Business

Brand Strategist and Marketing Wiz, Jesse Jones, Talks 3 Essential Moves to Finding & Living Your Passion

April 4, 2013 by Safia Bartholomew Leave a Comment

There are many people who go through life with a feeling of nothingness. The consistent energy that they feel from waking up, to clocking in at work to then heading home is a lack of excitement and purpose. Life becomes a continuous routine. Days turn into weeks, weeks into a year and before they know it, years have passed by and they are still telling themselves that they will do and live the life that they desire. They have an idea of the way they want their life to feel and look like but have no idea how to get to their ideal destination. Most people just need a plan to help them to connect the dots of how to live each day with complete satisfaction. Entrepreneur and brand architect, Jesse Jones, knows what it is to take your passion from a dream to living your life’s purpose. Three years ago the entrepreneur, who started off as a consultant turned his own passions into the creation of successful Toronto based company, Ten81 Lifestyle Inc. The boutique agency helps brands connect with consumers through non-traditional strategies involving lifestyle-based marketing, digital and branding initiatives. Ten81’s philosophy is to find innovative techniques to connect brands to consumers in order to create deeper connections and to empower the consumer. If you don’t know Jesse than you have definitely heard of some of the brands he has worked with– McDonald's, Bell, Much Music, Mattel, Royal Bank of Canada, Converse, and Fuji Film to name a few. Ask him and he will … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Young Entrepreneurs

Please Don’t Be THAT Person: Robert De Niro Schools Jay-Z on The Basics of Business Etiquette

November 27, 2012 by Safia Bartholomew 3 Comments

A positive business reputation is a hard attribute to build and can just as easily be tarnished overnight if not handled with care. The way that people view you professionally is not a fixed impression as it can be instantly reevaluated. Warren Buffett said it best, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently”. With this perspective it is easy to see the underlining lesson to entrepreneurs and business professionals in the recent incident involving acting legend, Robert De Niro and rapper / business mogul, Jay-Z. The synopsis of the incident is basically that there was a potential business dealing in which Robert De Niro wanted to involve Jay-Z. De Niro had reached out to Jay several times to follow up and discuss it but was upset that he had not received any response after multiple attempts. In all fairness, Jay is a pretty busy guy. And, we do not know the full details or actual events that occurred. Perhaps Jay had not even received the calls due to an assistant forgetting to let him know. There are many conclusions that can be drawn but the main lesson here is that every detail counts towards shaping the way that people view you. Whether you are an entrepreneur or working your way up at a company in your chosen field, you are the CEO of your brand and reputation. While people often say “let your work speak for itself”, actions (or lack thereof) speak too. Sometimes louder. … [Read more...]

Are you considering Incorporating?

October 23, 2012 by Lynne Protain Leave a Comment

So you've heard that you can save taxes when you incorporate? And you've heard that you can protect yourself from creditors? So let's go ahead and incorporate you say.... Wait a minute! Don't forget these additional considerations: If you’re a small unincorporated business owner or a professional whose regulatory body allows incorporation, you’ve probably given the potential benefits of incorporating a great deal of thought. The most often cited benefits of incorporation are a more advantageous tax structure and creditor-proofing personal finances. But there can be drawbacks. Here are some of the issues to consider when making your ‘incorporate or not’ decision. Cash Flow If you need all of the profits from your business to support your personal cash flow needs, incorporation may not be for you because the cost of setting up and maintaining the corporation could outweigh any tax benefits. On the other hand, if you are financially able to retain some profits inside the company, you could derive significant tax savings. Taxation Vexation If you are just starting your business, incorporation should probably wait because losses incurred by an incorporated business can’t flow through to shareholders. In the early stages of your business, you’re likely better off using losses personally against other income. Once your business begins earning ‘active business income’ (income earned from your business operation, not, for example, from other corporate … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, Featured, Small Business Tagged With: Attracting Wealth, black business, Business, Canada, Debt, Finance, incorporation, Investing, Multiple Sources of Income, Prosperity, small business, Women in Business

Would you ditch your real job for your dream job?

