Small Business | Big Insights

Send us a textIn this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure sits down with Ottawa connector and storyteller Sam Laprade to explore how she co-authored Ottawa Made, a book celebrating local innovation and entrepreneurship. Sam shares the full behind-the-scenes of writing and launching the book—from managing self-doubt and editing challenges to finding time to write amid a busy life. She also dives into the sales side of authorship, explaining how thoughtful distribution, event-driven marketing, and community partnerships helped move books beyond the bookstore.But this episode is about more than just writing—it's about building something real. Sam reveals how deep, authentic relationships became her competitive edge in Ottawa, leading to everything from radio shows to keynote invitations. Her approach is a masterclass in grassroots visibility: handwritten notes, consistent event attendance, and becoming known as a connector in the city. If you've ever wanted to grow your presence without spending a fortune, learn why every entrepreneur has a story worth telling, or if you simply wondered how to turn relationships into lasting business opportunities—this episode delivers both strategic insights and heartfelt inspiration.00:00 – Intro: Turning ideas into books and the power of local stories01:10 – How Ottawa Made began and why Sam brought on a co-author04:00 – Why writing this book became a legacy piece05:20 – What surprised Sam most during the writing process08:00 – Advice for first-time authors and why small daily progress matters10:50 – Selling the book: launches, corporate gifting, and local retail partners14:30 – Building a real competitive moat through consistent community presence16:45 – How Sam's portfolio career evolved from being helpful and visible20:40 – Budget-friendly ways to be a “super-connector”22:00 – Why handwritten notes and showing up matter more than digital spam24:00 – Raw honesty: stories that didn't make the book and the editing process26:00 – The courage it takes to share real experiences and hard truths28:30 – Rapid-fire round: favorite Ottawa spots, biggest lessons, and regrets31:00 – Final advice for small business owners: be visible, be helpful, be humanSam Laprade, Griffin Fundraising & Ottawa Media PersonalityConnect on LinkedInHer Website

Send us a textIn this episode, Eric Saumure welcomes Monique Goffinet, seasoned board leader and governance expert, for an energizing and insightful conversation about board leadership, governance trends, and how business owners can use board involvement to grow professionally. Monique shares the realities of board service, demystifies common misconceptions, and dives into leadership lessons from her years as a CEO and board member. From emotional intelligence to modern succession planning and the "three Cs" of leadership, this episode is packed with practical insights for business owners looking to sharpen their strategic edge and contribute more effectively in board environments.Whether you're thinking of joining your first board or already serve on one, this conversation will reshape how you view governance and leadership in today's fast-paced world.00:00 – Introduction and Guest Overview01:56 – Misunderstood Roles of Board Members06:16 – What Is Role Creep in Governance?07:50 – Boardroom Dynamics and Entrepreneurial Grit10:30 – Leadership Training and Real-World Lessons14:11 – Outdated Governance Ideas and Succession Challenges18:14 – The Risks of Rigid Bylaws and Outdated Board Culture22:26 – Founder-to-Chair Transitions and Power Balance27:08 – High-Growth Environments and CEO Vision Alignment32:12 – The Three C's: Communication, Compromise, and Consensus38:45 – Emotional Intelligence in the Boardroom41:39 – Boards Aren't Just for Retirement Anymore44:14 – Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned50:49 – Board Experience in Nonprofits and Public Sector53:38 – Staying Connected and Final ThoughtsMonique Goffinet, MAhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-goffinet-ma-a1754395/Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

Send us a textToday, Eric sits down with Albert Labelle, partner at PearTree and a pro in strategic philanthropy.Albert breaks down flow-through shares—a powerful but often overlooked tax strategy that can help small business owners and individuals boost their charitable giving while lowering after-tax costs. They dive into how flow-through shares work, the tax advantages for Canadian donors, and how PearTree helps make it all happen. Albert also clears up common concerns around compliance and explains how to spot legitimate donation strategies.If you're looking to give smarter and make a bigger impact, this episode's for you.00:00 Intro00:51 Meet Albert Labelle02:17 What are Charity Flow-Through Shares?02:56 Donating Appreciated Securities04:38 PearTree's Role in Changing the Game06:42 Tax Benefits Explained09:57 How to Donate with PearTree15:16 Compliance & Risk23:24 Alternative Minimum Tax Strategies39:56 Wrap-Up & ResourcesAlbert Labelle, MFA-P, Partner, PearTree Canadahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/albertlabellejr/https://peartreefinserv.com

