Please enjoy the April 2019 issue of Spotlight on Business Magazine
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APRIL 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • APRIL 2019
MANAGING DIRECTOR Rod Gregg CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carmen Fitzpatrick EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lee Ann Atwater RESEARCH TEAM LEADS Kate Carter Ashley Tanner
EDITORIAL TEAM Jamie Barrie Jordan Parker CONTRIBUTING WRITER Ceiledh Monk Dan Monk Jody Euloth John Allaire David MacDonald DESIGN TEAM Amy Chung Matt Erickson Natasha Griswold Denise Alison Jamie Barrie Janice Buckler
COMMUNICATIONS & ADMIN LEAD Calli Gregg MEDIA CONSULTANT Tim Kohoot Tanya Chedrawy VIDEO PRODUCTION
CONSULTANTS Brian Cottam PUBLISHER Spotlight on Business Media
I n this month’s issue we have our 3rd Annual Top 10 Summer Music Fes- tivals List with our picks for the best festivals North of the Border this Summer. There are some new faces on this year’s list as we research the fantastic festivals happening this Summer all across Canada and select the one that we feel best for both festival goers and businesses looking to get involved as a vendor, supplier or possible sponsor. Festivals are great ways for businesses in rural areas in Canada and the US to get exposure for their brand’s products and services. However, what happens if you do not have a festival to give your business exposure with thousands of people, what do you do? Well Brittany Pickrem asks four entrepreneurs with businesses in rural areas what their secrets are to building a brand in rural Canada and if they feel they are at a disadvan- tage for doing business from a rural community. When trying to connect and engage with current and new customers it is important to use all the tools that are available to us as an entrepreneur, but we don’t all have the massive marketing budgets like Fortune 500 companies. If you are looking to promote your business or event and have an idea for a social media campaign or want a commercial to get you message out to customers, then you need to contact Brian Cottam of Wild Lupin Media as he will have a solution to meet your needs and budget. In our conversation with Brian we also learn about his innovative side with NSLive.TV and how this project could be a real game changer for branding your business, organization or next event. The craft beer industry is one of the fastest growing industries in North America, so we thought that it was time for us to select what we believe to be the Top North American Beer Festivals so beer enthusiasts on both sides of the 49th Parallel know where to go to sample the best the
industry has to offer.
If you are going to have craft beer, then better have something to keep it good and cold and that is where Darren and Andrea Best of Acadia Refrigeration come in. We learn that whether it is Industrial, Residen- tial, Commercial, Recreational, Retail or Geothermal that truly their family business has the solution for you. We hope you enjoy the issue and we would like to thank all our featured companies for sharing your chal- lenges, successes and for inspiring others to follow their dreams and passion. We also thank all those involved in putting this month’s issue together along with our advertisers and readers as we look forward to telling more stories about successful businesses and the people behind making it all happen.
Lee Ann Atwater , Editor
P.O. Box 35007, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3M 0G3 P: 902 593 0533 E: info@spotlightbizmag.com spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
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As the weather starts to warm up and we look to start planning our summer vacation getaways and music festivals are always topping many lists.
While attending and researching music festivals across this great nation our editorial staff have come up with our annual 3rd Annual Top 10 Summer Music Festivals North of the Border. So, if you are looking to check out some of the amazing artists at these events or looking for a great opportunity to do some event sponsoring to spotlight your brand and get exposure for you product or service this list has something for you and we hope that you enjoy.
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North America loves its beer, and the craft and inde- pendent brewing sector of the industry continues to grow as new breweries are opening their doors every year. With hundreds of breweries across the both Canada and the United States offering new flavors, brands and styles, it is nearly impossible to try them all. So, this is where beer festivals come in, as they are your best option to sample as many craft beers as possible. We have researched and selected ten must hit fes- tivals that are all about beer from coast to coast to coast in North America for craft beer enthusiasts residing on both sides of the 49th Parallel. It may be impossible to catch all these shows in one year, but it makes for a pretty good bucket list.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • APRIL 2019
02 SPOTLIGHT ON APRIL 08 APRIL INDUSTRY EVENTS 12 SPOTLIGHT ON INDUSTRY
14 THE DYNAMIC SOUL OF SELLING Being Dynamic makes a difference 18 GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA Are you using Linkedin? 20 CONTRACTORS CORNER Building an Independent Company 26 TOP 10 CANADIAN MUSIC FESTIVALS 3rd Annual Top 10 Music Festivals North of the Border 36 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS 38 NATURAL LEGENDS NUTRITIONAL CONSULTING Sharing holisitic methods for happier and healthier lives 42 POSTMARK BREWING Bring the west coast lifestyle 48 BUILDING BRAND AWARENESS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES 56 NWT BREWING The spirit of the Great White North 66 RED COLLAR BREWING Dropping theDavebomb 72 WILD LUPIN MEDIA Media production studio for Nova Scotia and Beyond 74 TOP NORTH AMERICAN BEER FESTIVALS Where to be for beer enthusiasts on both sides of the 49th parallel 80 SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION 82 ACADIA REFRIGERATION Our family business keeping yours cool 88 NORTHERN CANNING Professional packaging services at your doorstep 92 BEERTECH Innovative draught system solutions 96 SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH 100 HOLISTIC HEALTH Cows, our health and the health of the planet
Originally started in the 1970’s and purchased by Darren and Andrea Best in 1997, Acadia Refriger- ation which is located in the beautiful rural town of Kentville, Nova Scotia is a local family owned and operated business has grown to be one of the one No matter what the job, Acadia Refrigeration provides knowl- edgeable, professional and personal service for your Industri- al, Residential, Commercial, Recreation, Retail or Geothermal project. Spotlight on Business Magazine spoke with Darren and Andrea Best about taking the entrepreneurial jump and turning the business in to a true family affair. 82 of the largest refrigeration companies in the Annapolis Valley specializes in refrigeration and air conditioning projects of all shapes and sizes.
Brand visibility is a crucial part of a successful brand. I was so honoured to speak about this in partnership with the Cumberland Connects Con- ference for Entrepreneurs and Futurepreneurs early this April. In preparation for this talk, I interviewed four rural business owners from across Nova Scotia. It was fascinating to learn about...
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B y putting a spotlight on your business, organi- zation or community with effective and interactive media and advertising we will help you capture the interest of business leaders and potential clients, giving you an oppor- tunity to promote your brand and grow market share through mobile, online, print, video and social media support, helping your business connect and stay engaged with your customers.
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Clark Olson has been inspired by his travels and has been fascinated by the many different cultures and the food that they offer. He has always loved spicy food and has created a brand of hot sauces that are all very unique. It’s a worldwide taste tour with a sauce for any meal. All this he attributes to his adventures abroad. Launched in Southern California, the company has been steadily growing for almost three years now, and Clark has turned it into a full-fledged career.
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april 2019
For more information on this event: http://www.retailinnova- tionconference.com Follow on Twitter: @RetailInno- vate
event: http://app.wsps.ca/pip/ pip_home.php Follow on Twitter: @WSPS_NEWS Follow on Facebook: @workplacesafetyandpreven- tionservices
RETAIL INNOVATION CONFERENCE
DYNAMIC DISTRIBUTION DISRUPTION (D3) - RETAIL SUPPLY CHAIN SUMMIT
PARTNERS IN PREVENTION 2019
May 6th – 8th, 2019 Convene – New York, NY, United States The Retail Innovation Confer- ence is on track for its biggest and best year yet, with over 50 experts from Macy’s, Kirkland’s, Wayfair, Shinola, Rebecca Minkoff and more, set to tackle the hottest trends and next-gen strategies covering a wide variety of topics including AI, Influencer Marketing, Expe- riential Retail, and Women’s Leadership. If you want to stay up to speed with the game-changing tech- nologies and tactics driving success for all types of retailers across every touch point, then grab your ticket today for this must-attend event to learn how to think differently and exceed your business goals
May 6th – 8th, 2019 New York Marriott – New York, NY, United States The companies that move fastest will stand to make the biggest gains. Retailers can’t rest on past laurels. It is vital to evolve and innovate. Shape the future of retail supply chain at this years D3. Your customers are already expecting a world where service is personalized, transparent and seamless across all platforms. Those expectations are now higher than ever, and you need to offer an end-to end service that ends as well as it begins. This is why D3 is bringing together the most influential leaders in retail to discuss how and why they are transform-
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • APRIL 2019 For more information on this April 30th – May 1st, 2019 The International Centre – Mississauga, ON, Canada The Canadian health and safety landscape is constantly shifting. Whether it’s new leg- islation, innovations in technol- ogy, quality and safety stan- dards, changing demographics or workplace culture, today’s health and safety community is challenged with staying ahead of the curve. So, join us for your one-stop-shop for everything health and safety. More than 400 exhibit booths featuring the latest in market trends, products and services for the health and safety professional. So much better than leafing through a catalogue – it’s all right here.
