CanadianSME Small Business Magazine - April 2023 Edition

Our April issue is officially here, and we are very excited about all the great content we have included in this month’s issue! We strive to be Canada’s top magazine, providing exclusive insights, strategies, and advice to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Our mission is to include the best inclusive interviews and top business insights from reputable industry experts Our team works very hard to deliver the most valuable content to our readers to ensure that you stay current on all the latest business trends Empowering small and medium-sized businesses is our prime goal

This month, CanadianSME is focused on E-Commerce trends in Canada and interviews and advice from industry experts. The issue will also feature Business Woman of the Month and much more. Learn How to solve small business payment problems by learning about Plooto’s integration into Xero; Best Practices When Managing Finances by Chandrashekar (LSP), Zoho Canada’s managing director; and AI for Everyone: Harnessing the Power of AI to Level the ECommerce Playing Field By Phil Vokins, Director of Channels, ISVs and Cloud with Intel Canada Get inspired by Business Woman Of The Month, Sana Salam, Founder and President of Sodales Solutions. And read our exclusive interviews with Rob Barton, P. Eng, the CTO of Cisco Canada and a Distinguished Engineer with Cisco, and Liv Thomson, Enterprise Growth Manager, Xero.

Leveraging Technology for SMB Growth! The CanadianSME Small Business Expo is coming on June 16th! The Small Business Expo 2023 emphasizes using technology to grow small businesses Technology has created many opportunities for entrepreneurs to gain a competitive edge, expand their markets, and adapt quickly to changing trends. Attendees will learn to integrate digital solutions into their infrastructure and create innovative long-term business growth plans.

Showcase your brand at CanadianSME Business Expo.

Are you a business owner who has a product or service and is looking to share it with the world? Are you seeking an opportunity to share your innovative business idea with thousands of small business owners and entrepreneurs? The CanadianSME Business Expo is the perfect opportunity to do just that!

The articles in this issue provide insights into the tools and resources available and 2023 eCommerce trends to keep top of mind this year. We hope this month’s issue will help give you the knowledge and information you need to stay ahead in the market.

Don't forget to subscribe to our magazine to get the latest trends and stay current on all of our events

Until next month, happy reading!

InternationalWomen’sDay 2023:MinisterNgannounces recipientsoffundingunderthe WomenEntrepreneurship Strategy

20%ofCanadiansThinkThat WomenAreTheTrueFinancial ExpertsinCanada:Loans CanadaSurvey

WOMENENTREPRENEURSHIP

Thegreatnewsisthatwomen recognizetheirfinancialpowerand maybejustunder-reportcompared tomen,”saidStefaniBalinsky,Head ofContentStrategyatLoans Canada “Thestudyshowsthat whenwomenownstocks,mutual funds,andETFs,theirfinancial decisionconfidenceovertakesthat oftheirmalecounterparts

ThisInternationalWomen’sDay, we ’recelebratingtheincredible talentandachievementsof womenandtheconcreteaction ourgovernmentistakingtomake sureeverywomancounts Time andagain,Canadianwomen haveproventhemselvestobe hard-workinganddedicated entrepreneurs,yetmanystillface barrierstoachievingtheir entrepreneurshipdreams

NewreportshowsCanada’s leadingcompaniesarefinding newandinnovativewaysto retainandretraintheir workforce Canadadoesn’tneedaone-sizefits-allnationalupskillingstrategy Theresaroletoplayforeveryone It’smoreaboutcoordination, collaboration,andleveraging organizationslikeBHERtobring peopletogether,avoidthe duplicationofefforts,anddrivereal change,”saidWalker

WORKFORCE

4in5Canadianwomenseemoreopportunitythaneverinowning theirownbusiness,despitechallenges:GoDaddySurvey

WOMEN'SEMPOWERMENT

LikemanyCanadianwomen,startingherownbusinesswasapathwaytogreater financialstability ForSadaf,itwasalsoaboutgivingbacktoherfamily,whose journeyfromAfghanistanshesayshasbeenapowerfulmotivatorforher businesssuccess

INTERNATIONALWOMEN’SDAY2023

How to solve small business payment problems

When it comes to running a small business, making payments can be quite a problem As a former business owner, I know this all too well

Back when I was importing European wines into Ontario, paying vendors was a struggle But when it comes to business, you find ways to make it work

In my case, I used to allocate half my Fridays to making payments I’d create payment instructions across multiple interfaces - some from one bank and some from another The remaining payments were made through third parties facilitating the international payments Often, the only way to make

them is through a wire transfer, which is expensive and without tracking It took up a lot of time and, in all honesty, was a headache Then there’s the worry of making sure the right bill is marked as paid so you don’t accidentally pay it twice. As I’m sure you know, it’s a problem small business owners face all too often, and in today’s climate, that’s a problem no one can afford

So whether you’re chasing addresses, mailing cheques, or manually updating details - I’m sure you can think of better things to do with your time. That’s why, as Senior Partnerships Manager for Xero Canada, I’ve been working to find a payment solution.

For instance, Plooto offers effortless, secure payments every time You can also set up new suppliers with a click, pay them in their preferred format and automate the service from then on. That means the platform can manage the vendor’s details for you, and you’ll rest easy knowing your bills have been paid correctly and on time Payments are also automatically reconciled, which will make duplicate payments a thing of the past

With all your data online, you’ll have all you need in one place And by integrating Plooto with Xero, you’ll be able to pull any outstanding bills into the platform, help with the vendor setup, send reminders and push reconciliation records back into your Xero account This means youll have access to payment tracking, customization, streamlined processes, and so much more

These payment platforms are guaranteed to simplify the bill-paying experience for the payor whilst also making sure the payment is made in a method preferred by the payee Its a win-win.

We’re so happy that, along with Plooto, other payment solutions are set to launch soon These tailor-made apps put you and your business first And running a business is hard work, so take advantage of the tools on hand After all, theyre only there to help

In case you didn’t know, Xero has a long-standing integration with Plooto, and we ’ re excited to announce that new partnerships with other payments are coming soon These platforms are set to be game changers for your small business

By integrating Xero with Plooto, you’ll get to spend less time on tedious admin tasks and more time growing your business Plooto can work with any Canadian bank account, saving time and energy As it’s built for small businesses, it’s been designed with you in mind

Max leads Xero’s partnerships discussions in Canada focusing on banks, credit unions and companies in the financial services space Prior to joining Xero, Max was an early member of the CORIQ team at Symcor, where he led the creation of a new line of business focused on detecting and preventing fraud. Max has a background in technology and finance, and a passion for wine

AI for Everyone: Harnessing

the Power of AI to Level the E-Commerce Playing Field

When it comes to ecommerce and the small to medium-sized business (SMB) sector, technology has levelled the playing field between giant conglomerates and smaller-sized companies by enabling SMBs to close geographic gaps and sell products to customers the world over.

Technology and e-commerce also kept many small businesses afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, acting as their lifeline when physical businesses had to close their doors It brought automation to shipping, accounting, and billing, as well as streamlined customer support So, it should be no surprise that online sales in Canada increased by a whopping 110 percent during the second quarter of 2020 when the pandemic was in full swing, and expectations are that this year alone, the volume of e-commerce in Canada will surpass $90 billion.

SME businesses that want to take a bigger bite of this massive market should consider enhancing their digital transformation to remain competitive and efficient They can achieve that by using smart tools and solutions that leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable better business decisions and outcomes

As you probably know or already heard, buzzwords like ChatGPT and Bard have quickly become household names by bringing the power of AI to the masses But AI-powered solutions have long been available almost “off-the-shelf” to retailers and small businesses and make a huge difference in e-commerce operations, reflecting more than 100 solutions available by Intel and its eco-system partners. From enhanced and tailored customer experiences to demanding forecasting and inventory management, AIpowered solutions are at the fingertips of businesses of all sizes – including yours

Tailored, Personal Customer Experience

Whether you ’ re a small boutique owner or run a chain of stores, you still have something in common with the large multinationals: you both work hard to create shopping experiences that are convenient, personalized, and enjoyable Excellence in the shopping experience hinges on three elements: customers should be able to quickly find what they’re looking for, get help when they need it, and check out fast AI streamlines these elements to create more satisfying customer experiences

For example, a Point-of-Sale system that captures data about purchases uses AI that can be used to generate new product recommendations for a given customer based on their most recent transaction or matched to complement purchases made by other customers with similar profiles Additionally, digital signage embedded with computer vision, like smart cameras and AI-powered vision analysis, can measure customer engagement and serve up real-time advertising by tailoring promotions and additional product offerings on the spot This leads to more accurate segmentation and experiences that are informed by consumer patterns and preferences

Similarly, and especially in a post-pandemic era, shoppers may be concerned about picking up germs from self-ordering/selfcheck-out stations But what if they could fill orders and check out without touching anything? Computer vision makes it possible to accurately decipher a customer’s hand gestures and “ see ” items in a customer’s cart without the need for any physical contact.

Demand Forecasting and Merchandising

By the same token, the more you understand customer behaviours and trends, the better you can meet demand and present the best possible products Against a backdrop of global supply chain challenges, AI is also helping businesses improve demand forecasting, make pricing decisions, and optimize product placement

Predictive analytics can help you order the right amount of stock so that your real or virtual shelves won’t end up with too much or too little. AI can also track data from online channels, informing better e-commerce strategies New types of AI at the retail edge can help recognize customer intent and optimize the shopper’s journey accordingly One example is heat mapping in the store The combination of cameras and computer vision reveals which products are picked up, which are returned, and where the customer goes after leaving the shelf

Similar behaviours can be tracked online based on how long a customer spends viewing a product and the web pages they visited before and after Businesses can use this intelligence to create experiences that promote better engagement with products

An in-depth analysis of poor sales performance is as important as a hero product sales analysis. By combining vision analytics with transaction data, more complete insights are gained into sales performance during periods of both high and low physical and virtual traffic

Automated Inventory Management

Maintaining an accurate inventory is a major challenge for all businesses, regardless of their size By connecting more parts of their operations with AI solutions, a comprehensive view of stores, customers, and products is invaluable for inventory management

Another type of AI inventory management uses smart shelves to quickly identify out-of-stock items and pricing errors The system can alert staff to low stock or misplaced items for more up-to-date inventories and computer visionenabled checkout systems can help mitigate product loss in real-time As a result, retailers can run their businesses more efficiently and free up associates’ time to focus on improving the shopping experience.

Intel’s responsive retail and e-commerce technologies make it possible to collect and process data from sensors, cameras, and other sources Designed to bridge islands of technology and eliminate data silos, the Intel platform supports a variety of third-party solutions

To learn more about retail and e-commerce solutions from Intel and its partners, visit Intel® Solutions Marketplace

Phil Vokins is the Director of Channels, ISVs and Cloud at Intel Canada He can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/philvokins/.

In a recent interview, Liv Thomson, Enterprise Growth Manager at Xero, delved into the company ' s partnership with Allinial Global She highlighted the benefits for Xero's customers, particularly small businesses, and explained the driving factors behind choosing Allinial Global as a strategic partner Thomson also touched upon the partnership's potential impact on the accounting industry as a whole, emphasizing the increased support and resources it brings to the table

As the Enterprise Growth Manager at Xero, Liv works closely with accountants and advisors across Canada to empower them with cloud accounting technology. As a Chartered Accountant and Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner, Liv has over 10 years of experience in driving digital transformation and change within the accounting industry. Liv is passionate about efficiencies and providing small and medium sized businesses with valuable insights that lead to smarter decisions and accelerated growth.

Liv Thomson on Xero's Game Changing Partnership with Allinial Global

Can you give us an overview of the partnership between Xero and Allinial Global? What are the main objectives of this collaboration?

Xero has partnered with Allinial Global in a threeyear agreement with the objective of bringing the powerful capabilities of cloud accounting technology to more of its member firms The partnership enables the Xero team to work closely with Allinial Global to help embrace the benefits of the Xero platform and ecosystem and manage changes and challenges happening in the industry together For the member firms who participate in the global partnership, Xero will unlock resources to provide tailored support and will work jointly with Allinial Global to deliver training and educational resources. Our team here in Canada is excited to start working with the six current Allinial member firms coast to coast to help them realize the efficiencies of the cloud and drive increased value and insights to their small and medium sized business clients

How do you believe this partnership with Allinial Global will benefit Xero's customers, particularly small businesses and their advisors?

Small businesses that work with Allinial Global member firms will be able to access the benefits of the Xero platform, including increased efficiencies and access to real-time financial information and insights In addition, they will benefit from real-time collaboration with their advisor

Having a trusted advisor is pivotal to the success of a small business Leveraging technology is a force multiplier for advisors as they have more time to build relationships and service their small business clients in a more meaningful way The power of an advisor goes well beyond accounting; a good advisor instills confidence in a small business owner, and the human element is so important

Allinial Global is known for its extensive network of accounting firms. How do you see this network playing a role in expanding Xero's reach and influence?

We know we have a greater impact when we partner with large associations like Allinial, who have a shared vision to drive value and growth to small to medium-sized businesses With over 250 member firms across the globe, Allinial is committed to growing the most agile, flexible, and client-centric solutions anywhere, and we see cloud technology as a key enabler of this commitment

What was the driving factor behind choosing Allinial Global as a strategic partner, and how do their core values align with Xero's mission?

Our mission at Xero is to make life better for small business owners and their advisors The partnership will create a Xero "community" within Allinial Global, making it easy for members to access information and resources about Xero and share their experiences with others This will foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, helping them stay up-todate with the latest industry trends and innovations in technology, particularly in the cloud

What impact do you expect this partnership to have on the accounting industry as a whole, particularly in the context of digital transformation and the adoption of cloud-based solutions?

The partnership between Allinial Global and Xero will continue to accelerate the transformation of the accounting industry and drive the adoption of cloud-based solutions Our priority is to ensure small business owners have access to cuttingedge technology and business advice, and the relationship between Allinial Global members firms and Xero will help us take a step forward in achieving this

Insights from

Adam French

National Director - Canada at Allinial Global

Adam holds a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on international business from the University of Munich of Applied Sciences, as well as a Master of Management with a focus on management from Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia He also holds a Project Management Professional designation Skilled in development, stakeholder management, business development, and project management, he focuses on growing the association’s Canadian membership, strengthening relationships among regional peers, and addressing the most pressing membership needs for Canadian member firms.