This special episode is part of the Podcasthon initiative, a global movement harnessing the power of podcasts to drive conversations around important causes. Podcasthon brings together creators, thought leaders, and change-makers to amplify voices that matter. Learn more at Podcasthon's website.Meet Robert Rhéaume, Board Chair of the Montfort Foundation. He shares his pride in the community-funded Mental Health Emergency Zone (MHEZ) and the Montfort Hospital's vital role in multilingual patient care, medical research, and healthcare training. Robert discusses their recent fundraising successes for mental health and inspiring donor stories, highlighting the community's crucial role in the hospital's success.0:00 Introduction to the Special Episode0:44 The Importance of Montfort Hospital1:35 Meet Robert Rhéaume2:57 Montfort's Unique Services and Impact6:28 Donor Stories and Contributions23:12 Future Goals and Fundraising Initiatives34:12 Conclusion and Call to ActionRobert Rhéaumehttps://montfortfoundation.ca/administration/m-robert-rheaume/https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-c-rhéaume-fcpa-fca-b0803210/

Send us a textIn this episode, Eric chats with David Burden, Director of Sales and Biz Dev at Arketek, a leading Salesforce consultancy. David drops some great tips on smart sales strategies, using tech to grow your biz, and avoiding common small business pitfalls. They cover everything from the (fading) future of cold email to how AI and automation are changing the sales game. Plus, David shares practical ways small businesses can streamline their sales process and use CRM data to find more ideal customers. Packed with useful insights for anyone looking to scale smarter.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:42 Common Sales Mistakes in Small Businesses03:44 The Future of Cold Email and Sales Strategies05:37 AI and Automation in Sales07:50 Automating Small Business Operations10:30 Choosing the Right CRM14:12 Building a Sales Playbook17:29 The Value of Adding Value in Sales18:37 Tracking Sales Metrics for Small Business Owners19:10 Leveraging Customer Lifetime Value21:39 Competing with Big Businesses22:12 The Importance of Local Networking25:03 Architect's Elevator Pitch26:41 Future Trends in Sales and Business Technology32:51 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsDavid Burden, CSP, Arketekhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/david-burden1/https://arketek.ca/

Send us a textIn this episode, Eric sits down with Shawn Stratton from Schooley Mitchell, a business optimization pro who helps small businesses cut costs—on average by 28%—without sacrificing quality. Drawing on his background as an expedition leader, speaker, and author, Shawn shares practical tips on auditing expenses and negotiating better rates on things like telecom, waste, and merchant services. He breaks down common myths around cost-cutting and explains how Schooley Mitchell handles the heavy lifting so business owners can save without extra hassle. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to boost profits and free up cash for growth.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:41 Identifying Unnecessary Expenses02:50 Telecom Cost-Saving Strategies06:17 Sculley Mitchell's Process and Services13:01 Technology Trends and Cost Management15:24 International Client Insights17:34 Understanding Competitor Pricing17:59 Overcoming Pushback and Skepticism18:25 The Importance of Cost Savings18:56 Revenue Growth vs. Cost Reduction19:52 Negotiating with Vendors20:54 Challenges in Collecting Financial Data25:33 Identifying Low-Hanging Fruit for Cost Reduction26:07 Avoiding Common Billing Pitfalls28:10 Evaluating Major Operating Expenses30:06 The Role of Salaries in Cost Management32:12 Risk-Free Cost Audits33:03 Conclusion and Contact InformationShawn Strattonhttps://www.schooleymitchell.com/office/sstratton/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnstratton/

In this episode of the Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric welcomes Tara Robertson, a senior accountant at Zenbooks.  Tara shares valuable insights on business taxation, her journey in the industry, and even some tax horror stories. They discuss the critical role tax accountants play, share tips for small business owners, and address common myths about business taxes in Canada. 0:30 Introducing Tara Robertson: A Journey in Accounting 1:34 The Cyclical Nature of Tax Season 4:08 Tax Horror Stories and Lessons Learned 6:59 Saving Clients Money 10:43 Unexpected Deductions and Client Conversations 14:15 Advice for Small Business Owners 20:10 Managing Stress and Fostering Team Spirit 23:33 Future Tax Changes to Watch Out For 25:50 The Importance of Professional Help 27:10 Tara's Interests 28:31 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Tara Robertson  tara.Robertson@zenbooks.ca linkedin.com/in/tararobertsonaccountant 

Steve Parr shares his journey from founding and selling a vacation rental company to starting his own law firm, Parr Business Law. In this episode, he breaks down the essentials of business succession planning. Steve highlights why it's so important to have a solid business structure, clear legal agreements, and backup plans in place for the unexpected. After all, every business partnership ends eventually—it's just a matter of when.  0:22 Introducing Steve Parr 5:00 Key Legal Steps for Small Business Owners 10:41 Estate Planning for Business Owners 15:03 Business Succession Planning 19:55 Trusts in Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts 21:30 Alter Ego Trusts 22:38 Estate Planning & Life Insurance 27:02 Legal Trends and Compliance 30:45 High Growth Business Challenges 34:11 Common Client Experiences 37:02 Final Thoughts and Contact Info Steve Parr  https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveaparr https://www.parrbusinesslaw.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@parrbusinesslaw 

In this episode, Eric interviews Kayla Rochkin, the Chief Growth Officer at Bond Bakery Brands. Bond acquires family and founder-run bakeries without succession plans, helping them continue their legacy. Kayla dishes on everything from keeping quality top-notch to building a company culture that's as warm and welcoming as fresh bread. She also shares tips on getting that B Corp certification and how to balance profits with purpose. 0:28 Introductions 2:20 Bond Bakery Brands 4:10 Portofino Bakery 11:30 B Corp Certification Journey 19:30 Carbon Reduction Initiatives 20:06 Flour Silos 25:27 Competing with Industry Giants 29:54 Consumer Trust 32:30 Advice for Small Businesses 36:58 Final Thoughts Kayla Rochkin, Chief Growth Officer at Bond Bakery Brands  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylarochkin/ Portofino Bakery  https://www.portofinobakery.ca/ 

Drew Millington is the co-founder of Nmbr, Canada's first embedded payroll provider. With deep expertise in SaaS and startups, Drew offers insights into key metrics that startups and small businesses should monitor, including the distinction between regrettable and non-regrettable churn. As a sales guru who has successfully scaled multiple tech startups, Drew shares invaluable advice on optimizing sales processes and effectively pitching to investors. 0:00 Introduction0:40 Drew's biography3:30 Payroll software4:38 Tracking sell-through6:55 Sales process12:18 Marketing for success16:20 AI and creativity17:22 Operations side of scaling22:00 Handling competition25:00 Pitching to investors33:30 Pivotal decisions in Drew's career40:00 Connect with DrewDrew Millington  linkedin.com/in/drewmillington https://www.nmbr.co/ 

Shrad Rao is the CEO of Wagepoint, a payroll software designed for small businesses in Canada. The company, known for its friendly team, aims to make payroll simpler and less intimidating. Wagepoint serves over 25,000 customers and processes payroll for more than 200,000 employees each month. Under Shrad's leadership, the company has grown to over 100 employees and is committed to diversity and inclusion. Shrad prioritizes a human-first approach and focuses on finding smarter solutions rather than working harder. He dismisses the concept of a "bias for action" and remains focused on customer needs and solving problems, without getting distracted by competition or trends in the marketplace.  0:23 Welcoming Shrad 4:25 Child-like VS Childish 7:45 Simplify, simplify, simplify 11:57 Elevator example 15:25 Wealthsimple 16:36 Background as financial analyst 20:25 Facing competitors 33:30 Equal partnerships 36:45 Navigating change in FinTech 43:08 Proudest accomplishment 46:25 WageFest Shrad Rao, CEO Wagepoint https://www.linkedin.com/in/shradrao/ https://www.wagepoint.com/ WageFest—https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgzlA0YU2EE3K9_exCvXsCJ_GHv13SKKHFL4pMCTVkdibf8w/viewform 

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business acquisitions with Brian Lee Shields, a seasoned business development and acquisition expert based in LA. With 15 years of experience, Brian has a rich background in private equity and has been involved in over $4 billion worth of investments across more than 15 industries. Listeners will gain valuable insights into business restructuring, turnaround strategies, and managing burnout.Brian and Eric cover a range of crucial topics including:Understanding the fit for business buyersNavigating cash flow investment dealsBuilding and maintaining a strong company cultureConducting thorough due diligenceBrian also shares practical advice for first-time business buyers, emphasizing the importance of:Partnering with a stellar business partnerRecognizing your strengths and weaknessesExamining 100 similar deals before making a decisionTune in to learn from Brian's extensive experience and gain actionable tips to help you succeed in the world of business acquisitions.0:00 Intro4:14 First acquisitions10:25 Integration, leadership, organizational development15:00 Tripling the value of a company18:50 Striking a deal22:40 Strategies to improve business29:00 Doing due diligence36:30 Advice to first-time business buyers40:15 Business partner42:10 Get ConnectedBrian Lee Shields https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianleeshields/BrianLeeShields.comResources Mentioned www.bizbuysell.com