May 28, 2012 by Pauleanna Reid 3 Comments

Most of us daydream about living out our dream job, but how many actually have enough guts to go after it? Often times, we may fantasize about what it would be like to fulfill our deepest desires and pursue a career of choice. However, when reality sets in, many experience cold feet and cowardly back away from the brave thought- and who can blame you? The job that you already have provides a steady pay cheque and even health care benefits that are most valuable, especially in this recession. There’s also a comfort in knowing that you’re in a stable position and to lose all of that would probably mean downsizing in some regards. So… that passion of yours? Is it worth it? Certainly, many factors come into play when considering a jump into a new direction, but out of the several thousands who don’t think it’s worth the trouble, there are a few who slip through the cracks and go for it! And we see this brave quality in many entertainers, actresses, models and people around us right here in the city. I recently discussed this topic briefly over dinner with a few of my friends who are entrepreneurs and I discovered the same conclusion that originally swirled around inside my head; they are happy. Not only are they happier and less stressed, but they are extremely motivated to do whatever it takes to maintain momentum, even if it means the risk of making less money or working longer hours. Just knowing that “everyday you’re the boss and you make your own … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Professionals Tagged With: downsizing, dream job, entrepreneurs, professionals

That Beast – Google Search

April 5, 2012 by Tonya Jarad Leave a Comment

In today’s competitive employment market our online reputation is just as important as our offline one. Potential employers are no longer settling for the pristine resume, stellar references and sharp business suits (although these do play an integral role in the hiring process). In a recent report conducted by Microsoft, in 2010, they found that 79 per cent of hiring managers vigilantly screened the online reputations of potential employees looking for a job; and of those 79 per cent , 70 per cent rejected job applicants based on the results populated mainly through Google search. What is even more illuminating about this new type of “reference check” is the fact that employer’s final hiring decisions were determined through (personal photos posted, video clips, and inappropriate comments left on social media profiles, such as personal blogs, Twitter, and YouTube). Moreover, in 2011, the Consumers Council of Canada researched and surveyed the negative effects of a job seekers online reputation in contributing to the final stages of the hiring process. They concluded that an individual’s online reputation does matter, and plays a significant role influencing whether you are successfully hired for the position, due to hiring manager’s prejudgment of you before you even have a chance to clarify or explain the content or material in question. Yes, this is a reality of job hunting in the 21st century and how we present ourselves offline is just as important … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Professionals Tagged With: competitive employment market, first impression, future employee, Google search, job seekers, online reputation, personal branding, reference check, social activity, social media

Moving on…

July 18, 2011 by Joya Williams 1 Comment

Have you decided that its time for a change? Are you that person that feels a sense of dread every morning as you approach your place of employment? Do you conjure up a million reasons to call in sick or arrive late? Or, have you come to the realization that the potential for growth has dried up and you've progressed as far as you possibly can where you currently work? Whatever the reason is that you've decided to move on to new opportunities, the thought of leaving can be very unnerving. Even the misery that you feel in a job that you've performed for many years can become your comfort. Like a child's old blanket that is tattered and torn, a familiar routine can be hard to say goodbye to. How do you begin? Deciding what it is that you would like to do, is a good place to start. You need to determine whether or not your current career path is still where you should be headed or if you want to try something new. Perhaps you have been in the retail industry for the past 5 years and have finally realized that your passion is to work with children. How do you make that transition? By looking at the educational and work experience required to work with children. Be aware that you may need to go back to school to gain the knowledge that you need and that your evenings and weekends may be temporarily consumed by homework and assignments. But don't let that deter you, if it's something you really want to do. It will take time, but will be worth it to be in a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Professionals Tagged With: career, employment, financial stability, job, job opportunities, new career, new job, professional, transitioning, work experience

The Effective Use of Public Relations

May 24, 2011 by Sandra Gabriel Leave a Comment

The recent PR fumble between Facebook, Google and top-five PR firm, Burson-Marstellar (BM), has caused quite a bit of uproar in tech and PR communities, but it has also caused a stir and raised concern with internet users over the matter of privacy. To recap, BM blew the whistle on Google via a whisper campaign to some top media outlets including USA Today, regarding their violation to federal fair trade and invasion of privacy in the development of Google Gmail’s Social Circle feature. USA Today however, found the claim to be untrue after some research and decided not to run the story. It’s possible that if BM’s PR strategy were tweaked in some places, all of this could have been avoided. Here are a few points to consider before engaging in a similar PR campaign: Confront your opponent and get the facts: Have your PR people talk directly to their PR people. Let them know what you’ve discovered and give them an opportunity to prove their case, before getting a third party like the media involved. The last thing you want to do as a company is start spreading false information, especially when it comes to pitching the media. Reporters really do not appreciate their time being wasted chasing false stories and people in general do not enjoy being misled. Also, in the case that your claim should backfire (like with BM) everyone’s reputation would still be protected. Take the high road: If you do happen to come across mal practices of your competitor, it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Burson-Marsteller, Facebook, Federal Trade Commission, Google, Privacy, Public Relation, USA Today, Whispering campaign