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ing their supply chains to meet customer demands, whilst suc- cessfully managing their costs in line with their business growth plans. This year’s event is packed full of new features, interactive formats and business critical sessions. D3 2019 is not to be missed if you are serious about driving your supply chain to give your business that competitive edge. For more information on this event: https://events.eft.com/d3/ May 7th – 9th, 2019 Hyatt Regency – Toronto, ON, Canada Transforming Retail. Together. eTail brings together top minds at Canada’s most successful retailers to meet and learn. With the most disruptive eCommerce content and a focus on technol- ogy, eTail is designed to help you optimize the profits from your business. No commercials. No egos. eTail cuts out the fluff to give you hundreds of strategic takeaways ensuring you walk away with tons of current and future strate- gies that will help you maximize your online revenues. Follow on Twitter: @eyefortransport ETAIL - THE ECOMMERCE & OMNICHANNEL CONFERENCE
hardwareshow
event: https://etailcanada.wbre- search.com/
AMERICAN TOWMAN SHOWPLACE
May 8th – 11th, 2019 South Point Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV, USA American Towman ShowPlace - Las Vegas is an event promoting towing, recovery and road service industries. The event expects over 3,500 visitors will attend. This event shows products like heavy duty equipment used in trucks, transport trailers, truck engines, truck cabin interiors, tow truck accessories, winches, emer- gency light products, engine components, wheels, tires, brake components, hydraulic parts, computer software, GPS tracking systems and safety products. Others who would exhibit in the expo include motor clubs and finance institutions etc. in the Automotive industry. For more information on this event: http://atshowplace.com/ Follow on Twitter: @AmericanTowman Follow on Facebook: @americantowmanmagazine
NATIONAL HARDWARE SHOW
May 7th – 9th, 2019 Las Vegas Convention Center – Las Vegas, NV, USA With over 70 years of experience serving the hardware and home improvement industry, the National Hardware Show con- tinues to provide an unmatched experience for industry pro- fessionals with access to the latest innovations, retail trends & business solutions, face-to- face networking & more. This amazing event has over 2,800+ exhibitors (500+ new exhibitors from last year) along with over 10 inventors covering more than 15 product categories including everything from homewares to international sourcing to made in USA products and more. This is a not to miss event. For more information on this event: http://www.national- hardwareshow.com/ Follow on Twitter: @NHS_Show Follow on Facebook: @national-
NRFTECH 2019
May 19th – 21st, 2019 Hotel Nikko – San Francisco, CA, United States NRFtech is retail’s premier tech- nology summit and is a must-at- tend event for retail executives charged with driving innovation.
For more information on this
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APRIL 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
crucial exhibition for the forestry, oil and gas as well as mining and bio mass industry where most recent products and services as well as numerous technical considerations will get utmost priority. This is going to be the largest and most informa- tive international event where innovative ideas will germinate and exhibitors will get ample opportu- nity to showcase their products in front of interna- tional community. Canada North Resources Expo will also display independent power products and resolve trans- portation related queries promptly. This summit will also provide attendees expert opinion through numerous interactive sessions, workshops and plenary talks. Moreover, astounding networking opportunity will certainly strengthen the cord of collaboration among the professionals in this domain. For more information on this event: http://www.cnre.ca/ Follow on Twitter: @canadanorthexpo Follow on Facebook: @CanadaNorthResources- Expo May 29th, 2019 Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre – Mis- sissauga, ON, Canada Last year’s expo welcomed over 1000 guests to experience almost 100 exhibitors representing areas including housing facilities, senior care facil- ities, housing support services, financial services, realtors, home safety and security, moving and storage, and more. This year’s expo offers more of the same as the show heads into its second decade. For more information of the event: http://www.aoexpo.ca/ Follow on Twitter: @AandOSupport Follow on Facebook: @aosupportservices 55+ HOUSING & LIFESTYLES EXPO
NRFtech is a 2-and-a-half-day event that offers retail CIOs, CDOs, senior technology executives, and start-ups a unique opportunity to discover and explore the latest retail technology while net- working with peers in the industry. NRFtech’s goal is to extend the conversation to all organizational areas responsible for technologies that impact consumers. For more information on this event: https://nrftech.nrf.com/ Follow on Twitter: @NRFnews Follow on Facebook: @NationalRetailFederation Follow on Instagram: @nrf May 19th – 22nd, 2019 Las Vegas Convention Center - Las Vegas, NV, United States Attend RECon 2019 to experience new program- ming that is bringing less tradition and more inno- vation to the retail real estate industry. Connect with emerging retailers and tech pioneers, hear from visionary key note speakers, learn about the latest trends from today’s leaders, grow your business, and more. This global convention for the shopping center industry provides networking, deal-making, and educational opportunities to retail real estate pro- fessionals from around the world. For more information on this event: https:// www. i c s c .o rg /a t t end - and - l ea r n /even t s / details/2019recon Follow on Twitter: @ICSC Follow on Facebook: @MyICSC Follow on Instagram: @ICSC RECON - THE GLOBAL RETAIL REAL ESTATE CONVENTION
CANADA NORTH RESOURCES EXPO 2019
May 24th – 25th, 2019 CN Centre – Prince George, BC, Canada The Canada North Resources Expo is the most
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • APRIL 2019
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
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@blackrivervalleynatural
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APRIL 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
CANADA TO APPEAL WTO DECISION ON U.S. SOFTWOOD LUMBER DUTIES Canada will appeal the recent decision by a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel to allow the United States to use “zeroing” to calculate lumber anti-dumping tariffs, according to Foreign Minister, Chrystia Freeland. Zeroing calculates tariffs based on whether the domestic price of a product exceeds its U.S. import price after it is adjusted for transportation and handling costs. “We firmly believe that the U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber are unfair and unwarranted,” Freeland said in a statement. “That is why we are challenging these duties at the WTO and under NAFTA.” Canada had launched the technical dispute with the WTO in 2017, saying it would forcefully defend its lumber industry, but after the long-awaited decision by the WTO panel they have sided with the United States. Trade tensions between the United States and Canada are heating up again after the two coun- tries together with Mexico agreed on a free-trade deal to replace NAFTA last year. It is expected that Canada will boost its retaliato- ry tariffs against the United States for its punitive measures on Canadian exports of steel and aluminum, which were introduced last year and now softwood lumber.