Alex Hadjisophocleous is a fee-only/advice-only financial planner at Forest Financial Planning Inc., helping individuals and business owners grow wealth through financial literacy. His unbiased advice is a refreshing contrast to financial advisors who charge substantial annual fees, particularly in Canada. In this episode, he shares a wealth of financial wisdom, including tips on insurance, paying installments, and how to withdraw a salary or pay yourself in a small business. He also shares his insights on the future direction of the financial planning industry. 0:00 Intro 0:55 Conversation begins 4:50 Financial advice to small business owner 12:00 Strategies to grow a business 22:35 Debt, Loans, Investing25:00 Planning for an unpredictable future 29:15 Trajectory of financial service industry32:30 Financial education 38:05 Alex's course “Simplify and Grow”41:20 Closing Advice  Alex Hadjisophocleous·         https://forestfinancialplanning.ca/·         https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hadjisophocleous-cfa-cfp-mba-b24aaa57/ Resource Mentioned·         https://onfe-rope.ca/our-work/ottawa-volunteers-in-education/

What are the key attributes of a polished brand? To tackle this question, Eric invites Robert Smith for an insightful conversation on branding. Robert, a branding expert, Adjunct Professor, author, and Chief Creative Officer at Greenmelon Inc, has a wealth of experience in crafting successful brand identities. Having worked with numerous major companies in Canada, Robert prioritizes frequency, consistency, and quality in his approach. He shares invaluable tips and advice tailored for small businesses venturing into brand building. Throughout their discussion, they delve into topics such as logos, timelines, competition, creativity, and AI. 0:00 Intro 1:00 Conversation begins 3:40 Remove “like"5:00 Frequency, consistency, quality 10:44 Outsourcing branding and consulting 13:45 Budget and commitment16:35 The issue with AI 21:00 When to invest in branding 25:18 Lasting logos 27:40 Competition, disruption, colors 30:30 Value of branding 36:40 Stop Looking For Zebras 40:10 Creativity 42:40 What's next 44:02 Get connected Robert Smith  https://www.linkedin.com/in/greenmelonrobert/http://www.greenmelon.comhttps://www.think-smith.com/Stop Looking for Zebrashttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stop-looking-for-zebras-robert-b-smith/1144315674

Growing and scaling a small business takes strategy, innovation, and above all, great leadership. Zach Montroy, the Founder & CEO of The Intention Collective—a group of consultants specializing in small business growth and scaling—is a Harvard-educated strategist focusing on organizational psychology and development. In this lively discussion, they delve into team motivation, vision, values, goals, and systems. In an unpredictable world, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, how often should you revisit your business strategy? Zach suggests it's helpful to have no more than four values and to continually build trust internally within your team. He also emphasizes the value of personal coaching and therapy, sharing insights from his own entrepreneurial journey.0:00 Intro 0:53 Conversation begins 6:40 Motivating and aligning a team 8:40 Be vulnerable 10:20 Flexible strategy 13:00 On effective leadership 16:20 Personal VS business values 23:00 Trust is a bank account 26:24 Entrepreneurial journey 31:50 Importance of coach and therapist 32:25 Advice to younger self 33:26 What's next and final thoughts 35:13 Get connected Zach Montroy https://intentioncollective.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharymontroyResource Mentioned https://leadershipcircle.com/leadership-assessment-tools/leadership-circle-profile/Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown

Starting a small business involves various legal considerations, many of which can be conveniently addressed online. Shane Murphy, the CEO of Ownr, brings a legal background to the table and shares his entrepreneurial journey, including successfully starting and later having his business acquired by its major competitor. Ownr, an all-in-one platform, has assisted more than 125,000 small businesses in their initial stages by facilitating tasks such as registration and incorporation and provides ongoing support for routine legal needs. Scaling up your “side hustle' and making your business ideas official doesn't need to be excessively costly or complex.0:00 Teaser 1:06 Conversation 3:38 Entrepreneurial journey 7:50 Technology and small businesses15:36 Legal considerations 29:36 Past as a lawyer 32:10 Acquisition with Ownr36:10 What's next 38:28 Get connected 40:04 Outro Resources mentionedhttps://www.ownr.co/blogShane Murphyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shanepatrickmurphy/

