Thoughts of an Entrepreneur and Changemaker from Toronto. Creative Director & Founder of Now Creative Group and ACCESS Innovation shares tips, observations, and discussions with inspiring individuals.
There have been discussions lately about corporate social responsibility, businesses responding to the current economic climate and social situation. One of the very first things you have to ask yourself as an entrepreneur/founder or as an employer or manager is: What do we believe in here? What is the purpose of this company? Should all businesses have a social purpose? When it comes to making a choice about whether or not your company should be giving back, I believe the answer is yes — and there are a number of ways to do that. You don’t have to be a charity, you don’t have to be a social enterprise to do it. Every business and every entrepreneur I believe should look from the beginning to choose a cause you care about, look at the need of the community, look at the need of your employees and team and take action and embed that into your culture from the beginning. Visit DanielDoes.co | Follow @Francavilla
For the third week of social distancing and self-quarantine, with much uncertainty and change, I decided to host a live discussion on the current state of entrepreneurship with fellow founder, Daniel Lewis. Daniel and I have always supported local small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs through our own events, workshops, and social media. We also have a YouTube series helping entrepreneurs start-up, The Daniel and Daniel Show, which we recorded a couple of years ago at http://DanielShow.co. Throughout this discussion, recorded live on Instagram, we took questions on anything related to business, branding, balance and of course operating while social distancing. For future lives, feel free to follow me at https://instagram.com/danielfrancavilla.
We’re inviting social impact projects and organizations to apply to pitch at the Bright Ideas Pitch for funding and mentorship. This year, we’re also raising funds to help support even more youth-led social impact projects. Here’s how you can take action or participate in all of this: Contribute to the crowdfunding campaign by February 26: https://nownet.me/2t4E0wE Attend the pitch event and ACCESS 14th anniversary celebration on March 4: https://nownet.me/2O2RSyu Apply to pitch your idea by February 7 (if you’re under 30): https://nownet.me/2RUBfGz This is about sparking positive social change and inspiring youth to take action on issues that matter — which is why I consider it some of my most important work.
The Advertising Project, a student group at Wilfred Laurier University in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, invited April and I from Now Creative Group to speak on a panel about careers and entrepreneurship in the marketing and advertising industry. This is a full audio recording of the panel discussion, followed by questions from the students.
To kick off the new decade, I built and launched my full personal website at DanielDoes.co, complete with services. On this episode, I take you through the process and the content, and talk about everyone’s favourite topic (not really) personal branding. While I’ve had the domain since high school, I’ve only ever used it as a landing page — until now. Checkout http://DanielDoes.co and send me your site or questions!
One of my favourite podcast interview experiences. Back in early 2019, before the show pivoted to a new format and relaunched (which coincidentally, Now Creative Group worked on the visual refresh), I was on the Hustle Harder podcast, interviewed by the awesome team at Origins Media Haus. The episode is no longer live on the original podcast feed, so it's living here as an archive. You can visit the new, totally rebranded version of the Hustle Harder podcast now, which is all about their entrepreneurial journey building Origins here.
On this episode, I interviewed Jordan Gross as one of the 90 Podcast Interviews in 90 Days for a challenge he embarked on. We tall about his approach to productivity and experimentation, and he shares some tips on how to land your very own TEDx talk. Learn about Jordan and his journey at journeytocloudnine.com.
Entrepreneurship panel discussion at a Brampton Hackathon called #WolfHacks19 featuring speakers from Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, Bramptonist.com, Our Wave Hub and Now Creative Group. We answer some moderator questions and end with some Q & A. Recorded on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the Bramalea City Centre. Questions or connections? Reach out to me @Francavilla on Twitter or on LinkedIn.
