I recently gave a talk to a large group of immigrants from India at a local temple. Most had been in Canada for some time but there were a few who were recent immigrants -less than 2 years. To a person, they all wanted to have their own business.

The reasons were varied, several could not find any type of job (they didn’t have Canadian work experience), some wanted a lifestyle they could enjoy and self employment was the way to go. The overwhelming reason, however, to be their own boss was Read the rest of this entry

I was reminded of an old acquaintance today, Michael Gerber, and thought I might write a few words about this man who has single handedly saved more businesses from failure than any man alive. Yes, seriously!

I met Michael when I was a commercial photographer several years ago. He hired me to follow him around for a few days in Vancouver and Whistler when he was in town for a keynote speech at a local convention.  I was his tour guide as well,  so we shared some stories, had some meals together and as a surprise I sent him to the airport in a limo with a copy of his favorite paper, the New York Times (that’s really hard to find in Vancouver at 7 am). It was kewl to be with a true business thinker for 3 days. Read the rest of this entry

Do you have the desire to be an entrepreneur or were you an entrepreneur in your former home country? The prospect of being independently self employed might be the only alternative after a job search shows little opportunity for the advanced training you had abroad.

The immigrant entrepreneur arriving in Canada has a couple of options to start your own business. Read the rest of this entry

The tagline or slogan follows the name usually beneath the name and may be in italics, or not,  or another manner to differentiate. This is then analyzed under the following criteria:

1.    Does it correctly identify the nature of the business

2.    Does it include words not in the title of the company name

3.    Does it reflect quality, benefits or price differentiation? Read the rest of this entry

Your business name is something you might be stuck with for a long time. It should be carefully thought out and a lot of things you may not have considered should be taken into account. Here are a few things that I teach in my Marketing series that might give you some ideas for a better business name;

1.    Does it incorporate a descriptive element, unique element and a defining element

• E.g. Blistex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

2.    Is it unique to be identifiable to customers , clear and recognizable factors

3.    Does it exhibit the right image, professional or otherwise intended

• Stonebridge consulting exhibits power and longevity Read the rest of this entry