US MANUFACTURING OUTPUT FLAT FOR MARCH U.S. manufacturing output was unchanged in March after two straight monthly declines, leading to the largest quarterly decrease in production since 2017. The Federal Reserve reported that manufactur- ing production last month was restrained by weak motor vehicle output. The outlook for the manufacturing sector, which accounts for about 12 percent of the economy is concerning as companies are not confident about new orders and shipments. Manufacturing is slowing as stimulus to capital spending from last year’s $1.5 trillion tax cut package diminishes. Activity is also being hobbled by a trade war between the United States and China as well as by last year’s surge in the dollar and softening global economic growth, which are hurting exports.
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QUEBEC GROCER WILL ALLOW CUSTOMERS TO SHOP WITH REUSABLE CONTAINERS
Metro, which is a major Quebec grocery store chain is taking a step toward reducing single-use plastic packaging. The grocer has announced that it will allow customers in Quebec to use their own reusable containers for ready-to-eat meals, meat, seafood and pastries. Sylvain Charlebois, a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University, says Metro’s decision is a game changer. “It was just a matter of time before we saw a main grocer moving forward on this issue,” Charlebois told CBC Montreal’s Daybreak. “It’s really good news for the industry — it is now a benchmark.” Metro is the first major grocery store chain in Canada to allow reusable containers as concerns about food safety have stopped companies like Loblaws and Sobeys from following suit. However, Metro has to follow specific conditions set out by Quebec’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture, but this is a move in the right direction for the industry that is continually being pressured by those interested in a zero- waste lifestyle. So, Metro’s decision will be a game changer for not only Quebec but for the industry as a whole as others are sure to follow in other provinces across Canada.
FALLING MALL TRAFFIC MAKES OWNER MORE CREATIVE Foot traffic at some of the best shopping centers across the country that peaked around August 2018 and has since started to fall, after rebounding for much of last year, according to a new report from data analytics firm Thasos, which uses more than 100 million mobile phones to track when con- sumers enter and leave certain trade areas. U.S. retailers so far have announced they will shut 5,994 stores, while opening 2,641, according to real estate tracking done by Coresight Research. That’s more locations slated to go dark than during last year. In 2018, there were 5,864 closures announced and 3,239 openings, Coresight said. Mall and shopping center owners, looking for ways to fill empty space, have in turn been forced to
negotiate on lease terms with tenants and settle on cheaper rents. With more store closures likely on the horizon, consumers can expect to start seeing hotels, gyms, apartment complexes, more food halls and grocery stores at traditional malls, turning them into more like city centers. The new Hudson Yards mall, which opened in New York last month, is the perfect example of this mixed-use model.
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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.
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By Jody Euloth A s consumers, we now have more options to choose from than ever before. Whether deciding on a new smart phone or TV, a new car or just a place to go for an evening with friends, with so many options available, the deci- sion-making process can be overwhelming. Pair this with the fact that several internet sources conclude that adults make approximately 35,000 decisions each day. As business owners, entrepre- neurs and sales professionals, we must be aware of this mental noise and the confusion it causes for consumers. Understanding that potential clients are bombarded by sales people and service offer- ings, our sales pitches must be more dynamic than simply showing value and solving a problem. Seth Godin, best-selling author and renowned business leader, states that ‘People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories andmagic.’ Chances are your competitors are solving the same problem you are, so howdo you stand apart from the competition? You’ve heard it before, sales are a numbers game. The more offers you make, the better your odds of closing more deals. Consequently, this consistent repetition that sales demands and the inevitable rejection sales people experience on a regular basis, can be a demotivating mental challenge, leading to lack luster sales presentations. Of course, you have an amazing product or service that can add significant value, but if presented in a boring, desperate or self-serving way, you will come across annoying to your customers. This irritancy will force clients to give their business to someone else, with whom they had a memorable experience. So, what does it mean to be ‘Dynamic’ and how can this be achieved? The definition of dynamic, when describing a process or system, means ‘characterized by constant change, activity or progress.’ And when referring to an individual, it states ‘positive in attitude and full of energy and new ideas.’ Synonyms include words like compelling, charis- matic, effective, influential, powerful and produc- tive.