Answering Questions about Agency Life! Topics covered in this Q & A episode include: Agency vs. In House vs. Freelance Switching Between Many Projects Using What I Learned in School What I Bring to Meetings Resources & Inspiration Natural Skill Staying Competitive http://DanielFrancavilla.com
Creating something from nothing is an unpredictable journey. The first mile births a new idea into existence, and the final mile is all about letting go. We love talking about starts and finishes, even though the middle stretch is the most important and often the most ignored and misunderstood. The Messy Middle: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture Get the Book by Scott Belsky: https://amzn.to/2zPwmXz
A short episode on convenience and valuing your time, recorded while looking for parking.
My plea for you to not spend all your efforts on developing and no time launching. Invest in your marketing — why build if few will see it? Please don’t tell me you don’t need to put effort or invest in marketing, when you’ve invested in so much else. Why spend months developing your idea and only a few days on launching it publicly? • Send me your ideas or marketing challenges! Email daniel@nowcreativegroup.com • http://DanielFrancavilla.com
Key learnings and advice on scaling! Just over 5 years ago, in the spring of 2013, I went from a freelancer to the founder and creative director of Now Creative Group. Recently, I was interviewed about my journey as an agency owner. For this interview, I’ve adapted two topics to help anyone looking to start or grow their own agency, or just to get a feel for this career path. Starting with the 3 things I’ve learned about growing an agency. Five years in, I’m constantly learning. For more, visit: http://DanielFrancavilla.com http://NowCreativeGroup.com
You can't be productive if your body or brain isn't working. By no means am I a health expert — often I don't even follow my own advice — but here are some practical tips from myself and Lindsey on how to take care of your most critical asset: your physical and mental self! Tips from entrepreneurs Lindsay Johnson and me, Daniel Francavilla, recorded in Toronto. Watch this as a video on YouTube: https://nownet.me/2qmCKjM For more content like this, you can subscribe to Facebook Live notifications from The Radical Connector: https://www.facebook.com/radicallinds #selfcare #healthtips #entrepreneurlife #mentalhealth
Today, innovation can mean so many different things, from various perspectives and industries. The #INNOVATIONis series takes a look at the different ways people think about innovation and how they’re making a difference. Join our guests as they explain their take on the word that is taking the world by storm. Innovation is... A new originals series from Now Creative Group. http://NowCreativeGroup.com Follow @NowCreates everywhere Email us anytime now@nowcreativegroup.com
While in Collingwood, David Ip Yam joins me as we both took some time out to focus on our priorities and goals, create content, and use the space of being in a different town without our every day routine to address anything that doesn’t get covered in our busy everyday lives. To learn more about David visit http://DavidIpYam.com and http://RelationshipZen.ca
Live thoughts from the TakeOver Innovation Conference at Now Creative Group's demo booth. Recorded downtown Toronto on June 11, 2018.
Talking weekends, the new "time is now" video, plus, a special guest at the very end.
Are we all going about productivity the wrong way? The key to getting more done is actually to rest. I share my personal experiences and refer to tips inspired by a book by David Hieatt. For my blog and businesses, visit http://DanielFrancavilla.com
At some point along the journey, we all get discouraged. But don’t give-up, re-think the situation, recalibrate, and get going again.
Being Proactive in Communicating Problems • Advice from Neil Blumenthal, Warby Parker • DanielFrancavilla.com
On stage we discuss whether or not post-secondary degrees are relevant for entrepreneurship, and answer some audience questions. This was recorded at a Debate with individuals at the Toronto LinkedIn Meetup in January 2018.
Helpful advice from young entrepreneur Manu Goswami, while answering Q & A from the audience at our event at Now Creative Group in Toronto.
As the year of Canada’s 150th anniversary wraps up, I sit down with young serial entrepreneur Manu Goswami to talk about business here in Canada.
Casey Neistat believes in influence, but not the term “influencer”. Here on Toronto he answers questions on finding your voice, personal Privacy in the Public Eye, what he takes away from Malcom X and more.
My journey is far from over, but that doesn’t stop me from sharing my learnings today. I’m not a pro, but things I’ve learned — by actually doing — have made it possible to continue having an impact of some kind and growing, while on my entrepreneurial journey.
