Archive for the ‘Event’ Category

At the BusinessCast podcast, we bring practical, real-life business lessons from entrepreneurs to other entrepreneurs — so that everyone can be more successful.

And, its because of this commitment to the entrepreneur community that Robert and I were invited to be official members of the Media  for the Canadian Franchise Association’s Franchise Show.

It was truly evident by the tremendous turnout and enthusiasm at the show that entrepreneurs of all ages and experiences do indeed recognize that the franchise business model is a viable and highly desirable option in this soft economy. Why? Because: the franchise model saves time and expense that every entrepreneur spends on creating and honing a system that is profitable.

In BusinessCast podcast episode 97 – Franchising for Entrepreneurs – Live! among the most compelling franchisors we spoke to were:

Aarons Rents – This relatively unknown brand of rent-to-own furnishings and equipment in Canada is poised for explosive growth. In fact, it’s one of those businesses that will flourish in soft economies. They’ve had some Canadian franchisees reaching break-even points in record time! Doug Warren, Director of Franchising, tells us of some inspiring successes!

Fast Signs — A business-to-business franchise, this franchise is a salesperson’s dream. If you’re a natural people-person and enjoy networking, selling and building a strong presence in a community (c’mon let’s face it there are a lot of you out there), then listen carefully to our discussions with Brian Wieters, Director of Franchising.

Cobs Bread – A new and fast-growing franchise, this business is perfect for you if you want to build and/or apply your skills in managing people as well as rolling-up your sleeves! John Gilson, Director of Franchising gives us a peek.

We spoke to franchisors, franchisees as well as those looking to get a better understanding of how this model could work for them. The CFA had some great resources — including free seminars and ‘Ask the Expert’ sessions. Even if you’re not sure how franchising may fit into your professional career, check other CFA events! You’ll learn some useful business nuggets just by chatting with other successful entrepreneurs just like you!

Don’t forget to enter the contest to win a Blackberry Bold!

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes

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!

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes

As an entrepreneur, you eat, drink and sleep your business. It’s your passion — it keeps you going; it keeps you exploring; it keeps you growing.

So, it shouldn’t be any surprise that many entrepreneurs, just like you — somewhere in their business lifetime — tip their toes into franchising, either as a franchisee or a franchisor. Why? Because it can be a very effective method for:

• Trying another type of business;
• Investing in a proven brand;
• Generating new or additional sources of revenue; and
• Building lifelong business relationships.

It’s for these reasons that in BusinessCast podcast episdode #94 — Franchising for Entrepreneurs – Robert and I sat down with Lorraine MacLachlan, the President and CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). Lorraine leads a team of dedicated professionals who share a core value with all of the BusinessCast podcast guests and loyal listeners: they want to see entrepreneurs succeed!

As a result, the CFA provides some great resources to help you determine if, when and how franchising is right for you.

Make sure you check out some of the CFA’s current research and publications and join us at the Canadian Franchise Show on February 21 and 22.  As recognized members of the business media, we’ll be gathering real-life stories ‘live’ at the show and sharing them with you.

BTW, keep an ear open for our podcast in two weeks (February 14), we’ll be hosting Email Marketing for Entrepreneurs – Bootcamp — Part 2. Matthew Vernhout, the email marketing guru from emailkarma.net will be back. Matthew will share practical tips to get your email successfully delivered, opened, acted upon and measured. Email Marketing for Entrepreneurs – Bootcamp — Part 1 was a huge hit! So, you won’t want to miss out on the additional insights that will ensure the success of your future email marketing campaigns.

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes

Email is part of every entrepreneur’s life. But, email marketing remains a mystery for most. Why? Because to do it cost-effectively and to achieve the right business objectives has become increasingly complex. That’s where our guest comes in…

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 spells 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 addresses:

• The key players involved in any successful email marketing campaign
• How to establish relevant and measurable goals
• How to build and grow your database of email subscribers

In a few weeks, Matthew will be back to address the final stages of any profitable and effective email marketing campaign. So, in Email Marketing for Entrepreneurs – Bootcamp Part 2, Matthew discusses how entrepreneurs can optimize their campaigns by:

• 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

You’ll enjoy this, our first ‘bootcamp’ series because it mixes some high-level approaches and some practical to-do’s — all of which will help your email marketing campaigns work better for you. Chances are you’ll also be inspired by Matthew because he shares our philosophy of business which is: “by sharing best practices and tools, every entrepreneur wins!”

Make sure that you listen to next week’s episode as well — particularly if you’ve ever thought about franchising your business or investing in a franchise. Robert and I chat with Lorraine MacLachlan, President and CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association (www.cfa.ca). Lorraine brings passion and excitement to the topic of franchising. And, the timing couldn’t be better because the CFA is hosing the Canadian Franchise Show on February 21 and 22. FYI, Robert and I will be at the show gathering compelling stories, lessons and insights for you from franchisors and franchisees.

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes

Robert and I refrain from predicting the future. However, we do go on record to identify the topics that we will be tackling in upcoming episodes of the BusinessCast Podcast. And, that’s what BusinessCast Podcast episode #90 is all about — a summary of upcoming topics.

Of course, we’ll dig deep into relevant issues that face all entrepreneurs across all business areas such as marketing, operations, human resources, sales, technology and finance.

This year, we’ll also delve into some new areas such as industry-specific issues/opportunities and key trends.

And, we’ll also be conducting interviews with high-profile entrepreneurs and authors as well as attending entrepreneur-focused events.

Finally, we know that entrepreneurs have been using the BusinessCast Podcast at “lunch and learns” to encourage discussion and stimulate creativity — with all levels of management and staff. If you want us to lead or attend such sessions, contact Robert at Robert@BennettGold.ca.

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes