driving Force

Relinquishing operational control of your company might be a scary thing to do, but the benefits are clear.

Small Businesses See Opportunity During Recession

Who is more likely to survive in tough economic times, David or Goliath? Read on to learn how two small businesses are building at a time when larger companies are cutting back.

If You Could Read My Mind:
7 things you need to know about why customers buy

Every day consumers base their buying decisions on seven predictable yet irrational criteria. If you are not familiar with them, your business is at risk of losing business to competitors that are.

25 Killer Websites & Web Services for Business

The most recent evolution of the business web has taken place in two areas: in the creation of online applications and integration of online data with mobile devices.

Conversations with Entrepreneurs: David Beron of Rab Design Lighting

In this installment of conversations with entrepreneurs we spoke with David Beron, president of Rab Design Lighting, to find out how his company has managed to shore up business during the economic recession.

Venture Capital: Financing Early Stage Deals in 2001 - Part 4

What you must know if you're looking to raise some money for an early stage deal - making contact, the final frontier!

Avoid Computer Hell - Commonsense tips to protect your systems

Computer viruses, data failures, hackers. The good news is that it is possible to avoid these computer nightmares. To help you, we put together a list of things you can do to keep your technology under control.

Entrepreneur Serves up Innovative Lunch Program in Schools

As kids head back to school next week, over a quarter million elementary students can look forward to nutritious hot and cold lunches in their schools thanks to the vision and perseverance of Canada's most successful entrepreneur in this sector.

Mastering Business Dining Etiquette

If you have ever felt awkward at a business dinner because you were uncertain about dining etiquette, this advice from Linda Allan will help.

Driving Safe: How to Go Hands-Free and Still Do Business on the Road

We researched low cost options for going hands-free in the car, for voice, texts and email.

Food Incubator Cooks Up Success

Food entrepreneurs are sweetening their chance of success at unique busines incubator.

Elizabeth Grant is Not Your Ordinary Entrepreneur

Still active at 88 in the multi-million dollar business she started in the 50s, Elizabeth Grant defines success. Here is her story.

Out-of-the-Box Business Thinking with Mike Winkelmann, West Coast Food Machines

When Mike Winkelmann opened his high-end butcher shop and deli, little did he know that its failure two years later would be a blessing in disguise.

HST Primer: What Businesses in Ontario and British Columbia Need to Know

If you are a business in Ontario or B.C., HST takes effect on July 1, 2010 whether you like it or not. This comprehensive, plain-language guide will help you manage the transition.

Heat Wave: What Employers Need to Know About Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace

Record temperatures in Quebec and Ontario last month point to the potential for a sizzling summer ahead. To help we have researched the essentials that will help you keep your employees safe.

David Versus Goliath: i4i Inc's Battle Against a Giant

Toronto-based i4i sued Microsoft for patent infringement they won a $290 million dollar award. CanadaOne spoke with i4i's founder Michael Vulpe and chairman Loudon Owen about what it takes to bring an innovative product to market-and how they defended their rights against a giant.

Live Webcast

Business Writing

It's Small Business Week!

It's small business week, a time to celebrate entrepreneurship, innovation and to focus on networking and growing our businesses!

Starting a Business

ASE: Senior Executives Help New & Growing Businesses

An interview with Kevin Hynes, Vice President of the Associated Senior Executives of Canada (www.A-S-E.ca), a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to helping small business in Canada.

Interview with a Toronto-Based Micro Lender

Fasten Your Seatbelts: The Next Computing Revolution is on its Way!

Learn how three Canadian players: a hospital, a software company and a mobile device manufacturer, are working together to make smart innovations a reality.

StartMeUp Ryerson

Interview with Eric Wittman

CanadaOne's interview with Eric Wittman, head of Adobe Flash Platform, about small businesseses and web technologies in a multi-screen environment.

'Tubing It: Calgary Company Shoots for Success on YouTube

Meet Jordan Drake and Chris Niccolls, two employees of Calgary-based The Camera Store who are successfully harnessing YouTube to promote their employer's business--one video at a time.

Buying Video Gear for Your Small Business: Video Jargon (Page 2)

Framerate, bitrate, sensors and compressions: here is our guide to navigating through video camera buying jargon.

Canadian Franchise Finder

Be Awesome: How Social Media Can Help You Use Un-Marketing in Your Business

Scott Stratten has a straight-forward strategy for putting 'unmarketing' to work in your business: Be Awesome. With over 85,000 Twitter followers and a book that hit the bestseller list as it came off the presses, he leads by example. In this video interview we catch up with Scott to learn more about how small businesses can use social media and unmarketing in their companies.

Flash Foresight: A Look at Technology Trends that are Transforming Business

Are you aware of how technology is affecting your brand? CanadaOne recently connected with Daniel Burrus, a world-leading technology forecaster and business strategist, to gain insights into into technology transformations and emerging business trends.

Business Innovation: A New Approach to Weight-Loss

When Newtopia decided to combine DNA testing with weight loss products and coaching, they created an entirely new way of approaching the business of weight loss and healthy living.

Shooting Great Business Videos on a Budget

Want to shoot great video? These seven tips will help you look like a pro when putting a video together for your small business.

Franchise Purchase Considerations

There are many pitfalls awaiting the unwary franchise purchaser. A thorough investigation, however, can help the buyer dodge the hazards and uncover the  right  opportunity.

Legal Issues When Doing Business Between Canada and the US

Meet Nick Pavlidis, a New York lawyer who came up to the Search Engine Strategies conference in June to share insights into US law and the Internet. CanadaOne caught up with Nick to ask him about legal considerations for Canadian companies doing business with Americans online as well as other cross-border legal issues.

Make 2012 a Year for Change, Both in Business and in Life

2012 is an infamous year, a fringe year, where logic is often set aside for mystery. It has been predicted as a year of change for over a millennia. Which makes it an excellent year to reconsider some of the decisions you make both personally and professionally.

Ontario's New Accessibility Standards: What Small Businesses Need to Know

As of January 1, 2012 all organizations in Ontario must comply with the new accessibility Customer Service Standard. Here is what you need to know about this new law.

Start-ups Uncovered: Introducing 49st.com

Meet 49st, Toronto-based start-up with a unique approach to managing and promoting events online. Over the coming year CanadaOne will follow their story, to take you behind the scenes of a hopeful Canadian start-up.

Overcoming Barriers to Innovation, Business Growth

In this 3-part interview with entrepreneurship expert Rick Spence we explore ways small and medium sized businesses stay competitive and grow their companies. This first installment tackles what is often the biggest barrier to growth: financing.

Crowdfunding: The Power of the Crowd

Crowdfunding allows geeks, innovators and artists to connect with the online public to get products and ideas funded. Here is a run-down of this innovative new funding source, from a Canadian perspective.

Take the Business Innovation Challenge

Aggressiveness

You probably think you are a pretty easy person to get along with, we all do. Yet there are times when you become aggressive without realizing it, a trait that can cause other people to avoid you. This article can help you keep your aggressive side in check.

Articles

Visit CanadaOne for monthly small business articles, Canadian small business news including how-to articles and video interviews with entrepreneurs.

Motivate Others: Motivate Yourself

Lately it seems that you don't have to look very far to find a case of low morale. However, you don't have to be sucked into the spiral. The key to building motivation and a positive energy begins with you. Read these tips to find out how you can get on the right path.

What Biology Can Tell Us About Consumers

Biology is a curious thing. In this interview, Diana Derval explains how it can influence everything from whether you are likely to view red as a calming or exciting colour to which coffee taste is likely to have the highest sales.

Winning Government Work

So, you want to win a lucrative government contract but aren't sure how to write your proposal. These tips will help you ensure that your proposal lands at the top.

Thunder-Thinking... When Lightning Strikes: Part 2

Brainstorming, where the creative power of several minds is unleashed on a single issue, can work miracles. This article will help you reap the benefits, while side-stepping problems that often occur.

Proactive strategies to minimize price objections

It can be hard to compete with those big-box stores who can offer the same products and cheaper prices. Our 'idea man' talks about how you can work around these challenges.

11 Steps to Developing New Business

Looking to take your business to a higher level? Read on to find the steps you need to take.

Whip your Business into Shape

Every New Year we make resolutions such as losing weight, stop smoking, and to learn a new hobby. While making your list don't forget about your business. Read on to find out how to whip your business into shape.

Prevention, Forward Thinking, Key to Crisis Management

Don’t wait for a crisis to happen. Prepare ahead of time using these tips.

What Will You Have on Your Tombstone?

Your tombstone is like your final mission statement. Peter Urs Bender encourages us to think about what our parting words should be.

10 Steps to a Great Business Website

Want to get an effective website for your business? Start with our ten list on what it takes to have a great website.

E-Success Stories: Just White Shirts

With a projected $1.5 million in online sales for 1999, Just White Shirts is doing something right! Find out how this Canadian company is managing to pull in millions in profit when other businesses are struggling.

Marketing and Sales

7 Programs to Protect and Find Your Smartphones and Mobile Devices

Association Profile: Canada China Business Council (CCBC)

This month's association profile: the Canada China Business Council (CCBC).

Does Google's New Farmer / Panda Search Algorithm Help  Thin  Websites Rise to Top?

Google's new Farmer (aka Panda) algorithm is supposed to penalize content farms with  thin  content. Why then are super-thin pages/sites dominating the top ten results?

Franchise Category

Whats On Canadaone

Starting a Business Step 2: Registering Your Business

Time to register your company? These guides will help.

Understanding the Angels: An In-Depth Look at Angel Financing

Angel investors: they may seem like a god-send, but what does it take to reach a deal? And what are some of the things that one can expect after a deal is signed? Read on to find out what it takes to reach a winning deal.

An Action Step is Worth a Thousand Words

Finding the right words to market your business is important, but don't mistake your wordsmithing for productive action. Crafting a good marketing message and delivering it effectively are not at all the same thing.

What Business Are You REALLY In? The Art of Niche Marketing and Why It's Important to Your Bottom Line Success

Know you clients, market to your niche. In this article Susan, a small business consultant, outlines the benefits of niche marketing.

Customer Service

Toronto's Four-Part Graffiti Plan

Will Toronto's new graffiti plan make Rob Ford the  art mayor  of Toronto? This short documentary looks at the new graffiti management plan the City of Toronto passed in June 2011.

Conversations with Entrepreneurs

Meet Rory Scherer, online entrepreneurs. In this conversation Rory talks to us about his innovative business venture, which he describes as being a bit like the boardgame Clue in an interactive movie format.

The Art of Shaking Hands

What's in a handshake? There are three main conventions ...

Add Your Event

Add your Canadian business event, a free service from CanadaOne

Marketing ... Nothing is Difficult About It Just get the right system and PERSEVERE

Marketing is about how you present yourself and your business to the world. And that message is the key for anyone who needs a marketing program. Marketing requires a systematic approach.

Cut Costs without Cutting Corners

The day to day expenses of running a business can quickly add up. That's why we've compiled a list of cost cutting ideas that can save you money without losing face with your customers.

Business Coach: Common Sense Leadership

Do you ever find yourself wondering if you are the leader your employees need? Or perhaps their actions don't seem to line up with your expectations. Paul Adams shows you how you can become a smart leader with these simple steps.

Time for a Redesign

You know there's something wrong with your office, but you’re not sure how to deal with it. Read on for some tips on how to make your space work for you.

Communication Overload

With so many ways to communicate it's easy to get overwhelmed. Read on for some tips for how you can keep from being overloaded.

Discover the Value of Good New Year's Resolutions

Before you dismiss the value of creating New Year's resolutions, you may want to consider the findings of two important studies.

Canadian Franchise Directory

Create an Action Plan for Your Business

Is your business plan collecting dust? It's time to transform your business ideas and theories into actions and results. Our step by step guide will show you how to get started.

Avoiding Computer Hell: Backing Up Your Data

You need to back-up your data. But what are your options, and how much does it cost? In this article we will look at current technology solutions.

Counterfeit Scams Catch Unsuspecting Small Business Owners

Learn how Brad Jones, owner of a Karate dojo in Newmarket, Ontario narrowly avoided a $3000 business loss after getting an inquiry from his website.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Quiz - Fuel for Success

Taking charge of yourself may be the fuel you need to make your business a success. Take this 12 question quiz to help you gage your own emotional emotional intelligence (EQ), and consider how you can channel your EQ into both business and personal success.

US Survey: Franchisers Earn More, Happier

A recent survey revealed that more than 9 out of 10 franchise owners consider themselves to be successful ...

Bullies in the Boardroom: How to Handle Difficult Clients [Part 1]

All small business owners have come across client bullies, whether they demand more than what they are paying for or cause problems when it's time to pay their bills. In this first article we look at behavioural management strategies that can help you handle clients who don't play nice.

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Colouring your Success Online

Twitter for Small Business: An Interview With Alex Blom

Alex Blom of Helix Commerce and SalesChoice talks about how to use Twitter for small business.

Canadians Talk Business (CTB)

CTB is a moderated email mailing list for Canadians that want to talk business without getting bogged down by shameless promotions and spam on the list. Topics include success stories, business strategy, best-practices, generating profits, entrepreneurship, Intenret business, and more.

Business Coach: Listen for the Sounds of Success

Successful leaders listen by observation. This month Dr. Paul Adams looks at how you can improve your business through better listening skills.

Setting up a Group RRSP

As a small business, having a group RRSP for your staff is one way you can compete for and retain talent. Here is an in-depth look into how you can get one started in your business.

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The New Balance Sheet: The Ethics of Hope

Businesses must now contend with a new kind of balance sheet where brain capital and human dynamics play a large role in success. In this article, the first in a new series, Dr. Michael Rock examines the importance of hope within a business.

Canadian Small Business News [Biz Briefs]

The New Balance Sheet: Leadership as Presence

In the second installment of The New Balance Sheet the authors look at the power of presence within a business.

Useful British Columbia Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for British Columbia.

Small Business Money Guide

Whether it's paying taxes or raising capital, money is a predominant factor in your business. It is also one of the most popular topics with our readers, which is why we've compiled this guide to help you learn about some of the common financial issues you have to deal with.

The New Balance Sheet: The Art of Fine Business

A new quantum mode of thinking is needed to drive successful businesses. In this article Michael Rock examines the finer points of the art of business.

The New Balance Sheet: Final Synthesis

In the last article of the New Balance Sheet series Michael Rock completes our journey with three inspiring insights.

Would You Buy from Yourself?

Are you someone that other people like and want to do business with? Answer these questions to pinpoint ways you can improve your business relationships.

A Consumer Credit Rating Primer

What you don't know about credit ratings could hurt you on both a personal and business level. In this interview we asked Ken Porter, President, TransUnion Canada to explain the fundamentals of credit ratings.

All You Need to Know about Importing from the USA to Canada

With the Canadian dollar on a 30 year high, and existing price gaps left over from the days of a weak dollar, importing equipment from the US is becoming an attractive proposition for Canadian small businesses.

Should I Start My Own Company?

For many starting their own business is the path to life fullfilment, success and riches. Reality can often be quite different than the great  dream . Before you decide to start your own business, you should take the time to consider these critical questions.

Understanding Yourself: a Simple Assessment Exercise

This simple assessment exercise will help you identify your entrepreneurial strengths and weaknesses.

55 Easy Ways To Improve Your Retail Business

Whether you are a new or seasoned business owner this comprehensive list of practical customer-winning ideas, tips and techniques can set your business apart and make it a successful enterprise.

Are You Losing Interest in Your Business?

The start-up phase in business is filled with risks, excitement, fears, hope and passion. But what should you do if you find yourself growing bored as your business stabilizes? Dr. Paul Adams offers advice that will help you you rekindle your passion for business.

Big Deals May Be Disappointing

Don't let the dream of the "big deal" get in the way of your success. In this article Dr. Paul Adams explains how chasing unrealistic dreams can destroy a business.

The Surprising Power of Intelligent Optimism

Optimism isn't a factor of birth, it is a state of mind. Learning to apply intelligent optimism to your business and life may be the "success secret" that has been missing from your current business approach.

Combat Spam Overload

Junk email wastes precious time, may be highly offensive and it can destroy your computer system if it contains a virus. These ideas will help you combat spam effectively.

Oh Internet, How Far We Have Come

The Internet has redefined the world we live in. Now a landmark study gives us a detailed look at how the Internet is being used by Canadians. Here's the scoop on the way we surfed in 2005.

Business Identity Theft Checklist

Protecting customer data is both a legal and a customer relationship issue. How does your organization protect the information it collects? This checklist will help you develop secure information management practices.

AR Turnover Ratio Calculator

Consumer Spending Outlook for 2006

Will Canadians consumers spend more or less in 2006? If you want to learn where and when Canadians are most likely to part with their money in the year ahead, read on.

The Myth of Treating People Fairly and Equally

According to Jeff Mowatt, treating customers fairly and equally is a mistake. Before giving your employees rigid rules to follow, consider how allowing for exceptions can prevent negative customer experiences.

When the Cat's Away

When you give employees advice on customer service you may inadvertently cause service to worsen, not improve. The solution is not to avoid correcting employees, but to use prioritized service standards. Here's how they work.

Ask an Expert: Archive

Updating the GST Rate in Quickbooks & Simply Accounting

Effective July 1, 2006 a new GST rate is in effect. Here is how you can update the GST tax codes in Quickbooks or Simply Accounting.

Are You Ready for Web 2.0?

Dubbed "web 2.0", a suite of new online technologies are shifting the way people communicate online. The real question is this: is your company leveraging these tools to your advantage or do you find yourself at risk of being left behind?

Seven Ways to Throw a Successful Celebration

Planning a party? These seven tips will help ensure its success.

Venture Capital for Internet - Is the Boom Back?

In this video interview Rick Segal from JLA Ventures explains what his firm is looking for when investing in Internet companies.

Tea and the Secrets of Staff Retention

Boosting employee motivation depends on making work interesting. In this article Jeff Mowatt explains how you structure a training program that will result in higher employee retention.

Featured Articles

Overcoming Challenges that Prevent Small Business Growth

Growth - the thing most businesses strive for - is not without risk. This article looks at the main challenges associated with business growth and what you can do to overcome them.

Individual Pension Plans (IPPs): the Benefits and the Drawbacks

Individual Pension Plans have the potential to add millions to your retirement savings, but set things up incorrectly and you could see your savings wiped out or worse. Here is a closer look at this increasingly popular savings option.

Small Business Week Begins

With the launch of Small Business Week, interesting research reveals the attitudes and concerns of Canada's small business owners.

Planning the Office Holiday Party

Restaurant owner, Jimmy Georgoulis, shares advice on how to plan a successful office party this holiday season.

Coaching Your Controller

Attention company owners: these six steps will help you better manage the person in charge of the accounting functions for your business.

Effective Hiring for Smaller Businesses

As a small business owner you cannot afford to hire the wrong person for your job. Read on to learn about a five-step hiring process that has the power to radically improve your hiring results.

Turn your PC into two or more, instantly!

