We believe in our Lewis County farms. In Lewis County, NY, approximately 200 family-owned farms form the backbone of our rural economy, regional food system, and rich agricultural heritage.
well-being practices, environmental stewardship, and responsible use of technology and modern production practices of our family farm partners while paying them fairly to encourage and support responsible farming practices and to help continue the proud agricultural legacy of Lewis County and the Black River Valley.
At Black River Valley Natural, our vision is to partner with these family farms to provide our valued customers with premium handcrafted locally sourced artisan foods and to strengthen the connection between our farmers and customers. We seek to build trust and pride in our local food system through transparency and a strong focus on showcasing the caring animal
info@blackrivervalleynatural.com 315-741-5872 www.blackrivervalleynatural.com
@blackrivervalleynatural
2
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lee Ann Atwater MANAGING DIRECTOR Rod Gregg SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER David MacDonald RESEARCH TEAM LEADS Alia Morash Ashley Tanner
EDITORIAL TEAM Denise Alison Jamie Barrie Janice Buckler Jody Euloth Dan Monk Jordan Parker CONTRIBUTING WRITER Ceiledh Monk Katie Davis Arleen Atienza MEDIA CONSULTANT Tim Kohoot
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carmen Fitzpatrick GRAPHIC DESIGNER Matt Erikson COMMUNICATIONS &
ADMIN LEAD Calli Gregg PUBLISHER AIDACA Media
E ntrepreneurs build businesses based on passion and drive. For most, it is not where their careers began, but it was their passion to be an entrepre- neur that led them to where they are today. Like the old saying around the track goes, “It is not where you start, but where you finish that counts.” As with these businesses it looks like they are coming out of corner four in front of the pack and headed for the checker flag. In this issue we sit down with Wendy Black and find out how a Humber College graduate who left a successful career in the travel and tourism industry to be a stay-at- home mombecame one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in real estate staging, with not one but two companies; Wendy Black Interiors and Exit, Staged Right! Karl Stapleton was the kind of kid who brought a few spare boards, nails and a hammer to a game of pond hockey in case their makeshift net would need repair. They also came in handy for building a few cabins back in the woods of Marystown, Newfoundland. Karl has come a long way since building pond hockey nets, and we sit down with Karl and his wife Charmaine Donnelly-Staple- ton owners and operators of Quest Kitchens in Elmsdale, Nova Scotia to learn of their journey to being one of the top cabinet makers in Nova Scotia. When we spoke with Angela Bean from her home on Florida’s North Atlantic Coast in America’s oldest city, she had just learned that four of Old St. Augus- tine Gourmet products had garnered awards at the International Flavor Awards. We sit down with ‘The Datil Pepper Lady’ and learn of her recent foray onto the stage of the competitive hot sauce industry after careers as a public educator and 25 years a registered nurse.
sales trainer, coach, sponsorship and marketing activator, keynote speaker and writer of the monthly column “The Dynamic Soul of Selling” found right here in Spotlight on Business Magazine to share her experiences and how she can make them work for your business and take sales to the next level. In this issue we follow up with Jeff Heggie, the President and CEO of Kodiak Mountain Stone, and learn what is new with the business and industry since we spoke with Jeff back in August of 2016. We hope you enjoy the issue and we would like to thank all those involved in putting this month’s issue together along with our readers as we look forward to telling more stories about successful businesses and the people behind the scenes making it happen.
Lee Ann Atwater Editor
We also chat with Jody Euloth, CEO and Founder of The Mesh Media Network, after coming off another successful Atlantic Fashion Week. We sit down with the
P.O. Box 35007, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3M 0G3 P: 902 593 0533 E: info@spotlightbizmag.com spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
3
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
28
So how does a Humber College graduate who left a successful career in the travel and tourism industry to be a stay-at- home mom become one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in real estate staging, well if you ask Wendy Black, she kind of fell into it and has never looked back. Now Wendy Black Interiors carries their own extensive line of furniture and accessories that are housed in their sister companies, Exit, Staged Right! warehouse located in Kitchener, Ontario. Having both a staging company and furniture rental business keeps rental costs down while allowing for all the furnishings to be carefully chosen by Black to capture the latest styles and trends. Whether you are looking to stage a tiny condo or a multi-million-dollar home and all properties in between, we have the right scale and style of furnishings to suit your needs and assist you in getting the largest return on your investment with the least amount of time on the market.