Small businesses should not shy away from new technology, but rather use it as a secret tool to drive  employee and customer satisfaction and engagement. Jeremy Irving is the Managing Director and Senior Technical Analyst of  IC 360 Solutions, a technology firm that helps small businesses. He is also a certified PMP (project management professional) and a cloud technology and digital transformation expert, with over twenty years of hands-on IT experience. Today, he shares his insights on cybersecurity, ChatGPT, Microsoft versus G-Suite, his personal views on work-life balance, and much more.   0:00 Teaser 1:10 Interview with Jeremy 8:10 Cloud solutions and security 12:56 Prevalence of cyber attacks 14:35 How can small businesses protect themselves 16:50 Microsoft VS G-suite 20:12 Leading with objectives 25:26 Design first, engineer second 25:46 Benefits and issues of AI 31:20 In-house VS outsourcing 34:40 Work-life balance 43:46 Get connected 44:37 Outro Jeremy Irving  linkedin.com/in/jeremyirving https://www.ic360.ca/ https://twitter.com/ic360solutions 

Employee retention is crucial for small businesses, and providing benefits to alleviate financial worries  can be instrumental in avoiding turnover. Gren Austin serves as the Head of Wealthsimple Work, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Wealthsimple's Group Retirement Business. In a conversation with Eric, Gren delves into the distinctions between group pensions and RSPs, emphasizes a client-first approach, and highlights the diverse range of services that Wealthsimple offers.0:00 Teaser 0:57 Interview begins2:36 Client-first approach6:05 Human VS robot 7:50 Expanding into crypto and trading11:35 Education, savings, investing 12:55 Group pensions VS RSP's 18:05 Retention and turnover 20:33 Help employees manage their money 23:30 Cost of group retirement benefits 28:38 How does it work 32:50 Wealthsimple Tax 36:20 Areas of focus 39:10 Get connected 39:50 Outro Gren Austinlinkedin.com/in/grenaustinhttps://twitter.com/GrenAustinStudy referencedhttps://www.benefitscanada.com/news/bencan/employees-financial-stress-costing-employers-40bn-in-2022-survey/

In this episode our guest, Ange unpacks the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its multi-dimensional influence on interactions within teams. Emotionally intelligent leadership is revealed as a catalyst for trust, collaboration, and innovation, fostering a culture that drives small business success. Small business owners are offered practical strategies to harness the power of emotions, bolster team cohesion, and maximize productivity. Self-awareness emerges as a pivotal factor, underlining the importance of recognizing one's emotions in nurturing emotional intelligence. Additionally, the discussion touches on the significance of emotional resilience in overcoming challenges and setbacks. Ange provides insights into tools and techniques for assessing and improving EI within teams, citing real-world success stories to inspire businesses looking to transform their cultures. As the episode concludes, Ange leaves listeners with the encouragement to embrace emotional intelligence as a growth accelerator, offering a fresh perspective on leadership and team dynamics. Don't miss this insightful journey into the role of emotions in small business success on "Small Business Big Insights. This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and Emdash  00:00 - 00:20 IntroductionThe transcription begins with an introduction, setting the stage for the conversation about emotional intelligence, leadership, and personal development. 00:20 - 00:23:54 Emotional Intelligence Overview (Ange)Ange discusses emotional intelligence (EI), mentioning that it consists of four quadrants and has subcategories. They emphasize the importance of understanding EI and mention that it can be developed by up to 20% in one year. 00:23:54 - 00:25:16 Application of Emotional Intelligence (Eric)Eric acknowledges the quantification of EI growth and discusses how EI development can benefit personal life, not just the workplace. 00:25:16 - 00:26:55 Whole Person Performance (Ange)Ange emphasizes the concept of whole person performance, highlighting that personal and professional aspects are interconnected. 00:26:55 - 00:28:49 Developing Teams with EI (Eric)Eric asks about developing teams using emotional intelligence, leading to Ange's explanation of the role of leaders in promoting EI and the importance of celebrating small wins. 00:28:49 - 00:30:07 Impact of EI on Addiction (Ange)The discussion shifts to the relationship between emotional intelligence and addiction, with Ange explaining how low EI and self-esteem can contribute to addiction. 00:30:07 - 00:32:02 Coaching vs. Therapy (Eric)Eric inquires about the difference between coaching and therapy, leading to Ange discussing their approaches. They highlight that coaching focuses on assisting individuals in setting and achieving goals. 00:32:02 - 00:33:20 Starting a Coaching Practice (Ange)Ange shares their experience of starting a coaching practice shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic and how the shift to online coaching brought unexpected opportunities. 00:33:20 - 00:35:00 Future Projects (Eric)Eric asks about Ange's future projects, leading to a discussion of their plans for scaling the coaching practice and creating an AI emotionally intelligent coach. 00:35:00 - 00:35:47 Leadership Cohorts (Ange)Ange introduces leadership cohorts designed to help individuals at various stages of their leadership journey. 00:35:47 - 00:36:57 The Importance of EI (Eric)Eric asks if there are any other important aspects to discuss, prompting Ange to stress that every organization, regardless of size, can benefit from implementing emotional intelligence practic