With experience in global business development projects in Europe, Africa and North America, he is well-versed in putting together teams to execute large-scale projects In his community in British Columbia, Canada, he is looked upon as a resource for Sustainable economic development as Director of the regional Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer of the Pacific Centre of Family Services and Community Health Centre

Can you give us an overview of the partnership between Xero and Allinial Global? What are the main objectives of this collaboration?

As Allinial Global’s National Director for the Canadian market, Adam serves as a dedicated resource for the association’s Canadian market, with a focus on growing regional membership, maintaining member relations, and introducing valuable Allinial Global products and services to our Canadian members His ultimate goal is to facilitate the sustainable growth of his Independent Canadian member firms and make them ‘’Future Firm Ready” through collaboration & connectivity, timely resource allocation, and leveraging of global partnerships

For Allinial Global it is a key opportunity to collaborate with a leading industry partner, to better serve our existing and future members in the Canadian community and beyond Everything we do is under the premise of “Firms of the Future”, and our partnership with Xero is another example of how we intend to support our independent members in getting there.

How do you believe this partnership with Allinial Global will benefit Xero's customers, particularly small businesses and their advisors?

You will see a common theme in my responses. “Collaboration” amongst our Canadian firms is part of our value proposition. Yes, we are big, but we are also a thriving close nit community Allinial Global is the only Association I am aware of that has a dedicated National Director to support our members and their respective clients This attention to detail and understanding of our Canadian market, allows Allinial Global members and industry partners to serve their respective SME clients with a deeper understanding of their realized and unrealized needs All of our independent member firms are growing in Canada, their clients are thriving, and so are our key partners

Allinial Global is known for its extensive network of accounting firms. How do you see this network playing a role in expanding Xero's reach and influence?

Allinial Global is a global “association” of independent accounting firms that see the value in collaboration. The reach Xero will accomplish in partnership with the #2 Accounting association in the world, is the same connectivity and influence that is our member firm’s reality every day Whether it's leveraging trade agreements to boost cross-border commerce opportunities, or firms in different regions collaborating to scale their offering with our real-time connectivity and partnerships, Allinial Global sees Xero’s partnership as another opportunity to showcase why it is a leader in leveraging technology to transform Accounting and Advisory firms With 261 firms in 105 countries, Allinial Global extends its reach to strategic partnerships and our independent firms The influence is felt

What was the driving factor behind choosing Allinial Global as a strategic partner, and how do their core values align with Xero's mission?

Allinial Global is truly a global association, yet regionally specific. Like Xero, we aim to understand and meet firms' unique regionally specific needs and address their challenges with viable forwardlooking solutions Xero is one of our solutions, and we are excited!!

What impact do you expect this partnership to have on the accounting industry as a whole, particularly in the context of digital transformation and the adoption of cloud-based solutions?

What do you get when you combine a powerhouse supportive Association and a leader in cloud accounting software solutions that Xero is? Another opportunity for our firms of the future to maintain their competitive advantage with services like Xero that offer scalable, costeffective and easy to use solutions

Cost-effective ways to boost employee wellness

Healthy, happy employees are critical to the success of any business and this is especially true for small and mid-sized enterprises While entrepreneurs understand the importance of supporting their employees’ physical and mental health, limited resources and budget constraints may prevent some business owners from providing employee wellness programs.

At March of Dimes Canada Employment Services, we believe that every business, regardless of size, should have access to affordable and accessible employee wellness programs That's why we ' re excited to introduce “Wellness Without Limits” [https://bit ly/3FrkJHq], a comprehensive webinar series designed to improve the overall health and well-being of your employees

The series comprises three live, interactive webinars that are specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by today's workforce Our evidence-based webinars draw on the latest research, as well as best practices in health and wellness

“These webinars offer practical strategies that empower people to improve their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness By taking an active approach to their diet, exercise, creativity and social activities, any person can improve their overall health, happiness, and productivity,” says Dr. Carrie Heilbron, Chief Psychologist, Rehabilitation and Clinical Services, for Employment Services at March of Dimes Canada, and one of the facilitators.

Good employers offer support and accommodations when an injury or health condition impacts an employee’s ability to do their job Yet, it’s just as important to take a proactive approach toward promoting good physical and mental health

Mary-Rose Hackbart, Program Manager of the Functional Rehabilitation Services team in Employment Services at March of Dimes Canada, says that enhancing your well-being isn’t challenging when you have the right information “For example, following ergonomic principles when you configure your workstation can prevent aches, pains and injuries and reduce eye strain,” says Hackbart

Investing in an employee’s well-being can not only prevent injuries and illness, but increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and boost morale Most notably: it helps increase their knowledge and awareness, empowering them to take consistent, practical steps to improve their wellness from dayto-day, both at work and at home

Webinar Series details:

The specific topics and dates for the Wellness Without Limits webinar series [link to registration page [https://bit ly/3FrkJHq] are Mindful Living:How to Build Self-Awareness and Improve Mental Health(March 29); Fit for Work Ergonomics: Optimize Your Workstation to Meet Your Needs (April 12); and Whole Health: Practical Tips and Strategies for Building a Wellness Toolbox. (April 26)

Seminars are $49 each or $129 for all three webinars Register for “Wellness Without Limits https://bit ly/3FrkJHq” and send a clear message to your team members that you value their health and well-being and are committed to creating a positive, supportive work environment that encourages their personal growth and development

To learn more about this opportunity and to register your employees, visit us at Wellness Without Limits webinars

Space is limited Register today!

Louissa Regier is an Associate Director for Employment Services at March of Dimes Canada. Employment Services [insert a link to a landing page on Employment Services website https://www modcemploymentservices ca/] offers a comprehensive suite of programs and services for job seekers and employers

How Accountants 2.0 Empowers Business Decision-Making:

The impact of real-time financial information and expert advice in enabling clients to make informed decisions

The accounting industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, thanks to the emergence of new technologies and tools

In particular, cloud-based accounting software and automation have revolutionized the way businesses manage their finances Accountants 2 0 is a leading accounting firm that leverages these technologies to deliver innovative and efficient accounting solutions to businesses of all sizes. With a team of experienced and certified accountants, the company provides personalized and high-quality services that enable clients to access real-time financial information and make informed decisions about their business This article explores the impact of Accountants 2 0's real-time financial information and expert advice on business decision-making, highlighting the benefits of its cloud-based accounting software, receipt management tools, and financial document automation If you ' re looking to streamline your accounting processes and enhance the accuracy of your financial data, this article is a must-read

Accountants 2.0 is an accounting firm that offers a range of accounting and bookkeeping services to businesses of all sizes. The firm is known for its use of cutting-edge technology to streamline accounting processes, enhance accuracy, and deliver real-time financial information to clients.

One of the key features of Accountants 2 0 is its cloud-based accounting software

The company uses Xero Accounting and QuickBooks Online, leading cloud-based accounting software that enables clients to access their financial data anytime and anywhere. These technologies have enabled Accountants 2.0 to provide realtime financial information to its clients, allowing them to make informed decisions about their business

In addition to cloud-based accounting software, Accountants 2 0 also uses a range of other tools to enhance its services For instance, the firm uses Dext, a software that allows clients to upload their receipts and invoices directly to the cloud-based accounting system. This tool saves time and effort and reduces the risk of errors and fraud

Another key technology used by Accountants 2 0 is Hubdoc, a software that automatically fetches and organizes financial documents This tool enables the firm to have a better view of the client's financial data, reducing the time and effort required for manual data entry and reconciliation

But technology is only one part of the equation Accountants 2 0 also prides itself on its team of experienced and certified accountants The firm's accountants deeply understand the latest accounting regulations, tax laws, and financial reporting standards They are committed to providing personalized and high-quality services to each of their clients

About Accountants 2.0

Accountants 2 0 is a new age cloud accounting firm, offering bookkeeping, payroll, accounting and tax We use and develop technology to improve the accountantbusiness owner relationship, allowing everyone to focus on their big picture

We’ve Been There!

We are a management team of business owners who have actually been in the shoes of our clients Owning businesses, living through the same pains and successes allows us the unique opportunity to understand more than other firms can We have developed a service through empathy, because “We’ve Been There!”

Accountants 2.0 is an accounting firm that offers a range of accounting and bookkeeping services to businesses of all sizes. The firm is known for its use of cutting-edge technology to streamline accounting processes, enhance accuracy, and deliver real-time financial information to clients.

A Conversation with Entrepreneur and Investor

RedefiningSuccess: Zoey Dash McKenzie

In our recent interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Zoey Dash McKenzie, a former beauty queen and model who has successfully transitioned into an accomplished entrepreneur and investor. Zoey opened up about her personal journey and the various initiatives she has backed to expedite the commercialization of innovative mental health products. She emphasized the significance of female leadership in the tech industry and offered valuable strategies for promoting the advancement of women in technology Additionally, Zoey candidly discussed the challenges women face in the business world and concluded with insightful recommendations for aspiring female entrepreneurs

Zoey Dash McKenzie is a former model turned entrepreneur and investor After launching a high-growth communication SaaS platform, she has leveraged her experience in the tech sector to actively mentor first-time founders and invest in transformative early-stage startups. Her achievements and accolades include being a nominee for the 2015 Forbes 30 Under 30 award in consumer technology. Today, she is an emerging Venture Capital fund manager who advocates for policy change that could unlock trillions of dollars for Healthcare and CleanTech innovation

How has your experience been as an emerging Venture Capital fund manager, a leader in the tech and entrepreneurial worlds, and a supporter of legislative change that might free up trillions of dollars for CleanTech and Healthcare innovation?

My experience as an emerging Venture Capital fund manager has been gratifying I'm fortunate to have had several well-established fund managers graciously extend their knowledge and networks to support my professional development

Navigating Canada's dynamic tech and entrepreneurial landscapes has also allowed me to connect with brilliant innovators who are on track to facilitate meaningful change

In addition to my work as an investor, I've taken the joy and vigour of entrepreneurial problemsolving to the political arena. For me, it's all about being an engaged citizen and leveraging my skills and lived experiences for the greater good of humanity Ultimately, entrepreneurs and the venture community can make a real impact on government decision-making I believe diversity of thought will help policymakers respond to a rapidly changing world in a dynamic and future-forward way As the author of a fiscal policy memo meant to spur scientific innovation, supporting legislative reform could unlock trillions of dollars for earlystage CleanTech and Healthcare startups This is an essential aspect of my work and something close to my heart, as I believe these sectors can dramatically improve the world we live in

Which different initiatives have you supported to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge mental health products?

I've supported several initiatives regarding mental health product commercialization, including introducing doctors, scientists and engineers to the tech community who have become venture-backed founders

Former beauty queen and model, turned entrepreneur and investor

I also sit on the Campaign Cabinet for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation, where we have launched the worlds most extensive fundraising campaign for hospital-based mental health research To raise $500 million (over $400 million already raised), the "No One Left Behind" campaign supports life-saving mental health research programs at CAMH and building a new CAMH Research & Discovery Centre Additionally, I've been involved in initiatives that foster collaborations between academic institutions and industry partners, helping to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications I also advocate for policy changes that reduce barriers for mental healthfocused startups to accelerate funding opportunities and streamline approval processes for new products and treatments

Why do you think it is important to have female leaders in the tech industry? What are some effective strategies for the advancement of women in technology?

Female representation in the tech industry ensures diverse perspectives and fosters innovation Having women in leadership contributes to more inclusive workplaces and helps challenge traditional biases Some strategies for advancing women in technology include mentorship programs, building supportive networks, and promoting diversity initiatives within organizations Offering flexible work arrangements and implementing unbiased recruitment and promotion processes can contribute to greater gender diversity in the tech sector In addition, it's essential to fund more female entrepreneurs as this can create significant positive shifts in terms of workplace cultures and diversity, equity and inclusion priorities

What do you think are the biggest challenges that women in business face? What are the possible approaches for getting beyond those obstacles?

While women in business have made impressive strides across Canada, they still have significant hurdles Some challenges they face are navigating unconscious biases, balancing work and personal life, and having limited access to networks, funding, and resources

Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, provide mentorship, and support professional development, these measures alone are insufficient to address the existing systemic barriers We must continue tackling these issues head-on and working towards a more equitable and inclusive environment for women.

We may need to take targeted action to achieve this, such as enforcing more flexible work arrangements and developing specific hiring practices In addition, we may also need to extend our support to the entrepreneurial community by allocating deeper pools of dedicated government funding and building measures to incentivize early investors to back women-led companies By addressing these challenges as an industry and through government collaboration, we can create an environment for women in business to thrive and achieve their full potential

What specific recommendations do you have for female entrepreneurs who want to succeed in the field?

It's a given that female entrepreneurs often face more challenges and obstacles than their male counterparts That's why building resilience is crucial to push through the inevitable obstacles

One powerful way to do this is to celebrate small wins throughout the day Even completing a small task or receiving positive feedback can help boost confidence and keep you motivated This exercise has been completely transformative for me as a woman of colour It has helped me combat the mental toll of facing barriers and pushback in the workforce

Overall, celebrating small wins is an actionable and powerful tool for women to stay grounded, maintain a positive mindset, and build the long-term stamina required to overcome the barriers and biases they face as they work to achieve their goals.

Sadaf Rahimi:

Overcoming Barriers and Championing Women in Business

Sadaf Rahimi founded her business in late 2019 As the pandemic halted events in 2020, Sadaf had to quickly rethink her business plans, which centred on event catering and instead offered smaller, individual charcuterie boxes through her business website to stay afloat.

Like many Canadian women, starting her own business was a pathway to greater financial stability. For Sadaf, it was also about giving back to her family, whose journey from Afghanistan she says has been a powerful motivator for her business success.

What inspired you to start Charcuterie Vancouver? And what do you hope to accomplish through your work?

Founder of Charcuterie Vancouver

In our engaging interview with Sadaf Rahimi, the founder of Charcuterie Vancouver, we explored her inspiration for starting the company and delved into GoDaddy's latest Unstoppable Women campaign, launched in honour of International Women's Day. Sadaf provided valuable insights on effective techniques for conducting a thorough startup cost analysis and discussed potential solutions for overcoming time and setup cost barriers, often cited as the primary challenges faced by women business owners Lastly, Sadaf imparted her tailored advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs, empowering them to navigate the world of business with confidence

My inspiration for starting Charcuterie Vancouver came from my love of entertaining and my passion for food I've always loved bringing people together and creating beautiful and delicious experiences for them Through my work, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating a great charcuterie board and to help them connect with their loved ones in a meaningful way

What do you think of GoDaddy's most recent Unstoppable Women campaign, which was unveiled in celebration of International Women's Day?