One way to avoid coming across as a desperate, stressed out sales person, is to listen to your client. Find a connection and be thoughtful in remem- bering the details. Listening is the best way to learn, which will allow you to position yourself as a consultant. One common mistake, sales people and passionate entrepreneurs make, is they spend way too much time talking about what they can offer instead of learning more about their client. You’ve experienced it, that sales person who just keeps blabbing on and on. The truth is business owners love to talk about their business, so get them talking by asking open ended questions. Gather information and take note of any specific points of interest that you can refer to later. For example, details like remembering the names of her kids, or where she is going on vacation or what sports he likes to play in his spare time, helps build rapport. Making this connection and being personable shows that you are interested in more than just making a sale. It goes a long way in being memorable, exuding a positive energy and setting yourself apart from the competition. To develop dynamic sales methods, one way that is proven effective for business owners and sales professionals is consistent coaching. This exchange and guidance helps to keep the sales approach sharp, which can often become dull overtime. In a recent study, 74% of the leading companies cite coaching and mentoring of sales reps as the most important role frontline sales managers play. And that no other productivity investment improves rep performance better than sales coaching. Whether the collaboration comes from a manager, a colleague or third-party coach, this coaching generates creativity and ensures an infusion of freshness into the sales process. So, ask yourself, are you being ‘Dynamic’ when present- ing your brand’s product or service? 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 consultation to deter- mine if you would benefit from ‘The Dynamic Soul of Selling 90-minute Strategy Session’ email jody@ meshmedianetwork.com
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APRIL 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
By Calli Gregg A recent survey by Legerweb on behalf of ServiceNow shows that nearly half of mil- lennial workers want their jobs to hold meaning, and nearly half of them would trade a lucrative raise for a position where they could make a greater impact on the business. This online survey of more than 1,500 Canadian office workers found that 47 per cent of millennial respondents, those born between 1980 and 1995, would give up a pay raise for more meaningful work. We are not talking a couple of loonies here, as the average amount that millennial said that they would give up was $9,639. This is very interesting because the most recent Canadian Payroll Association report found that
in 2018, 44 percent of Canadians said they would find it difficult to meet their financial obligations if their pay was delayed for even one week so, it is interesting to see millennials have made the quest for more meaningful work more important then their quest for money. In addition to wanting to find work meaningful, millennials say they care a lot about learning and growing on the job. In a separate Angus Reid Forum survey conducted for digital career coachingplatformProsper, results show that 35 percent of Canadian respondents did not believe their current employer provided them with the necessary support to expand their professional skills. This same survey of 1,000 Canadians, found that respondents in the millennials spend an average of 50 hours devel-
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oping a new skill in the past year, compared to an overall average of all other respondents of about 15 hours. Millennials have become accustomed to continuous learning, not only because they value that growth, but because it’s necessary to stay competitive given the pace of technological change. In addition to wanting to find work meaningful, millennials say they care a lot about learning and growing on the job. With the pace of change, precarious employment and other factors at play in the current labour market, young people are looking for fit and growth instead. All generations have had to for purpose and value in their careers, but it is the millennial generation that has really brought that search to purpose to the forefront and are demanding more from employ- ers than just a pay cheque.
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Denise Alison empowers business owners to build relationships and connect with their potential custom- ers on social media, and through live video.
By Denise Alison
Gone are the days when all it’s used for is posting your resume. LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and it is now the place to be for entrepreneurs. ESPECIALLY if you are in the B2B world. But lots of entrepreneurs hold back, as I once did, when it comes to embracing LinkedIn, and it comes down to these 3 misconcep- tions. MISCONCEPTION #1 LINKEDIN IS FOR JUST FOR JOB SEEKERS When LinkedIn first came on the scene (side note – did you know LinkedIn has been around longer than Facebook?) there was a big focus on connecting employers with potential employees and vice versa. And you can see some of those elements on the platform today, for example: “Sobeys, Saint Mary’s University, and KPMG are looking for candidates like you” is the type of notification I sometimes get.
F or the past year or so I’ve been loving LinkedIn! It’s such a great place to connect with people who are looking to expand their networks and grow their busi- nesses. But I haven’t always felt that way about the platform… It’s a network that I’ve struggle to fully embrace, until recently! If youhaven’t loggedontoLinkedIn lately, you are going to be in for a huge surprise when you do! In the last 18 months, LinkedIn has been completely revitalized.
But LinkedIn really is a professional social network.
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Is that who you imagine when you think LinkedIn influencer? If not, it’s time to change the way you think about LinkedIn! MISCONCEPTION #3 LINKEDIN IS DEAD The last misconception I want to discuss today is “LinkedIn is dead.” Before that, LinkedIn had been trending down, but it’s on its way back up. Now, not saying that everything Microsoft does makes sense, but they saw $26.2 billion worth of potential in the platform, and I wouldn’t ignore that. Since then Microsoft has added video – which, honestly has completely changed the platform and brought new life into it. And, LinkedIn is in the process of rolling out live video! I think today less than 30 people in the world have access to it, but the way they are rolling it out is brilliant! They have created a product that has so much demand that 100s of people are applying to get access to LinkedIn Live every single day! And why not? Those who get early access to LinkedIn Live are going to get so much exposure and added benefit. (Unfortunately, these things are usually rolled out to the US first, so us Canadians might be on the waiting list for awhile). Microsoft paid $26.2 billion for LinkedIn in 2016.
Unlike other platforms, when users are on LinkedIn they are looking to network with others. They haven’t logged on to look at cat vids, pictures of their grandchildren, or take a quiz telling them which game of thrones character they are (I’d like to think that I’m a Daenerys BTW) LinkedIn is where most Fortune 500 decision-mak- ers and executives like to spend their spare time. And guess what? When they are there, they are actively looking for something for valuable content and connections. They are looking for something that changes the way they are doing business. And that might be you! LinkedIn gives business owners and professionals a convenient, accessibleandeffectiveplacetomakecon- nections, market themselves, and grow their business. MISCONCEPTION #2 LINKEDIN IS BORING AND STUFFY Unfortunately, I let that hold me back for awhile. I would sometimes let myself believe that LinkedIn wasn’t the right place for my content, because it wasn’t “polished” enough. LinkedIn is a professional social network, and as I’ve said about 100 times on this show – professional doesn’t mean boring. In this case it means you’re not posting selfies or pictures of you in your jammies. But there is no “right way” to create content for LinkedIn. The type of content you are already creating is probably fine. You don’t need to change the content you are creating so that it fits into LinkedIn – because you are still you, that is your voice, so do what you do and LinkedIn will shift accordingly. Now – this isn’t to say that there isn’t some horribly boring content out there or that some people are using it to share every boring thing they’ve ever thought. But that doesn’t mean that you should too. One of the biggest influencers on LinkedIn is Goldie Chan – she has green hair and shares a video from Disney probably at least once a week. But that is not true.
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By Dan Monk A s an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to let go of tasks and allow others to perform them. Many business owners truly believe that they can do the job better than others. This is not always true and if they continue to do all the tasks themselves, they will run out of hours in the day, add to their stress, and limit your com- pany’s ability to grow and become independent. This may sound corny, but growing a company is a lot like raising a child, you do everything to give them the tools to be independent and if all goes as planned, they successfully strike out on their own. This is the life of a business owner: you grow your company, put all the processes in place, then, if you have done it well, the company will flourish without you. There are many things that I have done over the years to help me grow personally and succeed in my business. There is still much to be done and my company and I are still a work in progress and always will be. A few of the things I have learned
either from personal experience or from the wise council of other mentors are as follows: Read - Read every day, to learn and/or relax. So much helpful information is written by those who have gone before us. A wise man once told me “an education is no burden to carry” so, take the responsibility to educate yourself, be a life long student. This does not mean only formal educa- tion. Reading is the easiest way to educate yourself and it is free! Failures - Failing is not a bad thing, unless you fail to learn from the situation you went through. Some of my greatest lessons have been costly in time and/or money and I will not repeat or forget them any time soon. “The only people without scars are those who have never been in a battle,” own your mistakes, share them with others to help, it demonstrates that we are human and thus we make mistakes. Trust your gut - As we all grow and gain experi- ence our instincts become more reliable, use that knowledge to help make decisions. If a situation or person doesn’t “feel right” or something is “too good to be true” that is your gut telling you, based on past experiences or maybe just evolu- tion, that you should reconsider. Never underesti- mate your gut instincts. Honesty - Always tell the truth, because you will always remember the truth and it will be respected by everyone. The truth has details that remain the same regardless of the situation. People respect honesty and they want to trust you. The easiest
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way to earn trust is to always be honest, and remember to be kind with your honesty, not hurtful. Relationship - Relationships are critical to a happy and successful life and business. No matter how large your company or successful you become, even the smallest rela- tionships matter. Take an interest in people, ask questions and get to know them. As people we crave rela- tionship, we want to know people, look no further than “Facebook” for evidence of this need. Trust - Surround yourself with people who you trust and respect, because life is too short to do oth- erwise. I do something I call “catch and release,” when someone isn’t trustworthy or respectful, I must release the relationship complete- ly. It helps to end relationships that are not positive or, in some cases, poison to my future growth. With staff and coworkers, I use the process of “trust and verify,” which means I trust and then put process- es in place to verify that task and responsibilities are being complet- ed as they should. Blind trust can be naive and dangerous in business relationships. Love, Passion, Inspiration - Love what you do and do it well. To many people give life half an effort, if your going to run the race, you might as well run your best. Don’t mess around doing something that doesn’t fuel your fire and certainly don’t give half an effort. Be a true master of your craft, making effort to be better every day. There is no substitute for practice and hard work, so get started today being the best you can be. I truly love being an entrepreneur and renovation contractor. Every
day, I do things that are difficult and challenging, some things that don’t inspire, but I always keep the client, crews, company and family in focus, which allows me to work: even when I’m tired; be kind, even when I’m not very happy and be honest, when it would be easier to lie. Loving what you do and building some- thing that is more than you, are wonderful things. I applaud all the entrepreneurs and anyone who gives everything they have to their calling in life. I hope this article gave a few nuggets of knowledge that can help you as you move forward with your passion. Dan Monk is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Red Seal Carpen- ter and the Owner of Monk Renovations. Dan and the team at Monk Renovations can provide you with an outstanding home renovation experiences regardless of the size of your project. Twitter @monkrenovations Facebook & Instagram @monkreno www.monkreno.com
HALIFAX’S TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS for KITCHEN, BATHROOM and BASEMENT RENOVATIONS
K I T C H E N • B AT H R O O M • B A S E M E N T • A D D I T I O N S E X T E R I O R S • D E C K S & A N Y T H I N G I N B E T W E E N !
