I was asked to consult with ‘Clive’, a British immigrant entrepreneur who owned a company back east this week that needed some help with raising some capital. Now, this can be an easy show me the money scenario based on sound management, a great business plan and a wonderful innovative product or it can become a finger pointing analytical dissection of a business in turmoil. Clive unfortunately is the latter. Read the rest of this entry

I was sitting with a client over lunch today pondering the different roles I face on a daily basis with my different clients. The Friend works quite well for some. I give advice and they take as they would a friend. Oddly, I have friends who won’t take my advice.

I play the bully at times playing my client like a viola hoping to instill some common sense in their brain all the while thinking how various people need diverse methods.

I become the confidante to the client who is facing doubt and fear hoping like heck I am giving solace to them and a solution to their personal issues.

I share their triumphs and their failures, pat them on the back and slap them on the side of the head when needed. Read the rest of this entry

1. Expert knowledge- you really must have the experience and a deep understanding  of your product or service to sell yourself properly
2. Strategic  Vision – you must be driven to succeed in your business, living and breathing your dream
3. Carpe Diem – You must be able to seize the opportunities and the moments given to you. Read the rest of this entry

Globe & Mail

For 30 cents day you can help this poor hungry child live another day…or so the commercial goes.

A statement by one of the country’s top Charities, Plan International.  Doesn’t it make you wonder why the overweight pitchman in the commercials with a dying hungry kid doesn’t feed the kid himself?  Or reach into his own pocket for some money? The CEO of Plan International makes about $350,000+ per year plus bonuses. What are the bonuses for, more schmucks like you and me donating to feed the hungry kid (in his house)? Read the rest of this entry

I presented an interesting lecture Thursday at the Burnaby Public Library. Sponsored by SUCCESS Employment Services, I was asked to speak to new immigrants about ‘Doing Business in Canada’ and give them another option to job seeking; self employment.

It was less interesting from a lecture point of view than the attendees. About 50 entrepreneur wannabe’s showed up for the two hour lecture to hear my realistic no-holds barred approach to starting and doing business in Canada. The group was predominantly from mainland China and most spoke little English. Read the rest of this entry