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10 Ways to Kill a Micro Business and The Warning Sign Phrases
by Steve Pellarin
"I have no competition"
A phrase commonly heard among start-ups, less common among those in their second or third year of business, for they have realized their error or they are out of business. The cause of this naïve bliss is lack of market research.
When consumer spending dollars are limited, everyone is your competition. The karate school is competing with the sports camp and the massage therapist is competing with the holistic life coach, as each are filling common consumer needs. Market research must be ongoing, especially in this new and ever changing market place.
The successful entrepreneur will be the one that recognizes threats early and turns them into opportunities. (Read More) |
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Entrepreneurship knows no boundaries!
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The SEED program assists entrepreneurs with disabilities to explore self-employment. After completing an exploration workshop, participants who qualify may apply for additional business planning, advisory supports, and financial assistance to launch their business.
Space is limited.
Call 519-452-4877 to register or to learn more about what SEED can offer.
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Dear Friends,
Hello and welcome to the September 2008
issue of the Small Business Centre Newsletter.
Summer is over and we are back to business! Here are some of the highlights of what's happening at the Centre in the next couple of months:
First, we would like to welcome a new staff member to the Small Business Centre. John Regan has joined the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program Team as a Business Advisor. Second, on September 3rd, we started registrations for Bridges to Better Business, the 10th Annual Entrepreneur's Conference. Early Bird pricing will only be available until October 3rd. Third, VenturePrize London business plan competition launch on September 9th, 2008. Visit www.ventureprizelondon.com after Sep 9 for more details.
Finally, our monthly Networking is back. September 3rd BBQ at Junior Achievement (JA) was a huge success. With your help, we raised over $410 to support their youth programs. Also, thank you to those who expressed interest in volunteering and mentoring young aspiring entrepreneurs.
If you haven't already, check out the fun on our new web feature, Networking Photo Gallery. Don't miss the next "photo op" at our October 1st Networking.
Business Information Advisor/ Newsletter Editor
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 Clients in the News...  The following clients have recently been featured in the local media. Congratulations!
When: June 25, 2008
Pauline is an award winning speaker, evaluator, author, trainer, and TV host, who can help you leave your own memorable mark on the world through masterful communication.
Who: Renee Melvin of Renee's Reflexology
Where: London Free Press
When: July 17, 2008
Through reflexology, Renee can help you reduce stress & tension, control chronic & acute pain, improve circulation and much more. Contact Renee at (519) 657-3477.
Where: Canadian Pizza Magazine
When: June 2008
Bondi's Piza, now in his 10th year of dishing out gourmet pizza from 233 Wharncliffe Road South location. |
 ABS Seminar:
Making Trade Shows Work
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Time: 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Location: London Small Business Centre
Cost: $25.00+GST
Presented by John Regan
Pre-registration required as seating is limited.
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  Networking WednesdayOctober 1st, 2008
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Labatt's Amber Lounge
Address: 150 Simcoe St., London (Print Map)
Cost: $5.00 (cash at the door)
Join us before networking for a Guided Tour of Labatt's. Cick here for details.
Pre-registration required as space is limited.
To have your door prize listed on our website, contact Nancy Kopriva before September 26th.
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 On Tap with The Entrepreneur's Club... 
Each month, members of The Entrepreneur's Club meet to learn from seasoned professionals, share knowledge and skills, and develop valuable business relationships.
At our June meeting, Doug Daye, Speaking From Experience, talked about volunteering with Make a Wish Canada (www.makeawish.ca). Since 1986, the foundation has granted more than 600 wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. These wishes provide hope, strength, and lasting memories to the entire family.
Make a Wish needs volunteers. If you'd like to help by speaking on their behalf, raising funds, or lending support in other areas, please call 1.888.822.9474.
Are you interested in becoming a member of The Entrepreneur's Club? Attend a Water Cooler meeting to find out what we're all about. All you have to do is pay for breakfast. You can attend two meetings without obligation and then we'd love to have you join us regularly.
Join us for our next Water Cooler meeting:
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Location: Christina's Pub, 1131 Richmond St., London
Check us out and pay only for your breakfast.
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Breakfast to Better Business
and
Bridges to Better Business Entrepreneurs Conference
In celebration of Small Business Week, this annual event is an interactive approach to addressing the various business issues and/or challenges that you, as a business owner, experience on a daily basis.
This unique forum will bring together businesses in various stages of development for an open exchange of ideas, advice, and feedback through the guidance of facilitators and mentors.
Designed to maximize your learning and networking opportunities, participants can choose either a discussion group or seminar of a pre-determined topic.
Discussion groups will be limited to approximately 10 people, allowing for in-depth and quality discussions. Mentors have been recruited to share their knowledge and ensure a dynamic discussion.
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 Tax Alert: The Canada Revenue Agency warns Canadians of mail scam
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning taxpayers to beware of a recent scam where some Canadians are receiving a letter fraudulently identified as coming from the CRA and asking for personal information. The letter is not from the CRA. A PDF version of the letter is available on the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/alert. The letter claims that there is "insufficient information" for the individual's tax return and that in order to receive any "claims," they will have to update their records. The letter attaches a form specifically requesting the individual's personalinformation in writing, via fax or email, including information on bank accounts and passports. This letter is not from the CRA and Canadians should not provide their personal information to the sender.
All taxpayers should be vigilant when divulging any confidential information to third parties. The CRA has well established practices to protect the confidentiality of taxpayers' information. The CRA has notified the proper law enforcement authorities of this scam.
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Advertising Section
Reach over 1,000 Small Businesses,
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