For Angela Bean’s line of Old St. Augustine Gourmet products the proof isn’t only in the pudding, as it were, anymore – it’s on the mantelpiece. (Well, what she can fit on the sill is there, anyway.) Old St. Augustine Gourmet took home first place at the 2018 Scovie Awards for Angela’s handcrafted Datil Jerk Jamaican Seasoning Blend; first place at the 2017 World Hot Sauce Awards for her Sweet Heat Datil Pepper Bar-B-Que Sauce; and second place for her Fountain of Youth Datil Marinade at the same international competition. When Angela spoke with Spotlight on Business in early August from her home on Florida’s North Atlantic Coast in America’s oldest city – the San Agustin colony predates Jamestown (1607) by 42-years – the Volunteer State native was fresh from four more triumphs: “I just yesterday learned that I have four products that were garnered awards at the International Flavor Awards. The awards were for first place for my Snake Bite Datil Pepper Hot Sauce, which is a Louisiana-style hot sauce, and first place in the ‘Pickled Veggie Category’ with my gourmet Jalapeño Onion Relish, which is great on hamburgers and hotdogs and it’s really good with vegetables, greens or beans of any kind. My Snake Bite Salsa won second place in the ‘Medium Salsa Division’ there, as well. And my Fountain of Youth Marinade won second place in the ‘Marinade Division’ – so that’s a double winner for me.” What might...
44
4
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
02 SPOTLIGHT ON OCTOBER 08 OCTOBER INDUSTRY EVENTS 10 SPOTLIGHT ON INDUSTRY 12 MESH MEDIA NETWORK- THE DYNAMIC SOUL OF SELLING Closing Sales year Strong 18 STRATIGRO- GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA! The Aftermath- What no one tells you about success in business 20 CONTRACTORS CORNER What makes a contractor and small business owner tick 24 FLAIR STYLE CO Prep it. Stage it. Sell it. 28 WENDY BLACK INTERIORS Connecting Emotionally with Buyers 32 SETTING THE STAGE Presentation is Everything! 38 ACCESS HOME STAGING Bringing Customer service to the forefront 42 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS 44 OLD ST AUGUSTINE GOURMET Meet Angela Bean, the ‘Datil Pepper Lady’ 50 MESH MEDIA NETWORK Mesh With Us 54 KODIAK MOUNTAIN STONE Rock Solid... Expect It! 58 QUEST KITCHENS Elegant Kitchens by Design 66 SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION 74 SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH 94 HOLISTIC HEALTH TIP FOR OCTOBER BY JANICE BUCKLER Adrenal Exhaustion
Karl Stapleton was the kind of kid who brought a few spare boards, nails and a hammer to a game of pond hockey for that inevitable moment when an over-zeal- ous friend back in Marystown, Newfoundland broke their makeshift net with his best Keith Brown slap shot. “I built a few cabins back in the woods of Marystown when I was a kid, too,” Karl told me through a laugh as we chatted before I began our interview. From hockey nets and clubhouses, I learned, came Karl’s signature: cabinets. Karl and his wife Charmaine Donnelly-Stapleton own and operate Quest Kitchens in Elmsdale, Nova Scotia, a small community of 3,034 located on the boundary of Hants County and the Halifax Regional Municipality. 58
Back in August 2016 when Spotlight on Business last spoke with Jeff Heggie, the President andCEOof KodiakMountain Stone, he explained how his vision – and execution – was simple when he began operations in 2005: manufacture beautiful masonry products for exterior sidings, fireplaces, feature walls – or any project his customers could dream up. “We finish the dream” quickly became KodiakMountain Stone’s slogan.
“After all, it’s our products that they see. The owners see the final product in their minds long before they begin: our stone, our brick, our stucco – or often a combo of them all,” Jeff told the magazine more than two years ago. But just as often, he recalled earlier this month, that combo included something that only a competitor offered. “That really made us take a look
54
5
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
A IDACA MEDIA understands that small and medium size enterprises and businesses are key to the successful growth of any economy and just as import- ant as big businesses to the global economy as a whole. By putting a spotlight on your business, organization or commu- nity with effective and interactive media and advertising we will help you capture the interest of business leaders and potential clients, giving you an opportunity to promote your brand and grow market share through mobile, online, print and social media support, helping your business connect and stay engaged with your customers.
6
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
We love our history and trivia (and scuttlebutt) here at Spotlight on Business. In fact, the question “What’s behind the name?” is key to our writing paradigm. Business decisions are, after all, informed by context and stories about legacies, symbols, and abstractions make for great reading. But it’s rare that these stories are unquestionably history in motion. When the Marketing and Communications Specialist and the Executive Director of the Lewis Economic Development Council spoke with the magazine in late August, I didn’t realize that I was speaking with two inheritors of the original American Dream.
7
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Engine and Transmission parts, Gear systems, Automotive Hand tools etc.
