Elections are popping up everywhere—US Presidential, provincial in BC and New Brunswick, and maybe even a Canadian federal election! It’s hard not to get pulled into the political buzz, especially at business events. But trust me, discussing politics at a networking event is like bringing a porcupine to a balloon party—not the best idea. First…

Acknowledging others isn’t just a gesture of politeness—it’s an act of personal thanksgiving that can transform your mindset and relationships. When you make a habit of recognizing those around you, you’re actively choosing to focus on the positive contributions others make in your life, and this gratitude enriches your own sense of well-being. By acknowledging…

Building a successful business is a lot like preparing a delicious dish: both rely on following a proven recipe. When cooking, you need to use the right ingredients, follow each step in the right order, and apply proper techniques to create a dish that’s both satisfying and repeatable. The same approach applies to building a…

Technology has been a real game-changer for small businesses, flipping the script on how they operate and compete. Remember the days when you needed a brick-and-mortar store to reach customers? Now, a sleek website or well-managed social media account can put your business on the map alongside the big players. The playing field has leveled…

Ideas are a dime a dozen. Every entrepreneur has a notebook, a napkin, or a mind bursting with them. But here’s the kicker: ideas alone are worthless. It’s the people who roll up their sleeves, dive into the trenches, and put those ideas into action who are worth millions. Why is that? Because action turns…

Defining your target market and identifying your ideal client are pivotal for any business aiming for success. Remember, targeting “everyone” is like trying to herd cats—impossible! Instead, focus on a niche to stand out against larger competitors. Going too broad, like targeting “anyone interested in my services,” waters down your efforts. Zeroing in on a…

In the age of digital dominance, a question looms large: Is in-person networking dying? As Gen Z, a cohort deeply immersed in social media from their earliest memories, steps into the business arena, the landscape of networking and professional interaction is undeniably shifting. Jean Twenge’s seminal work, iGen, sheds light on this digital-first generation, illustrating…

In an era when the fabric of trust within organizations is being tested, we want to emerge as champions for embedding ethics into business practices. This advocacy stems from a simple yet profound realization: ethics is not just morally right; it’s exceptionally good for business. The ethos of ethical leadership and cultivating a trust-based culture…

Defining your target market and identifying your ideal client are pivotal steps for any business aiming for success. It’s crucial to understand that targeting “everyone” is not feasible; focusing on a niche allows smaller businesses to stand tall against larger competitors. Being overly general, like targeting “anyone interested in my services,” dilutes your marketing efforts….

During my tenure at the International Centre for Agriculture and Science, Dr. Roger Moore and I introduced the concept of “market-focused planning.” This approach shifted strategic planning from introspective analysis to emphasizing how the public perceives our key strengths and potential for organizational leverage. I applied this innovative strategy in my consulting practice, guiding companies…