Starting a new office computer network can be a strain on any small business, but a new program from Userful Corp. can make things a lot easier.

Free Trade Magazines and Reports

Stay informed about your industry by signing up for free business and trade magazines or downloading industry reports and white papers.

Your Chance to Win in our Napkin Business Plan Contest!

Submit your start-up or business growth plan between April 4 to June 18th for a chance to win $1500 in cash, a Lexmark all-in-one printer, Simply Accounting from Sage, Maximizer CRM 10 and a 1 year subscription to Freshbooks!

Napkin Business Plan Contest

Submit your start-up or business growth plan between April 4 to June 18th for a chance to win $1500 in cash, a Lexmark all-in-one printer, Simply Accounting from Sage, Maximizer CRM 10 and a 1 year subscription to Freshbooks!

Supreme Court Ruling Positive for Business

The Supreme Court ruling released on June 27, 2008 overturns the previous pro-employee decisions and sets new rights for employers.

Provoking Great Ideas

Don't wait for drastic times before taking drastic measures. Ed Bernacki will help you provoke great ideas before disaster strikes.

Age Affects the Way Canadian Entrepreneurs View Business Technology

Gen X, Gen Y, Boomer, Veterans. The workforce can be broken down into these four groups, with some surprising differences between how they use and view technology in business.

Tax Free Savings Accounts: What You Need to Know

Learn how the new Tax Free Saving Account (TFSA) can help you grow your net worth without paying tax on the interest of your portfolio.

Keeping Your Cash in an Economic Downturn

Times are tough. These tips will help you keep cash in the company coffers.

Hunting Your Fortune

A new CBC show, Fortune Hunter's, offers businesses publicity, not cash, and the chance to hear what two experts think of their business hopes.

Simple Steps to Safeguard Your Data

When it comes to your business data, loss is not an option. These simple steps will help you protect your company from hardware failures, theft and malicious code attacks.

Leadership in Action: The Four-step Program to Identify & Address Silent Barriers to Business Success

In the second part of this two part series, learn a simple four step process to identify, isolate and tear down silent barriers in your company.

Using Paypal for Business

Darrell MacMullin, general manager of Paypal Canada, explains how businesses can get the most out of Paypal's merchant services and also offers insights into new technology designed to improve the safety of online transactions.

Small Business Survey

David & Goliath: Tips to Help Small Companies Sell to Large Corporations

[video] Advice from a one-woman marketing company and the VP of a large corporation on how small companies can sell to large organizations.

Venture Capital: Financing Early Stage Deals in 2001 - Part 3

Is the recession affecting venture capital and angel financing and how they look at early stage financing?

Economy on the rise, little by little

Listening to the recent rash of news reports on the state of the economy can make you dizzy. One claims we are out of the recession, another that there is growth, yet another will tell you things aren’t as good as they seem. So where do we stand?

Strategy Execution Priority 1: Improve Organizational Alignment

David Gordon outlines the first of the three key components to strategy execution: Organizational Alignment.

Privacy Checklist: Are You Ready?

The federal government is poised to implement new privacy laws in the New Year. Is your business ready? Read through our checklist to find out.

The New Privacy Laws Explained

On January 1st, 2004 the federal government’s new privacy laws took effect. This article will help you understand the impact of the new legislation on your business.

Get Ready for a More Profitable 2010

This year, pay attention to the right signals and increase your business' value.

Thought Leadership for Executive Teams: Who is Thinking about your Thinking?

thought leadership, thinking, Ed Bernaki, executives, management, teams, creativity, ideas

Strategy Execution Priority 3: Staying on Your Toes

In this final instalment we are going to delve into the final element of successful execution of your strategy: improving adaptability to changing circumstances.

Marketing with Zero Budget

If you find your marketing budget being pinched by the current economic conditions there is good news. Your most successful marketing strategy doesn't need to cost a penny.

3 Steps for Starting a Business You Can Sell One Day

If you want to create something of value that you could one day sell, it's important to start a business that can scale into more than just a glorified job. Here are three steps for starting a business you can sell down the road.

Social Media, Search Trends and the "Findability" of Your Business

With social media sites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter playing a central role in how people access content online, getting found is becoming much more complicated. In this interview Ian McAnerin explains the new landscape.

Seven Tips to Keep your Cash Flow on Track

Like it or not, the HST must now be charged on most sales in Ontario and BC. The new tax will affect business systems and more importantly, it may impact your cash flow.

Do People in Your Business Think Alike?

If you want results from your staff, you may need to reconsider what tools will help them set and achieve their goals.

The Direct Engagement Show Live

Four Simple Steps to Sharpening Your Writing

Want to pack more punch into your written messages? Expert communicator Paul Lima tells you how.

Canadian Postal Codes Threatened in Copyright Lawsuit #openpostal

An important battle has begun in Canada over an essential piece of information: the lowly postal code. It is a case that has important ramifications for all businesses in Canada.

Small Business Week Special: Ready, Aim, Hire!

Is your company ready to start hiring again now that the economy is recovering? If so, there are a few things small firms should know and do if they want to recruit top talent ahead of their competitors.

Sprouter: A Start-Up Helping Start-Ups

CanadaOne caught up with Erin Bury, the Community Manager of Sprouter.com, to learn more about this Twitter-style network for business start-ups.

Blackberry Playbook Demo

Company Websites that Make the Grade

Design. Mobile compatibility. User experience. Search optimization. Social media. Measurement. Standards. Whew!

Summer Subsidies: Government Grants Can Help You Hire

Now is the time to check out government programs that can help you hire a summer student, recent grad or apprentice.

Dress For Success - The Wardrobe Workshop

We sit down to talk to Chris Mallmann about her Toronto company  The Wardrobe Workshop 

Is Your Business Visible Online? These Search Engine Strategies (SES) Can Help

In a world of digital hyper-media, having a web presence is essential to success. Building an online strategy that is effective can be a daunting task, but help is on the way.

Avoiding Legal Perils: Critical Insights into Canadian Franchise Law

Before you buy - or sell - a franchise, make sure that you understand these ins and outs of Canadian franchise legislation.

Innovation funding for smaller companies threatened as PMO signals discontent over SR&ED program

Small and medium-sized companies in Canada that access SR&ED tax credts need to know that major changes to the program may be coming based on the "Jenkins report", which was created by a six person panel that lacked SME representation.

Bullies in the Boardroom: Covering the Legal Bases

To avoid bad debts and other board room antics, consider this advice from senior commercial litigator Igor Ellyn.

Leyland Brown

Is Your Business Ready to Move into the Cloud?

Cloud computing offers huge benefits to SMBs - and it's not as difficult or complex as some might think.

The Impact of Design Thinking

Design thinking is about studying how people experience your product or service and finding ways to enhance this experience. Thinking about the initial reaction, the experience of using it and designing how you want people to reflect can lead to ideas that strengthen the bottom line.

5 Tips for Content Marketing

Marketing automation is the next level in getting the best return on investments from your website. Jimmy Li of BC-based marketing automation specialists, RevenueAutomation.com, shared five tips to help you get the most out of your content marketing strategy.

7 Digital Advertising Trends for 2012

Last month hundreds of delegates came together at the Dx3 Canada conference, dubbed as  Canada's Digital Tradeshow . CanadaOne was there on the hunt to find emerging products and services in the digital space. Here are the seven selections that stood out.

A New Path for Innovation: The Art of Followership

There is a vast industry designed to practice the art of leading people. Yet, what about to practice the art of leading ideas? To be truly effective in leading people, businesses need to learn how to embrace and encourage effective  followership .

Business Innovation Challenge: How it Works

In an era of crowdsourcing CanadaOne has launched an ‘open innovation project’, the Business Innovation Challenge, to help small and medium-sized businesses discover practical ways to innovate. Here is how the challenge works.

Employees and Profits: How to Increase the Bottom Line

Keeping your employees happy has a direct impact on your profits. The more satisfied they are, the more likely they will be to work hard and use their time well. The key to this happiness is a simple two step process that you will find here.

Selecting a Payment Processing Vendor: 17 Essential Questions

In the market for a payment processing provider? We show you everything you need to know before selecting one that's best for you.

The Importance of a Professional Development Strategic Plan

Brainstorming, where the creative power of several minds is unleashed on a single issue, can work miracles. This article will help you reap the benefits, while side-stepping problems that often occur.

What do You Say after You Say Hello?

You've got your customer's attention, now how do you keep it? Paul Adams walks you through those initial greetings to the final sale.

Does Voicemail Drive you Crazy?

Love it or hate it voicemail is here to stay. Peter Urs Bender tells you how you can deal with it.

Business Guides

These free tools are designed to help your business grow.

Where did the Customers Go?

When it feels like your customers are eluding you, these tips will help you refocus.

Turning your Idea into a Business: Market Research, Prototypes and Product Evaluations

While you can study the successes of others, there isn't a standardized roadmap that will lead you to success. It will be difficult to identify the best path, and some roads may put you in dangerous territory. Not only that, but different routes will require different supplies.

11 Marketing Tips for Reviving Your Business

Description Here are some ways to pump up your marketing know how.

Watch Out for Wishful Sales Forecasts

Fantasy in business can be bad for your checkbook. Here are some of the things to consider before investing your money in a picture that may be too good to be true.

3 Secrets to Getting a Higher Multiple for your Business

When selling a business, more scalable businesses will typically have higher valuations. Read on to learn about the three criteria that will help you determine if you have a scalable business.

Sailing the Seven Cs of Effective Writing

Read on to find out how you can write articles and letters that people will want to read.

Incorporation Aftermath

You've been incorporated from day one, enjoying all of the tax and strategic advantages that go along with that. What about your other requirements? Read on to find out what they are.

Video Interview with Kristian Bogner

The Spies Inside My Computer

How a search for song lyrics turned into a spyware nightmare, and what you need to know before you install a free download on your computer system.

Killer Facebook Targeting

Dramatically increase the response rates from you Facebook ads using this advice from Marty Weintraub, author of Killer Facebook Ads. This video contains clips and insights from Marty's presentation at SES Toronto in June 2011.

Accounting 101: Balance Sheet Basics

If owners equity calculations send your head spinning, read on for a clear understanding of balance sheet basics for small business owners.

Start-up Advice for Inventors

The 12 Steps (Advice) to Entrepreneurial Success: Practice the  Golden Rule  in all of Your Affairs

Short cuts and sharp dealings to quick success make great fodder for novels and movies - but are not smart practices to build a successful business. The role models of "greed is good" and "have I got a deal for you," can lead you to failure.

Association Profile: Toastmasters

When you need help with business communications, Toastmasters may be the answer you are looking for.

Accounting 101: The Current Equity Report

This simple calculation is a handy way to tell if your business is making money.

What Are the Differences in Buying a Franchise in a New System versus an Established One?

Ned Levitt talks about the pros and cons of different types of franchise systems.

Business Sense - Starting a Business, Need money? Be Careful Where You Get It.

If you are looking for an angel to invest in your venture, be cautious, you may be getting more than money as most investment dollars have strings.

StreetArt Showcase Launch

Successful Techniques for Generating Increased Sales

Boost your sales by following these five simple and proven steps. Start using them today and you'll see an immediate increase in your business.

Getting Paid

How can you ensure that your customers will pay? These tips will help.

Event Details

The Ins and Outs of Individual Credit

You've decided to run a credit check on a potential client to ensure that you'll get paid for your services. Once the report arrives what are you really looking at and how can you use the information to make the best decision? This article can help.

Useful Saskatchewan Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for Saskatchewan.

Making the Most of Personality Tests

Personality tests can be found all over the place, from popular magazines to the Internet. However, not all of these tests are created equal, nor should they be treated so lightly. Testing expert David Towler discusses how and when these tests should be used to their best advantage.

Marketing Alliances

If you're looking to get more customers without spending a lot of time or money a marketing alliance could be the way to go. This month we tell you what to look for and how to set up the deal.

The Colours of Networking

You know you need to network to get work, but do you know the purpose behind networking? The real answer may surprize you. Read on to find out why.

Overcoming Techno-Phobia

Thinking about upgrading your office computers? Here are some things you should consider before shelling out your hard-earned cash.

Press Release Builder

The Formula for Failure and Success

Just like the formula for failure, the formula for success is easy to follow. A few simple disciplines practiced every day will have you seeing almost immediate results. This article will get you started.

Stress Eq and Unstress You! EQ and the New Workplace

How many times does a meeting turn into a display of anger by the boss? When researchers write up the consequences of these kinds of meetings, results usually come under the heading of 'industrial sabotage.'

Emotional Intelligence

Email Goes Social: Amp Up Your Word of Mouth Engine

Social networks have been generating a lot of hype in the last few years as new ways of reaching and communicating with customers. Lisa Kember from Constant Contact talks about practices using these networks along with email for engagement marketing.

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Julie King

As the publisher of CanadaOne Julie is responsible for content and technical development as well as marketing and strategic partnerships.

Press Release Distribution

8 Field-Proven Tips To Increasing Your Sales Income

Work less and make more--It's not an impossible goal. Read on to find proven methods to hone your selling skills and boost your sales.

Add Your Business

Twelve Lessons in Leadership: Communicate With Clarity

Leadership Lesson #2: When people do not understand what you mean you are at fault, not the reader or listener. This installment looks at how plain language communication can improve relations with both your customers and employees.

CanadaOne's Corporate Bio

Ask for Your Money or Fail!

If you dislike nudging slow paying customers, you had better get over it or you may have to get out of business. Here are some effective ways to rein in overdue accounts.

Bad Etiquette Can Leave a Bad Taste

Are poor table manners putting a major joint venture or business deal at risk? Etiquette does have an impact - here is what you need to watch for.

Recycled Success Online

Discover how Markham, ON company have built their company by selling one huge whack of golf balls - cheap online.

Taming Time Management

Do you find yourself in a constant flow of endless deadlines? The solution may be how you deal with time management.

Small Business, Big Leaders

There could be a thousand reasons why you started your own business. But when you actually move from idea to action you will have taken a step that many dream of but never quite make. Now that you've done that, what - if any - are the core philosophical beliefs that you are prepared to champion?

Leadership Lessons from Pope John Paul II

What leadership lessons can we learn from this global spiritual leader who so moved the world? In this article Sharif Khan takes us through a brief timeline snap-shot of Karol Josef Wojtyla’s exemplary leadership.

Google Sidewiki: What Small Business Owners Needs to Know

Google Sidewiki is big news for business. Here's what you need to know.

Ask an Expert Thanks

Businesses for Sale: Where to Look?

Here are a few of the resources you can use to find businesses for sale.

The Time Thieves

Each week you start with 168 hours to accomplish what needs to be done in both your life and business. If you are like most people, eleven time theives will steal much of that time from you. Dr. Wetmore can help you gain back time by identifying and then arresting these time theives.

When to Fire Your Computer Consultant

Don't let fear and technobabble prevent you from getting the technical support you need.

Develop a High Performance Mind

Scientific evidence in the last ten years has proven beyond a doubt that genius is not a born quality – it is developed (and can be learned). The same is true for high performance minds. So how can this be accomplished? There are basically three secrets to developing a high performance mind.

Current Ratio Calculator

A Patent Necessity

How much is a patent worth? If you are Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd., it is your entire business. Yet as important as patents are, when it comes to filing patents to protect intellectual property the statistics say that Canada lags behind other countries.

Women at Work: a Look at the Past 25 Years

Women today are more likely to have a higher profile in professional fields than they did 25 years ago, yet an income gap remains and the number of women working in management has actually dipped slightly since 1996. Here is an overview of these and other key findings from Women in Canada: A Gender-Based Statistical Report.

Incorporating your Company: Don't Overlook the Goodwill Factor

Transferring assets to an incorporated business? Watch out for possible tax liabilities! To learn how entrepreneurs can protect themselves from an unnecessary tax liability when turning a sole proprietorship or partnership into a corporation we spoke with Joel Campagna, a senior tax manager with KPMG.

How To Win Customers & Influence Loyalty

Sometimes the best way to develop customer loyatly is to step into your customer's shoes. With that in mind, here are five steps you can take to keep your customers coming back.

How not to Plan your Company's Future 5 common mistakes when identifying customer needs

Are you business strategies in line with your customer needs? They may not be if you rely on the five most common methods to determine whether or not your customer needs are being met. Read on to learn about why you should be cautious before basing your business strategy on this data.

How to Use Trade Show Giveaways to Deliver Results

When it comes to selecting the best promotional giveaways for your next tradeshow, first consider your goals.

Opportunity Knocks in China

China as a market is both tremendous and daunting. In this article Dave Archer explains what business owner should understand about the Chinese culture before doing business there.

Conversations with Entrepreneurs

For Mark Yeoman, founder of Micro Alternative Solutions, managing ewaste has enabled him to build a sucessful small business.

Ten Steps To Solving Any Problem

In this article Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler, a mind researcher, outlines her fail-proof approach to problem solving.

Telus' Leadership Lesson in Brand Mismanagement

Jeff Mowatt looks at the impact of Telus' decision to sell downloads of pornographic images and videos.

Prioritizing Power

Take control of your daily schedule using this simple planning exercise.

Becoming the Employer of Choice

Employee recognition is an effective, low-cost way to build company loyalty. So why aren't more employers using this valuable tool?

How to be Innovative

Innovation is a big part of the success of a business. We look at some important steps that will help your company be more innovative and in turn more successful.

MBA Tour Coming to Canada

After a whirlwind tour through Asia, the United States, India and Latin America, the MBA Tour will arrive in Canada this November with stops in Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal.

The Mathematics of Persuasive Communication: Part I

What if the secret of effective business writing could be simmered down to a simple, mathematical formula? In Part 1 this 3 part series author Philip Yaffe shares with us a new way to look at how we communicate.

The Mathematics of Persuasive Communication: Part II

In the second installment in this series, Philip Yaffe looks at how simple mathematical concepts can improve the conciseness and clarity of business communications.

The Mathematics of Persuasive Communication: Part III

In this final installment of Philip Yaffe's three part series on effective written communications, Mr. Yaffe looks at the role of density in the creation of effective prose.

Attracting Non-Family Members Into The Fold

Hiring employees outside of your circle of comfort can be tough. Here are a few tips to get you started on the right track.

Web Writing Tactics that Convert

The ultimate test of your website is its ability to help you achieve your sales goals.

Event: Transforming Small Business

Never has business faced a time of such rapid, powerful change. Join us on June 10th for an informative, interactive conference that will help you take advantage of new technologies to start, run and grow a successful small business.

Do the Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) You're Measuring Say Anything about the Value of your Business?

To identifying the value of your business, reviewing your financial data is just not enough.

Setting Prices Based on Value Attracts Better Customers

If you want to become more profitable while finding it easier to source and retain clients, it may be time to consider a value based pricing model.

Taming the Motivation Monster

New brain research teaches us how to stop procrastinating and get motivated.

Developing New Export Sales: Creating a Short List of Target Export Markets

Dave Archer explains how to target the right market for your product or service when exporting.