For more information of the event: http://www.aapexshow.com Follow on Twitter: @AAPEXShow Follow on Facebook: @AAPEXShow Follow on Instagram: @aapexshow
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL FASTENER AND MILL SUPPLY EXPO October 30th - November 1st, 2018 Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino | Las Vegas, NV, USA With 850+ Distributors, Manufactur- ers, and Suppliers of Fasteners, Spe- cialty Tooling and Machinery vendors it is no surprise why 5,000+ attendees from 30+ countries visit this “must attend” event each year to network and find new products and suppli- ers. 77% of attendees agree that the International Fastener Expo is a “must attend” event. The International Fastener Expo is the most comprehensive B2B trade show that draws together the entire Fastener industry from around the world. It is the largest industrial, fastener, spe- cialty fastener, machinery, and tooling show in North America where attend- ees and suppliers connect to network, build new relationships, nurture current relationships, and ultimately do business. All in one easy place; all within three days. For more information of the event: https://www.fastenershows.com Follow on Twitter: @FastenerShow Follow on Facebook: @IntFastenerExpo
as it is expected to draw more than 10,500 buyers from all regions of the United States and over 80 countries from around the world, including residential and commercial builders, installers, service professionals, spa dealers, outdoor living retailers, buying agents and other industry professionals. For more information of the event: https://www.poolspapatio.com Follow on Twitter: @PoolSpaPatio
Follow on Facebook: @PoolSpaPatioExpo Follow on Instagram: @poolspapatioexpo
PSP EXPO (INTERNATIONAL POOL SPA & PATIO EXPO) October 28th - November 2nd, 2018 Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino | Las Vegas, NV, USA The PSP Expo has maintained its position as the largest exhibit of pool and spa products, the PSP Expo has expanded to include products like BBQs, outdoor structures, casual fur- niture, lighting, and more. Attendees have the unique opportuni- ty to connect outside their region with other residential and commercial pool and spa professionals from across the globe who share the same mission. This marketplace cultivates a unique exchange of product knowledge, pro- cesses, and best practices. Above all, the PSP Expo is where the industry collaborates and establishes impactful relationships fostered by events like the Welcome Party and the GENESIS® Family Reunion Dinner.
AAPEX (AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS EXPO) October 30th - November 1st, 2018 Sands Expo | Las Vegas, NV, USA For more than 25 years, AAPEX Show has been the premier global event representing the global aftermarket auto parts industry. The AAPEX Show has been the premier global event representing the $328.2 billion global aftermarket auto parts industry fea- turing over 2,200 automotive after- market manufacturers and suppliers showcasing innovative products, services and technologies to 44,000+ targeted buyers. The AAPEX Show will showcase products like automotive lighting systems, sound moderators, cooling systems, Friction and Brake circuits,
THE SEMA (SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT MARKET ASSOCIATION) SHOW
October 30th, - November 2nd, 2018 Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)
This year’s event will have over 500 exhibitors and 45 educational sessions
8
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
| Las Vegas, NV, USA The SEMA Show is the premier auto- motive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Conven- tion Center. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with edu- cational seminars, product demon- strations, special events, networking opportunities and more. The SEMA Show represents the $43 billion automotive aftermarket and draws more than 70,000 domestic and international buyers. It is the only trade show that brings together every segment of the automotive industry, from hot rods and off-roads, to mobile electronics and collision repair. With more than 2,400 exhibiting com- panies and attendees from all over the world, the SEMA Show is where the hottest, newest automotive products debut. (PLEASE NOTE: THE SEMA SHOW IS NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC). For more information of the event: https://www.semashow.com Follow on Twitter: @SEMASHOW Follow on Facebook: @semashow Follow on Instagram: @semashow
cideries & gourmet food producers, with limited edition brews galore giving festival goers a comprehensive range of beer & food matching, cooking demon- strations and craft beer master-classes. Fremantle BeerFest will cross all bound- aries, delivering the only craft beer and cider festival with a totally local, Western Australia focus and the most exclusive, farm-gate to Freo range of WA craft beers, ciders and premium spirits. For more information of the event: https://fremantle.beerfestivals.com.au/ Follow on Twitter: @FreoBeerFest Follow on Facebook: @BeerfestAus Follow on Instagram: @beerfestau HOPSCOTCH: CANADA’S PREMIUM WHISKY BEER AND SPIRIT FESTIVAL November 23rd – 24th, 2018 Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) - Grand Tasting Hall | Vancouver, BC, Canada The West Coast’s long-running superior premium Scotch, Whisky and Beer festival is now the biggest combined Whisky and Beer festival across all of Canada. The main event, at the Grand Tasting Hall, has grown from 250 people to over 7500, including connoisseurs from all over the world and those of the highest level of trade. Each year the festival improves its edu- cational component by giving enthusi- asts the opportunity to learn, sip, and taste only the highest quality of liquors and premium beers. With more than 300 products available to taste, sample and discover — don’t miss this unique occasion of being able to truly experience some of your favorite brands and their world-renowned brand ambassadors. For more information of the event: http://www.hopscotchfestival.com/van- couver/ Follow on Twitter: @HopscotchNews
Come out and celebrate, 33 years for this amazing event. The Festival has grown over the past 33 years to stand apart as one of the most successful of its type in Canada providing a unique opportunity for festival goers to come together to sample and discuss the industry’s newest and best in wine, craft beer, spirits and food. For more information of the event: http://ottawawineandfoodfestival. com/ Follow on Twitter: BITTER & TWISTED INTERNATIONAL BOUTIQUE BEER FESTIVAL November 3rd – 4th, 2018 East Maitland Gaol | East Maitland, New South Wales, Australia The Portland Fresh Hops Fest is a cel- ebration of the annual hop harvest that takes place from mid-August to mid-September in Oregon. The festival features Oregon craft beers made with hops that are freshly picked off the vine and used within hours of harvesting. For more information of the event: http://www.bitterandtwisted.com.au/ Follow on Twitter: @musicfoodbeer Follow on Facebook: @bitterandtwist- edmaitland Follow on Instagram: @mymaitland @OttawaWineFood Follow on Facebook: @OttawaWineFood
