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January 2012
| Happy New Year!
Welcome our first newsletter of 2012. With a new year upon us it's a good time to stop and think about our current business path and assess whether or not we're headed in the right direction. In this issue we've included a couple of interesting articles to get you thinking. One article focuses on your customer. Are you looking at your business through their eyes? Are they seeing what you think they are? The other introduces us to QR codes. Could using QR codes help your marketing efforts? If not QR codes, is there another new technology you should explore? If it is time to review your path, remember our resources and advisors can help.
In the coming months we will be sending you a survey. Please take time to complete it and provide your input on our programs and services. We want to ensure that we're seeing our "business" through your eyes. We've also got some exciting changes planned for our own technology. Keep an eye on our web site and marketing materials for details.
We're looking forward to another great year with more seminars, workshops, and networking events to help you grow your business. It's a new year full of new opportunities!
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The following clients have recently been featured
in the local media. Congratulations!
The London Free Press, December 26
Miriam Nixon, Elencanto Salon & Spa
Miriam Nixon is a downtown champion. She recently opened Elencanto Salon & Spa at 242 Dundas St., in the space formerly occupied by the Yew Tree. The salon held a grand opening on Dec. 17. Nixon snapped up the nicely renovated location soon after it became vacant.
She had been operating a home-based salon in south London but was looking for a new location. "Downtown London was my first choice. It is the heart of the city and it is where many of my clients are." Read the full story here.
The Londoner, January 5
Deanna Ronson, Mine 101
Fashion trends continue to pay homage to the yesteryears as we leap ahead into the new year. Local fashion consultant and makeup artist Deanna Ronson tells the Londoner 2012 will see women's fashion embrace femininity and glamour. "Give your boyfriend back his jeans and move those menswear - inspired fashions to the back of the closet," she said.
Check out the full story here.
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 info@sbcentre.ca and we may include it in our next newsletter.
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HOW TO: Use QR Codes for
Small Business Marketing
A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional code that can be scanned by smartphone cameras to automatically pull up text, photos, videos, music and URLs.
These codes have become mobile-friendly ways to point people in the offline space to online resources.
While already popular in Japan, consumers in the United States are just now becoming more familiar with QR codes and what to do with them. If you're unfamiliar with the business potential of QR codes, use this post as a crash course in how to get started.
Source: Mashable.com |
What Does Your Company
Look Like From the Outside?
Do you know how a client, prospect, potential hire, or member of the media really experiences your company? You need to find out now.
Have you ever walked in your customer's shoes? Have you really experienced your organization in every way a potential audience member might? Or, do you rely on quantitative market research, competitive intelligence, and your gut instinct to tell you what course to chart and what brand promises to make?
Read the full article here.
Source: Inc.com
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Upcoming Events |
 Learn how a well thought out marketing plan will help you maximize your ROI and increase profits.
Topics covered include: - Marketing touch points - determine what your business really needs
- Determining a budget - set realistic goals and spend strategically
- Social marketing - blogging, SEO, and social networking
Attend this seminar and learn how to build a sales & marketing process to make
your company's brand experience a positive one. Wednesday, January 25 9:15 am - 12:15 pm London Small Business Centre Cost $25.00 + HST Visit sbcentre.ca/advanced or call 519.659.2882 ext. 0 to complete your advance registration by Monday, January 23. |
Cash! Prizes! Business Connections!
What could winning mean to your business?
There are 2 categories of competition:
Planned Business - still in the concept stages, but ready to launch within the next year
Existing Business - in operation for less than 2 years
Submit your plan to the Venture London Business Competition for your chance to win!
To enter submit your business plan by February 9, 2012.
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Connect with the talent of London's future workforce at the
Student-2-Business Networking Conference. Network with local peers
and hundreds of college and university students as they reach out to understand
what opportunities exist in London. As a business and community connector,
you play a vital role in helping our students build networks to start their careers
in London. Share your insight and experience as we promote the advantage
of London as a city to live and work.
January 26th at The London Convention Centre
Check out this video for more information about why businesses should attend S2B!
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Join us for February Networking at McGinnis Restaurant & Bar!
Connect with local entrepreneurs and professionals, share ideas,
and broaden your network of business contacts. Sample culinary
creations made fresh daily from the talented McGinnis team.
February 1, 2012 I 5:30 - 7:30 pm I 666 Wonderland Rd. N. I $7 (cash at door)
Advance registration is required by Monday, May 2.
Visit us online or call 519.659.2882 ext. 0.
Thank you to our generous sponsor
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