Avoid the Temptation to Just  Give Up 

Dr. Jill Ammom-Wexler explains how negative thinking patterns stop you from achieving your goals.

Web Writing: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Avoid common pitfalls in web writing and make your text work for you.

Low Morale, Stalled Productivity, Apathy: Could Silent Barriers be Undermining Your Business Success?

The first in a two-part series, this article introduces us to Dave, a good manager who was having difficulty overcoming negative employee attitudes.

Preventing Identity Theft: 7 Ways to Guard Against Phishing Attacks

To keep your identity - and bank accounts - safe online, follow these seven steps.

Is the Credit Crunch Easing for Small Businesses?

While large corporations are falling under pressure, is the small business sector making a recovery?

Influence with Ease: Boosting your Business in a Slow Economy

Question: What are two words that will become increasingly important to customers over the next decade? The answer, according to marketing guru Frank Luntz, is "hassle free". Customers are fed up with being forced to jump through hoops. Yet bizarrely, even in a slow economy, companies are actually becoming more difficult for customers to do business with ...

Accounting 101: Understanding Operating Leases

Should you lease or buy? This primer will help you understand the ins and outs of operating lease financing.

Venture Capital: Financing Early Stage Deals in 2001 - Part 2

How financing requirements have been revised to go back to basics.

An In-Depth Guide to Personal Health Spending Plans (PHSPs)

Learn how PHSPs and HSAs can save you money on your healthcare expenses.

7 Golden Rules for a Winning Proposal

You're proposals will be more successful if you take a more strategic approach, customize your proposal to meet your client's specific needs and follow these simple 7 Golden Rules.

Success by Design

For a business, the look you project can be closely tied to your business results.

Marketing and Public Relations in 2010 Requires a Whole New Business Model

With old business models not as effective as they once were, business owners need to look for new approaches to break through the marketing clutter.

How to Handle the Media During a Customer Service Crisis

Tip the Scales toward a Healthier Work-Life Balance

Striking a balance between work and the rest of your life can be challenging. Here's how to make this goal achievable.

Business Contracts 101: What Canadian Businesses Need to Know

This guide looks at what you need to know about business contracts before you sign on the dotted line.

Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: How to Prepare for Interviews with Reporters

The next time a reporter contacts you looking for an interview, be prepared.

Optimizing Your Press Release

A great press release can go a long way in terms of gaining free publicity for your business, especially in an increasingly digital media .

Small Business Week Special: Global Supply Chains

Think your company is too small to join a big multinational's supply chain? Heads up: seems they need small companies as much as you need them.

Canadian Small Business Videos

A collection of video interviews on topics of interest to small businesses in Canada.

Business Support

Sunnybrook Shifts to Cross-Device Software

SMBs are crucial to developing Canada's digital infrastructure

To achieve the goal for all Canadians to be able to do "anything online" by 2017, Canada needs to continue develop its digital infrastructure in rural and remote areas.

How to Compete with Discounters

Jeff Mowatt discusses how to strategize against big discounters for small to medium-sized businesses.

Social Media Insights from Obama's 'Digital Oracle', Mike Slaby [Recap]

This multimedia article contains excerpts and video clips from the recent Direct Engagement show with guests Mike Slaby, best known as the 'digital oracle' behind Obama's successful presidential election campaign, and Ontario Minister Takhar.

Get Your Canadian Business Online: Google Gives Small Businesses in Canada Free .ca Domain, Website

If your small business doesn't have a website, you'll want to consider this latest offering from Google and partners. Despite its flaws, it can help get you up and running.

Trendy Tips: Sparking Innovation in Your Business

TrendHunter.com's founder Jeremy Gutshce talks starting-up, keeping up with trends, and innovating in this CanadaOne interview. Be sure to watch this if you are starting or growing a small business in Canada!

Articles About Franchising in Canada

Starting a Business in Canada: Understanding the Basics of Buying a Franchise

There are many reasons to consider the franchise option, but the most important reason is that franchises have a high likelihood of success. To help people who are looking at starting a business better understand the ins and outs of franchising, we are creating this free guide. To get started, consider how franchises differ from other forms of business.

Search Engine Essentials: What Canadian Businesses Need to Know

If you run a small business in Canada, you need to understand how search engines can be used to boost your business. In this interview with SEO expert Jonathan Allen we explore exactly what business need to know about this important business tool.

Keynote: Best of CanadaOne: 15 Year, 5 Incredible Ideas

Who’s Counting? Quantity vs. Quality in Social Media

In this age of social media, when there’s such an emphasis on getting more fans, followers, and subscribers, it’s easy to feel a bit anxious about ramping up your connections on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Here is some advice that will decide on a strategy to use that best suits your business.

Business Innovation Challenge

Join our challenge to share you knowledge, gain ideas and have a chance to have free national media publicity!

Content Marketing: It's That Easy!

Content marketing leverages this sharing - it works to create shareable information and online experiences in order to build your brand. In this article Lisa Kember describes how you can use content marketing effectively in your business.

Reputational Risk Management: Why it Matters and How to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Company

Before jumping into online marketing, self-employed people and businesses must take steps to guard their reputations. This article and checklist will help.

How Small Businesses can Leverage LinkedIn to Grow their Business

To learn how small companies can make the best use of Linked In CanadaOne went to the source.

Competitive Intelligence: Continuous Feedback for Increased Sales and Profits

This is the first of a multi-part discussion on how Competitive Intelligence (a system of continuous feedback) gives businesses the winning edge over competitors and profits - even in hard economic times.

Coaching Business: Get Your Customers to Say Yes!

Salespeople will often make the mistake of rambling on about the product or service that they forget. Don’t make the same mistake. Find out how you can develop sales tactics to convince your customers that they need your products.

Workaholics & Extreme Workers

If you often work obsessively, putting in long hours and sacrificing other aspects of your life, you are not alone. These two strategies can help you get your life back under control.

A Guide to the Care and Feeding of New Employees...The First 90 Days

Bob Hooey, employee, relationship, productive, hire, new, manager, supervising, training, train

The Deadly Sins of Entrepreneurship

fear, problems, business, development, anxiety, sabatoge, Michelle Collins

Government Contracts: Accessing the Opportunities

Do you want to do business with the government? To find out how you can source government contracts, including work that may not go to tender, read this article.

In Business, Plain Words Say it Best

If you want to increase sales, forget buzz words. Talking in plain language can be more persuasive in developing new business.

If You Sit on a Powder Keg, Don't Smoke

Are things around the office a little too quiet? This could be a sign that something is wrong. Learn to spot the warning signs and resolve issues before they explode.

Writing the Perfect Email: Professional or Casual?

Which is better: a formal “Dear Mr. Smith”, or a cheerful “Hi John”? In this day and age it can be hard decide which salutations and signoffs are best. To find out if you’re committing a communication faux pas make sure to read this article.

Picking Up Your Marbles - Your Exit Strategy

When you start your business, plan to get out with enough money to try again. Survival insurance is having a plan in case things fall apart.

Entrepreneurship: Used Business for Sale

Are you thinking of buying someone else's business? Read this before you sign on the dotted line.

Business Sense A Budget is a Road Map to Success

Paul Adams provides you with some compelling reasons to keep a regular budget.

Statistics

Networking Directly With Other Ezine Authors and Contributors

Networking with Authors and other contibutors to ezines and email lists provides many chances.

HR Benefits for Small Businesses - Look Beyond the Salary Bottom Line

An outstanding benefits plan can help you grab great employees out of the reach of competitors and keep them happy at your company.

Business Coach: Wanted Sales Representative: Great Opportunity!

The competence of your sales employees is a statement of your leadership and business skills. Consider this if you are dissatisfied with the results you are seeing from your sales staff.

Canadian Franchise Profile

The 12 Steps (Advice) to Entrepreneurial Success: Avoid the Perils of Expansion

Watch out for the temptation to own the biggest business on the block. As we live in a society where bigness is viewed as a symbol of success, be careful that you do not confuse success with how fast you can expand your business.

Mission Possible: Web Basics 101

When you build or update your website, be sure to take this simple advice into account.

Grapevine Helps Local Businesses Grow

For new B.C. businesses, getting "Graped" has become a great way to grow your business. It's also a lot of fun for the networking group that rewards a new business each month with a surprise visit. Read on to learn more about this unusual networking group.

Success is in the Detail

The failure of a business doesn't happen overnight, it is often the product of neglect, and overlooked details. Learn to spot the warning signs before your business becomes a statistic.

Starting a New Business Checklist

Do you know what licenses, zoning considerations, bylaws, taxes and other things you need to start a business? Our handy list provides a shortcut to the answers.

Secure your Data Transfers with SSH

Make your data transfer more secure with SSH, the secure shell to plug "sniffers" and dam up buffer overflow.

Venture Capital: Financing Early Stage Deals in 2001 - Part 1

What you must know if you're looking to raise some money for an early stage deal.

Coaching Your Business: Do You Know Why You Are In Business?

Do you remember why you started your business? The simple steps will help you refocus and re-energize.

Useful Manitoba Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for Manitoba.

Intercontinental Shipping Tips

You're an exporter looking to send your first shipment. How can you ensure that you've packed everything right, and done all of the necessary paperwork, to get your shipment to its destination? By reading this article.

10 Steps to a Better '_______' Business

This month the 'Idea Man' calls on his own business experiences for lessons that can apply to all entrepreneurs.

Business Coach: Any Weeds in Your Customer Parking Lot?

From the greetings your employees give to the music playing if a customer is on hold, there is a lot your business says to customers. Is it saying the right thing?

Gutfeeling - the new kid in the boardroom

Times are changing, how will you keep up? Read on to find out how great leaders learned to rely on their instincts.

Search Engine Submission Services

Are you getting mail that promises to assure you a top ranking in Internet search engines? Before you fork over your cash here are a few things that you should know.

Creativity is 99% Perspiration

Innovative solutions make your business better, but tapping into your creativity can be hard work unless you systemize your approach. This article guides you through the process.

User Validation - Events

Boost Your Sales

In this guide to boosting your sales we have compiled a series of articles that can help you focus your sales efforts.

7 Programs to Protect and Find Your Smartphones and Mobile Devices

Protect your mobile devices on-the-go with these seven products that will help you deter thieves and find your phone if it is ever lost or stolen.

Getting Found Post-Panda: Understanding the New Rules for Getting to the Top in Google

Google's Panda update, as well as many other algorithm tweaks, have changed some important search engine optimization fundamentals. If you want to do well in Google's search results, you need to understand the new rules of the game.

Jeff Mowatt

Jeff Mowatt is a master of the fine points of human interaction. A dynamic student of his experience, Jeff has  exercised influence  as a marketing director, martial artist, columnist, and corporate president. His stories are vivid and engaging. Audiences laugh easy and often – and people learn.

Press Release Template

Ask an Expert

Home-Based Businesses

Avoiding Costly Hiring Mistakes: EQ (Emotional Intelligence) and the New Workplace

Imagine the following: You are the Director of Human Resources and you've just hired what you believe is the most qualified applicant for a particular project management team role. Next, see yourself three months later. You are terminating this same person's employment contract. This person is also the third candidate in the past two years whom you have had to let go in a similar fashion.

Successful Sales: Developing a Plan

Success through sales – how a plan of action can help you turn business leads into new business.

5 Secrets of Successful Copywriting

Effective copywriting can be one of the most difficult aspect of the sales process. Here are five "secrets" that can dramatically improve the money-making ability of just about ANY sales message.

Maxwell on Leadership

According to John C. Maxwell, "Leadership ability is the lid that determines your effectiveness. These insights will help you hone your leadership skills.

Twelve Lessons in Leadership: Be Consistent

Leadership Lesson #3: Good leaders bring integrity to the work they do. A large part of that comes from consistent and honest communication. Here are some examples of why this is important.

Media Kit

10 Tips on Managing Your Cash Flow

Read chartered accountant Jeffrey D. Sherman's tips on how to better manage your business's finances.

Asking the Right Questions and Finding Qualified Customers

The better you draw out your prospects and discover their needs and wants, the better chance you have of setting up a relationship that becomes a series of yes's and results in ongoing business. Here are some of the questions that will help you do just that.

Are People Problems Really the Issue?

As organizations grow, keeping staff focused can be a real challenge. In this article Jeff Mowatt challenges businesses to answer a short survey to determine whether they have the business infrastructure that will enable them to be what he calls a "customer service icon".

When Talking to Strangers

Are you inadvertently chasing away potential customers? Consider these three reasons potential customers may distrust you or your employees.

Share Your Profits Not Your Business

When Ronnie gave his employees a share of his business he was hoping to build loyalty and motivate his staff. The results were not what he expected and provide a good backdrop to consider the benefits and risks of giving away a portion of your company.

Assessment & Valuation

Breakfast of Failures

Are you afraid of failing? Before you give up, consider the suprising failures some of the most famous people in history.

The Unstoppable Power of Your Emotions

Are emotional inhibitors getting in the way of your ability to reach your business goals? It could be that the "Laws of Attraction" are limiting your ability to achieve your goals. Consider how an emotional "tune-up" could help you refocus on success.

Save More Time with These Time Savers

If you can recapture a wasted hour here and there and redirect it to a more productive use, you can make great increases in your daily productivity and the quality of your life. In this article Dr. Wetmore shares five of the techniques that will help you do just that.

Communication Basics

What is the best way to communication your business ideas - should you push for an oral presentation, arrange a telephone conference or send a written letter? Read on for an in-depth look at how you can select the best medium for your message.

Building a Successful Sales Career or Business

Pain, gain and sustain are the three aspects of your customer's reality that create business opportunity. Here are some creative ways to increase sales and grow your business.

Interview with Steven Covey

A hero to millions, Dr. Covey is known the world over for his landmark work around helping people take profound ideas, philosophies, and principles and distilling them into easy-to-use daily habits that anyone can apply. Here is what Sharif Khan learned in his recent interview with Dr. Covey.

Conquer Telephone Tag

If you are tired of playing telephone tag, consider these suggestions.

Profit to Assets Ratio Calculator

Leveraging Business Opportunities from the 2010 Olympic Games

If you want to take advantage of the $2 billion dollars that will be spent on goods and services in preparation for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games or prepare to sell to visitors during the Games, these resouces will help.

Against the Tide

Determination, honesty, accountability. Read on to learn how these three characteristics can help you beat the odds and succeed in business.

8 Top Strategies to Achieve Uncommon Success

There are 8 proven strategies highly successful people have always used to overcome obstacles to their goals. Properly applied, these same principles can also serve as a catalyst for your success.

Identity Theft Hurts

Don't let a theif steal your identity! Read on to learn about the most likely times that your identity is at risk and what you can do to protect yourself.

Dirty Little Secrets: Five Things Trade Show Attendees Don't Want You To Know

Here are five secrets that can help you boost sales at the next trade show you attend.

Holiday Stress Busters

Make the holiday season less stressful by following these simple, time management tips for the busy entrepreneur.

Are Small Firms Far from the IT Leading Edge?

The usefulness of technology in business has evolved from a cost-saver to a mechanism for growth. But as Paul Lima found, many smaller firms are not keeping pace with their larger counterparts.

Expert You: Establishing Yourself as the Expert

While the benefits of being seen as an 'expert' are obvious, it's not always clear how to gain this status. This article outlines the basics for becoming a 'niche-entrepreneur'.

A  Beginner's Mind  Approach to Prosperity

To have a high probability of becoming prosperous, you have to start with one very important decision! What are you offering to give, in return for achieving your goal?

Building a Creative Business Culture

Create a creative business culture in your company by following these simple tips.

Canada's Economy Remained Strong in 2006

Women and explosive growth in western Canada helped fuel Canada's economy last year. Here is a closer look at Canada's economic performance in 2006.

Staffing Shortages? Maybe You're the Problem

Sometimes a little encouragement towards an employee can do more harm then good. Read on to find out why.

Are Canadians Vacation Deprived?

Canadians are not getting enough vacation time, two new studies by Mercer and Ipos Reid show.

Igniting the Flickering Embers

Do you feel "stuck" with where your business is? Has your passion dimmed from a burning flame to a mere flicker? If so, these action steps can help you ignite yourself - and the drive in your business - again.

Strategic Planning That Actually Works: The Five Step Plan

Of course planning is important, but where can you find the time? Read on for a simple way to incorporate strategic business planning into your busy schedule.

Managing Multiple Priorities

If you work by the principle that customers are your number one priority, you may actually reduce your effectiveness and damage your business.

Recession-Proof your Canadian Business

An economic downturn will weed out less productive companies. Fortunately you can recession-proof your business by following these twelve steps.

Listening To Hear

Being a good listener can determine if you can finalize a deal or not. Looking at the different type of listeners, find out how to improve this very important skill.

There is No Such Thing as Time Management

Forget about conventional ideas around time management. To succeed you need to visualize and then achieve the future you desire.

Putting a Sock in Business Abroad

It is no wonder that many Canadian businesses are reluctant to export abroad. There are a lot of good reasons to export, but it is important to be properly prepared before you begin.

The Top Four Hiring Frustrations and How to Overcome Them

Employees can be the backbone or the bane of a business. Your best option is to hire great people right from the start.

May I Help You? Understanding Ontario's New Regulation on Accessible Customer Service

In Ontario, quality service for customers with disabilities isn't just good business practice any more – it's the law. Read on to learn how this new legislation could affect your business.

Canadian Small Business Survey

CanadaOne has teamed up with Creative Organizational Design, a company that specializes in surveys of all kinds, to learn more about Canadian small businesses. Please take part in our first survey!

Club Med's Online Marketing Trident

Club Med is an established, trusted brand whose trident logo is synonymous with surf, sun, and sand. Well, when the company decided to engage the Canadian online marketplace, it employed a strategy that also had a three-pronged approach.

Sharing Power; A CEO's Most Effective Management Style

Discover why sharing power is an effective method of planning, developing best thinking, creating positive change and a molding a culture where people want to work.

Website Testimonials: Weapons of Influence

Learn how to make your clients' words come alive and become an effective marketing tool for your business.

It's a New Year, Time to Create a More Effective Business

In an unstable economy, how efficiently you run your business can decide whether you fail or survive. Read on to learn how you can streamline your business.

Successful Communication during Tough Economic Times

Proper motivation and communication is the key to pilot your business though uncertain times.

Reflections of Fortune Hunter TeamPages

What can some media exposure do for your business? Mike Tan of TeamPages fills us in.

Influence with Integrity

In this article Kelly Burnett introduces us to neuro linguistic programming (NLP) and how can it help you connect better to your clients.

Why You Should Just Do It Now

Do you need to make an important decision in the face of uncertainties? Here's a winning strategy: Many of the financial gurus on TV and the web say we're entering a period of great uncertainty. And many recommend we take action, and adopt new lifestyles based on living on less.

Internet Users are Placing More Weight on Web Design

As web plays an increasingly important role in purchase decision making, it is critical to understand what factors have the greatest impact. Read on to learn what people liked most - and least - about websites they visited.

Generating Relevant Website Content

For many businesses, the first step to building a more relevant website is to take a step back.

