Archive for the ‘Contest’ Category
Transformative Change: Start with the Digital Mindset
Every successful entrepreneur knows: to be successful means constantly changing. And, therein lies the irony — to be successful you’ve got to change something…and something that has allowed you to be successful up to now. But, where do you start? What needs to change? When should you change? How do you implement change? How do you make the right changes “stick”?
Now, combine that leadership reality with your day-to-day management challenges such as: the entry of new competitors, the rising price of doing business, new technologies, greater business risks, evolving customer expectations and your team’s desire to grow professionally.
So, at the end of the day, who’s got time to plan, implement and measure the kinds of changes that will ensure your continued success? Since this is the reality in which all entrepreneurs work, check out BusinessCast Podcast episode #99 — Grown Up Digital where we talk with Futurist (and pragmatist) Don Tapscott. The internationally renowned author shares insights and principles that you can apply now to ensure your future success.
The core of Don’s insights revolve around the values and behaviours that businesses need to embrace to succeed. And, not surprisingly these are brought to your business (and your competitors’ businesses) by the current generation of workers — those who have, you’ve guessed it , Grown Up Digital. Together, we touch upon issues that span all areas of business such as Human Resources (e.g. recruitment and retention), Marketing, Operations and Finance.
Once you’ve got a handle on the Digital generation and what they expect out of their workplace — as well as the opportunities and costs of adapting to leverage this generation’s strengths, you’ll also want to get a handle on how to manage the mix of generations within your workplace. Three resources that can help you in this regard include the following:
1. A Boomer’s Guide to Communication with Gen X and Gen Y. This Business Week article summarizes how these two generations approach items including: technology, compensation, collaboration, workplace gossip, attire, socializing and corporate loyalty.
2. If your business requires the energies of those who are currently graduating, review the recent Globe and Mail article, The Class of 2012: Mr. Google’s Children.
3. The American Management Association’s “Generations at Work“ has become a seminal piece of business literature that clearly and concisely explains the core values, assumptions and expectations of each of the current/evolving generations. To get you inspired, read Robert and my book review.
Don’t forget to enter the contest to win a Blackberry Bold!
Financial Intelligence…It Doesn't Have to Be Painful!
How many of you look forward to talking about numbers (really)?
The truth is that most entrepreneurs only have a very rudimentary understanding of finance. The problem is that having little or no skill in gathering, organizing or interpreting your company’s finances can lead to less-than-perfect, and sometime disastrous, decision making.
That’s why Robert — a longtime believer in helping entrepreneurs gain financial intelligence — and I are constantly looking for tools and resources that breathe life into the “numbers side” of your business.
And, that’s why we’re so happy to have identified “Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs“. In BusinessCast #98, Financial Intelligence, we interview co-author Joe Knight. He shares some nuggets but, perhaps more importantly he demonstrates his commitment to developing a truly practical resource.
What impressed me — and, I’m not a “numbers person” — is how well this book is written. It’s clear, concise and really, well…very human! Meaning, it doesn’t feel anything like a finance or accounting text book that speaks down to you. Nor is it so dry that you’re just aching to get to the end of the next paragraph.
The authors quite successfully convey fundamental and complex ideas in a way that you’d wish your CFO could! If you’re running a business and you’re the least bit uncomfortable with business numbers, read this book….and read it, now.
BTW, we have several free copies of Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs so, read an excerpt and then send Robert an email (robert@businesscast.ca) and we’ll send you a free copy. You’ll be glad you did!
Other resources to help you tackle your finances include:
BusinessCast Podcast #69 – Business Success By the Numbers – to help you get straight-forward answers to these common numbers-focused questions:
- Should you buy or lease your car?
- Should you invest available cash in your mortgage or an RRSP (IRA)?
- Who should you sell your business to?
Also, find below some focused resources to help you work through these questions and get you more comfortable dealing with financial issues critical to your business -
A Lease or Buy Your Car Calculator
A Contribute to Your Mortgage or RRSP Calculator
A Video on Finances for Business Leaders (Note: The video providers will prompt you to register before you will be able to view this video.)
