B6
business
Thursday, October 16, 2014
calgaryherald.com
CAPITAL IDEAS COMMUNITY QUESTION:
UPCOMING: OCT
What is the best thing you’ve learned 20 from another business owner? Capital Ideas members share tips they’ve received from their peers OCT
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Photo supplied by: Roger Jewett
Roger Jewett, CEO of Jump On Flyaways (gojumpon.com), says that author and business owner Marcus Buckingham — co-author of First, Break all the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently — has been his biggest influence in business. “The book outlines the 12 most important things to employees after their paycheques. When I read this list several years ago, I thought, ‘Wow, now I can stop trying to figure out what to do, and just focus on getting it done.’ Within two days, I started implementing one of the 12 items on the list (ensure employees have the tools to do their job), and made a commitment to spend over $100,000 to upgrade our systems and hardware. Another item on the list is employee recognition. After reading the book and studying the importance of recognition for several months, I dramatically changed my views on this topic. As a result, we built and implemented a very popular peer-to-peer recognition system that dramatically changed our culture, and ultimately resulted in our company becoming one of Canada’s best employers.”
“The best thing I’ve learned is the importance of having solid relationships and friendships with the businesses around you. Muttley Crue Organics wouldn’t be around today without the help and support of one of our direct competitors, Especially For Pets, who allowed us to operate out of their location when our new location was delayed. They exemplify that we’re all in this together, and that together as small businesses, we can thrive.” — Annie Cole, owner of Muttley Crue Organics — muttleycrue.ca “Book stores the world over are either closing down or modifying their business models in order to adapt and survive … A friend and business mentor told us a year ago that we needed to change our thinking, because out of every problem is an opportunity. He told us that just because there is a large competitor (in this case, Amazon), that doesn’t mean the competitor can do everything, and that there are things we can do that are different and better — we just have to look at our strengths. He also said that we should stop thinking small, and start thinking globally rather than just locally. As a bookstore, this is something we had never thought of. By reinventing who we are without losing our original identity, and by adding new products and services, we have opportunities that will enable us to be bigger and better than we could ever have been if we had remained strictly a bookstore.” — Mike Finch, owner of Self Connection Books — selfconnection.ca “Over my career, there have been two pieces of advice that have stuck with me. The first is that cash is king, and that sales fix all problems. True, growth has its own challenges, but it’s much better than the alternative. The second was to focus on end goals, and to let your staff achieve them in a way that suits their style. By allowing staff to use their talents and ideologies to achieve goals, you’re optimizing their productivity and profitability. The reality is that we each have our own journey in life, and the experiences we have and lessons we learn in business are more valuable than any textbook or course. When a life lesson is shared with you, you listen.” — Ryan Townend, CEO of William Joseph Communications — williamjoseph.com
Hear these award-winning business owners at a Small Business Week panel and networking event hosted by the Calgary Public Library on Oct. 20. To register for the free event, search for “Small Business Week Panel” on eventbrite.ca.
“I have learned that you must surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs! Find networking events and business groups that can keep you on track and focused on your goal. We often try to do everything on our own, and a smart business owner knows when to call in support.” — Natalie Blais, founder of Natalie Blais Consulting Inc. — natalieblais.com “The best advice that I was given was to never, ever be afraid to make mistakes in your business. You haven’t failed, just gained experience. As a result, I don’t beat myself up. Just learn and move on.” — Maria Doll, owner of Leadership Matters Consulting Services — leadershipmatters.biz “I learned that you have to focus, believe in your product, and never undervalue your product or services.” — Jameela Ghann, owner of Alora Boutique — alora.ca “To trust my own instinct. So often, I looked to others that I considered experts and that led me to so many mistakes in my first six years in business. Looking back now, I remember many conversations where other business owners would tell me that I knew more than I realized, and to trust my gut. No one cares about your business as much as you do. Listen to advice, but seek the answers that are true to your situation.” — Kelly Hipkin, owner of Organized Lives Ltd. — organizedlivesltd.com “One of the best things I’ve learned from fellow entrepreneurs is to stay true to myself and my product. We’ve all experienced this going wrong, and it leaves a bad taste in your mouth … I believe that what I am creating is unique and I ultimately stand behind my creations.” — Valery Klassen, owner and designer of Sun 7 Designs — sun7designs.com “At one of my clients’ [businesses], the owner has a large sign posted in the foyer that says: ‘The customer is not always right. But they are always the customer.’ ” — Harvey Taphorn, president of Teegic Corp. — crestcomleadership.com/ harveytaphorn
For your weekly chance to share your business insights, or to ask a question of your own, join the community at capitalideascalgary.com.
OCT
Small Business Week YYC: Mission Diner Insider Tour A behind-the-scenes look at the diner, including flapjacks served up by Calgary Chamber president and CEO, Adam Legge. When: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Where: Mission Diner (2308 4th St. NW) Admission: Free. Details at smallbusinessweekcalgary.com
10 Ways to Market Your Business on a Shoestring Budget A Small Business Month webinar from ATB Business and BizLaunch When: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: Free. Details at atb.com/businessweek2014
Small Business Week YYC: Jelly Modern Doughnuts Insider Tour A tour of a great Calgary small business, including networking and sweet samples When: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Where: Jelly Modern Doughnuts (1414 8th St. NW) Admission: Free. Details at smallbusinessweekcalgary.com
Small Business Week YYC: Exemplary leadership An evening of conversation and up-close interviews with the visionaries behind three successful Calgary companies When: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Where: Hotel Arts (119 12th Ave. SW) Admission: Free. Details at smallbusinessweekcalgary.com
Small Business Week Awards and Expo
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Attend breakout sessions and tradeshow during the day, then celebrate small business with the Calgary Chamber, powered by ATB Business When: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre (220 St Georges Dr. NE) Admission: $29 to $40. Details at smallbusinessweekcalgary.com/expo
Have an event that Capital Ideas should know about? Contact us at hello@capitalideascalgary.com.
CAPITAL QUESTION: Who do you go to for advice on running your business? We all have trusted confidants in life, but in business, cultivating a group of people you can turn to for sound advice is crucial not only to your success, but to your sanity as well. With that in mind, Wellington Holbrook, executive vice-president of ATB Business, is curious to hear: Who do you go to for advice on running your business? Visit capitalideascalgary.com to answer this question. We’ll publish your answer, along with your name and your business’s name and website, on Oct. 23.
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