Strategy Execution: Having Trouble Getting Your Strategy to Give You a Bang for a Buck?

If you regularly set a strategy for your organization, yet finding at year end that you didn't get the traction you expected you may need help with the most important step: strategy execution.

Managing Security & Privacy Risks

Security expert Claudiu Popa explains how a layered approach can help you keep your data secure.

Answers to 7 Questions about Using Social Media in Your Business

Interested in social media, but not sure where to begin? Read on to get your questions answered and learn how you can use social media in your business.

Strategy Execution Priority 2: Getting a Grip on Results

Learn how performance agreements can help tie employees goals to your organizational initiatives.

Marketing and Public Relations: Building Your Small Business During a Recession

Believe it or not, some of the greatest fortunes have been made during recessions. So what does it take to build business in an economic downturn?

Seven Steps to Help You Strengthen Customer Loyalty

These seven practical techniques will help you create a huge payoff in customer loyalty.

Ottawa Realtor Innovates With Smartphone App

In the coming months we will celebrate innovations and ingenuity of Canadian entrepreneurs. In our first innovation profile we look at how one Ottawa realtor has shaken up real estate marketing.

What to do When Your Kids Don't Want the Business

Among family business owners the belief is that one day their children will take over the company. But what happens when the children are not interested in following in the family footsteps?

Small Business Week Special: Green Marketing

It's never been a better time to promote your company's  green  credentials. In fact, for many industries it's become a prerequisite for attracting and retaining customers, employees and suppliers.

Beyond the Looking Glass: Insights Into Wealth Power and Ideals Worth Pursuing

Richard Watts is a lawyer who has seen first-hand what it means to live the life of the super-rich and CanadaOne recently caught up with Richard to ask him about his own experiences with the rich and famous.

Payment Boss

Entrepreneur Lands Shelf Space With Big-Name Canadian Retailers

Alex Barseghian quit his job as a marketing executive to launch a gift-box company. He calls his product  gift cards on steroids. 

Improve Company Value with an Effective Organizational Structure

A step-by-step guide to creating an effective organizational structure that will work for your business.

Ask the Expert: Archives

What You Can Do to Avoid Copyright Crime

If you think it's okay to use an image you found online in your blog or in other places, think again. As one Vancouver-based company learned the hard way, copyright violations can be costly.

A Guide to Expense Deductions in Your Canadian Business

The federal government's rules for tax deductions for businesses are not always clear-cut. Here, we help you navigate around some of the stickier ones.

Canadian Franchise Finder: Franchise Opportunities in Canada

Starting a Business in Canada: Understanding the Basics of Buying a Franchise

There are many reasons to consider the franchise option, but the most important reason is that franchises have a high likelihood of success. To help people who are looking at starting a business better understand the ins and outs of franchising, we are creating this free guide. To get started, consider how franchises differ from other forms of business.

Seven Facts and Myths About Franchising in Canada

If you are considering buying a franchise, it is important for you to do your homework and inform yourself of both the benefits and risks. What's more, you need to prepare yourself to deflect high pressured sales tactics and keep your emotions out of the decision. Here is a look at some key things to keep in mind if you are thinking of becoming a franchisee.

Your Mission? Build Your Company’s Best Mission Statement Ever!

Having spent over 20 years researching mission statements, Dr. Chris Bart knows his stuff. In this article he shares with CanadaOne the steps to creating a highly effective mission statement.

IDEA 1

An In-Depth Guide for Independent Contractors in Canada

With at least 1.8 million Canadians in temporary and contract employment, our in-depth primer was created to explain what you need to know if you currently work as an independent contractor or are consider becoming one.

Verified Canadian Program

Going Mobile: The Disconnect Between Convenience and Security

Today's mobile phone will be tomorrow's dinosaur, a reality that is driving manufacturers to emphasize style over functionality. But with the growing number of security vulnerabilities, it is time for business owners to weigh the risks.

Legal

How to Get More Time in 2012

If you felt like you didn't have enough time in 2011, you were not alone. Read on for a step-by-step guide to help you shift the way you see time, and thereby get more of it for yourself and your business in 2012.

Getting Value from Your Digital Advertising

New research from comScore has unveiled some interesting suggestions for maximizing the effectiveness of your digital ad campaigns.

Getting Some Action on Facebook

In this article Lisa Kember teaches us how to get fans to interaction with our businesses on Facebook.

Canada's New Anti-Spam Law: Businesses Beware

Will Canada's new anti-spam legislation put your company at risk? Here is a look at why this new legislation is raising more concerns than it solves.

Campaigns

Are Off-Page Ads Driving you Nuts?

We’ve all had our Internet experience interrupted by unwanted pop-up ads promising cash prizes or exotic trips. Banishing these ads before they have a chance to take over your computer is simple. Read on to find out how.

Building a Killer E-Commerce Website

Despite what you've heard, E-Commerce is alive and well in Canada. Learn how to build a site that attracts customers and encourages them to buy your products.

How to Improve Survey Response Rates

Consumers today are often being asked to complete surveys. While important and useful for the business owner, these requests can be irritating for customers. Find out how you can not only get more responses and keep your customers happy at the same time.

Ask An Expert

Write-in-the-Answer Survey Questions: Powerful But Problematic.

Write-in or verbatim survey questions can help you learn about both good and bad things in your company that you never knew existed. But they create a number of problems for anyone designing or analyzing a survey. Read on to learn about the five most common problems with write-in survey questions.

Equity Financing: Creating a Powerful Elevator Pitch

As the elevator doors close you find yourself standing next to a potential investor. Are you prepared? Here's how you can create an elevator pitch that wil grab their attention.

10 Ways to Get Your Marketing Unstuck

Have you ever found yourself coming up with a marketing strategy and then never using it? Here are 10 ways to move your marketing forward.

Do You Wish Your Employees Happy Birthday?

Too many employers take their employees for granted. Don't! Use these tips to motivate your staff, without breaking the bank.

Maternity Leave for Self-Employed Women

As of January 31, 2010 self-employed workers in Canada (including owner-employees who own more than 40 per cent of the company they work in) can opt into a special pool of EI benefits.

Inventory Turnover: Is your Annual Bonus Sitting on the Shelf?

Here is a tool of the pros that can help you boost your profits - check your inventory turnover.

Some Entrepreneurs Lack Financial Skills.

If you are in business, you need to read and understand your financial score sheets your income statement and balance sheet- the basic money documents of business, entrepreneurship and capitalism.

11 Hot Tips For Beating The Competition

Read on to find out how you can beat the competitors by using their own techniques.

Communication is Really a Part of the Sales Process

If you want to increase your sales then you've got to communicate to your customers why they need your product. Read on to find out how.

Do Your Decisions Help or Hinder Innovation?

Why are many decisions in business so obviously weak and ineffective? Ed Bernacki knows why and has some helpful hints on how to decide what is the right thing.

Make your Cold Calls Sizzle Part II

Here is a closer look at the mistakes and tripwires that may be sabotaging your cold calling efforts.

CanadaOne Archives: Browse Our Free Small Business How-To Article Database

Here is an archive of the articles that have been published on CanadaOne since 1999.

HR Benefits for Small Businesses - Look Beyond the Salary Bottom Line

An outstanding benefits plan can help you grab great employees out of the reach of competitors and keep them happy at your company.

Power Words Are Plain Words, Active Words

Some writers think that using indirect, grandiose-sounding vocabulary strengthens a piece of writing. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Ten Steps to Your Own Business

Dividing a business start-up into 10 clear-cut steps makes this sometimes daunting process seem much more manageable for new entrepreneurs.

Conduct your own Customer Surveys: Seven Pragmatic Suggestions

Doing your own market research? These seven suggestions will help you conduct your own customer surveys

Top Four Time Management Issues

There are four time management issues, in combination with one another, that can do more to keep you from having, doing or being what you want and deserve. Read on to discover what may be impeding your success.

The 7 Pillars of Visionary Leadership, Pillar VII: Valuing

A recent study by Andersen Consulting has shown that 'well led' companies had a 900% increase in their stock price compared with a 78% increase for the others. Dr. Michael Rock talks about how Leading helps shape our businesses and our future.

The 12 Steps (Advice) to Entrepreneurial Success: If You Want Success Ask for it. And Keep Asking.

As you will discover, asking your customers to pay their bills is routine. If you dislike asking for your money-you must rise to the challenge.

Seven Ways to Have a 'Stress-Less' Holiday Season

Seven tips to help you reduce stress while balancing your business and your personal life during the holiday season.

Coming Home: Home-Based Franchise Opportunities for the Entrepreneurial Mind

Many  service oriented  franchisors are now offering two of today's most sought after business trends - home based businesses and franchise driven concepts - in one powerful package.

The more user-friendly, the better

Good usability is the result of good communication, and can be summarized as how easy the product is to use overall.

Canadian Business Directory

Awaken the Leader Within You Ten easy steps to developing your leadership skills

Do you want to improve your leadership skills? Here are ten easy steps that will help you awaken the leader in you and rekindle your passion for greatness.

Selecting the Right Software: A Few Thoughts for the Small Business Owner

There are all kinds of software products on the market that promise to help you run a better business. How can you decide which is right for you? Read this article to find out.

Fighting Spam: Seven Tactics that Work

If unsolicited emails are interfering with your productivity, you are not alone. These seven tactics will help you elimintate spam.

Useful Ontario Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for Ontario covering things like corporate tax, health tax, licensing and more.

What Colour Are You? Personality Tests Offer Opportunities for Insight

This month we start a new series on personality tests. These tests are fun and often easy to do. They can also provide you with valuable insight into who you are and what kind of people you would work well with.

Business Trip Planning in Six Simple Steps

If you're thinking about exporting chances are good that you could find yourself taking a few trips to your destination market. Learn how to make the most of these trips with the tips in this article.

Business Planning for Non-Planners

Too busy running your business to plan your business? Forget hours of planning, try just 5 minutes.

The HR Guide for Canadian Employers

If you find HR issues challenging, you are not alone! To help you address these challenges we've compiled this collection of HR articles, links and reviews.

Business Coach: Setting Goals: Smart Strategies for Success

Your goals may be easy to set, but how will you attain them? There's no need to dull your dreams, just take smaller steps to reach them. Paul Adams explains how.

Fighting the Complacency Trap: 5 Steps to Keeping Your Franchise Growing

Getting too comfortable with your success can allow your competitors to catch up. Stay in the lead with a little  healthy paranoia  and by reading this article.

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The Customer Rules: Surviving & Thriving in the New Customer-Driven World

Armed with invaluable data gathered from all corners of the Internet, customers buying IQ’s have grown exponentially. For businesses to fully succeed they need to understand this new consumer.

Hiring Smart: Finding the Fit Factor

Hire slow, fire fast is a long-time adage in business. Yet hiring right is easier said than done. CanadaOne caught up with HR expert Jim Beqaj to learn about his unique strategy for finding people who are the right fit for your business.

Competitive Intelligence: Continuous Feedback for Increased Sales and Profits Part II

In the second installment of this guide to competitive intelligence (CI), Enrico Codogno defines the competitive environment and looks at how companies can use CI to anticipate or react to business challenges.

Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Every Small Business

Connie Certusi from Sage Small Business Accounting Solutions suggests ways to properly set up cash flow for small businesses.

Rob McDonald

Rob McDonald practices primarily in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, with a focus on intellectual property matters, particularly copyright, trade-mark, patent and confidential information issues.

Building a News Release: Overview

Objectives: This free online workshop will help you understand how to build an effective news release, and includes an online template that you can use to build an actual news release.

Lessons in Leadership: Rewarding Extra Effort

Making heroes of employees is common practice with many well-managed progressive companies. In this article Dr. Paul Adams looks at the advantages - as well as the possible pitfalls - of using rewards to motivate your employees.

Twelve Lessons in Leadership: Lead with Simplicity

Leadership Lesson #4: Successful leadership does not rest on complicated systems or theories. This article looks at five simple truths that can help you build better teams and work more effectively.

Media Kit Inquiry: Thanks

Winning Results Through Employee Engagement

When it comes to leadership, actions are often more important than ideas. These three steps can help you improve employee engagement in your workplace.

The Top Five Small-Business Blunders

It's easier to sidestep small business pitfalls when you know what they are.

Lessons in Leadership: Managing Disappointment

Disappointment happens. You cannot dodge it, you cannot prevent it, but you can deal with it in a productive and successful manner. In this article Dr. Paul Adams looks at our reactions to disappointments and the impact this has on our businesses.

Business Partnerships Need Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Before you finalize that partnership deal you need to complete a written partnership agreement. Here is what you will want to include in that document.

Overcome Conversation Power Plays: 5 Steps to Success

What should you do when your questions are being ignored? Follow these steps to manage your way through communication clashes.

Grand Intentions to Greater Sales

To increase customer loyalty and your overall sales, consider the importance of how your employees sell your message.

Assessment & Valuation: Digging for Truth

From 'KAI-ZEN' to 'I CAN!' Improvement = Consistent commitment to good change

Considering the success of Japanese companies process, not results, might just be be the medicine that your business needs to grow.

Life After Business

Many business owners dream of the day their son or daughter will follow in their footsteps and assume control of the family business, but they do not plan for the transition in sufficient time, nor do they prepare a transition plan with a clear and detailed strategy.

Secrets to Getting Great Word of Mouth and Repeat Sales

These simple yet powerful techniques will help to ensure that your customers come back and refer you to their peers.

The Humility Advantage

Less ego may be the ingredient you need to enrich your sales results. Here's are some things you can do if you find yourself in the ironic situation of being too much of an expert.

Ten Steps to Solve Any Problem

Any problem, no matter how complex, can be solved if approached with a creative strategy. Here are ten steps to getting your mind in an optimal problem-solving state.

3 Steps to Achieving Your Big Dream

Tap into your true potential by dreaming big - starting today.

Top Tech Trends

It is time for technology, media and telecommunication (TMT) companies to be alert and wary, if the indications of the 2006 edition of Deloitte’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications Predictions are correct. The study, which is one of the most comprehensive industry forecasts, indicates that companies can expect tougher competition, new inventions, greater challenges and little time to respond to market shifts.

Profit to Sales Ratio Calculator

The Secret of Lasting Personal Change

In this article Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler explains why we need to change our thinking if we hope to change our fortunes.

Stolen! Privacy Protection Takes on New Meaning after Theft of Financial Data

When employees of Monarch Beauty Supply failed to properly shred financial documents, thousands of credit and debit card receipts ended up in the hands of criminals. Their story is a cautionary tale that other businesses can learn from.

FINALY! Recognizing Youth in Newfoundland and Labrador

Across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador this summer Finaly! will offer a workshops for youth entrepreneurs. Read on to learn more about the organization and its upcoming workshops.

Key to Success: 10 Success Tips for Maximum Achievement

Don't set aside greatness because it is easier to accept merely being good or mediocre! These tips will help you reshape your life so that you can focus on being great - and enjoying the success that comes with it.

Is E-mail Eating Your Precious Time?

Do you find yourself spending too much business time on email or feel overwhelmed with the volume of old mail in your inbox? If so, these tips from Paul Lima will help.

Update Your Listing

Hiring Your First Employee

Hire your first employee with confidence by following this straight-forward outline.

The Eleven Biggest Time Management Lies

Part of effective time management lies in recognizing and shielding yourself from the biggest lies we tell each other every day.

Ten Steps to Solving Any Problem

The solution to your problems may be blocked by hidden variables. Here are ten steps that will help you break through these 'resisting factors'.

How to Turn Tradeshow Leads into Sales with Effective Follow-up

Tradeshow success lies as much in how you follow-up as it does on your performance at the show.

Today's Gurus? Your Children

An entire generation has grown up with the Internet. If you hope to conduct business these kids you have to get with their program.

Good packaging means safe arrival. Make sure you get the full package.

PWGSC's Office of Small and Medium Enterprises can Help Your Business

If you have never thought about having the Government of Canada as part of your market, you may be missing out. PWGSC's Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) can show you the ropes, and it may not be as hard as you think.

Good Traffic, Bad Traffic

When building your website, remember that the secret to achieving your goals lies in connecting with the right audience.

Making Attitude Adjustments

In this article Jeff Mowatt offers insights into how you can turn problem employees into corporate leaders.

Employ a Virtual Ambassador

Before you shrug off the importance of the image you project with your website, consider the advantages of projecting a strong message online.

Coaching Your Controller: Part II

In Part II of Coaching your Controller James Phillipson explains how you can find the time to implement the six steps of improvements that were laid-out in Part I.

Goodwill can increase your business' value

The level of business goodwill that your company possesses, can mean the difference between selling for a large profit or just being able to break even.

The Right Tools for the Job

Finally, a clear process that will help you select the technology tools your business needs to grow effectively!

Want to communicate effectively? Use the 5 Ws to help you.

Tune is as Paul Lima, freelance writer and author, explains how who - what - when - where - why can improve your business.

How to Work Less and get More Done

Jeff Mowatt shares insights into email management and how this useful tool can take over your daily agenda.

How to approach customer service 2.0

The Internet has empowered customers to say what they think about their customer service experiences, good or bad. The question is: is your business ready for "feedback 2.0"?

Yes We Can, Canada!

In the first installment of a 15-part series, Dave Archer outlines the obvious and less obvious benefits of doing business internationally.

Why Vision is Our Most Powerful Reality Creation Tool

Do you want to reach your goals? These insights from new brain research can help you achieve your dreams and more.

Motivating your Sales Team

If you want to motivate your sales teams, start by breaking away from the classic quota system.

Traits of Successful People: A CEO's Charge For Excellence

Discover the traits CEOs develop to help motivate and unlock hidden potential in their employees.

Build Prosperity Mind Power

To succeeed in life and business, take some time to think about how you think.

Get off the  Feast or Famine  Rollercoaster

To achieve a Zen-like sales state in your business follow this simple process.

Free Phone Lines for Business

In an offer that sounds almost too good to be true, an IP based phone company is offering business phones that come with no monthly fees and a myriad of features.

Why Online Marketing Makes More Sense than Ever

Make your company stand out on the web using old tricks and some new ones.

Making the Best of Tough Times May Mean A New Laptop?

New technology may be the key to greater office efficiency and morale.

8 Options for your Summer Booklist

Here are 8 business books you may want to read this summer.

Selling Yourself Short?

If you need to set yourself apart from the competition beyond just lowering prices, try changing the way you talk about what you do for a living.

Small Business Financing in Canada: Show Me the Money!

Need money? Here are some of the most important sources of financing for start-up and growing businesses in Canada.

Espionage the Legal Way : How to Create Powerful Proposals

Strategic information can help you get higher scores on your proposal evaluation. Here's how.

Where does 'Blue Sky' Thinking Happen in your Service Business?

If manufacturers invest in research and development (R&D) for new ideas, processes and products that lead to tomorrow's profits, where do the service sectors invest for ideas for tomorrow's profits?

Listening to Your Customer Through Social Media

These few simple steps will help you learn how to listen to what your customers are saying about your industry, products, and services.