GoDaddy's Unstoppable Women campaign is fantastic! It's so important to celebrate and uplift women in business, especially in maledominated industries I love that they're highlighting the stories of women who are breaking barriers and defying expectations.

It's empowering to see that kind of representation and recognition from such a big global company It’s really interesting to see that most women think that a business start-up cost is much more than it really is I know I thought that before too, but in today's digital world, you could start a business from home for less than $500! I started mine with less than $1,000 in my bank account and now running a seven-figure company.

What are the most efficient methods for creating a comprehensive startup cost analysis, which is a crucial component of any sound business strategy, considering that more than half of Canadian women overestimate the start-up costs?

One of the most efficient methods for creating a comprehensive startup cost analysis is to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces Start by making a list of all the necessary expenses, such as equipment, supplies and rent For us, we started as a catering company working from home We didn't have a high overhead, meaning we didn't need to invest in getting a storefront right away or even renting a space

We just tested out some products which my friends and employees purchased That's when I decided to invest slowly in renting a space, buying equipment, better packaging, etc

The goal is to just start, and worry about perfecting it later. It's been nearly four years, and we are still adding new items to the menu and changing packaging, processes, marketing, etc

What are the potential solutions to the time and setup cost issues, which are seen as the most frequent obstacles faced by women business owners?

Prioritize time management and delegation. As entrepreneurs, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to do everything ourselves, but that's not always the most efficient use of our time Consider outsourcing certain tasks or hiring employees or contractors to help with setup and logistics Another solution is to explore alternative funding options, such as grants, loans, or crowdfunding, which can help offset some of the startup costs

What piece of advice do you have for women entrepreneurs that will help them succeed in the business world?

My advice for women entrepreneurs is to trust their instincts and stay true to their vision Don't be afraid to take risks and make bold moves, even if they seem unconventional or outside of your comfort zone. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement And most importantly, don't give up - entrepreneurship can be a challenging and unpredictable journey, but the rewards are worth it if you stay committed and focused on your goals Remember, no successful person has gotten there without failing many times before or in the process Remember, failure helps us grow; if we did everything perfectly always, we would never grow!

Just do it We have one life; better to know that you tried something and it didn't work than to always ask yourself “what if” 10 years from now

Exploring Cybersecurity Challenges with Cisco Canada's CTO

RobBarton

CTO of Cisco Canada

In our recent interview with Rob Barton, CTO of Cisco Canada, we explored the pressing challenges in cybersecurity readiness and the role of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning Barton highlighted the importance of regular vulnerability assessments and security audits for businesses, emphasizing the need to stay up-to-date with evolving threats He also shared valuable insights on preparing an effective incident response plan to tackle security incidents with confidence

Rob Barton, P Eng, is the CTO of Cisco Canada and a Distinguished Engineer with Cisco Rob has worked in the IT industry for over 23 years, the last 21 of which have been with Cisco Rob Graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Engineering Physics Rob is a successful author, with books published on the subjects of Network Quality of Service (QoS), Wireless Communications, and IoT Additionally, he has also co-authored many peer-reviewed research papers and leads Cisco's university partnership research partnership program. Rob also holds numerous patents in the areas of wireless communications, network security, cloud networking, IoT, and Machine Learning. His current areas of work include wireless communications of all types, IT/OT convergence, network automation, and AI/ML in networking systems.

Based on the Cybersecurity Readiness Index survey findings, what do you think are the biggest challenges businesses face regarding cybersecurity readiness?

With the emergence of a hybrid world, organizations have moved from an operating model that was largely static –where people worked from a single device from one location, connecting to a static network – to a more dynamic environment

People now work from multiple devices, in multiple locations, across multiple networks Employees are accessing applications in the cloud and on the go, generating an enormous amount of data This presents new and unique cybersecurity challenges for companies and requires a mindset shift to secure organizations effectively

What role can emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, play in improving cybersecurity readiness?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can aid cybersecurity efforts For instance, ML can recognize patterns and predict threats in massive data sets, all at machine speed And by automating the analysis, cyber teams can quickly detect threats and isolate situations that require deeper human analysis There are many use cases for AI across cybersecurity needs and solutions

First and foremost, organizations need to build an approach to cybersecurity that embraces resilience at its core and gives consideration to the five core pillars of cybersecurity protection: identity, devices, network, application workloads, and data

How important is it for businesses to conduct regular vulnerability assessments and security audits, and what benefits can they expect to see from these assessments?

An organization's ability to safeguard itself against new and rapidly evolving threats hinges on its ability to anticipate, identify and address those threats

The Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index revealed that just 15% of organizations globally have a “Mature” level of preparedness to handle the security realities of our hybrid work But in Canada, this number decreased to only 9% of organizations that fell into the “Mature” stage of readiness.

It’s crucial that businesses conduct regular vulnerability assessments and security audits to identify their weaknesses, but more than that, business leaders must establish a baseline of readiness across the five security pillars to build secure and resilient organizations They can then build on their strengths, prioritize areas where investment is needed, and improve their security resilience holistically

How can businesses ensure that their security measures are up-to-date and effective in light of the constantly evolving nature of cybersecurity threats?

One of the most important tenants of security is that you need visibility into what’s going on If you went to a doctor with chest pain, there isn’t much he can do without running a few tests The doctor needs to see what the problem is so he can diagnose it and give you treatment – he may run an x-ray, do a CT scan, or even just use his stethoscope – anything to give him visibility to what the problem might be

The same holds true in the world of cybersecurity defence You can’t secure what you can’t see

By equipping networks with the right kind of insights, from the applications to the endpoints and everything in between, we can see what’s going on and secure networks against threats and attacks.

Security resilience allows companies to better anticipate threats and resume operations faster when a threat becomes real Most organizations are incorporating resilience in their financial, operational, organizational, and supply chain functions Security resilience sits across all of them, allowing businesses to verify threats, understand connections across the organization, and see the full context of any situation This empowers teams to prioritize and ensure their next action is the best one

The good news is that security leaders are aware of the risks and are keen to invest in cybersecurity readiness Data shows 78% of the respondents plan to increase their security budgets by at least 10% over the next 12 months While a positive trajectory, it is crucial that these budget increases are delivered sooner rather than later. Given the current environment, a 12-month wait is far too long

What steps can businesses take to ensure that they are prepared to respond effectively during a security incident, and what should their incident response plan include?

Cybersecurity resilience must be a priority for all organizations The cost of complacency is high, and businesses need to continually adapt to the threat landscape around them Our data shows that there are key areas of progress needed against the five pillars of defence:

Identity: Progress is needed here as only 15% of organizations are ranked “Mature”

Devices: This has the highest percentage of companies in the “Mature” stage at just 33%

Network Security: Companies are lagging on this front, with 64% of organizations in the “Beginner” or “Formative” stages

Application Workloads: This is the pillar where companies are the least prepared, with 73% of organizations in the “Beginner” or “Formative” stages

Data: This has the second-highest number of companies in the “Mature” stage (only 17%)

Organizations need to take significant steps to increase their cybersecurity readiness and improve their resilience against any threats that become real

How can businesses determine which framework is right for them, and what are some challenges associated with adopting a new framework?

The emergence of a hybrid world has fundamentally changed the cybersecurity landscape, creating greater complexity for businesses Canadian organizations are lagging behind their global peers in cybersecurity readiness, leaving them more vulnerable to threats.

In Canada, 57% of companies fall into the “Beginner” or “Formative” stages – meaning they are performing below average in their preparedness for modern cybersecurity threats This is a wake-up call to organizations of all sizes! The cybersecurity gap is only going to widen if Canadian businesses don’t act

The most effective framework is one that accounts for the entire organization, from assessing the current posture and deploying solutions to monitoring and anticipating threats As such, every business in Canada can benefit from embracing the five dimensions of security resilience:

Close the gaps in your system, so you have one open platform

See more and always be monitoring Anticipate what is next using actionable intelligence Prioritize what matters most Automate your response so you can bounce back fast

Sana Salam

Sana Salam is the founder and president of Sodales Solutions, a one-stop shop for proactive health, safety, and employee relations Their SAP Cloud Platform Solution empowers highly regulated industries to build safe, efficient, modern business processes

When Sana immigrated to the US, she began her career as a mailroom clerk, working to save money to pay for her schooling She then worked as a turnaround project manager helping turn around failed complex projects This experience taught her to simplify technology and business operations by humanizing the meaning of technology

With over 15 years of experience in the software space, Sana is a prominent supporter of women in business, especially women in technology, and is proud to nurture and lead the team at Sodales

As the founder of Sodales Solutions, Sana spearheaded the creation of Sodales' successful business model with a completely bootstrapped approach and is now helping Sodales reach its maximum potential with an exponential growth rate.

Leveraging her experience, Sana focuses on helping and developing customers with software solutions, enhancing them to grow and develop their businesses Following this approach, she was responsible for founding the Sodales Solutions business, which has now grown into a global brand

Sana is passionate about building the brand, sharing her personal lessons, and being part of a talented, driven, customer-centric team

She also really enjoys helping others and spends a lot of her spare time working within her local community, coaching and supporting them with upcoming job interviews and how to improve and develop their resumes

Sana Salam delivers strategic cloud software that optimizes health and safety, operations, and employee relations for regulated industries.

Sodales Solutions is a one-stop shop for proactive health, safety, and employee relations They are an awardwinning, female-led organization that empowers highly regulated industries to build safe, efficient, modern business processes

They empower businesses to improve communication and processes within health and safety and employee relations Their solution is built on the SAP Business Technology Platform and serves as a single entry point for the complete life cycle of health, safety, disability management, employee relations, and much more that work to empower the people and sustain the sustainability framework of an organization

The SAP Endorsed App has reference customers across the globe in various highly regulated industries, including the public sector, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, higher education, and EC&O.

Sodales Solutions makes global digital transformation

seamless They are built for highly-regulated, highlyscrutinized businesses and work with some of the world's most recognizable brands They enable seamless collaboration between cross-departmental, government, legal, and union stakeholders in highly-regulated industries These include the public sector, healthcare and higher education, utilities, manufacturing and CPG, engineering, construction, operations, and transportation

Sodales Solutions has a fantastic, talented, and focused team of over 200 colleagues who all work together to deliver their customers' goals and strategies through innovative thinking and great teamwork

They are an all-in-one integrated platform to connect health, safety, and employee relations processes with downstream business processes, with offices in Canada, the United States, and India

Sodales Solutions is a diverse group of innovators committed to creating intelligent software solutions and delivering top-tier customer service For more information about their programs and services, visit the website at https://www.sodalessolutions.com/.

Small businesses must ensure their employees' health and safety to ensure their satisfaction, belongingness, and engagement To read more about these topics, subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine

https://lnkd in/dbqmSKN For the latest updates, visit our Twitter page at @canadian sme.

Monique Joustra

on Entrepreneurship and Empowering Women in Business

Monique Joustra is the co-founder of the awardwinning nail salon Nail Fix in the 6ix, based in Toronto, Ontario. Like many entrepreneurs, Monique began her career as a spa director, developing 27 medical spas across the country before deciding to launch her own venture. With a passion for providing clients with top-tier experiences in an inclusive space, Monique opened the first Nail Fix in the 6ix

Life as a business owner isn’t without its challenges, and in the summer of 2019, Monique was diagnosed with breast cancer Supported by their community and the Nail Fix team, Monique was able to navigate her business through the challenges of the pandemic Today, Monique and her husband, Richard Brady, own two Nail Fix locations (Scarborough and Fairview/North York) and have plans to open even more!

Co-founder of Nail Fix in the 6ix

In our recent interview, we were delighted to speak with Monique Joustra, co-founder of Nail Fix in the 6ix Monique shared the driving force behind establishing her company and offered insights into GoDaddy's latest Unstoppable Women campaign, launched in recognition of International Women's Day She discussed the primary motivation for women seeking to start a small business or side hustle, emphasizing the pursuit of increased financial opportunities Monique also addressed the common challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and concluded with her tailored recommendations for those considering launching a small business or side hustle, empowering them to confidently embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

When did you start your career? And what was your inspiration behind starting Nail Fix in the 6ix?

I started in the industry over two decades ago as a Registered Massage Therapist and studied Business Administration After working in a clinical setting, I was interested in working inside a spa From there, I enrolled in an Advanced Esthetics program and began training as a Spa Director After years of working in medical and hotel spas, in 2018, my husband, Richard Brady, and I decided to open a nail salon We recognized there was a gap in the market for a quality nail salon in the east end of Toronto and that's when NAIL FIX in THE 6IX was born

What do you think of GoDaddy's most recent Unstoppable Women campaign, which was unveiled in honor of International Women's Day?

I was honoured to have been invited to partner with GoDaddy for IWD I hope I was able to provide the confidence and inspiration for at least one woman entrepreneur to have the courage to believe in herself enough to start a new business or continue to scale despite the current and uncertain economic climate

As most of the women looking to start a small business or side hustle say increased financial opportunities are the top motivator, what is your opinion in this regard?

Funding is a critical part of any brick-andmortar business, and having a good credit score along with a qualified accountant and banker is essential in order to be prepared for a host of unexpected or unrealized expenses such as taxes, renovations and marketing costs

What are the most common barriers faced by women entrepreneurs? And what are the possible ways to overcome those barriers?

From my experience and conversations with other women entrepreneurs, the biggest barriers women face are being taken seriously about their business idea, access to funding and lack of access to women ' s professional networks To overcome these obstacles, women should be conscious of creating an authoritative and confident first impression when explaining their business idea, reach out to their bank or visit the Government of Canada website and find a support system online with other women entrepreneurs

What specific recommendations do you have for prospective women looking to launch a small business or side hustle?

