Dear Clients & Colleagues:
We have just received this message from our federal partner, Canada Business. While we were aware of the positive changes in the EI Act for self-employed persons, we were not aware of the wait periods/deadlines. We want to bring the deadlines to your attention.
If you believe that you may be in a situation where EI benefits for maternity, parental, sickness or compassionate care situations would be valuable to you, please investigate further via the links below, become informed about the costs involved and be aware of the deadlines to apply.
Cheers
CB
Information on the new EI Measure for Fairness for the Self Employed Act (Bill C-56)
[From: Service Canada - the Government of Canada's one-stop service delivery network.]
This Act provides access for self-employed people to all EI special benefits: maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care. Agreements must be in place for one year before there is any eligibility to benefits. However, as a transitional measure for the first year, Self Employed persons who register on or before April 1, 2010 may be eligible to file for benefits as early as January 1st, 2011. If they register after April 1, 2010, they will have to wait 12 months to access any benefits.
The deadline of April 1, 2010 is fast approaching and we would like to increase awareness of this benefit and would request that you forward this email to as many of your membership who would have interest in this information.
Information on registering for the program as well as more details are available on our website by accessing the link below.
Here is a link to the program.: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/self_employed_workers.shtml
as well as a link to FAQs: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/faq_self_employed_workers.shtml
Friday, March 12, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Ontario minimum wage increases March 31
Ontario will raise its minimum wage to $10.25 on March 31, the province announced on Friday. Annual increases to the minimum wage were initiated in 2003, rising from $6.85 in 2004 to $9.50 in 2009. Last year business leaders representing small enterprises urged Premier Dalton McGuinty to reconsider scheduled increases in the minimum wage. They said the increases could result in reduced hiring. The major industries employing minimum wage earners are: accommodation and food, retail trade, and agriculture.
http://www.windsorstar.com/business/Ontario+minimum+wage+rise+March/2645921/story.html
http://www.windsorstar.com/business/Ontario+minimum+wage+rise+March/2645921/story.html
Monday, December 14, 2009
Do You Consider Yourself a Top Employer?
Also published in BBoT's Trade Talks, January 2010
© Cassandra Baccardax
Canada's Top 100 Employers project is a national competition to determine which employers lead their industries in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees. Now in its 10th year, Canada's Top 100 Employers recognizes Canada's best places to work. The project aims to identify companies that lead their industries in attracting and retaining employees.
While the 26,000 companies that compete typically are medium to large businesses, small businesses can use the competition’s scoring system to benchmark their own desirability. After all, even if you employ just yourself, don’t you want to love where you work?
To make it onto Canada's Top 100 Employers list, each winner is judged in eight key areas: 1) physical workplace; 2) work atmosphere and social; 3) health, financial and family benefits; 4) vacation and time off; 5) employee communications; 6) performance management; 7) training and skills development and (8) community involvement.[i]
How does your business score?
1. Workspace: Organized, functional & inspiring; or chaotic and miserable?
2. Culture: It’s yours to create in any way you want, so there are no excuses for top marks here! Liken culture to personality; what traits do you wish your business to possess?
3. Benefits: Can you afford to offer yourself health benefits? Do you contribute to RRSPs? These crucial items should be part of your 2010 budget if not already established.
4. Vacation: it’s no secret that business owners work longer hours than the average employee; but occasional down time is needed to maintain long-term commitment. Speak to a business or personal coach if you don’t permit yourself regular vacation.
5. Internal Communications: This should be easy if there are only a few other employees…but communication is a skill that requires good tools and constant personal development. Take a brush-up workshop.
6. Performance Management: Who is coaching the best performance out of you? Most of us can’t mentor ourselves. Join a mastermind group or hire a coach.
7. Professional Development: Do you schedule and budget for your own professional development? Workshops, seminars, college courses, association conferences, or just a good reading list should be part of your annual work plan.
8. Community Involvement: Good corporate citizenship isn’t just for large corporations. Become involved in your community in a small way. Not only does it build your network, it makes you feel good.
[i] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/business-incubator/canadas-best-places-to-work/article1318086/ Globe & Mail, Fri. Oct 9/09
& http://www.CanadasTop100.com/national and http://www.Eluta.ca.
© Cassandra Baccardax
Canada's Top 100 Employers project is a national competition to determine which employers lead their industries in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees. Now in its 10th year, Canada's Top 100 Employers recognizes Canada's best places to work. The project aims to identify companies that lead their industries in attracting and retaining employees.