Prepare your Business for Emergency One Step at a Time

If disaster were to strike your company tomorrow, would you be prepared? In this article Chuck Wright, Director of the 20th World Conference on Disaster Management. outlines what businesses can do to prepare for an emergency.

Nine Things Not to Say to Creative Professionals

So you've hired a creative professional. If you want to get the most out of their services, here are nine things you shouldn't say.

It's all About the Evidence when Responding to RFP's

Here's how you can differentiate your proposal by providing detailed, concise and relevant evidence that supports your sales pitch.

Growth by Acquisition

If you have ever contemplated growth through acquisition, you will want to read this article.

Heat Wave: What Employers Need to Know About Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace

Record temperatures in Quebec and Ontario last month point to the potential for a sizzling summer ahead. To help we have researched the essentials that will help you keep your employees safe.

The Case Study 'Case Study'

Author and journalist Paul Lima explores how you can use case studies to enhance your website, as well as your corporate message.

Small Business Week Special: Cashflow Management

Cash-flow management is at the heart of every business, and that's doubly true in the rough and tumble world of retailing.

Financing

How Emotional Intelligence Can Transform Your Business

Many entrepreneurs have the smarts and technical expertise to launch a successful business. But not all of them have mastered the  softer  skills that can make or break a business.

Web Video How-to for Small Business

We talk to Colin Smith from Adobe on how small businesses can get into and utilize web video.

Buying Video Gear for Your Small Business: Part 1

Lights, camera, action! Shooting marketing videos for the web begins with a great camera. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

HR

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Interview with Donna Messer: Networking Queen

Donna Messer has had a colourful career that began in banking and grew into entrepreneurship, food and most notably, networking. This May Donna is busy again, launching a new magazine for entrepreneurs in Toronto. CanadaOne caught up with Donna to learn more about her new venture and also to learn about her experiences as an entrepreneur.

Canada Ranks First in North American Automotive Productivity

Productivity levels at Canadian automotive manufacturing plants are significantly above both Mexico and the US, according to the latest numbers in the Scotiabank Canadian Auto Report. "Our estimates indicate that productivity — measured by the number of worker days required to assemble a vehicle — currently stands at 3.04 in Canada compared with 3.27 in the United States, nearly a 7% advantage," says Carlos Gomes, Scotiabank auto industry specialist. "This represents a further improvement from Canada's 5% edge in 2000 and 1% advantage in the mid-1990s." Canadian plants are 33% more productive than Mexico.

Online Shopping Statistics: Opportunities for Canadian eTailers

Canadian retailers can expect a substantial growth in online sales, according to the results of Ernst & Young's Global Internet Retail Survey

7 Things to Consider Before Buying a Franchise

Jonathan Mesiano-Crookston, a lawyer that advises both franchisors and franchisees, offers seven tips which make the buying process a little less stressful, and more successful, for prospective franchisees.

IDEA 2

Do-It-Yourself Customer Research

When it comes down to it, listening to your customers isn't really an option. It's a necessity. This advice will help you navigate the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) customer research route.

The Importance of Client Relationships

It's critical to the growth of your business to both make a good first impression and keep that impression throughout the business relationship. That's why it's worth your time to put some thought into what exactly you want that impression to be.

Exploring Business Ethics: Firing Due to Pregnancy

Can thinking like an ethicist help the bottom-line of your business? In this new column, ethicist Dr. Brian Keen will examine difficult questions that come up in business and the media. To get started he tackles the question of dealing unfairly when a business discovers an employee is pregnant.

Are You Promoting the Right People?

Find out how you can improve your hiring practices and avoid common hiring mistakes.

Customer Service Tips When People Are Stressed

When it comes to dealing with customers who are stressed, some jobs are easier than others. This advice will help you manage difficult situations.

10 Revenue Automation Tips for Your Business

Here is how your business can get started with Revenue Automation to get better results from your marketing efforts.

Mark Wardell

Mark Wardell is president and founder of Wardell Professional Development. With clients located around the world, his company has developed a reputation for helping entrepreneurs successfully plan, execute, and manage the growth of their organizations.

Twenty Months to Prosperity and Peace of Mind

Pay yourself first. It's a concept that investment gurus promise is the key to securing your financial future. This month Paul Adams looks at how this concept can work for your business.

Action Is Where the Action Is!

Want to improve sales? This month Dr. Paul Adams explains the most critical element: action.

Event Controller

To Make a Sale You Must Create Desire

Discover the importance of desire, the sales element that allows you to move to your final selling step and get the order.

Treat Online 'Guests' With Respect

Many companies do not give their online customers much respect. A simple shift in mindset could fix the problem.

What Have You Done to Build your Business Today?

Is your marketing effective? Can you point to the things that work, and those that don't? If you're not sure, then it may be time to start a marketing log.

Coping With Job Stress

As a business owner you know that stress is part of the job. This doesn’t mean that you have to let it overtake your life though. Learn to identify your body’s warning signs and manage your stress with a healthy laugh and the other tips you’ll find here.

Signing on Behalf of the Corporation - Avoiding Personal Liability

Conducting business on behalf of a corporation? Here's how you can protect yourself from being personally liable.

Share Ad Expenses, Boost Profits

Want to advertise but don’t think you can afford it? Here are some cost-effective alternatives.

Local Innovations

Motivate Your Team - Focus On The Individual

How do you put people together into a team that can become greater than the sum of its parts? Ellen Samiec says you focus on the individual and she shows us how in this article!

Q&A: Getting a Small Business Online

What is the secret to establishing a successful online presence and dominant brand? To find out writemedia marketing communications, regular contributors to CanadaOne, recently interviewed Doug Dayton.

Power Words Support the Sentence, Complete the Sentence

Power words are often verbs that drive your sentences forward and pique a reader's interest. The Canadian Press Stylebook gives two useful examples of how power words can replace passive sentence construction.

How to Create a Powerful Marketing Plan

To help with your planning process, here are the essential elements that every marketing plan should have.

How To Create a Follow-up System

Want to increase the effectiveness of your follow-up system? The tips and worksheet in this article will help!

Choosing a Business Name

Learn how to choose a great business name - taking growth, the Internet, and legal issues into account.

The 7 Pillars of Visionary Leadership, Pillar VI: Leading

A recent study by Accenture has shown that 'well led' companies had a 900% increase in their stock price compared with a 78% increase for the others. Dr. Michael Rock talks about how Leading helps shape our businesses and our future.

Legal Q&A: Answers to five common legal questions

What are copyrights, patents and trade-marks? What paperwork needs to be filed when incorporating? And what about that annual shareholder's meeting you're obliged to hold now that you are incorporated? Read on as MyLegalAnswers.com answers these frequentl

The Attraction, Marketing and Publicity Toolkit Checklist

This extensive checklist will help you expand, track and evaluate your marketing & publicity efforts.

Seven Facts and Myths About Franchising in Canada

If you are considering buying a franchise, it is important for you to do your homework and inform yourself of both the benefits and risks. What's more, you need to prepare yourself to deflect high pressured sales tactics and keep your emotions out of the decision.

Demystifying the GST / HST: Canadian Tax Essentials for Business

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is often confusing for new business owners. Not everyone is required to charge it, and in some provinces it is combined with the retail tax. We created this primer to help you understand ins and outs of the GST.

Consider the Software Support Contract

When buying a software program, don't forget to consider some of the less obvious costs.

Getting Your Customers to Sell You- Creating fans and champions

Taking care of my existing customers is one of the best investments you can make in your business.

Discover Instant Sales Success: Ask Questions

If you want your sales success rate to shoot off the charts, ask questions. Dr. Paul Adams explains the power behind this simple tactic.

You Never Stop Needing New Customers- Coaching Your Business

You're running a successful business, with enough regular customers to keep you going. However, have you thought about what to do when things are slow? This month Paul Adams explores strategies you can use to identify and create new customers.

Useful Quebec Tax Links

A collection of government tax links and phone numbers for Quebec on general and tax topics.

Mental Vitamins and Brain Exercises...

Do you ever have trouble developing ideas for products or directions for your business? This exercise can help you uncover these ideas and get back on the creative track.

Outsourcing Successfully

When it comes to running a small business there simply aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. Outsourcing could be the solution.

3 Tips on Choosing the Franchise that Is Right for You

Buying a franchise is a big decision. Here are 3 tips for you to consider while weighing your options.

Franchise Innovations: A Look at Adobe Connect Managed Services

Adobe has introduced a new online training and webinar product, Adobe Connect Managed Services, uniquely suited to help franchises provide innovative online training to franchisees.

Add Your Franchise

May 2012

Speed, Readability Trump Design Online

A poll showed slow page load times, weak web copy, and poor visual presentation were among the biggest turn off when they visited a web page.

Keys to Motivating Your Employees

How you can capture the hearts and minds of your employees--and get them to do what needs to be done.

When to Use a Staffing Firm

Many small businesses believe that staffing companies are effective in larger companies. To hear the other side, we asked Tim Hranka, a franchisee of Express Personnel Services, to tell us when and why small businesses should consider using a staffing firm.

Website Submission Tool

The Chief Cause of Business Failure & Success

You've worked hard to get your business started, now keep it stable growing by avoiding these all-too common pitfalls of new start-ups. We've got four reasons why businesses fail--And how you can keep your business from becoming another statistic.

Search Tips

Rants & Raves

Success Keys from Rubbermaid

Put aside the glitz for a minute. If you want to be a success in business you may need to shift your focus to the mundane.

Decision Making A Must for Success

As a leader your are required to make decisions like it or not. If you hate to choose or live in fear of making a mistake, sharpening your decision skills is just one more hurdle you must over come as you work to become a successful entrepreneur.

Rules of Value-Added Selling and Service

Trying to be all things to all people is a surefire way to go broke. It may be time to fire some of your clients to improve the success of your business.

Make the Look of Your Business a Look of Success

Think that business clutter or a messy office won't affect your business' performance? Think again. In this article Dr. Paul Adams explains why the appearance of your business matters.

Before You Hire Anyone Write a Job Description

Whether you plan to hire a summer student of full time employee, these tips will help you select the person who is best for your business.

A Creative Approach to Writing - Using a Cartoonists Approach

If you sometimes are frustrated by writer's block, consider how the lessons of illustration can help you get the words flowing.

Valuation Formulas: Multiplier or Market Valuation

What does RSS mean for business?

One of those acronyms you may have heard a lot lately, especially from the techies who are always finding new acronyms to confuse us with, is RSS. Only now the PR and Media hacks are throwing it around too, and it may be the right time to take a closer look at how RSS may affect us and our businesses.

Understanding Google Adwords

This article explains how you can set-up an account with Google in order to start getting your site on the first page of a search in Google, as soon as tomorrow.

Farewell from Dr. Paul Adams

Dr. Paul Adam's columns have helped our readers going back almost as far as CanadaOne's inception in 1998. Today Paul lays down his proverbial pen and says farewell to those who have read his column over the years.

8 Mistakes That Can Kill Your Website

Ever notice how some websites feel great, energetic, fun while others are truly repellant? These eight tips will help you ensure that your website falls into the first category, not the second.

Financial Ratios Calculator: Debt to Equity and Other Ratios

Calculate important rations that will help you evaluate the fitness of your business: the Debt to Equity Ratio, AR Turnover Ratio, Current Ratio, Profit to Asset Ratio, Profit to Sales Ratio. Quick Ratio Ratio, Return on Asset Ratio and TIE ratio.

Quick Ratio Calculator

Our Brains and Decision-Making: Emotional or Rational?

Just how rational are we, really? In this article Patti Krakoff looks at how our mind reacts when we have important decisions to make, like entering a partnership agreement or hiring a new employee.

Speed Kills: The service standard that does more harm than good

Are your company's 'service standards' losing you sales? When managment processes interfere with the quality of your customer interactions, it is time to reconsider your approach.

An Online Marketing Primer

If you are in business, there is probably something that you could and should be doing online, either to complement your existing marketing, or to open up whole new untapped markets. This primer will help you understand how to get started.

Making Sense of Humour in the Workplace

Small business owners need to be adaptable and capable of handling intense pressure. One thing that can help is a little bit of humour.

Credit Card Processing + Shopping Cart = Online Success!

Small business owners are discovering that online shopping solutions are more accessible than ever, with the advantage of providing shopping opportunities all day, every day.

Innovation Comes from Working in Flow

As strange as it may seem, bringing innovation into your way of doing business could start with something as simple as a conversation about doughnuts.

Why Great Photographs are an Online Must

Want to sell your products online? Consider these do's and don'ts for getting great product photos.

The Social Internet 101: Protecting Your Reputation Online

One disgruntled customer online can do enormous damage to your business reputation. Fortunately business intelligence tools can help you monitor web postings and put out fires.

Economic Growth Expected in 2007

Canada's economy is looking forward to growth in 2007 and an even rosier 2008 says the latest RBC economic forecast.

How to Dance with Google

Having a web site ranked high on Google can be a challenge. You can start by understanding the fundamental do's and don'ts of search engine rankings.

Are YOU an Emerging Champion?

To achieve your dreams, you may have to put out a different level of effort. Read on to learn how you can reach your greatest potential.

Creating a Realistic Tradeshow Budget

Having a realistic tradeshow budget is crucial for your exhibiting success. This article will help you identify all of the costs associated with exhibiting.

Build Your Online Brand with Words

Learn how you can improve your results online by writing better copy.

Merging Cultures Need Strong Leaders

Large or small, the merger between two companies can be a daunting proposition. Doug Robbins identifies some of the key things that will make your merger go smoothly.

PR in a Box

The truth is, no other initiative will grow your business as quickly or effectively as a strong PR campaign. Here is an introduction to this important tool for small companies.

Breaking barriers on the Web

When it comes to having an online presence, many businesses prefer to remain a part of the status quo. However, a little bit of risk could pay off in the long run.

When Do You Make Time to Think?

Creative thought is crucial to your business growth. In this article Ed Bernacki outlines a simple yet effective process for maximizing the power of thought.

Tips for Gaining in Google

How do you get your new website ranked in Google? Read on to learn about Google's infamous sandbox and how to play nice to get good search ranking.

A Perfect Link

Webmasters are given the advice that they must attract links, but the key is not just to attract links... they need to attract good links. But what is the perfect link? The search for the perfect link need not be a quest in vain.

Yes We Can, Canada!

Have you considered growing your business through international sales? This is the first in a 15 part series that will take you through the process of doing business internationally.

So You're Committed to Exporting? Here Are the Resources You'll Need

If you are looking to develop your business internationally, these resources and advice will help.

Knowing What to Look for When Hiring Your Next Employee

Practical tips that will help you hire more effectively.

Managing Multiple Customers

Customer service standards can be easy to follow until you find yourself juggling the needs of many people at once. These tips will help you handle the stress of tricky customer service scenarios.

Six Advantages to Virtual Trade Shows

Cost savings are just one advantage of the next big trend in trade shows.

Your  Emotional Success  Fingerprint

Dr. Ammon-Wexler shows us how to sensitize our minds to success.

The  I'm Not A Genius  Syndrome

Many people limit themselves by not acknowledging their own genius and creativity.

Every Thought is an Affirmation

To use positive affirmations effectively, you first need to understand how negative thoughts can counter their effects.

Why Design Thinking Matters

There is much being written about design thinking yet capturing the essence of design thinking is very difficult.

What Boomer Women Want

If your target-market is Baby-Boomer women, you need to operate quite differently from the current practices of most retailers.

The Payoffs of Weekly Planning

If you think you don't have time to think about time management, think again. Without a plan in place, you're far more likely to be pulled in many time-wasting directions.

Network to Grow Your Business

If you're looking to grow your business, networking will help get you there.

Using Coming Soon Pages to Kick-Start Online Marketing

A simple pre-launch of your website can boost your marketing efforts.

Your Irresistible Offer

Jeff Mowatt shares three tips that will help you get past the front door when making a sale.

10 Steps to Getting the Click

Want to encourage website visitors to click on your links and graphics? Sharon Housley tells you how.

Small Business Week Special: The Innovation Challenge

Learn how small businesses are advancing innovations and adopting an innovation mindset.

National Mentoring Challenge Calls for Best Business Advice

Enterprise experts and everyday Canadians take note: The Canadian Youth Business Foundation wants your best business tips, guidance and suggestions.

How to Find the Right Tone for Your Web Copy

You can set a tone that is appropriate for the Web while respecting your brand with these few simple rules and techniques.

Business Events

Browse our listings of Canadian business events and training seminars to find upcoming conferences, trade shows, seminars and events in Canada. You can also submit your own Canadian business event, free of charge!

Review: Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo

Stay Afloat With Positive Cash Flow

Profits on paper won't sustain your business. But positive cash flow, the lifeblood of any company, will.

Inventions & Innovation

Not So Tweet After All: Social Media's Impact on Workplace Firing

When an employee says something totally inappropriate on a social media forum, can the employer safely fire that person? Workplace law expert Daniel A. Lublin outlines the issues.

Avoiding Legal Perils: Critical Insights into Canadian Franchise Law

Before you buy - or sell - a franchise, make sure that you understand these ins and outs of Canadian franchise legislation.

IDEA 3

Shooting Great Video on a Budget (Page 2)

Seven tips to making a great small business video: page two continues the list and looks at preparation, doing a white balance, monitoring the shoot and post-production editing of your small business videos.

Ask An Expert (Test Layout)

Promoting an Ethical Work Environment and Culture: The Role of HR

Leadership without ethics is like navigation without a compass. You might ultimately find your way, perhaps with good luck, but there will be an incredible amount of time wasted and your team will lose faith as they are unsure of the path.

How To Maintain Customer Loyalty

Here are the four top ways you can restructure your business to attract and retain the loyalty of your customers.

Which social media platforms are best for YOUR business?

The following questions are designed to help you successfully filter your social media options and invest in the solutions that are best for you.

Roam Mobility offers Canadian Travelers Affordable Mobile Coverage

If you are traveling to the US you will want to check out Roam Mobility's celluar products and data plans, which can drastically cut what you pay for data and cell phone service while in the States.

Contract Debriefing

You did all of the work to submit your bid but someone else was awarded that government contract. This doesn't have to mean the end of your experience. This month we conclude our series on government procurement by taking a look at what you can do when you lose.

Trust: The Intangible that Builds Empires

In today's uncertain economy it can be difficult to establish trust with partners, clients, and employees. Peter Urs Bender offers tips on how you can build successful business relationships with trust.

Entrepreneurship: When You Advertise Keep it Simple and Say it Often!

There are a million options in how you create a message to customers, and almost as many choices of how to send your message. Dr. Paul Adams explains the benefits of simplicity.

Rob Ford, Art Mayor? Toronto's Take on Graffiti Vandalism

Will Toronto's new graffiti plan make Rob Ford the "art mayor" of Toronto? This short documentary looks at the new graffiti management plan the City of Toronto passed in June 2011.

Power Words Are Dominant and Commanding

Power words get right down to the nitty-gritty. For example, rather than writing  Friendliness is the salesman's best asset,  replace  friendliness  with  a smile .

The 7 Pillars of Visionary Leadership, Pillar V - Mentoring

Dr. Michael Rock talks about how mentoring helps shape our businesses and our future.

Facebook Intro for Business

How to Register a Business in Alberta, Canada

The skinny on registering a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation in Alberta, Canada.

Outfitting Retail: Design an Experience

Thinking of opening a new retail store or redesigning your retail shop? Read on for tips and insights, from planning and budgeting ideas to unusual sources for the fixtures you'll need.

Management Lessons from a Car Wash Guy

When you conduct informal market research the right question to ask is not "how was our service today?". Read on to learn how you can get meaningful feedback from your customers.

Digital Estate Planning for Small Businesses: Part 1

Claudiu Popa explains to how to manage your digital data.

Starting a Business: Choosing a Year-End

Read this article to learn how to select a year-end for a Canadian sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.

The Truth About Networking

ISO and the New Focus on Customer Satisfaction

Coming into compliance with the new ISO standards.

How to Spot Bogus Virus Alerts

Be skeptical. Don't assume that virus alert you just received is true. Here are a few suggestions that will help you identify phony virus alerts.

Innovate or Evaporate: The Time to Act is Now!

The practice of creativity and innovation are viewed as the key to corporate survival in the 21st Century, yet few corporations are able to tackle this effectively. Here are a few ideas that will help your company shift from intention to active innovators.

Useful New Brunswick Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for New Brunswick.

The Ins and Outs of Business Credit

This month we take a look at the business credit report. What's in it, and how can you use it to help you make better decisions?

Leadership

EI Benefits Extended to the Self-Employed

The federal government has extended Employment Insurance's  special benefits  to the self-employed. Here's what you need to know.

Entrepreneurs' Ethical Responsibilities

Do entrepreneurs overlook their ethical responsibilities when running their companies? Ethicist Brian Keen explores the entrepreneurial mindset, from an ethical viewpoint.

Reg Pirie

Reg Pirie, was born in Western Canada and has worked throughout the country. He has had over twenty years experience in the banking industry and spent six years as a partner in a re-employment consulting firm dealing with Fortune 500 clients.

Website Submission Tool: Canadian Search Engines

This is an online submission tool designed to help you submit your Canadian business website to various seach engines and directories.

User Validation - Businesses

Valuing Privately Held Companies

What dictates the value of a company? This article looks at different factors that valuators consider when doing a valuation of a company.

The 'Secret' Path to Your Creative Mind

Do you sometimes find it difficult to come up with creative ideas and solutions? There is a secret - actually a process - which will allow you to access your diminished creative spark and start a flow of good ideas from which the great, innovative, break-through ones might be found.

Privacy Policy

Accounting 101: Rule of Thumb Valuations

How much is that company worth? Rule of thumb valuations may get you into the ballpark, but you also need to watch out for the pitfalls.

Boost Your Intelligence...Immediately!

Here are some startling insights into the grey-matter between your ears. Dr. Jill tells us how the mind works and what we can all do to improve our thinking-power.

A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Business in Canada

Our free guide covers the ins and outs of buying a business, from finding a business and deciding what type of business is best for you, to determining the value of the business, negotiating with the seller, making sure your legal bases are covered, and closing the deal.

Valuation Formulas: Book Value & Liquidation Value

Selling is for the Stubborn

Albert K was ready to give up on his career because of his dread of cold calling. These tips from will help Albert and other entrepreneurs who find themselves in a similar situation, overcome their fear of unsolicited selling.

Return on Assets Ratio Calculator

Why Optimism Fuels Success

Optimism is a refined mental style of how one chooses to respond to life. It also creates the opportunity to shape the life - or business - that we want.

The Art of Professionalism: Learning the Right Way to Get Ahead

In this article Steve Bannister examines the key to becoming a professional or already improving existing professional habits.

In Marketing, An Action Step is Worth a Thousand Words

Self-employed professionals spend a great deal of their marketing effort on searching for the right words. But if you are letting that hold you back from taking action, it is time to rethink your approach.

Make Binge Working Work For You

Rather than allow stress and deadlines to rule your life, consider how you can put the tendency to 'binge work' to work for you.

Visions that Repeat

Visualization. This everyday activity has the power to enhance or drastically reduce your productivity and results. Dr. Donald Wetmore explains how we can use visualization to our advantage.

Good Shows in Bad Times: Exhibiting When Your Industry Is In Crisis

When your industry is in a crisis, can you still turn in a great tradeshow performance? Is exhibiting even necessary during bleak times? The answers to these questions may surprise you. Read on to discover what you need to know.

Is your company healthy? 7 Healthy Strategies for Employee Retention

Is Your Company Healthy? 7 Healthy Strategies for Employee Retention
Employee retention is very important for the viability of any business, however, many have found that good employees leaving is a more common occurance than one might think.

Voice Power

The human voice has the ability to draw someone in or push them away. Read on to learn how you can use the power of your voice to deliver your message effectively.

Slay or Sleep with your "Giant"

Terry Gogna shares the "MCR" Technique for combating your "Giant".

Buying Trends – the Shift to Hassle-Free

For today's consumer, the quality of their experience is becoming more important than the quality of the product to the final buying decision.

Advice from the Corporate Trenches

Improve your business by focusing on these five high pay-off areas in your business.

Building Customer Service Excellence: A CEOs High Payoff Activity

Knowing the difference between satisfaction and loyalty is the first step in developing customer focused excellence in your organization.

Store Technology Pointers

Why risk competitive disadvantage, or lost time, money and customers at the checkout by relying on outdated methods for handling transactions at the point of sale (POS) – the cash register? This article looks at things to consider when buying a POS.

Five Simple Ways to Improve Your Web Copy

Here's how you can fine tune your web copy to make your website more attractive to users.

Asset & Property Financing with the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBF)

The CSBF is a government supported leasing and loan program that could help your business.

PwC Emerging Technology CEO Conference

This video highlights an interview with Peter Matutat and includes the acceptance speech from John van Leeuwen, CEO of PwC's 2011 Innovator of the Year, EcoSynthetix.

Economy on the rise, little by little

Listening to the recent rash of news reports on the state of the economy can make you dizzy. One claims we are out of the recession, another that there is growth, yet another will tell you things aren’t as good as they seem. So where do we stand?

On Page Search Engine Optimization

Use these strategies to improve your search engine rankings.

The Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurialism

Mark Wardell shares his strategies to help you weather the inevitable storms of entrepreneurialism and get you back to sunnier days.

Talk Business

CIBC Launches First VISA Debit Card in Canada

Technology

What to Do When Your Kids Don't Want the Business: The Third-Party Option

Selling your business to a third party is an unpredictable process that should be negotiated thoughtfully.

Workshops Help Entrepreneurs Build Their Businesses

The free workshops at the Innovation Synergy Centre in Markham are helping entrepreneurs launch new products and services.

Trust in Business: an Interview with Heather Conway

What, exactly does trust mean to the world's most coveted consumers and how has this changed over the past decade? That is a question Edelman Canada has tried to answer over the past eleven years in doing research for their Edelman Trust Barometer.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Eight Common Myths Debunked

Want your website to soar to the top of Google? Read on to find out what strategies don't work.

Creating an Action Plan for your Canadian Small Business

The ability to take action and put ideas into practices is what sets great businesses apart from the rest. Here is how you can create an action plan for your business in five steps. You may be surprised by some of the suggestions.

Coming Home: Home-Based Franchise Opportunities for the Entrepreneurial Mind

Many  service oriented  franchisors are now offering two of today's most sought after business trends - home based businesses and franchise driven concepts - in one powerful package.

Planning to Fail Can Spell Success

When You Fail to Plan...

Mark Wardell explains how to develop a strategy that will ensure you achieve your business goals, whether that means tripling your revenues, going global, or spending more time on the golf course.

7 Things to Consider Before Buying a Franchise: A Lawyer's Perspective

Doing your homework carefully before you buy a franchise will help you avoid litigation after the deal has closed. These tips from Jonathan Mesiano-Crookston, a lawyer that advises both franchisors and franchisees, should help.

IDEA 4

Holiday Giveaway

Is your Social Network Yielding Results?

Learn how the creation of effective attraction and follow-up systems are key to social media success.

Ethics in Business: Disaster at Sea

In this second installment on ethics in business, Brian Keen takes a close look at the Costa Concordia disaster.

April 2012

Eight Ways to Elevate Your Email Marketing

Would you like to see more people open and responde to your email marketing messages? These tips will help you craft more effective email campaigns.

Using Marketing To Revive Your Business

Ever wondered if you’re marketing strategies are as good as they could be? Read on to find out why you should look at making them even better.

Top Five Best Time Management Practices

Ever felt like there just wasn't enough time in the day, if only you knew how to manage our time better? Dr. Donald E. Wetmore's five best time management practices will help you do that and become a world-class expert in a topic of your choice!

Power Words: A Final Point

If you are not used to using power words, at first it is best to use these words or phrases sparingly and to try to weave them gently into your natural written style.

Getting Started on Twitter

The Shocking Truth About Your Image: Four Bizarre Reasons Customers May Not Like You

First impressions count, and your image may not have the impact you think it does. Here are some insights into four bizzare reasons that customers may not like you!

Reviews

Creating an Icon for Favourites and Bookmarks

How to make your site stands out in someone's bookmarked favourites

My CanadaOne

Strategic Marketing Plan

CanadaOne developed this tool to help you work smart and plan ahead for business success by building a strategic marketing plan. We ask you to fill in several sections, prompting you with questions to answer. When you're done, submit your plan and it will be compiled into an easy-to-read marketing primer that describes your business.

Useful Nova Scotia Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for Nova Scotia.

Do You Have Secret Partners? Coaching Your Business

An employee who steals from you is bad news. Not only can they do damage to your profits, they can also threaten the livelihood of your business. This month Paul Adams looks at what you can do to address this issue.

THE 90% FACTOR EQ (Emotional Intelligence) and the New Workplace

In this age of the knowledge worker, intellectual capital, connecting learning across the organization, and leveraging human capital, the seemingly simple, yet most profound, act of emotional intelligence (or EQ, emotional quotient) -- listening -- provides us a major clue to competitiveness.

Protecting Your Company's Network Security

Douglas W. Grosfield shares a few tips on how to secure your company's network.

Getting Found in Google: The Impact of Duplicate Content and Ads on Page

Duplicate content and the number of ads on your page could be harming your search position with Google's new Panda algorithm

Franchise Innovations: A Look at Adobe Connect Managed Services

Rick Sloboda

Rick Sloboda is a Senior Web Copywriter at Webcopyplus, which helps designers and businesses boost online traffic, leads and sales with optimized web content.

Website Submission Tool: Classifieds

This is an online submission tool designed to help you submit your Canadian business website to various seach engines and directories.

Thank your for adding your business!

Overriding Your Inner Gremlins

Do you hate the thought of picking up the phone to make cold calls? A new perspective on your inner voice may help.

Valuation Formulas: The Income Method

Expect to Get Half as Much and Take Twice as Long!

Think you're ready to test your mettle and retire into starting a business? Dr. Paul Adams outlines a simple test will help you determine whether this is a great idea or pending disaster.

TIE Ratio Calculator

Stop Criticizing Yourself!

While a healthy sense of your self, it's important not to focus too much negative criticism, whether it comes from others or yourself. The sooner you tackle the tendency to make negative judgements about yourself – the happier and more satisfying your life will become.

Watch Your Language

Jeff Mowatt shares customer service tips for employees who may struggle with English when it is their second language.

27 Exhibiting Do's and Don'ts

Make the most of your trade show dollars by following these critical do's and don'ts of trade show exhibiting.

Books for Business

We are regularly asked to review business books. Here are a few of the titles that crossed our desk recently that stand out from the crowd.

Unsettling Marketing Research

It is human nature to want to know you are right. However, marketing research should tell you something you do not know and how to improve your business.

Descriptive Stories Sell on More than One Level

Do you know enough about your services that you can create captivating stories that help your prospective customers see themselves enjoying the benefit of wisely selecting you to help enhance their lives, businesses and careers?

How Internet Users Prefer and Process Information

Auditory, visual or kinesthetic? Understanding how people gather and process information is the key to building an effective website for your business.

Does Franchising Kill Innovation?

In this article Ed Bernacki examines the success and failure of two franchises in Australia: Starbucks and McDonalds.

What is Factoring?

This simmple primer explains the ins and outs of factor financing.

The ABC's of Search Optimization

These A-B-Cs of search optimization can help you boost your position in search engines like Google.

The Coming Death of Email

Will social media tools bring about the death of email in the business world?

Using PR to Drive Traffic to Your Website

Tips for what you should do before you make your pitch.

The Future Of Customer Service: 3 Trends That Will Change The Way You Serve Customers

Jeff Mowat explains the most significant trends in customer service, and how you can position your business to capitalize rather than capsize in response.

Celebrating 40 Years of BIAs

Business Improvement Areas serve thousands of communities worldwide. Sara Bedal tells you how they got their start.

Initiative Captures Spirit of Entrepreneurship in Canada

The "Show Us Your Entrepreneur" campaign by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation invites all Canadians to share their entrepreneurial stories.

Twitiquette: Mind Your Social Networking Ps and Qs

If you want win friends and influence people on social media networks, start by following these social etiquette guidelines.

Legal

IDEA 5

Route 66: BuyingLocal at the end of Americas Most Iconic Highway

Communication Engagement Begins with You!

The most effective networking uses a specific mental attitude combined with an ability to listen and observe.

Accounting 101: Calculating Financial Ratios

This month we're digging into the books as we look at the ratios most commonly used by the bank to assess your credit application.

Articles

Motivation

Other Social Media Platforms

Selling Success: A Key to More Sales

Do you need to improve your success at selling? It's probably time to look at how persistence factors into any winning formula.

If You Want to be a Success in Business- Just Say No!

In the complex cycles of supply and demand, knowing when to say 'no' may be the difference between success and bankrupcy.

How To Set Up A Business

Should you incorporate? The experts from mylegalanswers.com offer insights into choosing a business structure.

Technology

The Keys to a Winning RFP

Winning a government contract can be a daunting process. Follow these tips to find out how you can prepare for success.

Marketing Guide

Since our our launch in 1998 CanadaOne has published hundreds of marketing articles. This month we are introducing our new Marketing Guide to help you navigate our extensive databank of marketing articles.

Dr. Michael Rock

Dr. Michael E. Rock is one of a few specialists in the world currently licensed to certify professionals in the understanding of, the statistical research background in, and the interpretation and use of the BarOn EQ-i©.

I Count -- I Count You! EQ and the New Workplace

At look at EQ-i, value in the workplace, and how different types of workers affect the overall atmosphere.

Expanding Your Franchising: Tips for Crossing Borders

When it comes to business expansion, there are quite a few things to consider and in this article we will examine them.

What Are the Differences in Buying a Franchise in a New System versus an Established One?

Getting Found in Google: Insights into the +1 Button and Schema.org

Whether Google's +1 button will have a significant impact on search results will have a lot to do with Google's ability to market Plus 1 to ordinary users.

Test

Website Submission Tool: Major Engines

This is an free online submission tool designed to help you submit your Canadian business website to various seach engines and directories.

Suggest a Canadian Business Resource

Lessons in Leadership: Decision Making A Must for Success

As a leader your are required to make decisions like it or not. Dr. Paul Adams offers advice that will help you make difficult decisions.

Useful Prince Edward Island Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for Prince Edward Island.

Chart 1: General Job Boards

Use this list of online job boards to find places to post an ad when you are looking for your next employee.

Valuation Formulas: Owner Benefit Valuation

The Secrets of Effective Decision-Making

What is the main characteristic of successful people? It certainly isn't age or experience (Bill Gates had neither when he started). In this article Steve Bannister explores the attributes that create successful entrepreneurs and considers how this can help you improve your own business.

Poll: Web Delivers Poor Content

Slow websites, confusing menus and busy designs are just a few of the reasons that 88 per cent of online users said they were being served poor content on the Web. Read on to discover common mistakes and what you can do to fix them for your own website.

Rising Exhibiting Costs Places New Premium on Efficiency

With the cost of exhibiting at a tradeshow up nearly 20 percent per attendee, it's no longer good enough to get a positive return on investment (ROI). Read on to learn how you can get the maximum ROI when attending your next tradeshow.

Six Ways to Reduce Stress in Uncertain Economic Times

Feeling stressed out? These six tips will help you cope.

Missing the Message

Kelly Burnett explains how to stand out at any presentation and make your message memorable.

Thank you

Pitching Your Business Idea to Angels & Venture Capitalists

When you reach the point where you need equity capital to finance the implementation of a business idea, opportunity or growth plan, it is important to perfect your pitch.

Federal Program Offers Incentives to Businesses to Go Green

If you're thinking about implementing energy-saving projects, then you'll want to act now before this federal program wraps up in early 2011.

Going Green: Help for Managing Your E-Waste

Properly managing end-of-life electronics helps protect your business - and benefits the environment.

Planning to Fail Can Spell Success

Knowing the common causes of failure is vital, but it is equally important that we know how to take steps to prevent them from happening to us; a planning to fail process can be extremely instructive.

March 2012

Understanding Financial Statements

financial statements, money, accounting, loans, financing, banks, lenders, applications, Income Statement, Balance Sheet

Doomed to Fail Before You Start

Want to start your own business? Reg Pirie offers excellent advice that can help you avoid business failure!

Advertise

Have Your Say: Send Emails to Canada's MPs

We created this email service to help small businesses share their concerns with their elected MPs.

Magazine - (older)

It's All in How You See It! (Part 5 of 5) EQ (Emotional Intelligence) and the New Workplace

In his final article on EQ and the workplace, Dr. Michael Rock explores the relationship between EQ, worker happiness, productivity, and the new workplace.

3 Tips on Choosing the Franchise that is Right for You

Getting Found in Google: Four Action Steps to Reoptimize Your Website

How can a site owner who were affected by Panda prioritize their recovery efforts? This list summarizes the points from the session.

Donna Messer

Donna Messer is the expert when it comes to networking. Using her personal contacts from a data base of more than 10,000 she can "connect" with everyone and help build successful business and career opportunities.

Website Submission Tool: Media Outlets

This is an online submission tool designed to help you submit your Canadian business website to various seach engines and directories.

Useful Newfoundland & Labrador Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for Newfoundland & Labrador.

eHiring in Canada Continued

This free workshop covers everything that Canadian businesses need to know about using the Internet as a hiring tool.

The Importance of Past Performance & Reliable Financials

Internet Start-ups: Then & Now

In this special CanadaOne feature we are broadcasting an abridged version of Mark Evan's speech, "Two Solitudes: The real differences between running an Internet start-up now and during the dot-com boom", to the Toronto Venture Group. (Run time: 21 minutes)

Speak to Succeed

Most people would rather disappear than deliver a presentation. These simple tips that will help you put aside your fear and deliver a great presentation.

