Recently, I've run into lots of small business owners for their end-of-the-year Business Growth reviews. I asked each one of them what is it that they would like to find an answer to RIGHT NOW since the official announcement of the Recession.

And the question that came up most frequently sounded somewhat like this: "I know we're in a recession. I know the economy is down and business is bad. Ok. Now what do I do with my business? Do I quit? Do I give it up? How can I survive during this recession?"
The answers to these questions lie in your ability to strategically focus your thoughts and your actions.

First, you've got to get your head thinking right.

Forget about doom and gloom. Put that kind of thinking aside. Let everybody else keep talking about that. Not you. Your focus needs to be set on your desire to make it through. Think about surviving, but also think about growing.

Talk to many business people about how they approach customer service and the majority of them will say that they are aiming to have satisfied customers. No! What we all should be seeking is to have loyal customers.

Research has shown that 65% of customers say they are loyal. You may be happy with this but you shouldn’t! Satisfied customers are in a state of nothing they are neither dissatisfied or happy; they are in between. They will tolerate you while you are of use to them but if a better deal comes along, they’re off.

On the other hand, loyal customers are your friends. They will be with you through thick and thin; they will be the first to try out you new product; they willing give you honest feedback; they will regularly refer business to you. This is what you want! But how can you turn a satisfied customer into a loyal one?
 
Let Them Decide How to Do Business with You

Please review the NEDC Business Awards Outline including categories as well as the Nomination Form

Nomination deadling: 11:59pm, Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

For more information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it at 250.724.3131

102 canoes from B.C., Washington and Oregon head to Cowichan  Bay

Modern history will be made this month when a flotilla of traditional cedar dugout canoes, with paddlers in full regalia, converge on Cowichan Bay.

Tribal Journeys 2008, a trip which started this week as ocean-going canoes left First Nations communities such as Bella Bella and Bella Coola, revives the canoe culture that was the historical lifeblood of Coast Salish communities.

But with 102 canoes from all over B.C., Washington and Oregon scheduled to end up at Cowichan Bay July 28, there are differences from the traditional feasting and trading get-togethers of previous centuries.

Educator heading to the UK for a canoe journey

Stewart Nahanee is a strong believer in education.

The dedicated ambassador of B.C.'s Aboriginal culture says sharing his knowledge not only impacts his pupils, but contributes to his own inner growth.

The North Vancouver resident and member of the Squamish Nation was recently awarded an Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C. power of education award at a ceremony in Vancouver March 5. The annual awards program celebrates the achievements of B.C.'s growing Aboriginal tourism industry.

"I was totally ecstatic," says Nahanee, adding that it was an honour to be recognized for his contributions to the community.

The founder of Cedars Us, Nahanee, 47, offers drum-making workshops as well as the sale of drums and paddles, and other services. He actively spreads his knowledge on the West Coast, and has also had the opportunity to do so around the world. Currently, he's in the United Kingdom, gearing up for a canoe journey that will circumnavigate the British Isles. As part of the project, Cedars Us was commissioned to make 300 paddles to be presented to dignitaries along the way.

 Assembly of First Nations BC Regional Chief A-in-chut (Shawn Atleo) was in Montreal on April 4 to receive training from former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore to deliver the message behind the Academy Award-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth."

Gore will work with 200 Canadians from across the nation on how to best deliver the facts about halting global warming's deadly progress. The regional chief is eager to give a First Nations perspective on the threat of climate change.

A new year brings a new feeling, a new energy to life. The possibilities feel endless. It’s the fresh start many look forward to as the new year arrives. Don’t let this new beginning pass you by. Take some time to sit down and write down how you’d like to see this year unfold and to reflect on how 2007 played out for you. What was significant in 2007? What were your successes? What were some challenges, and how did you overcome those challenges? We tend to forget what happened over a whole year, by jotting down some of these major things that occurred for you, you’ll see how far you’ve come.

(Toronto, ON) June 20, 2007 – The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business is proud to announce that they are ready to receive nominations for the next group of laureates to be named to the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame.

“CCAB’s Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame pays tribute to outstanding business leaders of the past and the present and serves as an example of excellence for Aboriginal youth thinking about a career in business,” said Jocelyne Soulodre, CCAB President and CEO.

Hi my name is Jeanette Ryan, Business Services Officer, for Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC).  I just recently started my position here at TACC and was privileged to be sent to the 14th Annual National CANDO Conference in Kamloops, BC on October 22-25, 2007. The purpose of the conference was for the delegates, stakeholders, speakers and trade show exhibitors to meet, share, learn, honour and celebrate the growing successes of Aboriginal Community Economic Development in Canada.

Can you close a sale in just seven seconds? You can do it even faster if you make a great first impression.  Seven seconds is the average length of time you have to make a first impression. If your first impression is not good you won' t get another chance with that potential client. But if you make a great first impression you can bet that the client is more likely to take you and your company seriously.

Whether your initial meeting is face-to-face, over the phone or via the Internet, you do not have time to waste. It pays for you to understand how people make their first judgment and what you can do to be in control of the results.