While the 26,000 companies that compete typically are medium to large businesses, small businesses can use the competition’s scoring system to benchmark their own desirability. After all, even if you employ just yourself, don’t you want to love where you work?
To make it onto Canada's Top 100 Employers list, each winner is judged in eight key areas: 1) physical workplace; 2) work atmosphere and social; 3) health, financial and family benefits; 4) vacation and time off; 5) employee communications; 6) performance management; 7) training and skills development and (8) community involvement.[i]
How does your business score?
1. Workspace: Organized, functional & inspiring; or chaotic and miserable?
2. Culture: It’s yours to create in any way you want, so there are no excuses for top marks here! Liken culture to personality; what traits do you wish your business to possess?
3. Benefits: Can you afford to offer yourself health benefits? Do you contribute to RRSPs? These crucial items should be part of your 2010 budget if not already established.
4. Vacation: it’s no secret that business owners work longer hours than the average employee; but occasional down time is needed to maintain long-term commitment. Speak to a business or personal coach if you don’t permit yourself regular vacation.
5. Internal Communications: This should be easy if there are only a few other employees…but communication is a skill that requires good tools and constant personal development. Take a brush-up workshop.
6. Performance Management: Who is coaching the best performance out of you? Most of us can’t mentor ourselves. Join a mastermind group or hire a coach.
7. Professional Development: Do you schedule and budget for your own professional development? Workshops, seminars, college courses, association conferences, or just a good reading list should be part of your annual work plan.
8. Community Involvement: Good corporate citizenship isn’t just for large corporations. Become involved in your community in a small way. Not only does it build your network, it makes you feel good.
[i] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/business-incubator/canadas-best-places-to-work/article1318086/ Globe & Mail, Fri. Oct 9/09
& http://www.CanadasTop100.com/national and http://www.Eluta.ca.
Business Ownership & Marriage
I liked this article I found on Inc.com [other than the assumption that the business owner is the husband and the spouse is the wife, because of course it could be the other way around.]
http://www.inc.com/magazine/20091201/10-tips-for-a-happy-marriage_Printer_Friendly.html
10 Tips for a Happy Marriage
Business owners who want to keep their spouses happy would do well to live by these simple rules.
By Meg Cadoux Hirshberg Dec 1, 2009
New Year's resolutions have always been good for Stonyfield Yogurt. Our sales invariably spike in January as a result of nearly universal vows to shed that extra 20. The season inspires people to set down concrete plans for improving themselves -- and their relationships.
In that spirit, I approached my husband, Gary, for help with composing a list of rules for entrepreneurs who aspire to a happy marriage and thriving family life. Some of the following derive from our own experiences, and some were offered by other entrepreneurial couples. (I've cast the entrepreneur as male and the spouse as female because that's our situation. But the rules apply equally when the reverse is true.)
1. YOU ARE NOT THE BOSS AT HOME.
At work, you're accustomed to running things and to being in charge. But when you walk through the front door of your house (or emerge from your home office), you emigrate from an autocracy into a messy democracy, with all its attendant chaos, conflict, and need for compromise. Your spouse should understand that this transition is not always quick or easy and that she must be patient while you adjust. But there's an upside. Though it's true that at home you can't command by fiat, you can relax in the knowledge that there, at least, someone is sharing the load.
2. SET THE BAR LOW, BUT SET IT SOMEWHERE.
It's difficult for spouses to make time for each other, much less take that desperately needed vacation. This challenge is here to stay: No matter what stage the business is in, it will require your all. But a vacation can be a cup of coffee together or a short walk around the block. Sometimes that's all you'll be able to manage. Any couple needs uninterrupted time -- even if it's incremental -- to share those grace notes and headaches that make up lives. Being together reminds you that you enjoy being together. And that reminds both of you why this enormous undertaking is worthwhile.
3. PLEASE, TURN OFF THE BLACKBERRY.
OK, you can leave it to buzz and bleep sometimes, or even most of the time. But be disciplined about carving out stretches that are technology free. Even if you don't respond to its whining, its mere presence on the dining room table, at the restaurant, or by the bed changes the nature of your shared space. Plus, it will be easier to pry the kids loose from their cell phones and video games if you can show that it's possible to resist technology's allure. In any case, your BlackBerry looks great in black leather. Slide her into that holster, and everyone will be happier.