Managing people for YOUR small business, join me with guest Andrea Bartlett, she has been Vice-President of People at Humi for 3 years. In this episode we talk in depth about how you can make sure that HR plays a pivotal role in nurturing your workplace and foster great employee experiences. Andrea has great tactical advice and real-world examples to help you enhance your Employee Experience and onboarding processes. This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and emdashagency.ca 0:00                        Introduction 2:15                        Andrea Bartlett3:35                        Employee Experience Explained7:45                        Communication is Key11:49                     Onboarding Mistakes to Avoid16:47                     Measuring Experience Goals21:38                     Recruitment Process Investment26:01                     Personal Touch32:04                     The Humi Differentiation34:25                     Brought to you by Zenbooks35:47                     People & Profitability Balance41:10                     Metrics Trap44:17                     Caring without Carrying48:21                     Understanding your Business50:52                     Building in the HR Space54:21                     Emdash Sponsor54:55                     Next Episode Teaser                                                                Andrea Bartletthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabartlett/   ReferencesMuriel Wilkinshttps://hbr.org/2020/12/podcast-coaching-real-leaders Emdashwww.emdashagency.ca  

Understanding the intersection and dynamics of the 2SLGBTQI+ and business community. Join me with guest Darrell Schuurman co-founder and CEO of the CGLCC, Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce as we explore questions that many small business owners have as it relates to the 2SLGBTQI+ community. In this episode we talk about how all businesses can do their part to recognize, include and collaborate with diverse groups in their communities. Darrell also touches on advocating for the economic empowerment of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and emdashagency.ca0:00Introduction 1:44Darrell Schuurman3:33Filling the Gaps5:04Community Evolution7:17Supplier Diversity14:02Overcoming Challenges & Barriers18:21Brought to you by Zenbooks19:232SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program23:43How to be an Inclusive Organization26:35Rainbow Registered Accreditation31:27Equal Access & Opportunities34:18Small Wins Fuel Fires38:03Black and White Gala 202338:38Collaboration for Future Growth41:40Emdash Sponsor42:14Next Episode TeaserDarrell Schuurmanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-schuurman/https://twitter.com/DSchuurman https://cglcc.ca/ ReferencesBlack and White Gala ticket sales;https://cglcc.ca/events/cglcc-8th-annual-black-white-gala-2023/ Emdashwww.emdashagency.ca 

Mastering mergers & acquisitions for small businesses, join me with guest Colleen Kelley president at Stratford Group. In this episode we explore the strategic reasons why small and medium-sized businesses should consider acquisitions. Colleen specializes in business scale-up, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and integrations. Colleen shares a comprehensive overview of M&A strategies, financial considerations, due diligence processes, key industry players, and integration challenges for small and medium-sized businesses. Don't miss out on your M&A opportunities.This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and humanihr.com0:00:Introduction 1:13:Colleen Kelley2:30: M&A, A Strategic Lever for Growth6:50:Show Me The Money10:24:4 Step Buying Process 13:11:Avoiding Deal Fever18:08:Who's Who in the Industry23:06:Brought to you by Zenbooks24:32:Finding Businesses to Buy26:49:Understanding Valuation28:48:Data Room 33:06:Accelerating Growth Curve 36:30:Educate Yourself38:25:Buyers and Sellers40:35:Rewarding Career Path42:20:Knowing your Long Term Goals44:56:Humani HR SponsorColleen Kelleywww.stratford.group colleen.kelley@stratford.group https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenkelley99/ ReferencesComplementary business assessment and valuation. https://score.valuebuildersystem.com/stratford-group/colleen-kelley 