Start by making a list of things you are passionate about or, if you already know, then start researching similar businesses and understand that specific market Don't be afraid to reach out to other business owners to better understand the challenges and risks of starting your own business Finally, make sure you lock in your domain name and social media handles; this will help you extend your reach to a much wider audience

What E-Commerce Trends

Can Small Businesses Expect In 2023

Small businesses are becoming increasingly dominated by ecommerce brands They opt for an e-commerce method primarily because of the seamless experience it provides, aided by technological innovation. This is a game plan that aligns with the changing market trends and the requirements of the customers in a cost-effective manner An e-commerce platform opens a wide range of possibilities, which can be explored creatively according to how the entrepreneur makes meaning of them

In the fast-changing e-commerce market, here are a few trends that small businesses can expect in 2023.

Omnichannel

Potential customers are present on various social media platforms, and entrepreneurs cannot sit back and be present only on one platform and expect an increase in sales In 2023, there will be a necessity for e-commerce businesses to show their presence on a wide range of platforms where customers can access your products and services at the same price or with the same offer on all platforms without any difference It provides a seamless customer experience where customers can comfortably purchase according to their preferences Omnichannel e-commerce is a customer-centred approach to business that increases your chances of increased sales in 2023

Augmented Reality

Though e-commerce has been in trend for a long time, the one feature that pulled people away from shopping online was that they were unsure how good the product was or whether it would suit their requirements and quality. E-commerce has been trying to overcome this barrier by providing various alternatives like the 2D image, a 360-degree rotating view etc. But with the incorporation of Augmented reality, e-commerce platforms are giving a new and creative experience that provides reassurance to customers about the product they are buying and how it will end up being useful

Social Commerce

Social media has a huge role in the digital marketing of e-commerce

They help reach your target audience easier As platforms frequented by your target audience often, ecommerce entrepreneurs must ensure they have a well-curated social media handle in all the prominent platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and Snapchat. Creating a business account also provides data that helps understand the effectiveness of the social media account, the traffic on these pages and customers' purchase journey Entrepreneurs can better strategize their plans from this information, thereby getting good returns on investment

Customer service

E-commerce is a shopping experience where customers are directly connected to the product But, even as they surf through your online page, they would prefer some assistance and clarity with their queries Hence entrepreneurs must ensure that they provide a brief description of the product, which helps in faster decision-making for customers For example, while purchasing a dress, a description of the size, a pictorial representation of how to measure the size etc , helps customers understand which size best suits their physique. Along with this information, building an AI-run Chatbot can help clarify the customer's doubts and enhance the customer service experience

Personalization

The exciting feature of e-commerce is its personalization. Customers get suggestions based on their preferences and needs. Getting custom-made suggestions according to their wishes helps gain customers' attention, tapping their interest to check on your products and increasing the chances of a successful buy These personalized suggestions are a substitute for the store assistance an in-store purchasing experience provides As these are data-driven suggestions, the accuracy is higher than the suggestions of a human assistant

Sustainability

Sustainability is never out of the trend in entrepreneurship

Customers increasingly sort after it, taking that extra step to support brands with an ethical and sustainable stand in their operations. They look for the policies a brand takes in their collaborations with other brands, manufacturing, and packaging. These are crucial decisions that reflect the quality of the brand that you are and the principles on which it is built As a result, sustainability will always be one of the best marketing and advertising strategies to use in business operations

Payment Options and Easy Returns

Customers are moving toward increasingly cashless transactions and opting for payment methods like cards, net banking, and mobile banking Hence, e-commerce must offer a multitude of payment interfaces for customers, which is one of the crucial points in their customer journey. More than profit-making, the entrepreneur must always focus on providing customers with a seamless experience in all purchase stages This also includes return policies that allow customers to return the product if they are unsatisfied with its quality or size within a prescribed time frame A brand's seamless customer experience is always the determining factor of customers returning to a brand and becoming trusted clients

Small businesses must explore the possibilities that e-commerce platforms offer This is an urgent requirement because target customers are increasingly present on these platforms, allowing small businesses to reach them more effectively and efficiently Only through a creative and innovative approach to exploring the opportunities of technology and digital media can small businesses stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market

E-commerce is a thriving approach to increasing sales To read more about these topics, subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine https://lnkd.in/dbqmSKN. For the latest updates, visit our Twitter page at @canadian sme.

The Ultimate Guide to Start an E-commerce Business

In an age where e-commerce is gaining momentum, more entrepreneurs feel confident exploring its possibilities However, with current digital market trends, simply deciding to enter the e-commerce business for profit is not wise Just as entering the traditional market necessitates a few stepby-step procedures, exploring the possibilities of an ecommerce platform demands more knowledge and research

Here is an ultimate guide to starting an e-commerce business.

Sustainability is never out of the trend in entrepreneurship Customers increasingly sort after it, taking that extra step to support brands with an ethical and sustainable stand in their operations. They look for the policies a brand takes in their collaborations with other brands, manufacturing, and packaging These are crucial decisions that reflect the quality of the brand that you are and the principles on which it is built As a result, sustainability will always be one of the best marketing and advertising strategies to use in business operations

E-commerce is a fast-growing industry where the number of participants is increasing, and the competition is becoming tighter daily Hence, an aspiring e-commerce entrepreneur must find a product or service that is distinct from or has a unique selling proposition compared to similar products in the market. Finding your niche will provide the upper hand in attracting customers and the following competition

E-commerce businesses must incorporate digital marketing strategies into their business operations, tapping all the possibilities that the digital world offers to boost their sales and become known brands in the industry. As a marketing strategy that is datadriven and based on algorithms, it's a highly focused strategy that will help find your target audience with a higher conversion rate In addition, they provide feedback in the form of data, which also helps entrepreneurs understand the return on investment and change their strategy if needed

When choosing products, especially for an online platform, it is ideal to have a unique selling proposition that helps you stand out With customers looking for a product with distinct features, entrepreneurs must source their products from manufacturers who ensure them For example, collaborating with partners who provide ethical practices like sustainability, cruelty-free products, fair trade, etc., is a great way to brand yourself in the market Working with local artisans and sourcing products locally also benefits the local economy and ensures an environmentally responsible fulfillment procedure

The point of sale is critical in the purchasing process As a result, entrepreneurs must provide a smooth client experience in which they are provided with secure and numerous payment interfaces based on their preferences In addition, entrepreneurs must guarantee that their customer's data is protected, use cybersecurity solutions to keep their network safe and ensure that transactions run smoothly

The success of e-commerce is based on how well-curated its websites are In an online environment where human interference is limited, the platform must be equipped to brief the customer about the company, their product or service, the offers and discounts, and be built to address customers' queries. Hence, it must be aesthetically curated to gain customers attention, along with AI technologies like chatbots, to provide a seamless customer experience

Small businesses must explore the opportunities that an e-commerce platform offers As an industry that can better adapt to the features of an online platform and explore its possibilities creatively, small businesses have a better chance of getting the best returns on their investments But they must first show patience to understand all paths and decide what is best for their business model and product Only a planned and strategic approach toward studying the fast-evolving platform and making judicious decisions will help small businesses grow consistently in the e-commerce market

In an increasingly digital world, small businesses must incorporate tools and resources that make their operations seamless. To read more about these topics, subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine https://lnkd.in/dbqmSKN. For the latest updates, visit our Twitter page at @canadian sme.

BestPracticesWhen Managing Finances

By Chandrashekar LSP

It's never a bad time for small businesses to review the financial plans they implemented at the beginning of the year to ensure that they are tracking towards prosperity This is an important process that doesn't need to be stressful, even if the future seems daunting, or the past was challenging

From balance sheets to compensation plans, what you review and when you review it can help you understand the financial health of your business By developing and maintaining good financial management habits, the process should keep you on top of your revenue and ideally support good cash flow

What follows are a few tactics small businesses can adopt to help manage finances and ensure they maintain a position of strength

Best Practices for Managing Finances

Review Current Accounts and Bank Statements

Though small businesses may hesitate to do so, the most important first step is to conduct a thorough review of where finances stand Not just a surface-level skim of account balances either: It’s imperative that companies dig into the details of the last quarter or longer to uncover outstanding invoices, cashflow forecasts, nonnegotiable expenses like rent and wages, and each individual line item on tax forms

The most important factor in successful financial planning is accuracy Without it, the entire process is rendered moot

The key aspect when reviewing finances is to establish a repeatable cadence throughout the year This way, the mammoth task of consolidating records at the end of the year can be broken up and double-checked along the way, ensuring the entire organization is in sync leading up to December or whenever your fiscal year ends

Go Paperless

For lasting change to occur when managing finances, it’s important for small businesses to maintain an organizational system for past and future documents, ensuring nothing is lost, and everything is prepared for the upcoming fiscal or calendar year Making plans to digitize records and update current systems is a great opportunity to maximize financial controls for fullcompany visibility. That way, team members can quickly monitor for human error

First, ensure your software offers endto-end accounting.

This helps businesses implement a holistic approach from deal negotiation to raising sales orders and invoicing that unlocks the potential for every employee to benefit from the new technology on offer Plus, this ensures that automation, which frees employees up to focus on financial tracking, permeates the entire business, saving time and resources

Second, it’s imperative that you guarantee that your potential accounting platform can be easily integrated across your organization, even for externally facing stakeholders, to increase adoption.

Though it may seem reckless to include so many people, most platforms allow for rolebased access, meaning executives can permit certain individuals to view and manage aspects of an account or process without removing the guardrails

Here are some suggestions for what to digitize first:

Accounts receivables

Accounts payables

Written off invoices that can’t be recovered

Employee’s payment summaries Receipts

Lean Into Technology

Today, there are many accounting software platforms that manage a business’s finances at all stages of operation Many of these include AI functionality that can automatically organize expenses, automate workflows, and produce holistic financial forecasts and analyses

However, not all platforms are simple to use and understand or integrate easily into current business practices The trick is to know what to look for:

Much of the above process can be complicated when negotiating between multiple vendors one for CRM, another for invoicing, etc which is why its worth considering a unified system under the banner of a single vendor, as we do at Zoho When one piece of unification works, they all do

By implementing the above into daily business now, you can develop good habits and best practices to manage finances that will ease the stress of this process for many years to come.

Chandrashekar (LSP), Zoho Canada’s managing director, is committed to creating and spreading awareness of Zoho He cut his teeth in the software domain with the WebNMS division of Zoho and has journeyed with the company at its crucial pivot points. LSP is based out of Cornwall and holds a master's degree in information systems and applications

In our insightful interview with Keli Pollock, Creative Director of Daughter Creative, we discussed her role within the company and her thoughts on Daughter Creative's recent achievement of being ranked 66th on the Institute of Canadian Agencies Creative Power List for the first time. Keli highlighted the importance of creativity in today's corporate landscape and elaborated on the dynamic nature of the creative industry. She also shared how Daughter Creative has successfully adapted to evolving client needs and industry trends over the years Looking ahead, Keli offered her vision for the future of Daughter Creative and the strategies that will foster the company ' s growth and success in the years to come

Keli is a traditional art director by trade, but her skill set doesn’t begin and end with the stroke of a keyboard Born in Medicine Hat, Keli has spent most of her career working on some of Calgary’s biggest brands, including WestJet, TELUS, The Calgary Stampede, Shaw, TransAlta, Calgary Co-op, and Bow Valley College. Away from the screen is where Keli gets to truly embrace the craft. Pottery, photography, and most recently painting keep her inspired. Her resume features a who’s who of agencies and accolades to fill many a trophy case. Partnered with Stephanie, Keli is an active creative as well as a CD, concepts and developing work for Arts Commons, TransAlta, Calgary Co-op, and more Keli also has a strong background in photo and video production

When did you start your career? And what is your role as the Creative Director of Daughter Creative?

I started my career in 1992 As a Creative Director, my role is multi-faceted A lot of it is envisioning what a successful outcome looks like on any given project There are always many variables the client, budget and timeline my role is to get the best work possible produced Sometimes that means I’m designing, sometimes I’m just making sure the right people are in the right room, and sometimes it’s ensuring we have the right strategy in place or reading the clients’ needs It’s a combination of artistic vision and experience that allows me to steward teams to a successful outcome.

What do you have to say about Daughter Creative’s recent announcement that it has been ranked 66 on the Institute of Canadian Agencies Creative Power List for the first time?

We’re obviously thrilled; it’s an impressive list to be on One of the most exciting parts of this is the other Calgary agencies that are on the list with us (shoutout to Bamff in particular) There is so much incredible talent in Calgary, and seeing the new entrants on the list is indicative to me of the bright, creative future our city has in store Our city doesn’t have a reputation for being a creative hub, but it unequivocally is The more that reputation is cemented, the more our community thrives being on this list signals that

Creative Director at Daughter Creative

What role does creativity play in the current corporate environment? How are smaller firms, such as Daughter Creative, particularly situated to present creative solutions that larger firms might overlook?

Creativity is everything for brands right now and it doesnt matter if you ’ re a B2C or B2B The role of brand matters; the companies that see that and invest are the ones that will win the future We’re a small agency, but we ’ re a relatively large creative team with a very specific area of expertise For businesses that understand the outsized power of a brand and how it can supercharge growth, we ’ re a great fit we deliver work on par with the largest, most elite design firms without the layers of overhead to pay for

What is the evolving nature of the creative industry? How Daughter Creative has adapted to changing client needs and industry trends over the years?

Everything and nothing has changed, which is an opaque answer, but I’ll elaborate Brand is still about creating emotion and meaning That will never change, but the channels and the speed at which that emotion and meaning need to be conveyed have accelerated. The essential nature of what we do has not changed, but we ’ ve had to adapt and create more content more quickly

What do you think the Calgary creative scene is like? And how does Daughter Creative fit in with other illustrious firms like Bamff, Believeco, McCann, and Critical Mass?

We all have different areas of expertise, and we all know the types of clients our agencies are fit for Someone like Critical Mass isn’t set up to swing at a local brewery, where you can see Bamff just knock that out of the park No one but Critical Mass can serve the digital needs of blue-chip clients We’ve focused on branding and brand advertising, and that’s a niche we ’ ve excelled at For McCann, bigger corporate clients that need a high level of service are a great fit We could spend time seeing each other as the competition, but we think that’d be missing the point we need to work together to establish Calgary as the creative hub it already is.

What are the challenges of operating a small agency in a competitive market? How has Daughter Creative overcome these obstacles by prioritizing collaboration, relationship building, and exceptional client service?

