Local Acts
Don’t Write it Down?
What entrepreneur hasn’t been told of the need for a written business plan? But most, when asked whether they have one, would cast a guilty look at their shoes. Well…… Julian Lange author of research at Babson College Massachusetts, regarded as having one of the top entrepreneurship programs in the United States, finds no statistical correlation between a startup firm’s ultimate revenue or net income and the supposedly requisite written business plan. “Some of the heroes of today’s would-be entrepreneurs,...
read moreThe New Scarcity Challenge
It is a new year rife with resolutions. How about one that we can all follow through on? Why? because this resolution is a mental scenario or strategic game. It is not about not doing something ( eat less sweets, less fried food, less beer) it is about thinking and doing something you are already showing up to do… Work. There won’t be any “Reality” TV about but you can pretend you rise to the top and win a million dollars. ( Because you just might make it instead) Think about SCARCITY, in your target...
read moreWhat is in a name?
Several times in the past 3 weeks I have advised clients to consider changing the business name of their start-up ventures. None of them did. There were a number of reasons I made this suggestion but for the most part, it boils down to marketing. I don’t make suggestions like this lightly. I know that most people have chosen their business name long before they work out the details of how the business will operate. A few have even chosen the name before they knew what type of business they were going to run under it. And that...
read moreTalking to the Tax Man About Poetry
Neighbours, I work in an office at 57 Napier Avenue And say to myself… You have a responsible job havenue? Why then do you fritter away your time on this Doggerel? (Or better yet Douglas..why would you use a noun from the 14th century, meaning “of low literary value” to articulate a point?) In speaking with an old friend the other day, who happens to be a communications professor now, the topic of ”new speak” or the short messaging in social media and the smart phone world, inevitable came up. Speaking...
read moreDeep Phobias, Hockey Masks and Customer Service
Ahhhhhh……Friday the 13th! Besides being intrinsically linked with homicidal maniac Jason, Friday the 13th is also dreaded by many as one of the unluckiest days on the calendar. In an odd juxtaposition, it is also viewed as a great day to have a party if you are, say, the proud owner of a motorcycle with an affinity for the Port Dover area. And other than a slew of interesting, sometimes tragic, events that have occurred on Fridays the 13th throughout history(No! I was NOT born on this day!), what does the 13th have...
read moreMotivation Blahs
Welcome to the mid-winter blahs. Despite the recent spell of sunshine, it still feels dark, grey, and dreary! Bleah! It’s not going to help either that this introduction is a little longer than most! However, for the extra 30 seconds it’ll take to read it, I think you’ll find it most helpful! J I know! This is so NOT how one is supposed to introduce a peppy, upbeat, and positive newsletter like our Small Business Success! In my defence, it is apparent that the February ‘blahs’ are in full flight today! Which brings me to today’s...
read moreThe Huron “Cash Mob”
I know what you are thinking…“Douglas it is called a FLASH Mob”. Well in a way… you are right… But here in Huron County we spend CASH instead. (Dancing&Singing is optional) There are 1 to 3 businesses starting up every month in Huron County…..why not be good neighbours? THE HURON CASH MOB welcomes them to the neighbourhood by spending CASH, celebrating their new establishment with community BUY IN instead of song and dance. (Well maybe a little a song…) We keep it secret from the ...
read moreWhat do you get when two Economists spend 7 years roaming Rural Counties?
No seriously… Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have found that counties with more small, locally owned businesses have stronger economic growth than communities with larger businesses owned by outsiders. “Local ownership matters in important ways,” said economist Stephan Goetz of his research with co-author David Fleming. “Smaller, locally owned businesses, it turns out, provide higher, long-term economic growth.” Goetz and Fleming looked to see if per capita income growth in the benchmark counties...
read moreBound by Folly? Tis’ the season to be Jolly!
I really can’t help it! I’ve tried to ignore it, but I catch myself smiling! I have to admit it…I’m in a good mood these days! I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s the Christmas season. Maybe it’s the first signs of snow. Although admittedly, I’ve been feeling this way for weeks now! Certainly, the challenges here at the Huron Business Development Corporation are probably greater right now than at any time in our nearly 20 year history. Nonetheless, I still find reasons to stay positive and upbeat. I cannot deny that I...
read moreCast your social net..Don’t get caught in it.
Be honest with yourself – if you’ve got more than say 50 ‘Facebook Friends’ then you’re not on Facebook for ‘Friendship’. Not in the traditional sense of the word, anyway. If you’ve got 1000 or more it’s pretty clear you’re a narcissist… or…. that you are there to push product or service, or business. And – why not? It’s a perfect place to meet potential customers in a friendly, open and interesting place. It’s also the perfect opportunity to...
read moreYour Neighbours
- RT @ClintonCHBIA: RT@HuronNewsNow: 20 race dates, 4 Ontario Sire Stakes races approved at #Clinton Raceway. #OSS http://t.co/8VHkbycLBv
- RT @cdnmbadirector: Is there really a national skills shortage? The evidence is thin http://t.co/QwHDTo0efN
- http://t.co/ctA7djxJO9
- REEL Paddle Film festival, Saturday March 30th, Blyth Memorial Hall Tickets at the Queens Bakery in Blyth.
- Douglas is at it again? Don't Write it Down? - Shop In Huron http://t.co/a6cPf9IT #shoplocal via @shopinhuron
- at the the Howick Business Alliance. Delicious muffins..delicious business