Risky Business: How Repeat Customers may Jeopardize your Future

As Jeff Mowatt shows us, the complacent assumption that repeat customers mean loyal customers could be dangerous to the survival of your business.

Social Media and Customer Relationship Management:
How Businesses Can Use Facebook and Other Social Media to Improve Customer Relationships

This article evaluates the impact of social media has had on how businesses manage and interact with customers.

What You Need to Know About New Accounting Software

Sage and Intuit are putting more power in the hands of small businesses with their new offerings for 2011.

Media & PR

Partners

February 2012

Inventor, Innovator And Entrepreneur Success Secret #2: It's All About 'Them'

Understanding how to succeed in your business may be as simple as adopting a customer-focus.

Contact CanadaOne

Business Topics

Norman P. Goldman

Norman P. Goldman is a retired Quebec Civil Law Notary with over 32 years experience.

Website Submission Tool: Misc.

A free tool designed to help you submit your site to various online search engines and directories.

Case Example: Intel's Andy Grove

In an article in Fortune magazine, Andy Grove, Ph.D.,founder and head of Intel Corp., answered what he called the "urgent questions in this radically new environment: What are businesses to do? And, what are managers themselves to do?" Whilehis answers are incredibly blunt, they are also realistic.

The Formula for Success

What do some entrepreneurs do differently that enables them to achieve almost mythical business success? This month we look at the characteristics that separate successful entrepreneurs from their peers.

Useful Yukon Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for the Yukon.

Striking a Deal: Introduction & What Motivates Buyers

Strategic Marketing Plan: Sign-Up

Review: The Facebook Application Ecosystem

An O'Reilly Radar Report, The Facebook Application Ecosystem: Why Some Thrive and Most Don't, will be a good investment if you are planning to develop a Facebook application.

Writing Website Headlines that Connect

If you want to get your customers' attention online, writing great headlines is a critical first step.

Build Up Your Leadership Team, and Grow a More Valuable Business

What to Do When Your Kids Don't Want the Business: The Employee Buy-Out Option

Selling your business to employees is not an easy decision. Here's what you need to consider.

Management

Franchisor Show their Stuff at Toronto Expo

From a mobile solar-powered building to interesting ways to build a part-time coffee business, many franchise opportunities were on display at the 2011 Toronto Business & Investment Expo.

Business Directory

January 2012

Make Your Point Powerfully

Good presentation skills are learned, not genetic, and each of us, if we take the time, can learn to use a system that can supercharge our ability to make points.

Can You Discover the Secrets of Success?

Looking for a get rich quick solution to make yourself a millionaire? It's time to put the hype aside and consider what it really takes to be successful.

Marketing

Communication is the First Victim of Corporate Inability to Change

Businesses will often talk about the importance of communication. Yet it is often the lack of communication that is at the root of major problems. How does this happen, and better yet how can you avoid it? Read this article to find out.

Efficiency Tip: Close Programs Quickly

Here's a quick way to shut down programs on your PC system.

Bio Pages

Exporting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever considered exporting your products and services, but don't know where to start? Exporting: A Step-by-Step Guide will take you through the process from planning to that important first shipment.

Ron Clark

Ron W. Clark is a lawyer with Minden Gross Grafstein & Greenstein, Barristers and Solicitors. Ron's practice focuses on corporate and commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, secured transactions and e-commerce. Ron has represented private and public corporations, financial institutions and individuals.

Website Submission Tool: Newsletters

This is an online submission tool designed to help you submit your Canadian business website to various seach engines and directories.

Useful Nunavut Tax Links

A collection of government tax links and phone numbers for Nunavut covering general and tax links.

Striking a Deal: What Motivates Sellers

Are You Ready for Your Media Interview?

Even if you are not actively seeking media attention, you never know when a reporter might call. That's why every business owner, executive and spokesperson should be able to answer questions pertaining to positive or negative news. In this article Paul Lima explains how you can prepare yourself for a media interview.

Legal disclaimer

Using Facebook for Business

With over 400,000,000 active users worldwide, Facebook is a marketing channel like few others. These tips will help you understand how to put the power of Facebook's user base to work for your business.

The Second Most Important Person in Your Business

They're gatekeepers, organizers, documenters and confidential advisors. Here's what you need to look for in a great executive assistant.

The Hidden Realities in Franchise Financing

Evaluated these important financing considerations before you take the leap to turn your business into a franchise system.

November December 2011

Update your listings Test

Spell Check Shortcut

Use this shortcut to quickly correct misspelled words and grammatical errors.

Privacy Policy

The Inventor's Guide

So you've got this great idea, but what's next? Just what are licenses, patents, and commercialization? With tips and insights from people who have navigated the invention process successfully this guide can help you find the route that's best for you.

Misc

Promote

Ellen Samiec

Ellen is passionate about personal development and helping people bring out their best. Her commitment to personal leadership and dynamic balance stems from her own experience of burn out in the corporate world eight years ago. As a result, Ellen established Breakthrough Coaching and now works as a coach, speaker and trainer, supporting business professionals in achieving greater results with balance. Ellen is highly skilled in creating a comfortable yet dynamic environment for exploration and growth to enhance performance.

Website Submission Tool: Niche Engines

This is an online submission tool designed to help you submit your Canadian business website to various seach engines and directories.

Useful Nortwest Territories Tax Links

A collection of government tax links for the Nortwest Territories.

Striking a Deal: Tax Considerations

Being Unique is a Good Thing ... Isn't It?

As a new entrepreneur you will want to make sure that your business stands apart from the competition. Beware, however, of getting caught into taking an approach that is too different.

Don't Let Poor Website Design Hold Your Business Hostage

Do-it-yourself website design may seem like a good idea at the get-go but it could cost you opportunities, revenue and growth.

October 2011

Add Business

To Franchise or Not to Franchise... How does Your Business Answer this Question?

Shelly Sun has proven that she can walk the walk when it comes to building a successful franchise. We spoke with her recently to learn more about her insights into franchising a business.

Sales and Marketing: Make your Cold Calls Sizzle

Don't get stressed thinking about phoning complete strangers. As Steven J. Schwartz tells us, you can make your cold calls sizzle by following these simple principles.

Mission and Vision Statements: Envision your Business, Realize your Goals

Vision and goals may seem like the

On Becoming a Successful Inventor, Innovator or Entrepreneur: Insider Secret #1

Jim Laughren looks at how to develop an good idea into a money-making invention.

Handling Angry or Misunderstood Emails: The 24 Hour Cooling Off Period

Ticked off by an email? Be sure to read this tech tip before sending off your reply.

The Exporter's Guide

Many Canadian small businesses find success beyond our borders. With these guides you can too. Here you will find articles that discuss topics such as collecting on foreign accounts, shipping, drafting contracts, and a general overview of the process.

Money

September 2011

Chantal Saville

Chantal Saville is with BSA Consulting Business Solutions, who provide Consulting, Training and seminars on the topic of business systems analysis.

Website Submission Tool: Other

This is an online submission tool designed to help you submit your Canadian business website to various seach engines and directories.

CanadaOne Site Guide

Striking a Deal: Negotiation Tips

Book Review: Gamestorming

Dubbed a "A Playbook for Innovators, Rulebreakers, and Changemakers," Gamestorming will help you harness improvisation, visual thinking and creativity.

Q&A: Marketing a Small Business Online

What is the secret to establishing a successful online presence and dominant brand? To find out writemedia marketing communications, regular contributors to CanadaOne, recently interviewed Doug Dayton.

Prompted to Business Success

Do you sometimes feel like your business is rushing forward, and barely leaving you time to reflect and refocus? If so, you'll want to read on as Marion Oberg Riise, an Alberta-based entrepreneur, explains how you can prompt your way to business success.

Know your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

This article looks at how you can power drive your sales and marketing by understanding what makes your business unique.

Registering a Business in British Columbia, Canada

Here's how to register a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation in British Columbia, Canada.

July 2011

Ron Walton

Ron is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario's Faculty of Law and is currently obtaining his Masters of Intellectual Property Law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to practising law, Ron founded his own computer company and was also the Canadian general manager of a U.S. multinational computer firm.

Step 1: When to Send a Press Release

Ask yourself how you will use your news release before you start writing. This will help you to set clear goals before you start, and will hopefully save you time in the long run.

Website Submission Tool: Awards

This is an online submission tool designed to help you submit your Canadian business website to various seach engines and directories.

Networking

eHiring in Canada

Legal Considerations: Introduction & the Buy Sell Agreement

Extra Pages

Link to Us

Book Review:The Myths of Innovation

If you've ever questioned the cliches that surround the creative process, you'll want to pick up this new paperback.

Registering a Business in Manitoba, Canada

Holiday Contest 2011 Home

Should Small Business be Cautious of Incubators? Part I

Is an incubator the answer to all your business' needs, or is it not much more than media hype? Read on to find out more about incubators, and how you can find the right fit for your company.

Professional Conduct A Must When Dealing With the Media

Want to make the news? These insights will help you build personal relationships between your business and the media.

The Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) Option

When sending out a bulk email be sure to use blind carbon copy - here's how.

Registering a Business in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Need help registering a business in PEI? This article will tell you walk you through the process.

Mark Vanderkam

As a managing partner with Columbia Group Inc., Mark Vanderkam is a business strategist, marketing communications specialist, author and public speaker with over ten years of experience helping companies achieve aggressive business goals.

Step 2: Rules for Writing a Release

Now that you have assessed the viability of your news release, and concluded that it makes sense for your company to issue a release at this time, consider how to create a news release with impact.

Suggest a Search Engine

Do you have a favourite search engine/portal that you'd like to suggest? It must must have an Add URL page and have a free listing option.

Legal Considerations: The Buyer's Perspective

Make CanadaOne Your Homepage

Neuromarketing,Behavioural Economics & NLP

October is Small Business Month!

It is time to celebrate, network and focus on business as Small Business Month gets underway.

June 2011

Misc Archives

Should Small Business be Cautious of Incubators? Part II

The second section of this two-part article looks at questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line with an incubator, investor or venture capitalist.

Registering a Business in Nova Scotia, Canada

Want to know how to register a business in Nova Scotia? Here's how.

Robert N. Lee and Margaret Anne J. Taylor

Robert N. Lee and Margaret Anne J. Taylor are the founders of Calgary's writemedia marketing communications. Their company is dedicated to providing integrated and highly effective marketing communications programs. writemedia provides clients with a strong single communications resource.

Step 3: Preparing your Information

Before sitting down to write your press release, make sure that you are prepared.

Suggest a Search Engine/Portal - Thank you

CanadaOne thanks you for recommending your favourite search engine/portal site.

Legal Considerations: The Seller's Perspective

Assessments

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Organization & Time Management

May 2011

Holiday Contest 2011 Enter

Business Innovation Challenge

So, You Want to Be a Consultant

There is more than meets the eye to these people then jetting around the world. We get the goods on what it really takes to make it in this business.

Power Words: Use Them to Strengthen Your Writing

In a literal sense, no word is a power word. All words are abstract things because they represent the idea of objects, not the actual objects. Yet all writers learn early on in their career to differentiate between the meaning of a concrete word – also known as a "power word" – and the meaning of an abstract word.

External Growth Strategies

Using the right external growth strategy can set a business on course for rapid, profitable expansion. In this article Doug Lucky (VP, Ernst & Young) takes us through the process of building successful growth strategies.

Marilyn Strong

Marilyn has spent most of her life marketing one thing or another. If she wasn't selling Girl Guide Cookies she was promoting fundraisers for her competitive swim club. A degree in Recreation and Sociology took her to Castlegar BC in 1976 and she's lived there since.

Step 4: Write Your Press Release Online

This online template can be used to create a press release/news release for your Canadian business.

Registering a Business in Ontario, Canada

Want to know how to register a business in Ontario? Here's how.

Closing the Deal

Event: Transforming Small Business

Whats-On Subscription Management

April 2011

Sales

Have Your Say Tool

Holiday Contest 2011 Rules

Social Media

Search

Our new search tool will make it easier for you to find the information you need to start, run and grow your business. Simply type in a few keywords to get started! Get started now to browse over 900 Canadian small business articles, news stories, and ask-the-expert answers to questions from our readers.

Robert Spiegel

Robert Spiegel has been writing magazine articles for over 25 years. He is a regular contributor to Home Business Magazine, Working at Home, Database Marketing and Catalog Age. His writing has appeared in over 50 magazines, including Rolling Stone, True Confessions, Folio, Opportunity and Selling Power.

Step 5: Distributing Your Press Release

Once you have created your press release/news release you will want to distribute it to the media. This section of our free workshop will help you build a database of media contacts and understand how to distribute your release through the Wires.

Further Reading & Resources

March 2011

Holiday Contest 2011 Winners

Registering a Business in Quebec

Are you thinking of starting a business in Quebec? Learn how to register your name by following these steps.

February 2011

CanadaOne Site Search Results

Julian So

Julian So has leveraged a varied background to found meep! media, inc., an Internet and intranet consulting company with an unique and straightforward approach to Internet and intranet design and implementation.

new businessmaps test

Starting a Business

Registering a Business in Saskatchewan

Starting a business in Saskatchewan? Here's how to register your company.

The Joys of Moving a Small Business

Will you be moving your business? Consider the following tips before you get started. After all, pre-planning is the key to a successful move.

Judy Smith

Judy Smith, of Judy Smith Consulting, is an independent collection consultant who specializes in assisting business and professional practices establish systems to collect their accounts receivable. She is the co-author of the book "What To Say When Your Customers Won't Pay".

January 2011

Technology

Turning your Idea into a Business: Before the Product Launch

You don't just build a better mousetrap. You've got to build your mousetrap and show it catches mice before anybody's interested in buying your mousetrap. Especially in something that doesn't have a lot of background.

Web Tools

Registering a Business in Yukon, Canada

Need help registering a business in Yukon? This article will tell you walk you through the process.

Finding Info .. Fast!

Frustrated web searches - this tip can help you find the words and phrases you are searching for .. in just a few clicks.

Michael Fromstein

November - December 2010

Turning your Idea into a Business: Creating an Effective Business Plan

Inventor or start-up: here are some solid tips that will help your create an effective business plan for your new idea.

Success is Managing with Common Sense and a Flair for Leadership

Leadership skills are critical to the success of a new venture. Do you have them? Whether or not you think you're a gifted leader, you should consider putting management theories aside and focus on common sense as you build your business, Paul Adams says

Boost Sales with Enthused and Committed Salespeople

If you're looking for the perfect salesperson, search for someone with as many of the 10 optimal sales-oriented characteristics as possible.

Reducing Spam

This tip will help you reduce the spam you get in your inbox.

Mike Schultz

Mike has been teaching Business & Cooperative Education at Chinguacousy Secondary School (Land of the Tall Pines) since 1988. His teaching career started in 1977 in Arnprior,Ontario. However, the next year he found himself in the educational publishing business ( sales & management) from 1978 to 1988. After a successful ten years, it was back to teaching.

October 2010

Turning your Idea into a Business: Getting an Idea and Getting Started

So you have an idea, but how do you make it a business. This invention series will guide you through the process.

Bulletproof Your Lease Agreement

Worried about booby traps in the standard commercial lease agreement you're thinking of signing? You should be. With the help of key experts we've put together a list of questions and considerations that will help you bulletproof your business lease.

Don't Go for a Back-up Drive - Go for a Back-up Solution

Many businesses depend on their data, and back-up drives are one of the most popular solution for backing up data. This month's tip focuses on how you can put a system in place to ensure that your back-up drive works for your business.

Test

Jenn Kubilis

JK Business Services has been providing bookkeeping services for clients in the Hamilton-Wentworth and Halton regions since 1995.

September 2010

Event Has Expired

PR Tools: Understanding the News Conference

When should you consider holding a news conference? Read on for an insider's look at this PR tool.

If You Wish to be Successful, be Prepared!

How do you prepare your sales staff for success? This month Paul Adams shares insights into one of the most important ingredients of successful sales.

Jody Eagen

Jody's life mission is to 'maximize peoples potential'. In the corporate world, he did this through automation. When he realized that this was not big enough, Jody started his own company and partnered with a large Personal Development organization, Context Associated. Over the last 5 years, while delivering Personal Development seminars, Jody has developed an number of strategies to serve his mission.

July 2010

Turning your Idea into a Business: Protect your Product with a Patent

While having a patent gives you exclusive rights that make your product more attractive to investors, it must be weighed against the costs and time needed to secure this protection.

One-on-One Communication - Ten Ways to Make a Better Impression

What if you're in a hard-nosed business meeting that has taken a turn for the worse? Your ideas aren't being understood. Your questions are being met with ego-crushing blank stares. Your window of opportunity is closing fast.How do you turn things arou

Partner Program

Wendy Duncan

Wendy Duncan brings strong business skills and a broad marketing background to the Distinctive Edge Inc. Her organizational talents, communication abilities and a passion for customer satisfaction builds strong connections with our clients. An experienced team player, she has served on numerous committees for business, professional and community organizations. This involvement affirms her abilities to move discussions toward actions and results.

June 2010

New Ads May be Hijacking Your Website Text

New Internet technology may be hijacking your website traffic, redirecting visitors to your competitors' sites. Read on to learn more about some new online advertising vehicles and their implications for website owners.

Who Needs a Mentor!

A sounding board, a trusted resource. Someone who can listen - and challenge you to new levels. Mentors offer untold value to new entrepreneurs; in this article Reg Pirie explains why you need them, and how to find them.

Clement Lo

Clement Lo is the Chief Research Evangelist of Pragmatic Consulting. Educated in Ontario, he has a B.A. degree from York University, and B.Comm. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Windsor.

May 2010

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April 2010

Leni Chauvin

With over 20 years experience in sales and marketing, Leni knows which (phone) buttons to push to get things done. She is President and Founder of BRE Business Referral Exchange, a Vancouver-based company with a mission to help its clients increase productivity and boost their bottom line by building structured word-of-mouth referral networks.

Partner Update Test

Adam Bello

With over 20 years experience in sales and marketing, Leni knows which (phone) buttons to push to get things done. She is President and Founder of BRE Business Referral Exchange, a Vancouver-based company with a mission to help its clients increase productivity and boost their bottom line by building structured word-of-mouth referral networks.

March 2010

Deal Zone - HR Power Center

Claire Belilos

Claire Belilos is results-oriented. She specializes in implementing change with a down-to-earth common-sense approach.

February 2010

Videos Test

Richard Batch

Rich practices tax planning for owner-managers, entrepreneurs and their corporations, dealing with a wide variety of issues ranging from owner-manager remuneration, general corporate tax minimization and international tax. Rich also has experience in estate planning and tax planning using Trusts.

January 2010

New Home Test

Howard Belasco

Howard is a networking professional with superior communication skills, proven experience and unique skills in network administration, project management, training, and end-user support. He is especially skilled in analyzing situations, developing plans, designing solutions and motivating people.

November - December 2009

Business Innovation Challenge

Mari-Lyn Hudson

Mari-Lyn Hudson is a Business Development Consultant. She is the co-author of BYOB, Build Your Own Business and the founder of Y2K, Yes 2 Kindness.