We don’t see our clients as our clients It’s our clients’ clients that we need to connect with This comes back to having empathy for our ultimate audience It’s not about selling to the people across the boardroom table; it’s about delighting the people that keep our clients in business This is the heart of exceptional client service building alignment around a shared goal It’s not about liking each other, although we usually really love all of our clients; it’s about finding a shared definition of the problem and then being uncompromising as we work together to solve it

What does Daughter Creative's future have in store, and how will the company develop and flourish as an organization in the years to come?

The north star for the agency has not changed since its inception. We want to put great creativity out into the world on behalf of our clients We’re going to continue to strive for that while building the creative community around us We’re launching a non-profit later this year whose main mandate will be to support Calgary’s creative community

Building Resilience During Times of Uncertainty: A Guide For Team Leaders

Resilience is staying strong and overcoming hardship In a field like entrepreneurship, where things can be unexpected, entrepreneurs must train themselves to imbibe habits and traits that help them better deal with setbacks and situations In addition, they must invest in themselves and the people around them to create a structure and system that help them better deal with challenges and revive Building resilience during times of uncertainty is essential to entrepreneurship, and here is a guide for team leaders

Resilience is about adapting to change, adjusting to trends, determining what works best for your company, and remaining relevant in an everchanging market. Change is an ever-present phenomenon that determines the progress of industry Leaders must see change as a positive thing that can help open up new prospects for your sector and potentially help your business develop Staying relevant is a huge task in the ever-evolving market space, and when the industry itself is changing, it must be seen as a positive sign that ensures your business doesn't go obsolete

Employees play a significant role in keeping your company resilient Leaders must create a work environment where employees of all designations can voice their opinions, providing a fresh, creative, and different take on the issue Companies must also ensure they provide the tools, resources, and training to keep the employees updated on current trends and formulate unique solutions to help the organization stay relevant and resilient to uncertainties

Entrepreneurs must never back away from seeking help from industry leaders when needed However, to have that access to people, you must consistently work towards networking and connecting with prominent figures and peers in your industry These relationships can help you in times of distress, where help is not only restricted to monetary aid but also advice and suggestions to move out of the situation or moral support to stay strong.

Mistakes are part and parcel of business operations The accuracy of a decision to produce positive and desirable results is dependent on several variables, and it is not necessary you need to turn out to be right always Hence, leaders must accept mistakes as their courage to take the path not much travelled, as events that gave them learning and insights which can be creatively utilized for future operations

Good team leaders better prepare themselves, their team, and the organization to handle events in all their good and bad situations They are the ones who lead the team to rise to the situation, handle the required responsibilities, and revive the problem as quickly as possible It is what makes them unique in their roles and responsibilities And creating resilience is one of the most critical tasks they deal with

Companies may suffer numerous failures and unexpected outcomes, putting you in a difficult position Regardless of these setbacks, business owners must train to focus on the good, remember the goals, and find solutions to problems You must continuously keep moving forward and avoid becoming stuck by setbacks You must always return to your strengths and advantages and remind yourself of what can be done to overcome the problem and strengthen yourself to be successful

As the organization's leader, small business owners must maintain a calm disposition even during setbacks You are the captain the rest of the crew look up to and, therefore, must lead by example Stressing over a situation will only slow the revival process and the organization's progress It is a character you must imbibe for the organization's balance

Small businesses must strategize plans that help them become resilient to challenges To read ore about these topics, subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine https://lnkd.in/dbqmSKN. For the latest updates, visit our Twitter page at @canadian sme.

In our recent conversation with Dany Sabraoui, Co-CEO and co-founder of EarlyReveal, we delved into his responsibilities as the Co-CEO and explored the growing importance of at-home healthcare for modern women Dany discussed the limitations that restrict consumers ' and businesses' access to at-home healthcare, along with potential solutions to overcome these obstacles. He also touched upon the challenges faced by local FemTech businesses and provided an insightful overview of the current state and future prospects of the FemTech industry in Canada.

Dany Sabraoui, a 31-year-old entrepreneur, is the co-CEO and co-founder of EarlyReveal, a FemTech company that he started after gaining seven years of experience in the health and medical device industry His background in the MedTech field has given him a unique perspective on the importance of genetic information, and his passion for making this information accessible to people around the world has driven the success of his company

As the co-CEO of EarlyReveal, Dany focuses on making genetic information accessible to people in Canada and beyond. He believes that everyone should have access to this valuable information, which can improve their health and well-being. He is dedicated to building a company that can provide people with the tools they need to take control of their health, starting with genetic testing.

Dany has travelled extensively, selling medical devices and training teams in the Middle East and across Europe This experience has given him a deep understanding of the global healthcare industry, and he has used this knowledge to help drive the success of EarlyReveal He works closely with his marketing, sales, and business development teams to develop innovative strategies that will help make his goal of making genetic information accessible to everyone a reality

Despite the challenges of building a new company in a rapidly-evolving industry, Dany remains committed to his vision He is driven by a desire to make a difference in the world and to help people improve their lives through the power of genetic information With his leadership and dedication, EarlyReveal is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.

On his time off, Dany enjoys leisure travel, spending time with friends and family, as well as playing soccer competitively in local leagues in Ottawa, Ontario.

Co-CEO and Co-Founder of EarlyReveal

When did you start your professional career? And what are your responsibilities as the Co-CEO of EarlyReveal?

Coming out of the University of Ottawa, I started my career in government in the health sector and quickly transitioned into the private sector selling medical devices After spending half a decade in this industry, my current business partner, Steve Ndikumana, and I spent time researching the health-tech industry to identify a niche market that would align with our vision: Make genetic information affordable and accessible to all Canadians, regardless of their gender, race, socioeconomic status and whereabouts I met Ndikumana during my studies at the University of Ottawa, and over the years, we founded multiple businesses

After many sleepless nights and endless days of brainstorming, and a year of lab research, we finally discovered a gap in the market - a lack of available information for pregnant women in the health space

As Co-CEO, a role I proudly share with my business partner, my responsibilities include overseeing the company ’ s operations, developing and implementing the business strategies, managing the team and ensuring the company meets its goals and objectives

Why do you believe that modern women need at-home healthcare more than ever before? What benefits do they provide for women?

Even if our business is geared towards women, we wouldn’t limit at-home healthcare to women ’ s only needs; we’d expand that to include men as well Modern parents lead busy lives, juggling multiple responsibilities such as work, family, and personal commitments Athome healthcare services can provide them with convenient and accessible options for receiving medical care without the need for them to invest many hours of the day This can be particularly beneficial for those who may live in remote areas or have limited access to transportation

I believe through at-home healthcare services; we can also provide more personalized care for more people, allowing them to receive care in the comfort of their own homes and helping them reduce the risk of exposure to illnesses in public settings This became especially evident during the pandemic Furthermore, we can expand on the athome testing to talk about the society that we currently live in (in the West, at least) A lot has become fast-paced, personalized and easily accessible. Thinking about Uber, online shopping, Amazon, etc., we ’ ve become accustomed to paying a premium price for convenience, and we don’t think this is purely limited to the purchase of commodities but is slowly creeping into the health space

What, in your opinion, limits consumers ' and businesses' access to at-home healthcare? And what are some possible solutions to this concern?

Lack of awareness and cost are the key major areas that I think healthcare service providers, with support from the government and public, can address to deliver a strong solution

Many people are not aware of the availability and benefits of at-home healthcare services. They may not know that they can receive medical care at home and, thus, refrain from seeking out these services We know this to be true from firsthand experience; a lot of women who find out about EarlyReveal after they’ve given birth wish that they had known we existed in the marketplace so they could have experienced the celebration earlier during their pregnancy This can be explained in multiple ways, but I think the main takeaway is that there’s a lack of knowledge of what’s available through the private sector, and we aim to bridge that gap

Apart from that, the cost of at-home healthcare services is also a concern for many people Many private home care providers are not covered by Canadian Health Care services, thus limiting access for a large number of people One of the solutions which the industry is making a great effort to develop, and EarlyReveal is contributing to, is to create more products that help tackle certain health issues that demand easier care

What are the difficulties for female patients and healthcare professionals accessing information about their health? How are they going to fill those gaps?

There’s a gap that exists in the access and availability of information that is provided to patients in Canada, most notably to female patients Our research shows that there are limited resources available to women about their health A majority of them rely solely on their healthcare professional to inform them about their health condition This is especially true during pregnancy resulting in the inability to play a proactive role in managing and protecting their own health

In order to bridge the gap, we realized an at-home service can be the link that connects female patients and healthcare information By being provided with an alternative source, women do not have to rely on a single source for information about their health

At EarlyReveal, we strongly believe that women should have the freedom to access their health information The right to access this information is one of our key motivations for delivering a solution that enables genetic information, starting with pregnant women and early gender detection of their babies

What are the various challenges faced by local FemTech businesses? And how can they overcome those challenges?

The FemTech space in Canada is still in an early stage There is lots of room for growth, yet challenges to tackle Here are what we see as the biggest challenges to overcome:

Limited funding: Many FemTech startups struggle to secure funding due to limited access to venture capital, lack of awareness about the market potential of their products or services, and gender bias in the investment community. Just 2.3 percent of funding went towards women’s health-focused research and technology in 2020. Furthermore, products that benefit nearly 50% of the population are considered "niche" to investors, posing more difficulties to the industry players in terms of seeking financial support.

Limited market access: As a new business in a relatively new industry, not everyone is willing to greet Femtech products with open arms Since starting EarlyReveal, we ’ ve noticed that some consumers are extremely excited about the development of technologies within the space while others are equally skeptical A lot of this can be attributed to the lack of information that’s available to the general public about health-tech developments but also because of the regulatory bodies that are in place, which limit the availability of certain tests

As a young FemTech company based in Ottawa, we ’ ve gone through and overcome difficulties that our fellow startups are facing in their entrepreneurship From our experience, here is what we have seen to be the preferred strategies to stay afloat and move ahead in this market as a local startup:

Seek out alternative funding sources: FemTech startups can explore alternative funding sources such as crowdfunding, impact investing, and grants from organizations that support FemTech research and development

Collaborate with healthcare providers: FemTech businesses can partner with healthcare providers to develop products and services that meet the needs of patients and providers. This can help businesses gain market access and build credibility This is how EarlyReveal was able to go from a local online shop to selling Canada-wide within just a couple of months Using the voices and faces that women trust, Physicians and nurses, allows us to gain our customer’s trust, and they know they’re using a trust-worthy product

Educate consumers and healthcare providers: Since the entire industry is still new, FemTech businesses can raise awareness about their products and services among consumers and healthcare providers through targeted marketing and educational initiatives This can help build demand for FemTech solutions and drive market growth We do this by having resources available to our customers on our website and hope to become a safe place where women come to ask questions and seek information about their pregnancy

What are the current state and the future of FemTech in Canada? What are the factors impacting its development?

Despite the above-mentioned challenges, the Canadian FemTech industry is currently in a state of growth, with several new startups emerging in recent years (EarlyReveal, Only, Bloomth, etc.). The industry has been boosted by increased awareness of women ' s health issues and a growing demand for personalized health solutions

The future of FemTech in Canada looks promising, with the industry poised for continued growth The industry is also likely to benefit from an increased focus on women ' s health issues and the growing demand for personalized healthcare solutions

World Creativity & Innovation Week is Back

Here’swhyitmatters

22 years ago in Toronto, Canadian founder Marci Segal launched World Creativity & Innovation Day (#WCID) with an inspiring mandate: “to remind and encourage people to use their creativity to make the world a better place and to make their place in the world better too ”

As we face the challenges of climate change and emerge from the pandemic, this rallying cry is as crucial today as it was over two decades ago: we need innovative, creative people to help drive sustainable solutions forward

So here’s the exciting part: Ontario is already upshifting a move to a greener future in our own backyards Or should we say driveways?

That’s right: one of the provinces’ most dynamic industries with a track record of driving innovative technologies and trade forward is the auto sector

For over a century, the automotive and transportation industry in the province has transformed the way we live, the way we work, and the way we move And it’s poised for its next era of transformation that makes way for the future of next-generation electric, connected and autonomous vehicles that contribute to a lower environmental and carbon footprint

This is big news for students, professionals and employers looking to start a career or business in EV - or pivot into one from within the industry

There are countless opportunities in Ontario right now in the EV space, from urban and regional planners for EV stations to industrial electricians to robotics technicians and so many more Check out these numbers provided by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN): there are 700 parts suppliers, five original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and seven automotive assembly plants, over 200 connected and autonomous vehicle companies, over 5,000 startups, and over 20,000 ICT firms However you want to get involved, there is a category of work that provides a sustainable career - from planning to the product

It all adds up to a charge forward

“If there ever was a time to enter the automotive and mobility sector – it is now. The opportunities are endless, the need for creative thinking is high, and most importantly, the talent within and entering the sector will have the ability to be a part of a change that will contribute to a sustainable future. Innovators got us here, and we need more innovators to keep this transformative change alive.” says Amanda Sayers, Director, Skills, Talent, and Workforce Development at the Ontario Centre of Innovation, which runs the flagship OVIN initiative.

So if you ’ re an innovative thinker or doer, an imaginative creative type, or simply attracted to the growth of the EV revolution, how might you channel that energy into a career that helps create a better future?

Come up with a big idea for an electric vehicle design

Stay inspired by ever-expanding charging infrastructure

Follow your instinct to get hands-on with hands-free autonomous technology

Leading the charge is the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network's (OVIN) Navigator, ovin-navigator.ca. It's an all-encompassing tool to navigate skills and careers for Ontario's automotive and mobility sector.

Nearly a generation ago, Segal set an impactful mandate for World Creativity & Innovation Day Not only has it evolved to become a UN International Day of Observance, but it’s also clear that a race is on for people young and old to help drive their passion for innovating and bringing home a greener future for all Ontarians

In our fascinating conversation with Sara Cromwell, Director of People Excellence at Abell Pest Control, we discussed her responsibilities in her current role and the importance of promoting equity and economic opportunities for women, particularly in maledominated fields Sara shared numerous strategies to influence and educate the public, aiming to reshape the perception of the pest control sector. As a member of the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) Council and the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Task Force, she elaborated on her commitments and the challenges she has faced in her pursuit of equality. Sara concluded with insightful recommendations for women seeking opportunities in this male-dominated industry, empowering them to break barriers and excel in their careers

Sara Cromwell is a recognized leader in Human Resources with over 20 years of experience holding her Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation In 2013 Sara joined Abell Pest Control, where she currently serves as the Director of People Excellence, focusing on building programs and systems that advance people and support equal opportunities

Thanks to Sara’s people-first strategies, Abell Pest Control has cemented itself as an employer of choice inside and outside the Pest Management Industry. Sara is known for her ability to lead and motivate teams and for her focus on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace

In addition to her work at Abell Pest Control, Sara is an active member of the National Pest Management Association She has served as the Past Chair and current member of the Recruitment and Retention Committee, is a Member of the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Task Force, and is a Member of the Professional Women in Pest Management Council Her contributions to these organizations have been instrumental in advancing the industry and promoting workplace equality. Sara won Chair of the Year for her work with the Recruitment and Retention Committee in 2022.