Stories aren't just for selfies and funny filters. Daniel Lewis and I share our opinion on Snapchat vs. Instagram Stories for business. From Facebook Live to Instagram Live and Stories, we also talk Live Streaming for your business. Find out why Daniel says you are a TV channel.
Quick tips on how to drive traffic to your website, as shared with the host of BEC Talks, Brampton Entrepreneur Centre’s show.
Better Business Ideas with Bruce Poon Tip • Authenticity, Failure and Mistakes on LinkedIn • Optimizing Your Profile, Looking for New Opportunities • Brampton Business and #TelusPitch
Learnings from Buffer Festival for Online Content Creators • Better Together: Content Collaborations • Don't Wait, Click Publish • Workshop Clip • The Value of Other Creators • Twitter @Francavilla
Business Development Director Bryce Seto on opportunity, growth and learning as you go • Saskatoon to Toronto • Sales @ Now Creative Group • Training Tuesday • Play Your Way to Growth • @BryceSeto
Making Tacos for Toronto • Accessible Healthy Food • Steps to Starting Up • Why Fake? • Focused Branding • The Process • FakeTaco.ca and @FakeTacoTO on IG
Conversation with Top 20 Under 20 Manu @GoSwish while he visited from New York, with Kim Parnell @KimBigK.
It's the very end of summer, talking about transitions, how ideas need space and Labour Day in Canada • http://medium.com/@francavilla
Recent Graphic Design grad talks about her experience as an intern at a creative agency, and shares tips for students and new grads. Follow Emily's Instagram @EmilyGrievesDesign
Daily Ups and Downs • Don't Bring Others Down • Should You Hide It? • Transition Tasks, Get Creative, Take a Break • "Shut Up and Work" • Follow @Francavilla
Our Lead Designer (and my best friend) is Moving Across the Country • • Alexis talks Fireside Conference firesideconf.com
Seeing Social Media on Site • Clients Contributing & Collaboration • Creating Context • Capturing the Client Experience • Project Process • Partnering • The Team in Niagara Falls
Interviewing Mikhaila Leech • Getting Started in Ottawa • From Internship to First Job • Why Choose a Small Agency • Embrace Variety • Ask Questions • Apply Learnings Everywhere • IG @Mikhailaaanne
Interviewing Entrepreneur Daniel Lewis • Study and Invention in Personal Branding • The Pyramid of a Brand • Join is both at http://DYPB.ca (Conference August 11-12 in Toronto)
Multitasking isn't more productive — I'll explain why. (Denzel Washington makes a great point about this). Is your memory full?
How ready can you really be for growth? Agency experiences • Elon Musk's schedule is intense, running several massive businesses, here's some insight from Complex Hustle.
April shares some tips for working at our agency, Now Creative Group in Toronto. Find out what we're looking for in a job applicant.
Diving into the use of plain text posts on LinkedIn getting thousands of views • Also touching on Internships and Experience, a future topic I'll cover, here with clip from Gary Vee • @Francavilla
Interviewing Bobby Umar, a 4-time TEDx Speaker and Inc Magazine Leadership export. We ask, what's your Personal Facebook Brand? • I end with Giving without Expectation • @Francavilla Twitter
Sharing Small Business Survival Skills and discussing the challenges of expansion for small local storefronts. Feel free to comment or share your thoughts @Francavilla on Twitter.
Switch up the content your consume — the sources, perspectives and mediums. (My Audio quality isn't the greatest on this episode, apologies)! Feel free to tweet @francavilla.
Personal Branding: You are not your company • Hawaii Hustle • Canadians on Achor
Your very own podcast. Easy! • Pleasure to meet a fellow Canadian on Anchor • Canadians on Anchor • This weekend, Canada turns 150 years old. #Canada150 | Make your own podcast: https://anchor.fm/daniel-francavilla
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