October 2009

Linda Plater

New Media Consultant, Linda Plater generates creative content for a digital world and views her work as a series of challenging and technically interesting projects.

September 2009

Louise LeBrun

Founder and Managing Partner of Ottawa-based Partners in Renewal Inc., Louise is the creator of the WEL-Systems (TM) Program of Organizational Renewal.

July - August 2009

J. Christa Thomas

Christa is a partner in the law firm Jellinek, Thomas where she practices business law and estates planning.

June 2009

Marion Oberg Riise

Marion's lighthearted observations about life have been published in The Sons of Norway Viking and The United Church Observer magazines. She is marketing a children's book manuscript to North American publishers. She writes, edits and designs materials for a variety of public organizations, small businesses and individuals.

May 2009

Jody Hornor

Hi. Let me introduce myself. I'm the person who's made marketing much easier and more profitable for thousands of business owners across North America. I'm Jody Hornor, author, professional speaker, and marketing consultant.

April 2009

March 2009

St. Lawrence College Students

Jane, Alex, Michael, Heather and Robin are upper-year Business students at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. They are all going to be graduating from their respective programs in April of 2010. As students of Business programs at SLC, they have taken classes focused on emerging areas in business, such as supply chain management, business to business marketing and customer relationship management.

February 2009

David Gordon

David Gordon is the Managing Partner of STRATEGYLink Consulting, President of the Gordon Consulting Group, and a Community Adviser for the Victoria Foundation.

January 2009

Jim Munro

Jim Munro has over 20 years of experience providing quality, cost effective IT solutions to a diverse array of clientele, large and small. Clients have included Government, Financial, Manufacturing, Software Development and Retail institutions.

November - December 2008

Francine Carlin

The Business Harmonizer Group, is a consulting firm specializing in advising; planning and communications facilitation for family enterprise and entrepreneurs. The Business Harmonizer Group is dedicated to helping business leaders mediate and resolve the emotional and relationship issues that affect decision-making thereby creating workable solutions for eliminating the silent barriers to business success.

October 2008

Keith Randall

Keith Randall is President of Keith Randall Associates, providing creative communications services in print and electronic media, broadcasting and strategic public relations. He has many years of Radio & TV on-air and management experience in private and public sectors, in Canada and abroad, and can be reached at krandall1@sympatico.ca.

September 2008

Stanley Popovich

Stanley Popovich struggled with fear and anxiety for more than 15 years. When he started college at Penn State University in 1990, he began to keep notes on various ways to deal with his fears. He talked with professionals, read books and then used what he learned to get through many anxious times.

July 2008

Sara Best

Sara Best, President of Velo Communications Inc., is an award-winning communications professional with over ten years experience in government and the private sector.

June 2008

Chad Hayward

Chad Hayward is President and Assessment Director for the Hire Insight Group (www.hireinsightgroup.com), a firm that provides completely outsourced screening and assessment programs to help clients quickly identify the very best candidates within their pool of applicants.

May 2008

Dave Archer

Dave Archer is an international sales veteran with in-market business experience spanning 32 countries over 15 years across multiple industry sectors, including manufacturing, technology, consumer products, chemicals, software, and services.

April 2008

Kelly Burnett

Kelly Burnett is President of The Calyx Group, a company that specializes in advanced communication and presentation skills, incorporating a different perspective using performance and leading-edge NLP techniques.

March 2008

Elizabeth Skronski

Elizabeth Skronski is a certified business coach and a performance leadership coach, facilitator and speaker. She is President of RISE International, a coaching, consulting and training firm dedicated to helping companies, large and small, reach outstanding and sustainable results by helping executives, managers and employees create Inspiring Workplaces that truly re-engage everyone and re-connect them to the Leader within themselves.

Steve Bannister

Steve Bannister is a positive change catalyst. He motivates people and organizations on how to get from planning to performance.

February 2008

Jules Sowder

Jules Sowder is an executive marketing advisor with 20-years of experience helping results-driven organizations build brand strength, attract and retain more customers, and increase revenue.

January 2008

Donna Marrin

Donna M. Marrin has worked as an advertising/corporate communications writer in the retail field for over twenty years, most currently as a Senior Copywriter/Editor for the Staples Business Depot chain.

November - December 2007

Patti Krakoff

Patsi Krakoff, Psy. D., has been making money online since 1997, through newsletters and ezines. She provides newsletter article services for executive coaches and business consultants through www.CustomizedNewsletters.com. She has a doctorate degree in psychology with a journalism background.

October 2007

September 2007

Andre Pontoni

Andre Pontoni is an independent financial advisor managing a specialty practice. In September 1991, he graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours B.Comm and subsequently joined a National Accounting Firm. He has been a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) since 1993 and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators (CICBV) since 1997. He is a candidate for the Accredited Senior Appraiser designation with the American Society of Appraisers.

July/August 2007

Sharif Khan

Sharif Khan is a professional speaker and author of, Psychology of the Hero Soul, a non-fiction, inspirational book about awakening the Hero within and rekindling people's passion for greatness. As President of Diamond Mind Enterprises, an organization devoted to helping people awaken their inner potential to live their highest life, Sharif has dedicated over ten years research in the field of human development and studying great leaders. His vision is to inspire the world and make a positive difference in people's lives.

William Young, MBA

William Young, MBA is president of Empowerment Essentials, Inc., a Columbus, Ohio based training company. He works with organizations and businesses, providing high-content programs and workshops that empower people to improve their performance, productivity, and profits.

June 2007

Doug Robbins

Doug Robbins is a Founding Director of the M&A Source, a powerful voice in the business intermediary realm. He is an internationally renowned Canadian Business Intermediary who holds many designations related to the mergers and acquisitions industry. He is a licensed Real Estate Broker in both Ontario and a licensed business broker in Illinois.

May 2007

Willa Schecter

With over 19 years experience in Sales, Sales Training, and Sales Coaching, Willa brings with her comprehensive, hands on understanding of the Sales Process.

April 2007

March 2007

Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler

Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler is a doctor of psychology, pioneer brain/mind researcher,and veteran advisor to the Pentagon, a Presidential Commission, top executives,executive teams, entrepreneurs and numerous well-known "personalities."

Stanley J. Kershman

A leading authority on solving – and avoiding – financial disasters, Stanley J. Kershman has been helping people get out of debt for more than 28 years. That's why they call him the Debt Doctor!

February 2007

January 2007

Eric Gilboord

Eric is a specialist in making marketing easy for business owner/operators and any staff with sales or marketing responsibility. He demystifies marketing so they can use it to generate sales today and grow their businesses faster.

November 2006

Joyce Hansen

Joyce Hansen, RPA, is a public relations specialist, and President of Class Act Connections. She develops programs for her clients to maximize their uniqueness.

October 2006

Philip Yaffe

Philip Yaffe has more than 40 years of experience in journalism and marketing communication. Now semi-retired, Philip serves as a marketing communication consultant to industrial/scientific companies both in Belgium and abroad.

Bob Hooey

Bob "Idea Man" Hooey is a charismatic, confident leader, consultant, author, and speaker who serves a wide range of clients. Using personal stories and ideas personally mined from 29 years of rich experience in retail, sales, small business entrepreneurship, association and commercial leadership and management, he challenges his readers and audiences to engage his Ideas At Work!

September 2006

July - August 2006

John Towler

John Towler is a Professor of Psychology and a member of the faculty at the American College of Pre-Hospital Medicine in Florida and Renison College, University of Waterloo where he served as Principal and Chief Executive Officer. He has taught at the universities of Alberta, Waterloo, South Florida and Purdue and has been a visiting professor at Wilfrid Laurier School of Business and several universities in the UK.

Mia Wedgbury

Mia Wedgbury, co-founder of High Road Communications and general manager of the Toronto office, has over 10 years experience in the high tech communications industry.

June 2006

Dr. Paul E. Adams

Dr. Paul E. Adams has taught entrepreneurship, management and marketing for over twenty years and has put his knowledge into practice by starting and operating a number of successful businesses.

May 2006

April 2006

Kim Mortson

Kim Mortson is a seasoned facilitator and workshop leader who delivers a variety of sessions on business financing, start up issues for small business, customer service and networking skills. Kim provides business coaching services for a York Region-based small business resource centre and the federal government's Self Employment Assistance Program.

Sharon Monahan

Sharon Monahan is president of The Business Guide Inc. "The Guide" is a consulting firm specializing in assisting private sector proponents to obtain government financial assistance.

March 2006

Nancy Roebke

Profnet, Inc. is a Stuart Florida-based Corporation specializing in teaching business professionals how to generate more revenue for their firms. We do this by setting up Profnet Chapters all over the US and abroad.

February 2006

This month on CanadaOne you can read about Canadian technology trends, telephone tag tips and some insight into providing flexible customer service.

Connie Certusi

Connie Certusi is the general manager of Sage's Small Business Accounting Solutions (SBAS) business unit, which includes the Sage Peachtree and Sage Simply Accounting businesses, as well as the Sage Accountants Network.

January 2006

Manage the media, harness your dreams and discover just how the Internet has changed over the last decade. This month we cover these topics and more!

Lisa Kember

November 2005

Our free small business magazine is the just-in-time information source you can use to start, run and grow your business.

October 2005

Brian Keen

September 2005

Jim Pagiamtzis

July 2005

June 2005

The June issue of our free online magazine for Canadian business owners.

May 2005

April 2005

March 2005

Be sure to visit CanadaOne this month for fantastic articles and insights that will help you grow you business and expand your leadership skills.

February 2005

January 2005

A free, monthly publication of small business articles for Canadian entrepreneurs.

December 2004

November 2004

October 2004

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August 2004

July 2004

June 2004

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November 2003

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Ezine Articles Archive

Tech Tips

Useful technology and computer tips for busy entrepreneurs.

Multi-Article Indexes

Book Review: Toyota Kata

Toyota Kata – managing people for improvement, adaptiveness and superior results, puts you behind the curtain at Toyota, providing new insight into the legendary automaker’s management practices.

Book Review: Writing for the Web 3.0

Our reviewer looks at Writing for the Web 3.0, by Crawford Kilian.

Book Review: Strategy Moves

Our book review of Strategy Moves.

Book Review: Identity Theft Toolkit

The Identity Theft Toolkit is a good primer, but it fails to differentiate between high and low risk activities.

Book Review: Billionaire in Training

Written in plain language, Billionaire in Training explores how you can go beyond your paycheque to become truly wealthy or even rich simply by changing your mindset.

Book Review: Smoke and Mirrors

When planning for your retirement you should first consider picking up a copy of Smoke and Mirrors. In this book David Trahair describes in plain language why some of the most commonly held retirement planning beliefs may not be in your best interest.

Book Review: How to Make Money Online with eBay, Yahoo!, & Google

My first reaction when I picked up this book was 'oh no, not another book full of computer screenshots and links that will probably be broken a year from now'. Then, when I actually started to read the book, my attitude changed dramatically.

Review: The Survey Genie

CanadaOne reviews a software product designed to help you conduct business surveys and analyze the results.

Bring It On!

Review of a book that looks at how you can implement new products or services effectively.

Spam Kings

Our review of Spam Kings, a book that '... tells the real story behind the high-rolling hucksters pushing porn, pills, and @*#?% enlargements'.

Walking the Tightrope

A simple, light read, this book tackles a topic overwhelming to most people, especially those entangled in running a home, family, and business. Our staff takes a look at this book's strategies to bring a hectic life back in to balance.

Redefining F.E.A.R.

Your "fear" could bring you more strength if you change how you look at it. This book will show you how, and our reviewer will let you know if it's work your valuable time to try.

Who Stole My Customer?--Winning Strategies for Creating and Sustaining Customer Loyalty

Are you're looking for a fresh approach to customer management? Do need to re-evaluate your current strategies? This may be the book for you. Read our review to out why!

Book Review: Sold! How to Make it Easy for People to Buy from You

This month we look at a book that claims to bring the sales process back to basics. Does it deliver? Read our review to find out.

Book Review: Your Marketing Sucks

With a title like "Your Marketing Sucks" we couldn't resist picking up this book. Does it live up to its promises of revolutionary new ideas? Our reviewer lets you know.

Taming Technology: You Can Control the Beast

In Taming Technology author Brian J. Nichelson addresses our fears and frustrations with these machines that permeate every day life. Is it worth a read? Our reviewer lets you know.

Dr. Peeling's Principles of Management

The Strategic Enterprise: Growing a Business for the 21st Century

Book review of The Strategic Enterprise: Growing a Business for the 21st Century.

Book Review: The Rhythm of Business

A review of The Rhythm of Business, an excellent book that puts emphasis on understanding your customers.

Book Review: Fail-Proof Your Business

This review looks at a book that will help you protect your business from failure.

Book Review: Secrets of Power Marketing

The secrets to effectively marketing yourself and your business unfold in Secrets of Power Marketing, the latest book from Peter Urs Bender and George Torok. Click here for a review.

The Marketing Phrase Book

Are you tongue-tied when it comes to writing promotions? Then check out the Marketing Phrase Book, a valuable resource for professionals with writer's block.

Hiring, Managing and Keeping the Best: The Complete Canadian Guide for Employers

Book review of Hiring, Managing and Keeping the Best: The Complete Canadian Guide for Employers.

Book Review: The HR Book: Human Resources Management for Business

Book REview of the HR Book.

Book Review: Make Sure It's Deductible

Whether you're just starting a business or just aren't sure, before submitting your tax returns you'll want to Make Sure It's Deductible (book review).

Book Review: Why Customers Do What They Do

Our review of a book that promises to help you understand who customers are, why they buy and how you can anticipate their every move.

Software Review: Quickbooks Premiere 2007

Our review of the lastest version of Quickbooks Premier.

Book Review: The 'I' of the storm

If you have ever struggled with crafting an effective message while preparing business communications, this book is for you. Fresh', relevant and concise, The "I" of the Storm clearly outlines the secrets behind good writing.

Book Review: Step into the Spotlight

Get ready to be educated, get ready to be entertained. Tsufit has put together a delightful book that rattles the traditional dry approach to business sales and promotion.

Book Review: Good to Great

Is Good to Great brilliantly insightful, or over quoted? Our reviewer shares his take on Jim Collins' bestseller.

Book Review: How to Write a Non-Fiction Book in 60 Days

Many consultants dream of writing a great non-fiction book, but never put the idea into practice because the task seems too overwhelming. If you fall into this category there is hope, which comes in the form of Paul Lima's new book, How to Write a Non-Fiction Book in 60 Days.

Book Review: grown up digital

Our review of Grown up Digital by Don Tapscott.

Review: Two Great Books for Business

Want to keep your New Year's resolutions? Here are two business books that can help.

Review: Egonomics

Is ego hampering or helping your business success? Read our review of Egonomics, a book that explores the role of ego in the success of a business.

Review: The Successful Management of Independent Business

This is an unusual business book written by an entrepreneur who built a hardware store business that survived even as large competitors opened up nearby.

Review: Toronto Book of Everything

Torontonians: do you know your city?

Book Review: Six Pixels of Separation

Book Review: The Gettysburg Approach to Writing & Speaking Like a Professional

We gave The "I" of the Storm a positive recommendation a few years ago for people who want to improve their written communications. Yaffe's latest book is even better.

Book Review: Psychology of Executive Retirement from Fear to Passion

At first glance, small business owners with retirement on the horizon might question the relevance of this self-help book.

Book Review: Win More Business - Write Better Proposals

Theriault starts with a simple principal - winning is everything.

Book Review: Unwritten Rules - Women Need to Know about Leading in Today's Organizations

Our review of Unwritten Rules: What Women Need to Know about Leading in Today's Organizations

Book Review: Built to Sell

This entertaining read outlines what an entrepreneur must do to create a sellable company.

Book Review: The Corporate Storyteller

This is light, engaging book carries an important message that could help many business people. You can think of it as a paradigm shift, really.

Review: Litmus App Email Preview Software

Sending out newsletters is a great way to grow your business. This month we review Litmus, an easy way to send, preview and manage Internet newsletters.

Book Review: The Business Playground: Where Creativity and Commerce Collide

Julie King reviews the Book  The Business Playground  by Dave Stewart and Mark Simmons.

Book Review: Merchants of Deception

Read this month's review of Merchants of Deception, by Eric Scheibeler.

Book Review: The Limits of Strategy

The Limits of Strategy: Julie King explains why this business book is worth a careful read.

Book Review: Selling Q&A’s

Selling Q&A’s: Don’t let its cover fool you: This book is a true gem among self-help titles.

Book Review: How to Sell Anything to Anyone at Anytime

The title of this how-to book promises the moon. Seasoned sales pros may find it slim pickings, but novice salespeople--and salespeople in a rut--should crack it open.

Book Review: Getting Work with the Federal Government

If you've ever wanted to understand the ins and outs of landing federal government contracts, you'll want to read this book.

Book Review: Enterprise Social Technology

Scott Klososky talks about how everything that can be considered  social technology  can be harnessed by businesses to build a more vibrant online presence.

Book Review: Entrepreneurial DNA

Joe Abraham's inspirational springboard for Entrepreneurial DNA is simple, but the implications are vast. His call to eschew  old-school entrepreneurship  is well argued and makes a lot of sense: we are using the same playbook for a game that has rapidly changed.

Software Review: Adobe CS5.5

The release of Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 (CS5.5) marks the first mid-cycle update by the company, who has changed the release strategy of their milestone products (the next being CS6) to a two-year cycle.

Book Review: Capturing New Markets

Stephen Wunker's excellent book tackles why new markets matter and fills with strategies and methods geared toward creating new opportunities and generating profit from underexploited markets.

Book Review: The Buying Brain: Secrets for Selling to the Subconscious Mind

Did your ads fail because they used an approach that simply would not engage your target audience? This book addresses how to turn that around and making the sell to the right audience.

Book Review: Ignite the Third Factor

Dr. Peter Jensen takes on an issue facing coaches, managers and leaders everywhere: how to get people committed to reaching their full potential.

Book Review: Wal-Mart's Egonomics

While at a first glance Wal-Mart’s Egonomics could look like an attempt at petty revenge, as the story unfolds in great detail it emerges as a cautionary tale for any small company that hopes to become a supplier to Wal-Mart. There are many lessons here along with a few surprises.

Book Review: Fables of Fortune

Our review of Fables of Fortune, a book that invites you to step into the world of the super-rich and discover what it is really like to have extreme wealth.

From The Archives

Outfitting Retail: Design an Experience

Thinking of opening a new retail store or redesigning your retail shop? Read on for tips and insights, from planning and budgeting ideas to unusual sources for the fixtures you'll need.

Managing Multiple Customers

Customer service standards can be easy to follow until you find yourself juggling the needs of many people at once. These tips will help you handle the stress of tricky customer service scenarios.

Book Review: Good to Great

Is Good to Great brilliantly insightful, or over quoted? Our reviewer shares his take on Jim Collins' bestseller.

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