Sara is a noted speaker at industry events across North America, where she shares her expertise on topics such as recruitment, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement. She has also been featured in print, radio, and television, where she shares her insights and experiences with a wider audience

Outside of work, Sara is an active volunteer with Bladder Cancer Canada She previously hosted the Hamilton Fundraising Walk and now coordinates volunteers across the country to raise awareness for the cause Bladder Cancer Canada is important to Sara because of her Grandfather’s experiences with the disease, and she is committed to making a difference in the lives of others

SaraCromwell Director, People Excellence at Abell Pest Control

When did you begin your professional career? And what duties do you have at Abell Pest Control as the Director of People Excellence?

My career began in 2001 when I took a role with an automotive supplier in their payroll and human resources department after leaving university From there, I have worked in Human Resources departments for retail, banking, manufacturing, technology, and the service industry I’ve been blessed with a wonderful career filled with great mentors that shaped the professional I am today I joined Abell in 2013, where I found my passion for the Pest Management Industry and all professionals within it

As the Director of People Excellence, my role is to ensure Abell Pest Control (Abell) is an environment that allows team members to reach their full potential Engaged team members can support our clients and our business goals, so Human Resources partners with all stakeholders to remove the barriers to full participation and potential of our team members. This means building systems and strategies that support professional development, performance management, health and wellness, and succession planning I work alongside a team of dedicated Human Resources and Talent Acquisition Professionals who share the same passion and dedication In 2023, Abell was proud to be acknowledged as Best Workplace in Canada for Women by the Great Place to Work Institute

Why do you believe it is critical to promote equity where there are economic opportunities for women—especially in fields dominated by men?

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that historically women were excluded from certain industries or positions intentionally That historical, purposeful exclusion has created the gender stereotypes and gender bias which we ’ re working against today By leaders promoting equity and encouraging the participation of females in male-dominated fields, were challenging those gender stereotypes and biases. Today’s little girl is tomorrow’s adult woman worker. She should imagine herself in all the opportunities before her without thinking she’s less capable or ill-suited for the role Promoting equity in economic opportunities for women is critical because it not only creates a fairer and more just society but also benefits the economy

For a company, the business case is strong Studies have found not only are gender-diverse companies more profitable, but they have increased innovation and improved employee engagement and retention

As more male-dominated industries and companies understand the benefits of providing equal opportunities and equitable representation to women, many are taking intentional steps to support them For women entering these typically male-dominated roles and industries, this means increased access to training and mentorship programs and a strong network of peers This allows for increased job satisfaction, higher earnings potential, and improved career advancement opportunities

What are the numerous strategies for influencing and educating the public to change the perception of the pest control sector, which is predominantly a maledominated one?

The most important strategy we employ to the public to change the perception of the pest management industry is how our Pest Management Professionals present themselves in the field while solving our client’s issues The Pest Management industry is essential for protecting food, property, and public health Our technicians are the utmost professionals who recognize that and rise to the responsibility

Harnessing the power of social media, company/industry websites, and news media, the essential purpose of Pest Management professionals and Industry has never been so accessible to the public Using these channels, we highlight sciencebased prevention tips, educational opportunities, and public outreach regarding pest-related illness and disease Unfortunately, with global warming, the threats due to pest-related illness and disease are only rising

What are your specific duties as a member of the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) Council and the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Task Force?

As a member of the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) Council, we are responsible for assisting in the development of educational programs, resources, and peer networking to attract, develop and support women in the pest management industry Each year, PWIPM hosts professional development sessions and networking events throughout North America, awards professional empowerment grants; recognizes an industry leader through the Women of Excellence Award, raises money for a charity at the PestWorld 5k; and publishes quarterly newsletters

While as a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Task Force, we are responsible for assessing the structural pest control industry’s IDE needs and working toward implementing solutions that improve the inclusivity of the industry to reflect the diverse communities in which we serve The Task Force provides guidance to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Board of Directors on the work of inclusion, diversity, and equity at NPMA through assessing the pest control industrys IDE needs and developing solutions that would culminate into an IDE Action Plan

What were the difficulties you encountered on your path toward equality? How did you overcome them?

The difficulty has generally been dealing with the misconceptions many feel regarding the purpose and effectiveness of equity programs. Many are concerned that someone must lose for someone else to win. A concern is that if we focus on supporting opportunities for those disadvantaged through unconscious bias, gender norms, etc , others may get left behind However, this misconception overlooks the fact that equity programs aim to remove barriers and provide equal opportunities for all individuals to succeed

For example, women are less likely to apply for a leadership role as women tend to doubt their abilities and confidence in their success as a leader So, while women are more risk-averse, men are encouraged from a young age to take risks This does not mean that a female candidate is less qualified than a male candidate However, through self-selection, she has already taken herself out of the running Understanding this, leaders must discuss career goals, empower their female staff to take the chance on leadership positions and advocate for the individual during the recruitment process

What specific recommendations do you have for all the ladies out there to help them grab opportunities in this male-dominated field?

The opportunities are endless I encourage women to lean into the programs available within their company and their industry to build a strong network of their peers For those in positions of power, we must ensure we are fostering an environment that allows the next generation of female leaders to thrive

Brand Evolution:

We recently interviewed Samira Amin, Director of Marketing, and Chris Henwood, Senior Director, Digital Marketing & Merchandising at Grand & Toy, discussing the brand's recent relaunch and evolution since its inception Chris elaborated on the key changes and upcoming plans for the brand, while Samira shed light on their latest 'Give Work Life' campaign, emphasizing the role of digital marketing and effective use of various digital channels to reach their target audience They also shared valuable advice for companies looking to rebrand or launch a new campaign in the current climate

ChrisHenwood

Director, Digital Marketing & Merchandising at Grand & Toy

Samira is an accomplished business and marketing leader with extensive experience managing complex portfolios, transforming brands, and building high-performing teams in commercial global organizations Her expertise encompasses a range of disciplines, including brand marketing, performance, category management, innovations, and P&L management in both B2C and B2B contexts.

As the Director of Marketing at Grand & Toy, a leading Canadian business solutions provider, Samira is currently driving the company ' s next wave of growth. In this role, she oversees the company ' s marketing, brand & creative, media, digital, content & social, demand generation, and sales strategy. Throughout her career, Samira has demonstrated an exceptional ability to inspire teams to achieve bold ambitious goals.

Chris leads the creation of merchandising strategies that supports Grand & Toy’s business objectives. In his role as Senior Director of Merchandising, this includes delivering products, services, and solutions that exceed customer expectations.

Since joining Grand & Toy in 2006, Chris has held a variety of leadership positions in Merchandising, Sales and Strategy for growth lines of business. Most recently, Chris was responsible for the development of Grand & Toy’s cleaning & breakroom, furniture, and print lines of business His diverse experience within the company allows him to bring associates together to deliver innovative solutions for businesses of all sizes

Supporting the goals of others is an area Chris is passionate about This is evident in his commitment to creating a high-performance culture within the organization and developing teams who feel empowered Chris is also a trained business coach and member of the ICF (International Coaching Federation)

DirectorofMarketing atGrand&Toy SamiraAmin

Senior

Can you tell us about the recent relaunch of the Grand and Toy brand and the inspiration behind it?

CHRIS : As a Canadian-made company that’s been building better workplaces for over 140 years, we know a thing or two about what work should feel like We see now as the perfect time to reintroduce Grand & Toy to Canada because the world of work has changed, opening a whole new window of opportunity for our brand

The pandemic prompted us to adapt our business and respond to the changing needs of our customers and their employees We saw an opportunity to highlight our unique differences as a one-stop shop for businesses, offering not only office supplies but also technology services, network security, cleaning solutions, hygiene programs, custom furniture options, and more

As for inspiration - our ability to listen, learn, adapt and innovate is what allows us to be able to redefine ourselves as a brand and what we stand for today Over the pandemic and presently, many companies have been rethinking how they work, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this movement

The pandemic has significantly impacted how businesses operate, and in response, we ' ve embarked on this new journey to serve our customers better Our core offerings now go beyond traditional office supplies as we strive to accommodate the diverse needs of workforces today Our expanded services include technology services, network security, cleaning solutions, hygiene programs, and custom furniture options designed to enhance business performance

At the heart of our commitment to providing speed, ease, and consistency lies our proprietary e-commerce platform and AIdriven tools We've introduced AI-generated insights to offer personalized product recommendations and have designed an ecommerce platform that streamlines the ordering process for customers, consolidating orders, deliveries, and ebilling As a brand, we are dedicated to being forward-thinking and adaptable to today's workforce

How has the brand evolved since its inception, and what key changes have been implemented as part of the relaunch?

CHRIS: Grand & Toy has a track record of delivering exceptional services and empowering customers to stay ahead in their industries by optimizing workplace performance And we see today as a brand-new chapter in our story

The 'Give Work Life' campaign is the latest from Grand and Toy. Can you tell us more about the campaign and the messaging behind it?

SAMIRA: Through our new brand platform, “Give Work Life” we aim to clearly communicate what we do – that we are pioneering a way of work where human connections and productivity go hand in hand

We want Canadians to feel as much joy and appreciation in their work lives as they do in the rest of their lives To us, work should be about connected, people-first experiences

Through the services we provide and the counsel we offer to customers, we are on a clear mission: to give work life We are not only providing the tools and solutions needed to build great workplaces but actively working to create a deeper sense of connection between our customers and their teams

Can you speak to the role of digital marketing in the 'Give Work Life' campaign, and how have you leveraged various digital channels to reach your target audience?

SAMIRA: Give Work Life’ is an integrated marketing campaign built on the insight that Canadians crave workspaces that give a home-like vibe, from the design and aesthetic to the comfort and supplies they have at home This campaign includes a combination of digital, out-of-home and social content as well as print and public relations

We are letting our target audience know that the Grand & Toy is here, and we have held onto our values of Innovation, Integrity and Accountability in how we service our customers This refresh is a perfect example of how we continue to challenge ourselves to drive the next wave of growth

What are some upcoming initiatives or plans for the Grand and Toy brand, and how do you see the company evolving in the coming years?

CHRIS: At Grand & Toy, we ' re incredibly proud to be pioneers of our own e-commerce platform, with a large part of our cuttingedge technology being homegrown here in Canada by our own team. Our in-house platforms and software empower us to adapt our business approach to satisfy the needs of our over 30,000 diverse customers We listen, experiment, and refine our features and offerings to cater to our customer’s needs

As our company evolves, our products and offerings will continue to be driven by industry research and direct customer feedback We frequently conduct user testing with our day-today customers to identify areas for improvement We are continuing to move away from the one-size-fits-all mentality and working with our customers to offer solutions that fit the unique needs of their businesses With a 99% customer retention rate, were invested in our customers and focused on providing customized solutions that “work” for our customers and their workplaces

What advice do you have for other companies looking to rebrand or launch a new campaign in the current climate?

SAMIRA: Collecting and analyzing research, including gathering direct customer insights to understand the ever-changing needs of our audience This ability to listen and adapt is a cornerstone of our brand's longevity and success

For companies looking to rebrand or launch new campaigns in the current climate, I advise them to be agile and prepared to pivot based on industry and cultural shifts It's crucial to assess whether their current brand identity aligns with the evolving needs of their customers and their company ' s mission

In our case, we undertook a comprehensive brand refresh after engaging in a series of strategic discussions We recognized that our identity had evolved beyond being just an office supply company, and we wanted our brand to reflect our role as a holistic provider for businesses in today's rapidly transforming work landscape Consequently, our rebranding effort put our commitment to empowering organizations with everything they need to thrive in a modern workspace at the forefront of our messaging

Vice President, People at Intelliware

In our exclusive interview with Stephanie Clarkson, VP of People at Intelliware, we delve into the importance of encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology Stephanie shares her insights on attracting and retaining female employees in the industry, addressing common challenges faced by women in tech and the key benefits of a diverse workforce She highlights the crucial role of male allies in promoting gender equality and shares inspiring success stories of women at Intelliware Finally, Stephanie offers valuable advice for women just starting out in tech, emphasizing the role of diversity in driving innovation and improving business outcomes

Stephanie Clarkson is Vice President, People at Intelliware. She leads the growth and sustainability of Intelliware’s strong company culture and community while actively promoting and supporting our values across our company and delivery practices. Having been with the Intelliware team since 2008, Stephanie provides strategic and tactical advice on hiring and growing people following equitable, inclusive, and lawful employment practices with a focus on the wellbeing of Intelliware team members. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Guelph, a diploma in Human Resources from the University of Guelph, and a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation

How can we encourage more women to pursue careers in technology, and what steps can companies take to attract and retain more female employees in this industry?

In Canada, women currently make up less than 25% of people in STEM careers and represent only 34% of Canadians who have STEM degrees

To address this, companies can create spaces and opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups in tech to have discussions with and access to people like them who are further ahead in their tech career journey At Intelliware, we ’ ve partnered with local high schools to host an annual Ada Lovelace Day celebration where young women have direct access to real-world examples of a variety of roles and career paths in tech We’ve even had a student who attended one of our Ada Lovelace events return to complete a co-op position with us In addition to talking about roles and career paths, we can also talk to women more directly about the job market and earning opportunities in tech as well as some of the women-friendly benefits like flexible schedules

Furthermore, companies and talent teams need to diversify their outreach and recruitment efforts to reach more women Some companies include at least one woman candidate in final interviews for each role they hire and ensure every interview panel has at least one women interviewer This drives more creative recruitment efforts, allows women to see themselves represented, and ensures interview processes are reviewed through a women-centric lens

What are some of the key benefits of having more women in technology, and how can diversity help to drive innovation and improve business outcomes?