4. WHEN A BIG BUSINESS DECISION LOOMS, GIVE YOUR SPOUSE A SEAT AT THE TABLE.
Certain business decisions will affect your mate, too. Acquiring another company, launching an IPO, or expanding into other states or countries will require more travel, which increases the pressure on everyone at home. Thinking about signing a business loan using the house as collateral? Hello -- your spouse lives there, too! You can also consult her about business issues that don't affect the family. You've made smart decisions about your home life by combining perspectives; your mate may provide a fresh approach to work dilemmas, too. And unlike employees who might be nervous about disagreeing with the boss, you can usually trust her to be completely honest.
5. ENTER YOUR SPOUSE'S UNIVERSE FROM TIME TO TIME.
In many ways, you are fused with your business: Your very identity is bound to and dependent upon its fate. You have invested endless energy, time, imagination, and willpower in its success. Much of your conversation revolves around its ups and downs. Though your mate intersects with and cares deeply about the business, it does not contain or define her in the same way it does you. She spends her day in other worlds, consumed by other matters. Talk to her about them. Better yet, join her at a conference, read her student's paper, play audience while she rehearses a presentation, weigh in on the tile grout color, drive your child to the dental appointment. You'll understand each other better.
6. MAKE HER COMMUNICATIONS A PRIORITY.
Your spouse knows you are busy and that you receive scores if not hundreds of messages a day. She wouldn't contact you at work unless it was important. (When I call Gary at the office, he knows I'm not phoning to see how the yogurt is coming out today.) Your spouse is busy, too, and can likewise be tough to reach. You will both feel more relaxed if it's easier to get in touch, and if you know that each other's missives will move to the top of the queue.
7. DON'T SQUEEZE HER IN.
Emergencies or changes of plan aside, don't try to chat with your spouse from the airport. She likely feels frustrated when the conversation is drowned out by loudspeaker warnings not to accept packages from strangers or cut short because your row is called to board. Likewise, she's probably not keen on getting a phone call five minutes before your next meeting starts. Much as she misses you during your travels, it's no fun conversing when she's braced to hear her least favorite three words: "I gotta go."
8. TREAT YOUR SPOUSE LIKE SHE'S YOUR MOST IMPORTANT CLIENT.
You win clients and customers by courting them, by offering not simple attention but true attentiveness. You are solicitous, observant, mindful, and aware -- eager to anticipate and fulfill their needs. Your spouse is your No. 1 life client and most important connection. Court her -- with a thoughtful gift, a just-because hug, morning coffee in bed -- as though you really want to keep her business, too.
9. ACKNOWLEDGE HER ROLE.
Often, the entrepreneur lives in the spotlight, while the spouse works behind the scenes. But the spouse plays an important role in the success of any venture. By keeping the domestic machine well oiled, she allows you to enjoy family life while reserving most of your energy for the business. She has saved you money by working inside the company and made the family money by working outside of it. She's proud of your business but also of the contribution she's made to the life you are building. So, go on, crow about her! To employees, co-workers, suppliers, family, friends. Post an accolade on the website! You're the boss -- name a product after her! (Note to Gary: Yo My Baby? Apricot Meggo? Get the marketing department on it.) Most important: Tell her directly that you value her contribution. Some things go without saying…but not that.
10. TAKE FREQUENT INVENTORY.
Spend time remembering all you've created together, all you've managed to survive. Maintaining a marriage through years of strain, sacrifice, and uncertainty requires both grace and grit. You have so many wonderful, horrible, heartbreaking, and hilarious stories -- about the company, about the kids, about the rich history you share. To paraphrase Neil Young, you've had your ups and downs, but you're still playing together. The music might not always be in tune, but take a moment to rejoice that you're still making it.
Meg Cadoux Hirshberg is a writer married to Gary Hirshberg, president and CEO of Stonyfield Yogurt. She invites readers to e-mail her their own rules for maintaining marital harmony when hitched to an entrepreneurial business.
Copyright © 2009 Mansueto Ventures LLC. All rights reserved.Inc.com, 7 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007-2195.
http://www.inc.com/magazine/20091201/10-tips-for-a-happy-marriage_Printer_Friendly.html
10 Tips for a Happy Marriage
Business owners who want to keep their spouses happy would do well to live by these simple rules.