Join me with guest Riaz Sidi from Sidi.io, a distinguished sales and marketing leader, sharing game-changing insights from his 20+ years of experience as he champions collaboration over competition and unveils the secrets of customer engagement. In this episode we explore the core pillars of business success from revenue generation, sales finesse, and marketing brilliance. Riaz emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation, likening it to igniting a spark before launching a marketing campaign. Discover the art of diversification and adaptability in an ever-changing market. Riaz advocates authentic self-presentation, while harnessing AI and automation to elevate efficiency and customer experiences. Embrace the journey, and let Riaz light the way to unconventional success strategies.This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and humanihr.com0:00: Introduction 1:11: Riaz Sidi2:17: Overlooking the fundamentals6:05: Playing the short game only9:41: Being real and having fun12:20: Collaboration is key14:52: Brought to you by Zenbooks15:45: Harnessing AI to maintain rates during inflation18:42: Blue Ocean strategy21:54: Embracing AI for better outcomes23:36: Education, entertainment and enlightenment29:14: Building your own ecosystem34:00: Water cooler culture 36:11: Get off the roller coaster 40:21: Balancing work and family; getting out what you put in42:08: Keeping the honeymoon alive47:17: Humani HR Sponsor48:00: Next EpisodeRiaz Sidihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/riazsidi/ https://sidi.io/ ReferencesBlue Ocean Strategyhttps://www.amazon.ca/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Expanded-Uncontested/dp/1625274491/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1691866972&sr=8-2 Your Next Five Moves https://www.amazon.ca/Your-Next-Five-Moves-Business/dp/1982154810/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2J7LQAYCPJ8IJ&keywords=your+Next+Five+Moves+by+Patrick+David&qid=1691867057&sprefix=your+next+five+moves+by+patrick+david%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1Spin Sellinghttps://www.amazon.ca/SPIN-Selling-Neil-Rackham/dp/0070511136/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HUJ3DVKOUVUV&keywords=Spin+selling&qid=1691867094&sprefix=spin+selling%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1Building a StoryBrandhttps://www.amazon.ca/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/1400201837/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MAB2A3GS4KO2&keywords=Story+brand&qid=1691867142&sprefix=story+brand%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1Unreasonable Hospitalityhttps://www.amazon.ca/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Re

Small businesses can thrive by maximizing talent, fostering a dynamic culture, and adapting to the evolving business landscape. Eric, and guest James Baker discuss the challenges and opportunities that small businesses often overlook, from recruitment pitfalls to harnessing government grants, this podcast explores some unexpected tactics small businesses can use to optimize their operations and culture. James is the CEO and Co-Founder of Keynote Search, he boasts two decades of industry expertise and remarkable accolades along the way, like Fastest Growing Company by Globe and Mail and Forty under 40 to name a few. James emphasizes the importance of defining expectations, leveraging technology, and embracing remote work options. Discover practical strategies and actionable advice to propel your small business to new heights.This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and humanihr.com 0:00: Introduction 1:11: James Baker2:20: Recruiting in the past, not for the future8:30: Fostering your small business narrative10:30: The culture trap12:50: Culture awareness12:45: The hybrid work movement19:05: Brought to you by Zenbooks20:33: Poaching talent vs developing talent22:22: Employee centric legislation24:31: The good, the bad and the ugly25:52: 80/20 recruitment rule29:30: Changes in the war for talent 32:33: Mitigating the risk of turnover34:46: Find, fit and stay; the employment placement journey37:35: Investment structure40:45: Controlling scale and retaining values42:12: People are your best asset43:35: Humani HR Sponsor44:17: Next EpisodeJames BarkerJames@keynotesearch.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbkeynote/ 

Today's conversation is with accomplished technology leader Anastasia Valentine. Join me as she reveals her strategies for smart revenue growth for small business owners and entrepreneurs. We explore the pivotal roles of CROs and CMOs in aligning marketing and sales for business expansion as well as strategies for networking and building valuable connections using CRM tools . We dive into the realm of AI in content creation while emphasizing the balance of human touch and ethical practices. Anastasia imparts wisdom on setting achievable goals, optimizing work efficiency, and preventing burnout. Tune in for practical insights.This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and ic360.ca0:00: Introduction 1:10: Anastasia Valentine2:41: One Team Mentality 4:22: Tapping into your Network6:17: Adding Value to Create Efficient Marketing and Sales Processes 8:03: Listen More, Talk Less - Incredible Customer Experiences11:19: Canceling Hussle Culture18:13: Brought to you by Zenbooks19:21: The AI Assistant - Human vs Machine26:45: Language Soup - Learning Languages for Kids29:54: How and When to Hire a Fractional CRO or CMO32:00: Creating Measurable Goals to Manage Stress35:22: Choosing Each Other36:37: Start-Ups and Scale Ups39:45: IC360 Solution Sponsor40:31: Next EpisodeAnastasia Valentinehttps://www.anastasiavalentine.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiavalentine/ ReferencesCrocodiles and Crumpetshttps://www.amazon.ca/Crocodiles-Crumpets-Anastasia-Valentine-ebook/dp/B004JHZ2BW/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1691702897&refinements=p_27%3AAnastasia+Valentine&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Anastasia+ValentineNature's Creatureshttps://www.amazon.ca/Natures-Creatures-Language-Introduction-Book-ebook/dp/B004JHYTYI/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1691702925&refinements=p_27%3AAnastasia+Valentine&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Anastasia+Valentine