2018 RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2017 MOST OUTSTANDING KITCHEN RENOVATION 2016 RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2016 MOST OUTSTANDING KITCHEN RENOVATION
2016 BRONZE WINNER! SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS
We would like to be your contractor of choice. Please call, email us: (902) 497-0011 info@monkreno.com www.monkreno.com
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By Jamie Barrie W ith the boys of Summer back on the fields there is lots of talk of Major League Baseball expansion, something the league has resisted since adding teams in Tampa Bay and Arizona in 1998. It has been over 20 years, which is the longest active expansion gap among major North American sports leagues, since MLB added team to the league, but there is a lot speculation the expansion drought maybe coming to an end. MLB has been very successful with its growth to a 30 team League that grossed $10.3 billion (USD) in revenue in 2018, a revenue record for the 16th straight year, according to Forbes. However, that revenue come largely from the league’s investment in MLB Advanced Media, the digital media company of Major League Baseball. Like many other professional sport leagues declin- ing attendance and a lack of competitive balance remain issues in the game, that being said MLB might follow the likes of the NFL and NHL and
increase the numbers of teams in the league to 32.
It is not a matter of if the MLB decides to expand again, but when it will expand, and we think that these are the top 10 cities that would make a great home for an MLB expansion team. If the MLB expands north of the boarder than Montreal, QC, Canada should be at the top of their list. Yes, some are going to say that they had their chance and they could not make a go of it, but when the Expos and Major League Baseball left Montreal in 2005, it was because of a fan boycott from the 1994 strike and Expos management’s inability to land a new stadium with the city and provincial governments not because the people of Montreal had lost their love for the game in fact we think it has grown and if the MLB was to go north of the border again, Montreal would do whatever it would takes to land an expansion team, or even one via relocation. Putting the love of the Expos aside, Montreal has all the demographics of a major league baseball city. It has almost 2 million passionate sports fans
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that follow other major sports team like the NHL’s Canadiens, CFL’s Alouettes and the USL’s Impact and would be ideal to draw fans from the Atlantic provinces giving the league and even larger audience. Plus, the city and region have a robust corporate community for sponsorships which is very important to the success of any franchise and oodles of wealthy surrounding suburbs. We believe that it is a matter of when and not if Portland, OR, USA will be the home of an MLB team. The MLB has flirted with Portland for years now, and for good reason. The city is wealthy with deep-seated sports allegiances that include pas- sionate support for the NBA’s Trail Blazers for decades, and MLS’s Timbers since 2011. Portland would make an excellent market for the MLB with the region having over 4.0 million people and close proximity to other regions and Canada’s West Coast, it is a top U.S. market, and reportedly has already submitted a letter of intent to build a ballpark to MLB, that shows that they want a time and we think it is only a matter of time before they will be saying “Play Ball” on Portland. We would say that San Antonio, TX, USA is also one of the front runners The city is fast growing, both literally and in the eyes of Major League Baseball. SanAntoniohasbeenhome to theMissions since1964, a Double-A team until 2019, when the city became home of theMilwaukee Brewers’ Triple-A club. San Antonio also would check a bunch of MLB boxes as it looks for expansion cities. It is a top-10 television market in the U.S., with about 2.5 million people in its metro region. It is far enough from Houston (about 200 miles) to not compete directly with the Astros and has the Alamodome, where a team could play until a more suitable MLB park were built.