By Meg Cadoux Hirshberg Dec 1, 2009
New Year's resolutions have always been good for Stonyfield Yogurt. Our sales invariably spike in January as a result of nearly universal vows to shed that extra 20. The season inspires people to set down concrete plans for improving themselves -- and their relationships.
In that spirit, I approached my husband, Gary, for help with composing a list of rules for entrepreneurs who aspire to a happy marriage and thriving family life. Some of the following derive from our own experiences, and some were offered by other entrepreneurial couples. (I've cast the entrepreneur as male and the spouse as female because that's our situation. But the rules apply equally when the reverse is true.)
1. YOU ARE NOT THE BOSS AT HOME.
At work, you're accustomed to running things and to being in charge. But when you walk through the front door of your house (or emerge from your home office), you emigrate from an autocracy into a messy democracy, with all its attendant chaos, conflict, and need for compromise. Your spouse should understand that this transition is not always quick or easy and that she must be patient while you adjust. But there's an upside. Though it's true that at home you can't command by fiat, you can relax in the knowledge that there, at least, someone is sharing the load.
2. SET THE BAR LOW, BUT SET IT SOMEWHERE.
It's difficult for spouses to make time for each other, much less take that desperately needed vacation. This challenge is here to stay: No matter what stage the business is in, it will require your all. But a vacation can be a cup of coffee together or a short walk around the block. Sometimes that's all you'll be able to manage. Any couple needs uninterrupted time -- even if it's incremental -- to share those grace notes and headaches that make up lives. Being together reminds you that you enjoy being together. And that reminds both of you why this enormous undertaking is worthwhile.
3. PLEASE, TURN OFF THE BLACKBERRY.
OK, you can leave it to buzz and bleep sometimes, or even most of the time. But be disciplined about carving out stretches that are technology free. Even if you don't respond to its whining, its mere presence on the dining room table, at the restaurant, or by the bed changes the nature of your shared space. Plus, it will be easier to pry the kids loose from their cell phones and video games if you can show that it's possible to resist technology's allure. In any case, your BlackBerry looks great in black leather. Slide her into that holster, and everyone will be happier.
4. WHEN A BIG BUSINESS DECISION LOOMS, GIVE YOUR SPOUSE A SEAT AT THE TABLE.
Certain business decisions will affect your mate, too. Acquiring another company, launching an IPO, or expanding into other states or countries will require more travel, which increases the pressure on everyone at home. Thinking about signing a business loan using the house as collateral? Hello -- your spouse lives there, too! You can also consult her about business issues that don't affect the family. You've made smart decisions about your home life by combining perspectives; your mate may provide a fresh approach to work dilemmas, too. And unlike employees who might be nervous about disagreeing with the boss, you can usually trust her to be completely honest.
5. ENTER YOUR SPOUSE'S UNIVERSE FROM TIME TO TIME.
In many ways, you are fused with your business: Your very identity is bound to and dependent upon its fate. You have invested endless energy, time, imagination, and willpower in its success. Much of your conversation revolves around its ups and downs. Though your mate intersects with and cares deeply about the business, it does not contain or define her in the same way it does you. She spends her day in other worlds, consumed by other matters. Talk to her about them. Better yet, join her at a conference, read her student's paper, play audience while she rehearses a presentation, weigh in on the tile grout color, drive your child to the dental appointment. You'll understand each other better.
6. MAKE HER COMMUNICATIONS A PRIORITY.
Your spouse knows you are busy and that you receive scores if not hundreds of messages a day. She wouldn't contact you at work unless it was important. (When I call Gary at the office, he knows I'm not phoning to see how the yogurt is coming out today.) Your spouse is busy, too, and can likewise be tough to reach. You will both feel more relaxed if it's easier to get in touch, and if you know that each other's missives will move to the top of the queue.
7. DON'T SQUEEZE HER IN.
Emergencies or changes of plan aside, don't try to chat with your spouse from the airport. She likely feels frustrated when the conversation is drowned out by loudspeaker warnings not to accept packages from strangers or cut short because your row is called to board. Likewise, she's probably not keen on getting a phone call five minutes before your next meeting starts. Much as she misses you during your travels, it's no fun conversing when she's braced to hear her least favorite three words: "I gotta go."
8. TREAT YOUR SPOUSE LIKE SHE'S YOUR MOST IMPORTANT CLIENT.
You win clients and customers by courting them, by offering not simple attention but true attentiveness. You are solicitous, observant, mindful, and aware -- eager to anticipate and fulfill their needs. Your spouse is your No. 1 life client and most important connection. Court her -- with a thoughtful gift, a just-because hug, morning coffee in bed -- as though you really want to keep her business, too.