FREMANTLE BEERFEST
November 11th – 12th, 2018 Esplanade Hotel Fremantle | Fre- mantle, WA, Australia Experience a jam-packed showcase of 50 Western Australian signature and award winning Craft Beers, Ciders, and Spirits as you Stop, Sip & Savour the very best of the west. This collec- tion of the best WA based breweries,
OTTAWA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL November 2nd – 4th, 2018 EY Centre | Ottawa, ON, Canada
Follow on Facebook: @hopscotchfestival Follow on Instagram: @hopscotchfestival
9
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
CANADA LEGALIZES POT On October 17th Canada officially got into the pot business. With the implementation of Canadian legislation, known as the Cannabis Act, which stems from a campaign pledge of Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau to keep marijuana away from underage users and curb marijuana-related crime. The new act goes into effect even as health care profes- sionals in Canada have expressed concerns regarding the legalizing of marijuana and the effects that it can have on the health of those wanting to use the drug. The Canadian government has put into place stringent rules that will govern the purchase and use of marijuana. In addition to usage, the government also made changes to impaired driving laws to address repercussions for driving under the influence of cannabis. Many ask why Canada would legalize cannabis, well the industry is expected to create an industry worth more than $4 billion in Canada and with Trudeau’s government spending and huge deficits this is a welcome revenue stream for the government.
USMCA WILL ALSO AFFECT WHAT YOU WATCH ON TV Canada’s new trade pact with the U.S. and Mexico may make trade freer between the three countries, but that freedom will not apparently extend to NFL fans in Canada that want to watch American Super Bowl ads during the big game. In a section of the agreement governing the trade in services, Canadian officials agreed to abandon a recent Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Com- mission rule that forced whichever Canadian network held the rights to broadcast the Super Bowl to show the original U.S. ads on them, and not replace them with Canadian ones. The new USMCA trade agreement is an unexpected win for broadcasters like Bell, by pledging to scrap that CRTC rule, but a loss to viewers of these major sporting events in Canada that will now have to sit through local ads during commercial breaks.
10
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
NOVA SCOTIA EXTENDS LEAVE FOR NEW MOMS AND DADS
The Nova Scotian government is extending the period of time that parents can take leave from their jobs to have a baby and look after the infant.
Changes introduced to the Labour Standards Code will mean parents can to take up to 77 weeks in combined pregnancy and parental leave. This is up from the current 52 weeks available under the existing period of leave established under provincial legislation.
The new legislation dovetails with federal changes made to employment insurance benefits in December 2017.
The governing Liberals will also make provincial changes to leave legislation that will also allow for a four-month period of leave to care for a critically ill adult or child. THE U.S. SOON TO BE THE WORLD’S TOP OIL PRODUCER
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, a global group of oil-consuming nations, estimates that America has sur- passed Russia in oil production showing further growth of the industry after out producing Saudi Arabia earlier this year. If the energy agency’s estimates are correct, the U.S. produced an average of 10.9 million barrels a day in August, compared with approximately 10.8 million barrels a day by Russia followed by approximately 10.4 million from Saudi Arabia. It said the U.S. passed Saudi Arabia in February for the first time in more than two decades, and this summer it topped Russia for the first time since 1999.
If those estimates hold up, it would be the first time since 1973 that the U.S. has led the world in oil production output.
The agency also said that it expects the U.S. will continue to top Russia and Saudi Arabia for the rest of this year and through 2019.
11
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Jody Euloth is the CEO of The Mesh Media Network and Founder of The Dynamic Soul of Selling. She helps entrepreneurs, business and sales professionals and creative visionaries get over their fear of selling so they can generate more revenue and make a bigger impact in business.
12
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
By Jody Euloth W ith two months left in the year (holy, I can’t believe I am saying that), most people know where they stand in terms of reaching their goals for the year. Some will have already crushed it and are sitting back relaxing, and others are stressing because they are nowhere near where they need to be. Regardless of where you may sit, closing out the year strong is a must. Don’t wait until next year to do this work. Here are three suggestions that will help you close out the year and put you in a good position before the next year starts. Connect with all your clients, prospects and even business accounts you lost - Whether your sales quota is sitting in the positive or negative, connecting with your clients and prospects, before the holiday break, is a nice touch. This means simple things like sending a card to thank them for their business, dropping by with a coffee or even a quick phone call to see how their year was. Doing this before the holiday chaos shows that you appreciate their business or want their business and can be a differentiator for you. Not every business or sales rep makes this effort, but it goes a long way in building relationships. When people come back in the new year, their focus is renewed, and energy will be going into having a strong start. And don’t leave this just for your current clients. I have done this with clients who, in the past year, have chosen to do business with someone else, and it provides a great opportunity for learning. You will quickly find out if they are happy or regret their decision of going with someone else. Appreciate your current clients and work to gain the trust of others. REVIEW AND REFLECT ON RESULTS - NOW IS THE TIME TO REFLECT ON YOUR RESULTS. Yes, this takes time and effort, but your results will thank you. Don’t wait for the new year, the time is now.
a clear break down of your sales and growth development.
ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
Which months were your best and why?
Which were your slowest?
What was the average length of your sales cycle? Can this be shortened?
Knowing your numbers is half the battle towards sales success. Many people leave this exercise to the new year, when it’s a trendy time to reflect, but doing it then wastes valuable time and attention that can go towards drumming up new business and delivering results. Strategize for the New Year - Put yourself ahead of the game by booking meetings with clients. By being proactive, you can avoid a lot of commotion by getting into people’s cal- endars now. When the new year hits, everyone is trying to track down everyone else, so having this in place will save you time and energy. Laying out a clear strategy of the clients who are most important to meet with and breaking them down into hot, warm and cold is a great strategy and approach. For more, sales tips and strategies, sign up for ‘The Dynamic Soul of Selling’ Newsletter at www.meshmedianetwork.ca/ dynamic-soul- of-selling/ For a free 15-minute sales consul- tation to determine if you would benefit from ‘The Dynamic Soul of Selling 90-minute Strategy Session’ email jody@ meshmedianetwork.com Jody Euloth is the CEO of The Mesh Media Network and Founder of The Dynamic Soul of Selling. She helps entre- preneurs, business and sales professionals and creative visionaries get over their fear of selling so they can generate more revenue and make a bigger impact in business.
Social handles @jodyeuloth www.meshmedianetwork.com
While the year is fresh in your mind, review your results and have
13
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
By Calli Gregg R emember when social media was just something you used to keep you connected with old high school and university friends and let them and your family know what you have been up to or to share some pictures from a recent vacation? Now social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Pinterest are much more than this now and have evolved to an e-commerce marketplace to promote products and allow users to buy them directly from within the platforms. Instagram recently announced a shopping channel under it’s explore tab, personalized to the user. In June, Instagram started a test to expand its shopping in stories feature. It did not take long for Snapchat to respond announcing a partnership with Amazon that allows users to point the Snapchat camera at a physical product or barcode to get a link for that product or similar ones available on Amazon. More or less, reaching into your pocket to help you spend your hard-earned money.
While Instagram and Snapchat are new to the into the game, Pinterest has offered the “Buy It” and “Shop the Look” features to its users for years now, but they will have some stiff competition now. This is great news for small and medium size business- es that use Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to promote and sell their products. Most businesses welcome any technologies that will let users buy products directly through one of their social media accounts as it increased brand exposure and purchase opportunities. New social media innovation and technologies are creating a more convenient, one-stop shopping platform for shoppers who favor online purchasing. However, there are some concerns regarding protecting the privacy of these users as these online tools that were originally intended as a tool to connect with friends, become a growing database of consumer information that can be used to influence shopping by users on social media platform.
14
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
By Calli Gregg T he old saying is that. “Employees do not leave jobs, they leave bosses.” A manager should never be the reason that employees leave, and they should work towards being the reason why employees stay and thrive in the workplace. Manager when hiring, is looking for qualified employ- ees that will be loyal and dedicated to the growth of the business. However, when employees feel left behind and unsupported, they look for other opportunities. It is simple, professional relationships are built on trust and commitment, and working for a manager that supports you is vital to your professional success and to that of the company. Stats show that employees who believe their company truly values and supports them perform better. When employ- ees feel supported by their manager, their commitment to the business and their job increases and it should be no surprise, so does the company’s success. Managers that engaged their employees by being accessible for discus- sion, motivating by strengths over weaknesses and helping to set goals are 59% more likely to retain quality employees because their manager has taken an interest in the employ- ee’s happiness, satisfaction, productivity and performance directly. This is not an easy task, building a healthy professional rela- tionship involves the efforts of both parties — boss and employee — and the result not only improves company success, but also the quality of policies, feedback and work culture for everyone. As an employee, you should get to know your company’s culture and ask for feedback on your progress. Regardless of your boss’s communication style, speaking up and asking for feedback will help build trust with your employer and it quickly establishes healthy communication.
know your boss, including their routine, how they prefer to communicate and their style of leadership:
Routine: Learn your boss’s routine and the routine of the other employees in the office. If you see people not engaging with the boss when they first get in the office, maybe you should do the same. But never assume that this is at the request of the boss, if you have questions ask. Communication: It is very important to learn and respect your boss’s communication style. Do they prefer face-to- face communication, phone calls or emails? How do they want to be informed of important information? It is also important for you to communicate how and when you as an employee want to receive information and feedback, remember building a solid relationship involves the efforts of both parties. Style of Leadership: What kind of leader is the boss? Various communication styles best fit an organization depending on its goals and culture, but provide both advantages and disadvantages.
Is your boss an Autocratic or Participative leader?
Autocratic Leaders: These types of bosses will assume total authority on decision-making without input from others.