What challenges do women in tech commonly face, and how can we overcome these obstacles to promote greater gender equality in the workplace?

One challenge can be a lack of support from mentors, advocates, sponsors, and role models Companies need to provide some structure around these types of support to ensure new opportunities, training, coaching and guidance are provided to women and underrepresented groups In addition to being more inclusive and equitable for career growth support, this will also create more diverse pairings, which increase opportunities for people to learn from and support those with different perspectives than themselves. Women can also be empowered to seek strong support systems themselves, inside and outside of work

Another challenge for women in tech and career growth is gender bias and stereotyping, which can impact career growth support, performance evaluations and recognition, and almost all work experiences If we encourage everyone to speak up against bias in the workplace when they see it, and they feel safe and supported when they do so, this will raise awareness, help adjust behaviours and most importantly, flag issues that require structure and process improvements that will limit bias and promote equality Companies can also proactively seek out feedback and listen to and learn from their employees when reviewing culture, structures and processes for inclusion and equality

Growing the number of women and other underrepresented groups in tech will allow for a diversified approach to problem-solving, and companies will be able to approach issues and solutions through different lenses, which will drive innovation If companies can better identify the problems of, and introduce solutions to, its diverse, or potentially diverse, customer base, they will improve business outcomes and increase revenue

Can you share any success stories of women who have advanced in their careers at Intelliware, and what steps did the company take to support their development?

Being a woman in tech, I have always seen the shared responsibility and team delivery model at Intelliware as the key to my professional growth

For instance, at Intelliware, project delivery teams work collaboratively so that team members can learn from one another, allowing each person to diversify skills and take on solo responsibilities they might not yet have been able to otherwise. This prevents team members from working in silos and running the risk of getting too focused on their own contributions. I would also attribute my career growth to being believed in, supported and recognized by my boss, the Leadership Team, my own team and other colleagues Being supported by a strong team is just as impactful to growth as how the paths are carved out because you can take on more than you think and test your strengths in the directions where the business needs you most (versus where it’s safest to do so)

What role do male allies play in promoting gender equality in the workplace, and how can men in leadership positions help to support and empower their female colleagues?

Male allies can speak up when they see gender bias or discrimination in the workplace This is important because the issue is more likely to be recognized when males speak up due to gender bias being skewed in their favour Another consideration is when women flag issues they are upset about, they may be perceived as being overly emotional, so in addition to the issue not being recognized, new hurdles for work and career growth may arise

Other ways male allies can help is by actively supporting women and encouraging other male colleagues to support women as coaches, mentors, advocates and sponsors Research by Grant Thornton in 2021 revealed that having male allies at work increases anticipated respect and support while reducing feelings of isolation When in leadership positions, male allies should amplify the voices of the women they lead and work with, negotiate for more female representation, and ensure equal access to resources, promotions, and opportunities that help women achieve their full potential and goals Earlier in these questions, I spoke about the positive impacts on my career growth when I felt believed in, supported, and recognized When women and other underrepresented groups in tech are lacking this support, male allies in leadership positions can provide it, role model this to their colleagues, and implement formal processes and structures like mentoring programs that will provide more support to more people

What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in tech, and how can they navigate the challenges of this male-dominated field?

I encourage you to actively seek out mentors, advocates, sponsors, and role models within your company and community Find allies that you enjoy working with and that are supportive Ask managers and company leadership what formal support will be provided for career growth

When interviewing for new positions, evaluate the interviewers for their collaboration, engagement and interview approaches This is your glimpse into the company culture and processes beyond shiny websites and career pages In addition to contributing to a positive culture, collaborative interview approaches suggest collaborative day-to-day working approaches, which will allow for faster learning curves The diversity in problemsolving, communication and leadership that women bring to the table can have even more impact when there is high collaboration I can’t recommend seeking out opportunities for collaboration enough, and if this fits your working style, I suggest asking how much independent versus collaborative work there is during the interview and weighing this answer as part of your job selection process I look forward to everything you will bring to our industry!

Apple M2 Pro and M2 Max: Redefining the Future of Computing

Apple has always been ahead of the curve regarding technological advancements The Apple M2 Pro and M2 Max, two of the company ' s latest products, are ushering in a new era in computing Available now, these revolutionary processors provide previously unheard-of levels of efficiency and performance

New Neural Engine and Bespoke Processors

The M2 Pro and M2 Max are the next generations of Apple's custom-designed processors They have upgraded the previous M1 chip that powered the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini The M2 Pro is already used in the latest MacBook Pro models, while the M2 Max is reserved for the iMac and Mac Pro

The new neural engine in the M2 Pro and M2 Max significantly enhances their ability to perform machine learning tasks Another notable improvement with the M2 Pro and M2 Max is the increased memory bandwidth, allowing faster data transfer between the CPU and the RAM This results in a noticeable improvement in overall performance and task delivery.

Powerful Chips Ensuring the Highest Performance

While these powerful chips come at a higher price than their predecessors, the investment is worth it for those requiring the highest performance levels. The sleek and modern design of the M2 Pro and M2 Max matches Apple's minimalist aesthetic, making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing

The ability to run intensive applications without slowing down the M2 Pro or M2 Max is a major advantage of these devices Video editors, graphic designers, and 3D animators, among others, need powerful computers to create complex animations and effects fast and effectively With the M2 Pro and M2 Max, professionals can enjoy a speedy and responsive computing experience, helping them to get more done in less time

Apple's M2 Pro and M2 Max are revolutionizing the computer industry even as we speak. They are essential for professionals and enterprises that need access to revved-up computing because of their exceptional speed, efficiency, and security

The future of computing is bright, and the M2 Pro and M2 Max show that Apple is still at the forefront of innovation. And with the M2 Pro and M2 Max, Apple has set a new standard for the entire computing industry.

Intrigued already? Why not check out these latest new giants of the computing world and book one today? For more information, visit https://support.apple.com/kb/SP889? locale=en _ US.

Built-In Security Engine for Top-Rate Safety

The M2 Pro and M2 Max also boast cutting-edge safety features Apple has always paid a premium on safety, which hasn't changed with the M2 Pro and M2 Max These chips include a built-in security engine that shields sensitive information from hackers and other malicious software Because of this, the M2 Pro and M2 Max are highly recommended for any organization that values security and privacy

The Apple M2 Pro and M2 Max are revolutionizing the computing industry They offer unmatched functioning and productivity, making them ideal for professionals in any field

CanadianSME Small Business Magazine is an invaluable resource for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. To stay informed, businesses can conveniently subscribe to the magazine via the CanadianSME website In addition, enterprises can stay connected with real-time news and updates by following CanadianSME on Twitter at @canadian sme.

Business Owners are now facing the most difficult economic conditions in decades These include a major war in Europe, an international Banking Crisis, rising interest rates and inflation, and the creation of asset bubbles

A broad or even Global recession is now expected

In this environment, many businesses will need to formally address the process of metamorphosis Ideally, this will utilize a Chief Restructuring Officer or CRO

By: Tommy M.Onich BBA, CTP

This position is not always understood, and the role does not have as much history as the more traditional positions such as CFO, CEO or President

This leaves much room for understanding. The CRO may be thought of as simply a position that works through Bankruptcy rationalizes a workforce, repositions marketing or dispose of or refinance assets It may include all of these and much more

There also does not seem to be any common understanding of the environment in which the CRO operates It may be used to indicate an organization facing relatively simple changes or to convey a much more drastic situation

I have found that denial is a creature of infinite resources By the time signs of corporate denial are even evident, problems are usually pervasive, with breadth, depth, and scope

This is the true environment of the CRO; it is where a company ’ s position is well into the Red Zone of trouble.

This is where it is likely that the organization is experiencing losses in its operations This will be reflected in almost all financial indicators It will also be reflected in the scarcity of nearly all resources These include cash, management talent, reliable data, and, most importantly-time

In this environment, custodial management cannot possibly cope. Running day-to-day operations is a challenge, and managing a crisis with existing staff is nearly impossible. Current management may also lack perspective, be bound by habit and be reluctant to take bold action.

Due to a breakdown in management and systems, there will be a paucity of data What data exists will likely be wrong in some respects Flawed, incorrect or insufficient data is present in nearly all distressed organizations

Unfortunately, the situation is exacerbated by the unwillingness of employees to come forward and be the harbinger of bad news

In this milieu, the CRO faces an environment that is rich in threat, scarce in all resources, ambiguous, and exigent

The CRO must first ask himself if the possibility of success really does exist. Success is possible if:

There are products or services sufficient or nearly sufficient to sustain profitability There is sufficient capital to execute a plan Management is competent in a turnaround milieu

Given time constraints, the CRO cannot afford to be too linear Evaluating viability, forming a plan, and executing it does not need to be in sequence Given time constraints, there must be overlap and concurrence.

A good first step is to examine cash needs and potential resources for cash Projected forward by several months This must be done with a clear eye concerning all aspects of revenues and expenses and a healthy skepticism concerning all data

These short-term projections will set the stage for the longer term Their preparation will yield a whole host of benefits This will include valuable information concerning such things as gross margins, sales, key products, underlying asset value and management performance This information will permit a fundamental viability assessment and, if appropriate, the foundation of a recovery plan

Should a turnaround attempt be made, leadership is the sine qua non of success The experienced CRO is accustomed to the turnaround environment The CRO will provide additional management resources and expertise in the execution of a turnaround plan

Benefits Of Using A Business Broker When Selling Your Small Business

Tips And Tricks For A Successful Small Business Sale

By Greg Kells

Times have changed, and not every small business owner can pass down the reins to their children or grandchildren While family businesses still exist and have created some of the most well-known empires, other means for exiting the business industry are becoming more prevalent: selling your business. Now, this is a challenging feat. A self-made business entrepreneur carries a similar emotional attachment of a parent to a child Therefore, finding the right buyer within a limited network poses some of the greatest challenges to selling your business However, there are steps you can take to determine whether selling your small business is the right move and resources to ensure the largest transaction of your life benefits you

Understanding Your Business Goals

Before you can begin to understand the process of selling your business, you must look inward and understand the end goal for selling or, conversely, expanding your small business Start by asking yourself why: usually, this answer has a financial dimension Therefore, you must determine whether the proceeds from selling your business will provide enough funds for your long-term goals Determining this amount will require some leg work, and you will primarily benefit from working alongside a financial planner, tax lawyer or both In either case, you want to determine the ideal case scenario If selling is the right move, you must decipher the best time to sell and the optimal terms and conditions of the sale that will provide you with the liquidy for your next venture If reinvesting and expanding your business will be more beneficial to your future, be prepared to double down on the work you are already doing

Knowing the Value of Your Business

To better understand your business goals and how you can achieve them– either through sale or expansion– you must have a professional appraisal done From this appraisal, you will be better suited to do a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of whether or not strategic improvements can increase the value of your enterprise within a reasonable time frame. Conversely, your organizational value may peak, which means now is an excellent

time to sell. In this case, you must determine whether the systems your small business currently runs on can be integrated seamlessly into the hands of a new owner If not, can your unique knowledge and skills be transferred to a new owner to increase the sale value? These are all important avenues to explore when determining the current value of your business

Entering the Market

When considering selling your business, timing is everything You are the business owner and, therefore, an expert in your market. Using this knowledge to your advantage will be the first step in understanding when it is the right time to sell your business Depending on the industry, you can analyze the market and prepare your exit strategy before the sale However, even though the market is stable and your business appraisal is high, you should take time with the sale process Another critical element is allowing sufficient time to strategically market your business for pursuing the sale

On the other hand, don’t put off selling for too long If you know the market is volatile, don’t get hung up on the best time to sell. Instead, focus on your strategic plan before you burn out Leading as a burntout entrepreneur or business owner can cause many adverse effects on the performance and value of the business

Making a Strategic Plan

Your strategic sale plan should focus on presenting your business in a detailed, professional manner that protects the confidentiality of the sale Before approaching potential professionals, ensure your books, records and financial statements are current This means going back into at least three years of financial history to assess and compile projections and forecasts accurately for the near future These documents display the meat and potatoes of your business and are what potential buyers are considering Ensure your materials present a cohesive message with incremental information throughout the marketing process Your presentation should be about what your business offers and cover potential operational weaknesses and risk mitigation tactics Presenting your business in the best possible light involves transparency about the negatives and a willingness to turn them into process improvements While confidentiality of business practices should remain at the heart of all communications with prospects, you should remain ready to pitch or present your business any day of the week once the ball is rolling

The more prepared you are, the better suited you will be to screen and meet with prospective buyers Confirming identification, qualifications, and education will be crucial before engaging in more serious conversations with buyers Remember, keeping your business running at peak performance is essential during this time. This will require working harder than ever. Cutting corners now will be detrimental to a possible sale Throughout the entire process, consulting an intermediary will help keep you on track to obtaining what your business is worth

Selling your business is daunting and can feel like a huge and stressful task, but thankfully there are experts out there who can make it much easier for you Consulting an intermediary will help ensure that selling is right for your business and future goals A skilled intermediary will help you decide the right course of action and provide you with resources such as negotiating expertise and access to a market of potential buyers interested in your business

The Role Of A Business Broker

Marketing

A Business Broker will be with you from the start of the selling process. They can help appraise your business, thoroughly review early goals, analyze the probable selling price, and do financial recasting to find any hidden value your business offers From here, if you and your Broker decide selling is the right option, they can help you draft the necessary documents, such as a Confidential Business Profile, and provide the tools to market your business for sale– including campaigning and buyer screening

Negotiating

Negotiating can be the most intimidating part of selling your business, especially if it is your first time Here, a broker can get both parties to that win-win agreement while acting on your behalf From experience, brokers know some aspects of your ideal sale will be more critical than others, so they can help advise you on where to put your foot down versus being flexible In any case, it helps to have your intermediary there to rely on and remind you to refrain from taking the negotiation tactics of the buyer personally Think of your Broker as your watchdog and an extra set of clear eyes that can help guide you through the process and toward a desirable outcome

a business broker can conduct a valuation and give you a probable sale price as a starting point. Plus, their expertise in financial statement analysis, taxes and more will be there to guide you every step of the way

More importantly, however, a Business Broker will ensure confidentiality throughout the sale process If you want to take your business to the next level or let go of the reins, you likely do not want your bank, customers, competitors, suppliers or employees to discover your plans from some external source Here, Broker expertise is critical, as when combined with their network of potential buyers, they can advise you on what information to reveal, when and to whom Additionally, they can lay out the necessary documents and agreements throughout the process