9. ACKNOWLEDGE HER ROLE.
Often, the entrepreneur lives in the spotlight, while the spouse works behind the scenes. But the spouse plays an important role in the success of any venture. By keeping the domestic machine well oiled, she allows you to enjoy family life while reserving most of your energy for the business. She has saved you money by working inside the company and made the family money by working outside of it. She's proud of your business but also of the contribution she's made to the life you are building. So, go on, crow about her! To employees, co-workers, suppliers, family, friends. Post an accolade on the website! You're the boss -- name a product after her! (Note to Gary: Yo My Baby? Apricot Meggo? Get the marketing department on it.) Most important: Tell her directly that you value her contribution. Some things go without saying…but not that.
10. TAKE FREQUENT INVENTORY.
Spend time remembering all you've created together, all you've managed to survive. Maintaining a marriage through years of strain, sacrifice, and uncertainty requires both grace and grit. You have so many wonderful, horrible, heartbreaking, and hilarious stories -- about the company, about the kids, about the rich history you share. To paraphrase Neil Young, you've had your ups and downs, but you're still playing together. The music might not always be in tune, but take a moment to rejoice that you're still making it.
Meg Cadoux Hirshberg is a writer married to Gary Hirshberg, president and CEO of Stonyfield Yogurt. She invites readers to e-mail her their own rules for maintaining marital harmony when hitched to an entrepreneurial business.
Copyright © 2009 Mansueto Ventures LLC. All rights reserved.Inc.com, 7 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007-2195.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A Thank You Letter to Zonta (Brampton-Caledon)
Zonta is a highly-respected, global organization that works to advance the status of women world-wide through advocacy, education & service. I am proud to have been nominated for this Women of Achievement award, and humbled to be among the company of such outstanding leaders here in Brampton-Caledon.
Economic success for women is one of the key components to social and political equality for women. Where the concept of micro-credit is one tool for economic independence in developing nations, the support and growth of small business is one of those tools in developed nations like Canada. I am invigorated by the process of providing education, support and encouragement to women - women looking to create change and realize a passion in their lives. I am fortunate that my job allows me the freedom to pursue this challenging and rewarding activity. I would like to thank Zonta Brampton-Caledon, the selection committee and Shirley Hall, for this recognition.
I am supported in this effort by my wonderful staff at the Brampton Small Business Enterprise Centre. I also want to thank Don Eastwood, Director of Economic Development for the City of Brampton, for his leadership & vision.
None of us can be our professional best without the love and support of our families. I want to thank my husband for always challenging me to be my best. And my children, for their creativity and inspiration. I couldn’t be more delighted to have had my intelligent, talented & beautiful daughter join me at the event on November 19th.
Finally, I want to thank the clients of the Brampton Enterprise Centre – the aspiring entrepreneurs and established small business owners within Brampton’s business community – for their trust in our organization, and for allowing us to help them launch and grow their businesses. It is a privilege to be allowed into your lives. I wish you prosperity, and encourage you to continually develop yourselves, your business, and your participation in our wonderful community.
Warmly,
Cassandra
Economic success for women is one of the key components to social and political equality for women. Where the concept of micro-credit is one tool for economic independence in developing nations, the support and growth of small business is one of those tools in developed nations like Canada. I am invigorated by the process of providing education, support and encouragement to women - women looking to create change and realize a passion in their lives. I am fortunate that my job allows me the freedom to pursue this challenging and rewarding activity. I would like to thank Zonta Brampton-Caledon, the selection committee and Shirley Hall, for this recognition.
I am supported in this effort by my wonderful staff at the Brampton Small Business Enterprise Centre. I also want to thank Don Eastwood, Director of Economic Development for the City of Brampton, for his leadership & vision.
None of us can be our professional best without the love and support of our families. I want to thank my husband for always challenging me to be my best. And my children, for their creativity and inspiration. I couldn’t be more delighted to have had my intelligent, talented & beautiful daughter join me at the event on November 19th.
Finally, I want to thank the clients of the Brampton Enterprise Centre – the aspiring entrepreneurs and established small business owners within Brampton’s business community – for their trust in our organization, and for allowing us to help them launch and grow their businesses. It is a privilege to be allowed into your lives. I wish you prosperity, and encourage you to continually develop yourselves, your business, and your participation in our wonderful community.
