Great MARKETING tips from Terry O’Reilly

Target customers

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] A great marketing resource Ranging from creatively using humor, staying on message and aiming at the right audience , only some of the gems. Terry O’Reilly – Globe and Mail article. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Financial terms every business owner should know:

financial terms

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] Key financial terms The following is a condensed version of a recent Globe and Mail article by Brenda Bouw on business terms owners should know. Gross margin This is the difference between revenue [sales] and costs to sell. The difference is the company’s profit. Revenues alone do not tell the […]

People issues remain at heart of all businesses

office people

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] Whether a corporate, retail or professional business, any employee based operation will, at various times, incur human resource (HR) issues. As sure as you open a business, it’s assured a situation will arise that needs to be handled with sensitivity and awareness. It is very critical in this age of […]

Pros and cons of running a business with your spouse/life partner

contract

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] This is a recurring theme with many of our clients. Let us examine some of our discussions and advice. Here are some cons: Spouse if working elsewhere may be entitled to ‘benefits’ from their employment and thus add value to the bottom line for the family income. Group thinking – […]

Interviewing and Reference Checks

interviewing for a job

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] One of the most important but difficult tasks involves interviewing potential candidates for a position in your business. An item that requires significant thought and preparation that must be completed well before the first interview with any individual is preparing a detailed description of what duties you will want the […]

Selling your business

succession planning

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] Do you have a plan to sell your business? As stated in a recent article in the Toronto Star “An owner ought to be building it to be sold from the day a business is incorporated”. Planning for a sale should take at least 3 years of shaping the business […]

Effective communications for problem behavior

Team building

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] A problem employee? We have numerous clients struggling with how to address difficult employees. Be direct; be firm; and always remain fair. Here is an article from Globe and Mail that you may find helpful. The Globe and Mail.com [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

The human element in a business

Human resources

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] Your employees The wrong mix of people talents can destroy a business, while the right mix can make an ordinary product or service a winner. A staff overly concentrated in one or two disciplines can mitigate a balanced assessment of the marketplace. Prima donnas who de-motivate other team members should […]

Leadership

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] One of the key ingredients in growing a business is leadership. There are few businesses that can flourish solely on the back of one person which means success is to a large degree dependent on mobilizing others to help. An interesting observation about leadership is that there is no “one […]