Ultimately, your Business Broker will be your guide to the small business selling process They will help you better understand the nuances of selling your business and prepare you upfront with a factual analysis of the time, money, and resources it will take to obtain your ideal sale. A broker will also be realistic with you and know when to negotiate. An excellent intermediary will value transparency and help push deals forward to obtain a win-win situation for both parties

Determining if, when, and how to sell your small business is life-changing There is much to consider to make the best decision for yourself, your family, and the company you have built By determining your goals and the value of your business, you will be able to understand better if and when selling is the right move for you In any case, enlisting the help of a Business Broker can be vital in ensuring the success of your small business sale

Benefits of Using a Business Broker

There are many benefits to using a Business Broker to help advise you on your businesss future course of action The top reason is the ability to reduce any headaches and risks associated with selling so you can focus on keeping your business running at peak efficiency to maximize the sale value More specifically,

About the Author

Greg Kells is the Owner and Broker of Record of Sunbelt Canada. Sunbelt is Canada's most successful business brokerage and has been growing and selling businesses for over 20 years Greg is a successful business broker, the past president of the International Business Brokers Association of Canada, and a serial entrepreneur, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners in their business buying and selling journeys.

cheap and effective, particularly if the hacker uses a short phone number, such as a four-digit number, which would make it look like a legitimate source. These attacks are particularly effective when paired with phone calls.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently warned taxpayers of an increase in IRS-themed texting scams aimed at stealing personal and financial information and offered a reminder that the IRS does not send emails or text messages asking for information or account numbers

Many workers inadvertently expose themselves and their employers to attacks by practicing poor security hygiene For example, texting-addicted phone users are much more likely to immediately open and respond to potentially malicious texts than emails Aware of this, crafty threat actors are quickly creating new forms of mobile malware and adapting phishing lures for smishing

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence to prove their identity, such as a password, PIN, or fingerprint. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to access accounts because they would need both login credentials and the additional authentication factor MFA also helps detect unauthorized access attempts, as any suspicious activity triggers an alert

Malware is a generic name for different types of malicious programs designed to infect devices and steal sensitive information, such as passwords or logins Once a device is compromised or infected by malware, a threat actor can steal this data repeatedly – even new, stronger passwords created by the device user Using the best anti-malware software and technology is your best defence against malware attacks

Cybercriminals use a variety of methods to guess weak passwords Strong passwords should be at least eight characters long with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols They shouldn’t contain any personal information or words that can be found in a dictionary Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and change passwords regularly.

It’s not always easy to spot the red flags Cybercriminals exploit confusion and uncertainty, so we can’t drop our guard Cyberattacks may be inevitable, but their success needn’t be

People posing as representatives of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other government agencies are picking up the phone to try to steal personal information and money They may call or email victims and claim they owe taxes, fees, or penalties They may also threaten victims with arrest if they don’t pay immediately These scams can also be difficult to recognize, as criminals often use official-sounding language and fake caller IDs Victims should never give away any personal information over the phone or online and should always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be form the IRS before taking any action

Organizations have the responsibility to deploy fully up-to-date cybersecurity technologies that track and defend against new threats But employees also have a role to play by making the job of cyber attackers as difficult as possible by improving their cyber hygiene through strong multi-factor authentication, constant vigilance and exercising zero trust

Dmitry Bestuzhev is a Most Distinguished Threat Researcher at BlackBerry Prior to joining BlackBerry, Dmitry was Head of Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team for Latin America, where he oversaw the company ' s experts' anti-malware development work in the region Dmitry has more than 20 years of experience in IT security across a wide variety of roles His field of expertise covers everything from traditional online fraud to targeted high-profile attacks on financial and governmental institutions His focus in research is on producing Threat Intelligence reports on financially motivated targeted attacks.

How Cybercriminals are How Cybercriminals are

Trying to Hook Your Employees this Tax Season

By Dmitry Bestuzhev, Most Distinguished Threat Researcher, BlackBerry

In this digital world, nothing is certain except death and taxes and cyberattacks It’s not a matter of if but when an organization will be targeted Cybercriminals are busy this time of year This tax season, we can expect to see an increase in unauthorized access to accounts, phishing emails, and suspicious phone calls. Phishing scams are the primary source of most cyberattacks. All it takes is one employee clicking on one suspicious link, and the data of an entire organization could be compromised.

We must understand what’s at stake: data is worth more than ever on the dark web – bank details, passwords, and even shopping basket histories It’s getting harder to recognize targeted attacks, meaning anyone working from home or outside the office must be vigilant and work with their employers to spot and report suspicious activity Employees need to know that weak passwords and human error – including trusting emails about an order or call from a bank – will let hackers in While humans are the weakest link when it comes to cybersecurity, human awareness is still the best defense

Here are some of the popular ways hackers are trying to hook employees this tax season:

Phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and can be difficult to recognize, making this an effective form of cybercrime. Cybercriminals create cleverly designed emails that appear to be from legitimate sources and contain believable messages They exploit human psychology by creating a sense of urgency and fear to convince you to click on a malicious link or open an attachment that contains malware

These attacks are preventable The truth is that every organization needs better cyber hygiene Anyone can fall prey to simple phishing emails, which are responsible for a large proportion of cyberattacks Humans are generally

prone to error – it just happens You can educate people, but when they’re in a moment of inattention, they’re bound to make mistakes It’s up to businesses to implement robust security strategies and ensure they’re not putting employees in a position where theres an option to make compromising mistakes Cybercriminals are waiting for organizations and the public to drop their guard We must not give them the opportunity

Spear phishing is an advanced form of phishing targeted at a specific person or organization This usually involves researching the target to make the scam more convincing The emails used in spear phishing can be personalized to appear as if they’re coming from someone the recipient knows, such as a co-worker or family member These emails can also be tailored to include relevant information about the targets by incorporating personal information such as their full names, date of birth, or the name of their employer Spear phishing emails contain malicious links or attachments and can result in the theft of sensitive data or the installation of malware

Smishing is essentially phishing through text messages – a combination of the terms SMS and phishing – and this is becoming a serious threat It can be

We should all strive to become the empowered parent that our children need in our daily lives. Being a parent can be challenging at times, but that is the beauty of it – we learn, grow and become stronger to become the best version of ourselves for our children

It goes without saying that as caregivers, parents and educators, our children feed off our energy That is why we need to project energy that empowers, motivates and caters to them in a way that makes them feel seen

I will share with you how to become the empowered parent your children need by finding balance within yourself in the healthiest way possible

Find balance within yourself

To support your family, you need to be able to support yourself first, which you can do by finding a balance within yourself

A self-care routine that positively affects the parent

Self-care is one of the things that you hear being thrown about quite a lot, understandably However, proper selfcare is about the small and big habits that improve your life in the long run!

This could mean implementing a healthy schedule in your day-to-day life – there is nothing wrong with creating a checklist every morning that you tick off – it’s a very satisfying feeling knowing you ’ re ticking things off throughout your day.

That little sense of accomplishment has a significant impact on how we feel It motivates us to carry on and get things done

Self-care may also mean taking just 30 minutes out of your day to do something for yourself away from the chaos at home, away from your child or your partner and doing something for you Even if this means taking that time to do some yoga, read a few pages of your book or grab a coffee – whatever fills you with self-satisfaction!

Taking time away for yourself will allow you to return to your child, your family and yourself as a better, regenerated being, and it shows your child its okay to reflect and spend time by yourself

Helping your children find balance

Now that you have balance within yourself as a parent, it is time to help your child find balance

Finding balance can mean that if your child plays a sport, the goal of playing this sport is not just fitness training

It is about mental training – to lose the game without feeling extreme emotions or even taking the blame for the loss, for them to understand that it's okay to fail. After all, they put in their time and energy to participate in the game because they enjoy it

They need to recognize that they did their best to work with the team and recognize where improvement is needed!

Then, we have emotional training – this refers to practising breathing exercises and meditation to calm their nervous system in tense and sensitive times As well as this they can learn relaxing techniques.

Children have feelings just like we do as adults, but they don’t necessarily know how to deal with them in the same way, and that is why it is so essential for us to project our positive energy and practices onto them It's also okay for them to understand that we feel this way at times, too; it's a valid feeling that should be recognized

Learning how to deal with emotions healthily is critical to help your child's mental health and will help you become the empowered parent your children need

Losing can seem ten times worse to a child than it may do to us; their emotions tend to feel more extreme, so teaching them how to deal with them positively and effectively from an early age is essential.

The overall message here is not to take something fun and put massive amounts of stress towards an expected outcome –we guide this balanced lifestyle as parents

What type of things do you digest as a parent?

There are many ways to bring positivity to your life regarding your mental and physical health. When you look after your physical health, your mental health improves and vice versa.

Fitness – Are you implementing fitness into your daily routine? This could mean walking around the block, biking or swimming – it is good for you and your child's mindset

Ensure it is balanced and not just high intensity or for a competition As mentioned, this balance is crucial to a healthy mindset and showing up as the empowered parent your children need They will witness harmony within themselves or others

Food – the food you make, digest and feed your child also impacts your mental and physical health. Again, it is all about balance –we aren’t all cooking enthusiasts, are we? Ensure you ’ re eating nutrient-packed foods that fill your tummy and heart with joy!

Emotional – as mentioned previously, healthily dealing with your emotions is vital to teaching your children how to balance them Become the empowered parent your child needs by showing them their feelings are valid and how to deal with them

Find an emotional release such as using art, writing, dancing etc Whatever works for your child

Mental – your mental health significantly impacts how you treat yourself and your child

If you treat yourself with love, care and compassion, you’ll be able to become the empowered parents your children need. Encourage this through motivational reading, self-help, meditation, and walking or exercising.

Spiritual – if you have specific practices such as going to the mosque, church, temple or even yoga and meditation, this will fulfil you and encourage you to have better relationships with others, including your children It can help you deal with stress by giving you peace, purpose and forgiveness

The spiritual practice encourages you to know yourself better, and the daily routine allows you to connect with yourself and your deity

Or, if you love walking in nature for connection, this is also valid and a great release

Your communication style plays a big part

How you communicate with yourself will determine how much of an empowered parent you can be for your child, and taking all of the points I have discussed throughout this article will help guide you in this direction

For many of us, communication isn’t always easy It may not come naturally, but learning how to communicate effectively and positively is the first step you can take to be the parent your child yearns for

Being kind to yourself can come naturally if you start practising a routine, whether creating a checklist every morning, reading affirmations, journaling, speaking to a therapist, eating nutritional foods or implementing that short walk into your daily routine Keeping consistent will lead to positive results, and you’ll be the best version of yourself!

As well as how you speak to yourself, how you speak to your children is something to keep in mind Understand their emotions and feelings and let them know that they are valid. Take them on a self-love journey with you and empower them so they feel like they can do anything they put their mind to. This can all be done through a healthy lifestyle

Speaking with your partner also plays a role because your child will hear how you talk to each other and learn from this If they see that you are respectful, they will understand that this is how to communicate with others

Be the empowered parent your children need

You are a step closer to being the empowered parent your children need now that you have read this article

Faith and Sparkles world is an empowerment company led by our founder Faith Abraham whose message and mission empower children across the globe

Bigger isn’t always better. Don’t let your company size diminish the valuable job opportunities you have to offer

The war for talent can be particularly challenging for small businesses, as they often have fewer resources and a smaller pool of candidates to draw from compared to larger companies However, there are steps that small businesses can take to compete effectively for top talent and build a strong, successful organization Here are a few strategies to compete against large companies in the war for talent:

By Matt Parkin

Develop a strong employer brand Develop a strong employer brand

A strong employer brand can help small businesses stand out in the crowded job market and attract top talent This includes promoting the unique culture and values of the organization, highlighting opportunities for growth and development, and emphasizing the positive impact that employees can have on the company

For example, allowing employees to film authentic social media content sharing their experiences working at your company can help you cut through the noise in a crowded talent attraction space To further strengthen your employer brand, you can adopt a candidate-centric mindset Putting an emphasis on what the job seeker will get out of the role and the impact they can have, rather than the tasks they’ll be doing, and quickly reaching out to applicants to move them through the process will help you stand out against larger companies with slower, more robotic processes

Offer flexibility Offer flexibility

While small businesses may not be able to match the salaries and benefits offered by larger companies, they can still be competitive by offering things like flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment Larger companies likely have stricter, well-defined policies regarding working hours and time off to ensure employees across the company are equitably treated As a small business, take advantage of your ability to make decisions and provide flexibility when it comes to the location, time, and frequency of your employee’s shifts. Highlight this near the top of your job descriptions instead of squeezing it in at the end so you can catch the reader’s eye right away

Provide ownership and autonomy Provide ownership and autonomy

Junior employees in large companies are often on the receiving end of tedious tasks They complete the tasks and move to the next ones on the list without always understanding the significance of their contributions

As a small business, consider involving employees in decision making processes

Ask for their opinions or ideas for projects and let them lead the implementation of their ideas For example, rearranging product displays to align with shopping patterns, updating the company website, or strategizing and filming a social media campaign Communicating these opportunities for ownership and autonomy while attracting talent will help differentiate your business from the competition

Focus on employee development Focus on employee development

A recent survey of 113 job seekers conducted by FindWRK revealed that “exciting growth opportunities” was the top reason why job seekers choose one job over another You don’t need to have massive learning and development budgets or established learning management systems to help your employees develop Providing personalized and ongoing development opportunities such as job shadowing or cross-functional training can help small businesses retain top talent and fill skill gaps within the organization By investing in employee development, small businesses can create a strong, knowledgeable workforce that can compete with larger companies

Build a culture of respect Build a culture of respect

Gallups 2015 study found that 75% of job seekers left their job because of poor managers Poor management often stems from micromanagement – when managers closely control every part of an individual’s activity Fostering a culture of support and training your managers to be respectful and compassionate can help differentiate your business from your larger counterparts

Trusting your employees to effectively do their jobs while providing support that isn’t overbearing is key

By implementing these strategies and focusing on unique strengths and values, small businesses can effectively compete against larger companies in the war for talent and build a successful, sustainable organization

Author Author

Matt Parkin is the Business Development Lead at FindWRK He helps employers quickly connect with hourly employees without the need for a job posting