Warmly,
Cassandra
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Maintain your Focus & Motivation
Sustainability is a word we hear frequently and most often in an environmental context. It’s a concept key to your small business too. Running a business for a few weeks or months can be achieved by many, but any worthwhile venture is going to need sustained effort. Here are some way to maintain your focus and motivation:
1. Remember the original, powerful reasons you decided to go into business for yourself, and this business in particular.
2. Refresh your business mission annually, and write out your objectives. Post them where you can see them.
3. Clarify your vision. Picture your successful business as if it already exists.
4. Action-plan your objectives. Doing something not quite perfectly is better than having a perfect plan you never execute.
5. Measure your progress. You can’t manage it if you don’t measure it.
6. Reward yourself for meeting goals – annually, monthly, why not even weekly?
7. Think of three. Be good to yourself and work on no more than three priorities at a time.
8. Develop a support system. Utilize a business coach, mastermind group, networking group or buddy-system to share helpful resources and encourage positive attitude.
Share with me some of the ways you maintain your focus & motivation. I will post ideas here for others to learn from.
All the best until next time,
CB
1. Remember the original, powerful reasons you decided to go into business for yourself, and this business in particular.
2. Refresh your business mission annually, and write out your objectives. Post them where you can see them.
3. Clarify your vision. Picture your successful business as if it already exists.
4. Action-plan your objectives. Doing something not quite perfectly is better than having a perfect plan you never execute.
5. Measure your progress. You can’t manage it if you don’t measure it.
6. Reward yourself for meeting goals – annually, monthly, why not even weekly?
7. Think of three. Be good to yourself and work on no more than three priorities at a time.
8. Develop a support system. Utilize a business coach, mastermind group, networking group or buddy-system to share helpful resources and encourage positive attitude.
Share with me some of the ways you maintain your focus & motivation. I will post ideas here for others to learn from.
All the best until next time,
CB
Thursday, July 9, 2009
On-Line Small Business Tools
With summer here, you may find that you have a spare hour here and there to get caught up on your business reading or surfing. While you are browsing the Internet, you may find some great sites that other small business owners would benefit from knowing about.
I would like to hear from you all on what you think are the best on-line small business tools (worksheets, software etc.). If they happen to be free or low-cost, I would love it if you indicate that as well. Here are a few of my favs to get you started:
www.surveymonkey.com >> a great way to do FREE market research with your database of clients; $120 a year gives you a membership with extra analyis tools and even easier distribution.
www.canadabusiness.ca/ipb >> the Interactive Business Plannner is a free template that helps you prepare or update your business plan; do the whole thing or tweak a section. The financials add themselves up and automatically transfer from cash flow to income statement. Run pessimistic/optimistic/realistic scenarios quickly and easily!
www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/steps >> information on competitiveness issues and gaps facing small and medium sized service firms, presented in a modular format. Tackle one step a week for 9 weeks to hone your marketing plan
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/h_00070.html >> NAICS directory - listing of Canadian companies, sortable by keyword, industry sector and more; search for suppliers and competitors
http://www.whatspossible.com/fax/ >> a summary of various fax-to-email services, starting at $19.95/year
Send me yours so I can beef up this list!
Cheers
CB
I would like to hear from you all on what you think are the best on-line small business tools (worksheets, software etc.). If they happen to be free or low-cost, I would love it if you indicate that as well. Here are a few of my favs to get you started:
www.surveymonkey.com >> a great way to do FREE market research with your database of clients; $120 a year gives you a membership with extra analyis tools and even easier distribution.
www.canadabusiness.ca/ipb >> the Interactive Business Plannner is a free template that helps you prepare or update your business plan; do the whole thing or tweak a section. The financials add themselves up and automatically transfer from cash flow to income statement. Run pessimistic/optimistic/realistic scenarios quickly and easily!
www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/steps >> information on competitiveness issues and gaps facing small and medium sized service firms, presented in a modular format. Tackle one step a week for 9 weeks to hone your marketing plan
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/h_00070.html >> NAICS directory - listing of Canadian companies, sortable by keyword, industry sector and more; search for suppliers and competitors
http://www.whatspossible.com/fax/ >> a summary of various fax-to-email services, starting at $19.95/year
Send me yours so I can beef up this list!
Cheers
CB
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