Self-awareness, the ability to adapt in times of uncertainty, and building trust with clients and team members are this episode's focus. Eric and guest Rob Dale explain thought-provoking topics that help business owners expand beyond the traditional business mindset. Rob is a master coach with Rhapsody Strategies, an award-winning coaching firm, who demonstrates his ability to inspire and motivate individuals to grow and live out their purpose. His "Living Richly" podcast, featuring weekly video talks, has garnered views from people in over 20 countries. Join us through his insights, where you're encouraged to consider your personal alignment, purpose, and relationships as essential components of success in both life and business.This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and ic360.ca0:00: Introduction 0:55: Rob Dale; Living Richly, Cigars & Scotch3:03: Personal Connections and Business Life Balance8:53: Personal Purpose Statement 12:07: Business Mindset 17:15: Culture Matters, People Matter, It's a Business After All20:00: Brought to you by Zenbooks20:51: Facing Uncertainty28:32: Building Trust through Authenticity35:17: Rituals to Guide Oneself through Stress39:48: Living Richly Podcast43:15: IC360 Solution Sponsor44:00: Next EpisodeRob Dale Living Richly Podcast: www.livingrichly.meRhapsody Strategies: https://rhapsodystrategies.com/ Email: rob@rhapsodystrategies.comReferencesJim Collins: Good to Greathttps://www.amazon.ca/Good-Great-Companies-published-HarperBusiness/dp/B00E327SVA/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1691692502&sr=8-1Ray Dalio: Principalshttps://www.amazon.ca/Principles-Life-Work-Ray-Dalio/dp/1501124021/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34X2YNBG7CDKQ&keywords=ray+dalio+principles&qid=1691692572&sprefix=ray+dalio+principals%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1Stephen R. Covey: 7 habits of highly effective peoplehttps://www.amazon.ca/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1982137274/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZY316FQBOQ9X&keywords=7+habits+of+highly+effective+people&qid=1691692602&sprefix=7+habits+of+highly+effective+people%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1John Maxwell: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadershiphttps://www.amazon.ca/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Follow/dp/140

Polls, surveys, and focus groups aren't just for big business; small businesses can gain big insights and win a competitive edge. Diving into this topic, Eric interviews one of Canada's best known and most respected pollsters, David Coletto. David is the Founder, Chair, and CEO of Abacus Data, a Canadian market research firm. He has a PhD in Political Science and is a professor at Carleton University. By discovering what your current and prospective customers really think, you can invest wisely into your marketing and growth strategy. Like David says, “good decisions require good data.”This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and IC360.ca  0:00                 Introduction 0:42                 David's biography 2:00                 Small businesses research 3:20                 Practical examples 7:00                 Invest in research before marketing 9:45                 Gain a competitive edge 17:56               Brought to you by Zenbooks18:40               Polling small communities 23:32               Power of persuasion 24:17               Merging business and academics 27:22               Small business principles— hospitality 29:27               Proudest accomplishment 31:46               Future of Abacus 35:45               Get connected 36:09               Brought to you by IC36036:52               Next up  David Coletto LinkedInAbacus DataEmail: david@abacusdata.ca   David's podcast: InFocus with David Coletto (Spotify)Resource Mentioned Setting the Table by Danny Meyer https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Table-Danny-Meyer-audiobook/dp/B000JCE38O/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580712210320&hvdev=c&hvlocint=9060351&hvlocphy=9069740&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=48849363074289947&hvtargid=kwd-4028804306&hydadcr=21909_13324147&keywords=danny+meyer+setting+the+table&qid=1689021207&sr=8-1