BTW, if you have a ‘numbers’ question, let us know. We’ll address it in an upcoming show.
Don’t forget to enter the contest to win a Blackberry Bold!
Email Marketing Bootcamp – Part 2
Email Marketing…the Right Way!
In BusinessCast podcast episode #93 Email Marketing for Entrepreneurs – Bootcamp Part 1 our guest Matthew Vernhout, email guru and voice behind the authority EmailKarma.net spelled out how entrepreneurs — of all sizes and across industries — can develop email marketing campaigns that truly work. In Email Marketing for Entrepreneurs – Bootcamp Part 1 Matthew addressed:
- The key players involved in email marketing campaigns
- How to establish relevant and measurable goals
- How to build and grow your database of email subscribers
Now in Email Marketing for Entrepreneurs – Bootcamp Part 2, Matthew addresses the final stages of any profitable and effective email marketing campaign:
- Ensuring that email actually arrives after you send it
- Getting your emails opened
- Ensuring your email is acted upon
- Measuring success and improving follow up campaigns
This bootcamp series is an absolute must for any entrepreneur wondering when/how to leap into or optimize their email marketing.
BTW, have you listened to BusinessCast episode #94 — Franchising for Entrepreneurs? Robert and I chatted with Lorraine McLachlan, President and CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association (www.cfa.ca). Lorraine shares an insight into this effective and potentially recession-proof business model.
Be sure to join us at the CFA’s Canadian Franchise Show on February 21 and 22. We’ll be at the show gathering compelling stories, lessons and insights for you from franchisors and franchisees.
Don’t forget to enter the contest to win a Blackberry Bold!
Franchising: A Business Model for the Times
A few weeks ago — in BusinessCast Podcast #94 – Franchising for Entrepreneurs, Robert and I had a lively discussion with Lorraine McLachlan, President and CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association (www.cfa). We wanted to get a clear sense of the role that franchising can play for current and future entrepreneurs. And, Lorraine provided us some keen insights and plenty of enthusiasm!
To help you decide if/how you can leverage this powerful business model, the CFA undertakes some powerful research. And, recently, they released some news on the latest franchising trends . Given the current state of the economy, it turns out that this may be the best time in years to explore franchises — whether you’re a potential franchisee or franchisor.
Robert and I will be at the Franchise Show on February 21st and we’ll bring you the real scoop from franchisors, franchisees and other entrepreneurs just like you who are wondering how to tap into the wealth of franchising experience, this tried-and-true model and the CFA.
Don’t forget to enter the contest to win a Blackberry Bold!
Win a Blackberry Bold — Contest for Entrepreneurs
****Update June 8, 2009: The “Entrepreneur Be Bold” Contest has a winner: the intrepid entrepreneur “Soccer Girl”. Listen to the brief BusinessCast Podcast episode #109b where we announce the exciting news.****
A few months ago, we were fortunate enough to interview Michael Younder, Senior Product Manager at Research in Motion for two episodes of the BusinessCast — episode 75 where Michael discussed mobile marketing trends and episode 83 where he talked about Blackberry hardware and business applications for entrepreneurs.
Since then, Research in Motion has generously provided us with a Blackberry Bold!
So, we’re running a very simple CONTEST that should appeal to every entrepreneur.
Here are the rules:
1) Tell us in 100 words or less how your business would benefit from a Blackberry Bold smartphone.
2) Send this description/story to us via email to Robert@BennettGold.ca.
3) A winner will be chosen based on how compelling their reason for needing a Blackberry Bold smartphone. Winners can also choose to be highlighted in an upcoming episode of the BusinessCast podcast where over 30,000 listeners will hear about your business per month!
4) Finally, the contest is open to any business owner/manager — regardless of industry, geographic region (i.e. Country/State/Province), age, size or revenues.
You should know that we will contact the winner before announcing it on this blog or in the BusinessCast podcast. Furthermore, we will not share your email address with anyone.
Good luck!!