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"A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts"
Richard Branson
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Spring is a popular time for cleaning and garage sales. As Canadians come out of hibernation and get ready to sell some of their unwanted items, a popular question is: Do you have to claim the money you make on a garage sale on your tax return?
Or if you sell all your collectibles such as hockey cards or Precious Moments figurines, do you have to realize a capital gain or income? What if you paint occasionally and sell one or two paintings a year?
In the eyes of the tax man, there is a difference between having a garage sale once a year and selling items regularly. A hobby is defined as an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation. But if the proceeds from a hobby become frequent the Canada Revenue Agency may consider you a business.
So if your paintings become more popular or you are selling online regularly, you may be considered a business.
Source: H&R Block
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Summer is Approaching..
Summer is almost here. With the sun finally out and the temperatures rising, many businesses are faced with dealing with the "dog days of summer". So what can you do during this summer slowdown? Well, it's a great time to do the work that otherwise never gets done during busier times.
* Review your business plan. If you don't have a business plan, learn how to create one. You won't know where you are coming from and certainly won't be able to get where you would like to go in business, if you don't have a plan.
* Take some time out to meet other entrepreneurs and do some networking, both offline and online. You can either join a discussion forum or group, or set up your own. Networking is a great way to find out what's new, what others are doing, and what you can offer.
* Do any research you have been meaning to undertake, talk to your key accounts, finalize your marketing strategy and build any communication tools you think you will need.
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The key to taking advantage of these slow times in business is to stay busy. Keep focused on your business. Whatever you're doing this summer, have fun! |
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Dear Friends,
We started the month off with our last Networking Event before Summer. Over 100 people met at the Barking Frog's patio to enjoy some great food and each others company.
Watch for the pictures on the Networking Wednesday Photo Gallery. Thanks to everyone who has joined us for our networking events each month. We will see you in September at Junior Achievement!
If you have been putting off getting your business on the web because you didn't know where to start, or if you haven't seen the value in having a web site, then this month's Advanced Business Seminar Series is for you! Keep reading to find out more about our "Making the Web Work for Your Business" seminar on June 24.
We hope to see you soon. Have a great June!
Inga Waszkowski & Your Newsletter Team
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Clients in the News...
 The following clients have recently been featured in the local media. Congratulations!
Who: Brian Reath of Reath's Tilt 'N Load Towing
Where: Biz Monday, London Free Press
Brian Reath's commitment to providing his customers with the highest quality services at affordable rates is what makes Reath's Tilt 'N Load Towing the obvious choice to meet your needs when moving medium-to-light equipment. Contact Reath's Tilt 'N Load Towing and learn about this month's special. Who: Josh Brock of Home Smart Services Group
Where: Biz Monday, London Free Press
When: May 25, 2009
Home Smart Services Group is an owner-operated landscaping company focused on individual needs and attention. They evaluate specific aspects of each project to provide their clients with the best service and support possible. They offer lawn work, snow removal, spring and fall cleanup, power washing and exterior window cleaning among their services. Call them today to learn more, 226.234.2368.
If you are a Small Business Centre Client and have been featured in the media recently, we would like to hear from you so we can pass it along. Send details to iwaszkowski@sbcentre.ca and we may include it in our next newsletter. |
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 Advanced Business Seminar Series
MAKING THE WEB WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
with David Billson, President of rtraction
Liz Gray, Fanshawe College
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Time: 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Location: London Small Business Centre
Cost: $25.00+ GST
From absolute beginner basics to trendy topics like Twitter this session will include practical examples for everyone! Even if your business already has a website, we'll help you connect with professional services and free resources available to you.
* Leveraging Google to drive traffic to your site
* Social media: the buzz vs. reality
* A buyers guide to web design
Click here for more information & to registration
Pre-registration required as seating is limited. |
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 Survey Shows Huge Advantage for Small Businesses With Web Sites. Source: www.w3reports.com
Having a web site greatly improves the ability of small- and medium-sized businesses to attract customers and sell their goods and services, according to a recent survey by C I Host, a global leader in Web hosting and Internet solutions.
Read More...
 Search Engine Marketing: Can this drive more business for you? Source: www.getentrepreneurial.com
Economic recession has forced most of the small to mid-sized businesses to cut their costs and re-work in a lean and mean way to survive. This involves slashing down those balloon sized marketing budgets and switching over to cost-effective and accountable marketing - SEO is definitely one of them.
 Why Be Creative At Work? Source: www.getentrepreneurial.com
Think creativity is only for artistic types? Think again; your livelihood and organization may depend on it.
Why bother with creativity at work? Why should you encourage it from your staff? For one thing, promoting creativity at work has many benefits and an organization's continued survival may depend on it. Most importantly, ideas= $$$$$!
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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 May's meeting, guest speaker Brent Baldwin, a coach and corporate speaker, shared speaking tips to help connect with your audience.
· Always show respect for your audience - so stand when speaking.
· Never read from PowerPoint slides. They should be used as visuals for the audience only.
· Move your message forward with the use of stories. The three elements of a good story include Premise, Problem, and Payoff.
· If' you're going to move around while speaking, move with purpose. Don't pace - it's distracting.
· Keep a conversational tone and use vocal variety.
· Have a compelling message that is of interest to your audience.
· Keep your spacing in mind - leave room for the audience to get your point.
· Rehearse!
· Watch hand movements - too many or too fast shows nervousness.
· Don't make your talk too perfect...some "ums" and "ahs" are part of being conversational.
· Honour the time commitment of those in attendance - in other words, stick to the schedule.
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. Attend two meetings without obligation...and then we'd love to have you join us regularly.
Check out our Searchable Directory. You can be included, too...simply become a member of The Entrepreneur's Club - it's part of your membership fee.
Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 7:00 a.m.
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London Small Business Centre | 316 Rectory St. | 3rd Floor | London | Ontario | N5W 3V9 | Canada
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