Participative Leaders: These bosses value the input of team members however; the final decisions remain with the boss.
While any boss wields a position of power over their employ- ees, it’s important that leaders of any type don’t hold that over their employees’ heads. Respect is something that is mutually earned.
Why is this important?
Well it is very simple as work place happiness and job sat- isfaction increase, it has a positive impact on the business’s productivity, performance and work culture. A healthy rela- tionship between managers and employees is vital to any company’s success and the growth.
As your boss will try to learn more about you, both person- ally and professionally, it is also important for you to get to
15
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
By Arleen Atienza I n 2016, millennials composed a third of the workforce in the US, making it the largest generation in the labor force today. With ages ranging from 21 to 36 in 2017, mil- lennials are starting to take on leadership roles, as well. So much has been said about this generation, especially by the ones that came before it, in terms of work ethics, values, and belief system. Millennials grew up at a time of 24-hour news, exposing them to events from all over the world, and as they entered the new millennium, they witnessed the 9/11 tragedy; and then later on, were taken to the informa- tion age and technological revolutions. All these contribute to this generation’s different worldview and multifaceted set of beliefs. Indeed, it can pose a great challenge for organizations, which are still predominantly led by baby boomers, to manage such a complex group of individuals. In dealing with millennial workers, one must understand this genera- tion and how they are different or even similar to the others. MENTORSHIP
from their need for constant growth and learning. They feel more valued when they get feedback from their superior – whether positive or negative. Since they grew up with high expectations from older generations, millennials also want praise and encouragement for them to have a sense of progress and importance; but above all, millennials prefer managers who are transparent and dependable and whose practices are fair and ethical. WORKING WITH TEAMS While millennials have a good sense of their individuality, they work well in groups. Evidence has shown that millen- nials believe that business decisions are better made when there is a variety of input provided by individuals. However, the study also showed that this belief is not at all unique in millennials as Gen X employees equally believe the same. WORK-LIFE BALANCE Millennials value work-life balance for they know that it is beneficial to their mental health. Across all generations, mental health must be top priority in the workplace. A survey suggests that millennials felt more stressed and under pressure than their baby boomer counterparts, and this is due to factors such as low pay rates and high
Millennials appreciate regular feedback, and this comes
16
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
entry-level workloads.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY In valuing an organization, millennials look for authenticity and meaning. They go for companies that hold the same values as they do, and rally around the causes they feel strongly for. A study found that millennials look for reputa- tion-related attributes in businesses when looking for jobs. These attributes include caring about employees, envi- ronmental sustainability, community relations, and ethical products and services. As millennials continue to saturate the workforce, as well as the consumer market, businesses must be more adept in the millennial belief system and workplace behavior. Any organization can benefit from knowing their employees well and creating an environment that best suits their employ- ees’ strengths and potentials. Good employees make good leaders, and millennials will soon take the majority of the business leadership seats. It is then optimal to master the art of dealing with the millennial worker. None of the content in this article or on Hoganinjury.com is legal advice nor is it a replacement for advice from a cer- tified lawyer. Please consult a legal professional or us at Hogan Injury for expert legal advice.
BEING CHALLENGED AND EMBRACING CHANGE Being the most educated generation to date, millennials are always up for challenges and are ready to take on changes within the organization, provided that they are shown trans- parency and inclusion in the decision-making. INTEGRITY AND ETHICS OF THE BUSINESS A survey conducted on millennials showed that they put much value on how businesses put their employees first, as well as their solid foundation of trust and integrity. Employee satisfaction and fair treatment ranked number one among values that millennials look for in a business, while ethics, trust, integrity, and honesty came in close second. The Department of Labor implements more than 180 labor laws, covering various workplace activities for millions of employ- ers and workers. These labor laws cover employees’ wages and hours, compensation and benefits, workplace safety, among others. Millennials are particular with the ethical and legal practices of organizations they associate with, so they put prime consideration on this aspect.
17
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Denise Alison empowers business owners to build relationships and connect with their potential customers on social media, and through live video.
By Denise Alison F or most businesses, there is an ebb and flow of busy times, and less busy times. I’ve had some amazing periods in my business, and these often happen when I am incred- ibly busy. But, for me, the busier I am and the more I have on my plate, the more I feel a fire lit under my bum to actually get stuff done. Earlier this year I had one of those really busy periods. I went to the Bahamas for a retreat where the topic was sales, a few weeks later I went to Social Media Marketing World in San Diego, California (which included a few days off as well), and then, not even a month later I went to Arizona to attend another conference. Meanwhile, I was also in launch mode for the Live Video Formula, which meant creating content for webinars, presentations, a free download, and
weekly videos. Not to mention creating the content for the course, delivering it to beta testers, and getting people into the course.
And, to top that all off I was working on multiple projects that all had a deadline within that timeframe.
Oh right, I was also deep into rehearsals and shows for a theatre production that was taking place within those 3 months.
Then everything wrapped up and I was like….what now? What do I do, what do I spend my time on, what is next for me?
Honestly, I spent a few weeks feeling really lost. The webinars were done, I was waiting for The Live Video Formula (which, FYI, is being offered again – Starting October 31st) to begin, all of that work to get the course up and running was winding down. I want to share with you 3 important things to keep in mind if this happens to you, and so I can look back next time and remind myself. 1. TAKE TIME TO RELAX AND RE-ENERGIZE
18
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
Three months of pedal to the metal can really take its toll on you. I was loving every minute of it and I don’t think I even realized how busy I was and how much I was actually taking on. My mind just kept saying more, more, more! But after such a stretch, it’s important to make sure you take a bit of time to take a breath, relax, and ground yourself. Take a nap. Sleep in. Do the things that you haven’t done in a long time because they “aren’t productive” because honestly, you aren’t going to be productive if you don’t because you’ll be out of gas. I watched at least an entire season of the Mindy Project. And some of that was in the middle of the day when I’d usually be working. Good idea? Depends on your perspec- tive. At this point, there wasn’t a ton that I needed to get done. The most important thing for me was to get rest so that I could strategically plan next steps. Your brain won’t be strategic if it’s too tired. 2. FOCUS ON OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE I had some friends that I hadn’t seen in what felt like forever. And I felt like I had barely seen my fiancé in awhile either. Even though we live together. When you are giving it your all in one area of your life, other areas are going to suffer, that is just how it is. It’s not real- istic to think you can be the super entrepreneur, the best partner, the friend who is there for everyone, improve your half marathon PR, and nail your role in a play all at the same time. Some might say that’s a limiting belief. I say it’s reality. Take some time to refocus on the areas that might have been neglected. Go on a date with your partner. Go for a girl’s night or for coffee with friends. Go for a nice long run (even if you struggle through the entire thing). Refocus and make sure you are creating a well-rounded life for yourself that isn’t only fulfilled when it’s full of work activ- ities. 3. TAKE A BREAK FROM TECHNOLOGY
this.
But it’s easy to become addicted and obsessive. When I was running webinars, I couldn’t help but check on the registra- tion numbers every few hours. And I couldn’t help checking my list size, my ad analytics, my likes and comments on my posts, you name it. It got very obsessive. And that’s not even the worst part. When the webinars had all been done, and there wasn’t really anything equivalent to check on, I still kept grabbing my phone to look at for some instant gratification. But like I said, there wasn’t much to even be looking at other than social media likes. And we really don’t want to go down that rabbit hole. TAKE A BREAK. I logged out of Facebook and Instagram (on a Saturday) and told myself that I couldn’t go back in for 12 hours. I wouldn’t be missing any work stuff on a Saturday. And when I’d grab my phone, the prompt for me to log in would remind me that I made this pact with myself. Because often I just go in without realizing its just a habit. Second. Don’t be afraid to leave your phone at home if you are going out for dinner or something quick where you in no way will need your phone. And don’t be afraid to let your battery run out and leave it off for a couple of hours. The battery on my phone has been super wonky and needs to be replaced. That gave me the perfect excuse to just leave it off for a bit. You probably won’t miss anything. I didn’t. And it helped me be more mindful of social media just out of habit. These strategies helped me rest my body and mind and return to my work feeling re-energized and excited about my work. Whenever you go through an intense period of work, I recommend that you follow these strategies to make sure you are always performing at your best. And if that’s really hard for you, like it is for me, start small.
I don’t really love saying this. And I really don’t love doing
19
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
By Dan Monk, P.Eng., Red Seal Carpenter and Owner of MONK Renovations A s a small business owner who employs eleven people full time, I am very familiar with the pressure and responsibility that every small business owner faces, which is to make sure that their business can ensure their skilled and valued staff are working and able to receive a full pay cheque to care for their families. When operating a small business, we, the owners, typically know each employee, subtrade, supplier, service provider, and client on a personal level. They are important to us and often become friends. Therefore, we feel a personal responsibility to each person, which often drives us to go above and beyond. As the old saying goes, “You are the Chief, Cook & Bottle Washer” which means as the owner, we do or have done it all, from picking up the trash at the end of a project to
attending the flashy awards dinners. We are not afraid to get dirty and we are willing to complete the tasks that nobody wants to do. No job is too big or too small for entrepreneurs and every job must be done. Everyday, we must demonstrate to our staff and clients that we will do whatever it takes to get the job done and done right. Small business owners have a “can do” attitude or “if it is to be, it is up to me” type of personality. Because small business owners are so emotionally invested in their company; growth can be a major challenge, mainly because we only have so much time and we often feel we need to do or direct everything personally, thus limiting our growth based on our personal time. When a company has success and grows, it becomes more difficult for owners to keep their finger on the pulse of every person and project. It is critical for owners to delegate responsibilities and implement processes to handle different
Ocean Contractors Limited PO Box 604 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 3Y9 Phone: 902.435.1291
20
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
COME SEE US IN PERSON AND YOU’LL SOON DISCOVER WHY WE ARE NOVA SCOTIA’S NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR FLOORING. For over 24 years, Taylor Flooring has been proudly serving our clients with some of the highest quality flooring products on the market today. Let our flooring specialists help bring your vision to life.