7 Books that Every Entrepreneur Should Read

May 3, 2011 by Jane Nyachiro Leave a Comment

1. Art of the Start (Guy Kawasaki) Regardless of Guy Kawasaki being a venture capitalist, he adapts a casual tone to the advice he gives in this book. It is very engaging and practical. His message is simple: to discover what is required to build a startup. He goes down from the basics and takes an approach that even a low funds business can use. He explores everything from bootstrapping, networking, and creating buzz for your business. It's refreshing to be able to read a no-nonsense book that has not romanticized business. He also gives great resources at the end of the book. 2. Never get a Real Job (Scott Gerber) Scott Gerber empowers young people to dump the conventional job for a more gratifying experience. He takes a no-nonsense approach and says that the journey will not be easy but it will be worth it for those who commit. He uses his own background, and "real job" experience to show that it is all possible. He encourages young people not to rely on the notion of job security but rather, create something that they can control. There is a lot of advice in this book from a young author who refused to accept the dead-end 9-5 and went ahead to create his own empire. A great book full of resources: online tools, websites and more. This book takes you through every phase of starting a business and tells you what works and what doesn't and what is important and what isn't. Why not learn from the mistakes and the triumphs of others! 3. Smarter, Faster, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Small Business Tagged With: entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, Guy Kawasaki, marketing, promotion, social media, startup

Financial Guides

March 22, 2011 by BIM Leave a Comment

Need help managing your money or paying off debt? Here are reviews on some books that might help. A Happy Pocket Full of Money David Gikandi Xlibris Corporation, 2008 If you are ready to take a quantum leap into the attainment and enjoyment of great wealth, if you are willing to set your mind aside for awhile—and only if you are—then begin the journey David Gikandi has laid out in A Happy Pocket Full of Money. You’ll learn the true nature of yourself, of your world, and its objects—money included. You’ll learn how the universe operates and how best to interact with it. “Anything is possible” becomes more believable than before, as Gikandi unravels science to explain it all. Debt-Free Forever: Taking Control of Your Money and Your Life Gail Vaz-Oxlade Harper Collins, 2009 If absolving yourself of debt seems like an uphill marathon without a finish line, this personal finance book may be one investment with infinite personal and financial returns. Penned by Gail Vaz-Oxlade of the hit reality TV show Til Debt Do Us Part, this manual is for anyone seriously interested in conquering consumer debt. Vaz-Oxlade teaches how anyone can be free from consumer debt within three years by creating a plan of action and change. The Wealthy Barber: The Common Sense Guide to Successful Financial Planning David Chilton Financial Awareness Corp., 1989 This book motivates readers to take control of their personal … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Credit Managment, Debt Management, Debt-Free, Finance, Financial Guide, Financial Planning

The Art of Negotiation

February 22, 2011 by Sandra Gabriel Leave a Comment

Most will agree that in these tough economic times—and even during more secure periods—we want to ensure that we get the most value for every dollar spent. For a business, that means generating maximum revenue while continuing to offer great value to clients or customers. As easy as it may be to forget this in the rush of trying to achieve your own objectives, the true art of negotiation lies in meeting the other person’s needs while achieving your goals. As a professional, entrepreneur and business owner, I have had to negotiate my way through a number of sponsorship deals as well as client and supplier contracts. Overall, the three keys to negotiating are listening, being very aware of the other party’s needs and demonstrating value every step of the way. Here is a ten-step approach that I have developed. Maintain your big-picture perspective - Start by thinking about what you want to accomplish overall. What are the overarching goals of your company? Keep your eyes on the prize - focus on specific objectives. What exactly do you want out of this negotiation? What single outcome do you need for this to be a successful negotiation? Do your research - What options are out there? Perhaps what you’re looking for is right under your nose and you might not need to sacrifice much to get it. Who would be open to this type of negotiation? Research similar negotiations and see how they were resolved. Identify each party’s needs - What do you need that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: business proposals, negotiating