U.S. cities without a Major League Baseball team, which is crazy considering how well the Triple-A Knights do along with other professional sports team in the region? The Charlotte Knights, which is the affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, ranked first in minor league attendance in 2018, averaging nearly 9,000 per game. Plus, Charlotte is a banking-industry hub, meaning there are tons of sponsorship opportuni- ties to go around even with other leagues calling the city home like the NHL’s Panthers (since 1995) and the NBA’s Hornets (since 1988, with a name change along the way) Not the city itself is among the fastest growing, with population rising nearly 20 percent since 2010 to just under 1 million people within the city limits. Yes, so will that this is Braves country, but there is something to be said about have your own team to cheer for and hopping on board a new fran- chise is a great way to change fan loyalties, just look at what the NHL has done in Las Vegas. Speaking of Las Vegas, NV, USA As we have mentioned you just have to look at the success of the NHL’s Vegas Knights going to the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season to know that Major League Baseball missed a glorious opportunity to be the first pro league in Las Vegas. Yes it is hot in the desert but that doesn’t mean MLB should abandon the thoughts of a team in the future and are thoughts are if you can play hockey there in the heat, the summer heat should not be a
Then there is Charlotte, NC, USA Did you know that Charlotte is one of the biggest
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problem plus that is why they invented retractable roofs for stadiums which there is amole land to build and plenty of wealthy and corporate support in the city to support their two professional teams and more. Richmond, VA, USA has potential. Virginia’s capital generally supports Washing- ton, D.C., sports, but that being said Richmond is becoming its own major market and within striking distance of the Hampton Roads region, which has become something of a pro baseball factory. Aside from the city’s interest in baseball, Richmond also has more than 1.3 million people, and about 3 million if you include Norfolk, Newport News and Virginia Beach — which are each within 90 miles of Richmond. We have Memphis, TN, USA on out list It was a toss up between Nashville or Memphis for us but we went with Memphis and it was not because of King. Memphis is without a doubt a major league town, as the NBA’s Grizzlies have proven. With1.3 million people in its metro region, is big enough to support another major league team. Plus, Memphis has been a Triple-A city, as the home of the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate since 1998. You have to put Oklahoma City, OK, USA Oklahoma City is another great minor league
baseball market, and the NBA’s Thunder have proven that Oklahoma City can support major professional sports. The city has about 1.5 million people and is growing thanks to a robust corporate community, specifically in the energy sector. Oklahoma City has supported Triple-A baseball since 1962, but there is no doubt baseball fans would flock to the big leagues. The Big Easy, yes New Orleans, LA, USA would also make out list Some say why would the MLB go to the Big Easy, as New Orleans has enough trouble supporting both their NBA and NFL teams. We believe that there is opportunity in New Orleans, well you know Ellen will be a support of the team and just look at how the city reacts to the Saints. Put that fan energy into a league that does not directly complete with the NFL season and good things will happen. Plus, that to the Saints, the Big Easy has something many others on this we have listed do not and that is a suitable stadium option to play in with the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Then take into consideration that between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, about 80 miles to the west, you have more than 2 million people in a region that continues to grow. Last but not least you have Albuquerque, NM, USA Yes, New Mexico is not represented in any major league professional sports, but that couldmake Albu- querqueagoodentrancepoint, especially inbaseball. The Albuquerque Isotopes Triple-A team drew about 8,000 fans per game in 2018. The city has more than 1 million in its metro area, especially if you include nearby Santa Fe, and is 400 miles from its nearest major league compe- tition, but that could also be a concern as travel would be an issue.
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A s the weather starts to warm up and we look to start planning our summer vacation getaways and music festivals are always topping many lists. While attending and researching music festi- vals across this great nation our editorial staff have come up with our annual 3rd Annual Top 10 Summer Music Festivals North of the Border. So, if you are looking to check out some of the amazing artists at these events or looking for a great opportunity to do some event sponsoring to spotlight your brand and get exposure for you product or service this list has something for you and we hope that you enjoy. To start off our 3rd annual Top 10 List we have two solid honourable mentions that did not make the list but are still very much worth going to see this Summer.
attendees (up 1,000 compared to 2017) to become the best attended four-day festival in its history with the help of over 3,000 volunteers working to make the event memorable for all that attended. The Winnipeg Folk Festival generates approx- imately $30 million per year in economic activity and creates over 281 jobs for Winnipeg, Manitoba which is a win for festival goers and the area’s economy. The Winnipeg Folk Festival features a variety of music genres, with local, national and international recording artists performing over the 4-day event offering a musical experience that will be unfor- gettable as you have the opportunity to see and hear amazing artists from the past, present and future. Get your tickets now as this is one that you will not want to miss this Summer for sure. For more information on the Winnipeg Folk Festival: https://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/
Ticket Prices: $65.00 CAD - $234.00 CAD
Follow on Twitter: @Winnipegfolk Follow on Facebook: @winnipegfolkfestival Follow on Instagram: @winnipegfolkfestival
WINNIPEG FOLK FESTIVAL
When: July 11th - 14th, 2019 Where: Birds Hill Provincial Park - Winnipeg, MB, Canada Why: The inaugural Winnipeg Folk Festival was held in 1974 as a one-time celebration to mark Winnipeg’s 100th anniversary. It was a free event and attracted an estimated audience of 22,000 over the three-day weekend. Since then, the event has grown into one of the best events in the country with attendance at last years 45th edition of the Winnipeg Folk Festival seeing a record-breaking total number of 73,000
THE 35TH ANNUAL GEORGE STREET FESTIVAL When: August 1st – 7th, 2019 Where: George Street - St. John’s, NL, Canada
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