21
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
From our humble beginnings in 1996, we have had one unyielding passion; To deliver the best products, the best installation and the best service in the industry.
160 Chain Lake Dr. Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-832-2575
www.ultimatehomecomfort.com Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 9:30am-5pm Saturday 10am-4pm
Hearth Store HVAC Propane
22
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018
elements of the business to avoid being stretched too thin.
(902)471-6514 ryang71@hotmail.com 66GeorgeGrayLane,Sambro
As the old saying goes, “You are the Chief, Cook & Bottle Washer” which means as the owner, we do or have done it all, from picking up the trash at the end of a project to attending the flashy awards dinners. The small business owner’s ability to manage growth can be a main factor in a company’s decision to remain small, “mom and pop” or “boutique,” while others may capitalize on growth. I can attest to the fact that it is not easy to give up control! We had been in business for two years when I took a week-long family vacation and my wife asked why I had to call my staff every morning and evening to check in. My answer was, “This business is like a 2-year-old baby, my baby! Wouldn’t you check on your 2-year-old baby if you were away?” This is what it is like to be a small business owner; we are the creators, the care takers, the guardians of our businesses and we do not want anything bad to happen to our pride and joy. We worry, stress, work endless hours, and will do whatever it takes to protect, nurture, and grow our businesses, hope- fully, to the point where it can thrive independently. For any parents reading this, growing a small business is very com- parable to raising a child for entrepreneurs. Being a small business owner is an incredibly rewarding experience; however, it comes with plenty of stress, long hours, and sacrifice. Small businesses makeup over 90% of all business in Canada. In the residential renovations & building industry, almost 100% of all businesses are con- sidered small (under 50 employees). We are an industry of small business owners, independent business people, and self-employed trades who, when combined, employ more people than any other industry in Canada. This is the power of small business; small in size but big on economic impact. This is why when laws change, such as the most recent bill regarding taxes, it impacts small business, they simultane- ously hit the bottom line of the Canadian economy. Small businesses are critical to our economy and I am person- ally proud to be a small business owner, doing my part to improve our country and province, one project, one employee, one client at a time.
Allworkbig andsmall,we will behappy todo it all!
- Freequotations - Licensedseptic installer -Offeringvisual aswell as video inspectiononseptic systems
Is a renovation in your future? Congratulations Dan and Team! We are proud to be able to work with you and your Clients! Making all the decisions needed is time consuming and can be confusing. We are here to help! Go to www.towerinteriors.ca to get your complementary Interior Designer’s guide: “How to Successfully Design Your Renovation”.
www.towerinteriors.ca design@towerinteriors.ca 902-455-1544
23
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
She’s a CCSP (a Canadian Certified Staging Professional). She’s a member of RESA (the Real Estate Staging Association). She operates under the former’s internationally recognized Code of Ethics. She’s fully insured via Jones DesLaurier Insurance Management Inc., a leading business insurance and risk management brokerage firm in Southern Ontario. And when she spoke with Spotlight on Business in early October, the Founder and Owner of the Flair Style Company, Julie Brown, spoke with the same artful purpose with which she stages homes for private clients and realtors alike. “When I decided to pursue home staging, I knew that meaningful certification and proper training would be important,” she explained. “But creating appealing spaces,” she continued, “was already in my blood. I had the pleasure of being raised in a creative environment surrounded by family members who routinely engaged in handmade and home decorating projects. Creating appealing living spaces was always important to me personally so it was my hope, my dream, to pursue a career in interior design.” Now she assists homeowners and real estate professionals in the Grey County and Southern Georgian Bay regions gain a competitive edge in today’s market. And with the assistance of her creative mentors, her mom and sister, Flair Style Co. also offers a seasonal decorating service. Flair Style Co.’s handmade home decor items and cards are available at Etsy.com and to wholesale clients in Canada and the US. SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2018 24
By David MacDonald J ulie is well on her way to obtaining her CCSP Masters of Real Estate Staging designation – her meritorious completion of the initial Canadian Certified Staging Professional course provided her with 16 of the 28 required credits. On her march to 28 Julie has become an Occupied Staging Specialist, something that has allowed her to stretch her creative wings at new heights. “I prefer taking a vacant space, a blank canvas, so to speak, and transforming it into a warm and welcoming setting,” she explained. “But, both occupied and vacant staging projects provide me with the opportunity to apply and develop my creative talents and are rewarding in their own ways. I strive for each project to represent my work in the best way possible, especially considering how important referral business is in staging.” “When I stage either a vacant or occupied property, I have to take into account several factors,” Julie continued. “I need to consider who the target buyer is going to be; the style, design, and layout of the home; and what current trends would be appropriate in the space or spaces. My goal with any staging project is to showcase the property’s rooms to their fullest potential keeping in mind function, flow and focal point. The buyer needs to envision themselves living there, so creating
25
OCTOBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78Made with FlippingBook Annual report