I just came across an interesting article in The Toronto Star written by Daniele Viola. It is no secret she says, that young people have no shortage of innovative entrepreneurial ideas but implementing them is difficult. The challenge is the lack of access to proper funding and experience to grow significant businesses.

These challenges are despite the fact that small business is the bedrock of our economy. Consider the following facts:

• 1 million small businesses employ 48 per cent of Canada’s workforce
• they account of 30 per cent of our total GDP, and
• 25 per cent of all exports

(source for above: http://www.startupcan.ca/about/why-it-matters/)

The article details, Spin Master a well known Canadian toy company, which has teamed up with the Business Development Bank of Canada and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation to help find a solution to the funding and experience gap which young people face. The result is the Spin Master Innovation Fund, now in its third year. The program injects much needed funding and advice for young entrepreneurs.

Read the full article to learn more about this opportunity. If you wish to apply for the Innovation Fund visit: http://www.cybf.ca/cybf_programs/innovation/.  The deadline for this round is May 21st.

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With the right tools at hand, discipline and a go-getter attitude any business can achieve its full potential. Let me show you ten steps that can put business owners on the path to success.

1. A Business Should Have An Objective: Decide why you are running a business. Increasing cash flow should be your secondary motivation for doing so. Its important to realize that any business starts with an idea. These ideas arise, as a way to inspire change, address a need or find a solution. In other words, your reasons for doing business should in one way or another coincide with your own personal goals and values. Do not forget, that business owners are there to make improvements, introduce new forms of thought and aid the people in their communities.

2. Make Friends Not Clients: True leadership comes from an understanding that we are not clients, consumers or numbers; we are people. A good businessman or woman, constantly seeks to inject themselves into the community they cater to. People relate to honesty and enjoy being humbled through their experiences. Where possible, offer advice, extend a helping hand and create a working environment where people want to be. I am going to go out on a whim and say, money’s made with honey.

3. Stand Out From the Crowd: Think about what makes you unique. Keep in mind that innovation and creativity are essential when it comes to doing business. Don’t be a copycat, instead, think on your feet and reinvent the wheel. Be open to exploring possibilities and offering off-the- cuff solutions. By bringing forward fresh ideas and responding favorably to your market’s needs you will generate positive feedback and gain loyal followers.

4. Momentum And Forward Thinking: Entrepreneurial spirit is the spice of any business. Don’t get hung up on manusha. Pick up your stride and keep moving ahead. Focus on your long term goals such as integrity, ingenuity and reputation. Stay positive in working towards your vision. Wasting energy on trivial activities will only hinder your progress.

5. Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone: Be accountable for your actions. Learn to take calculated risks, work with others and own up to your mistakes. A good entrepreneur must learn to advance, adapt and adjust. If you fail to respond to the changes around you then, in the words of Anthony Robbins, “If you do what you’ve always done, you will get what you’ve always gotten”. Be open to new perspectives and welcome constructive feedback.

6. Serious Entrepreneurs Have Fun: Don’t add to your stress by being a sourpuss. Smiling is your best antidote against failure. Stay focused but empathetic. Taking your business seriously does not mean you should bury your face in paperwork and stop having fun. If you show that you truly love what you do, people will naturally gravitate towards you.

7. Stop Competing With Yourself: It’s true. There is plenty of competition out there who you should be aware of. Realize though, that your worst competition is you. When running a business, you must constantly reinvent yourself. Take a closer look at your habits, internal conflicts, negativity or anything else that might stand in the way of your success. Make a conscious decision to get over any preconceived notions and toss out unnecessary mental clutter.

8. Its Always About the People: Remember what I’ve said earlier, the number one reason for starting a business should be to make improvements or to address the needs of your community. This means, that people should become your number one priority. In my own work I try to adhere to this formula; purpose, people, profit. The happier the people the larger the profit. Your business model should serve to inspire and motivate. Prioritize building relationships through interaction and contribution, the money will follow.

9. Use Your Friends And Partners As Vehicle For Success: Don’t disregard the people closest to you. Instead, use them as your secondary sounding board and inspiration. There is nothing more satisfying than working together. They will appreciate the effort and it will not go unnoticed.

10. Never Stop Learning: Always be curious and continue to learn. Stay open to new experiences and seek out people whose views and opinions differ from your own. Do not separate your business from the rest of your life, instead choose to explore; delve into your social responsibilities and personal motivators. Your business will thrive with you.

Use these steps to help you succeed in business and entrepreneurship. The Academy of the Impossible offers an interesting course related to this topic: Learn all about how to get paid in the current knowledge economy. Go check it out. http://impossible.ws/getting-paid-in-the-knowledge-economy. You can also visit the WizOf.Biz blog for more helpful business articles and advice.

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I have just read a brilliantly written article by Melinda Partin, Why Community Is The Secret to Being One of the “Good Guys” in Business posted to Fast Company.

Partin, is the CEO and co-founder of Worktank, a company that provides clients with the support they need to start creating virtual events that connect them with relevant communities.

In her post Melinda tells us something that most successful businesses and entrepreneurs already know; running a great enterprise in today’s competitive environment, is about more than simply selling a product or service. Its about building communities and “understanding the parts we play in those communities.” Actively contributing and supporting people in their endeavours, should become an integral part of the way we do business.

This article struck a cord with the WizOf.Biz team because we strongly believe in the importance of cause marketing and corporate social responsibility. Giving back to the community is important to us. We do so through meaningful collaborations with people like Jane Forbes from Seneca's popular Business Program, the Toronto Region Board of Trade and Brand Innovation Specialist Peter Widdis just to name a few.

Together we work tirelessly on furthering our mission, which is to seek out innovative community initiatives, businesses and budding entrepreneurs who can benefit from personalized professional guidance and support. Our vision lies in seeing more young minds grow and share their ideas so that they can develop the confidence and the experience they need to succeed. When business succeeds the economy grows, jobs are created and money flows to families and government for collective benefit.

The team also encourages its members to be involved outside of the business. Our founders are well established members of the community and our employees regularly donate their time to a variety of causes both charitable and with a focus on personal development. Some great examples include Theatre the Good and the Civics Education Network.

More great stories on corporate social responsibility can be found in a fabulous post on Social Brite entitled 4 examples of corporate social responsibility done right.

If you’re looking for more inspiring posts like this one, visit our blog.

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Doing a presentation is not easy. Standing in front of a roomful of people who are waiting to hear what you have to say, can be unnerving to say the least. Here are eight tips to help you deliver your next presentation in a memorable and successful way.

#1 Stay Calm: People can tell when you’re nervous. If you catch yourself talking too fast, avoiding eye contact or sweating, make sure to pause and collect your thoughts.There is nothing wrong with taking a moment for yourself. If you are still nervous, fake confidence. This is a surefire way to achieve actual confidence.

#2 Practice Your Speech: Rehearsing your speech with a friend will help solidify it in your mind. Doing this, will give you a good idea of how you sound to others. It will also bring forth the areas that need improvement such as tone of voice, projection and body language. Being prepared, will boost your confidence and increase your chances for success.

#3 Use Graphics & Images: Nowadays, there are many options for programs that let you engage your audience. You may choose to use something like Prezi or PowerPoint to illustrate your key ideas. Colourful photographs and charts are also great for keeping your listeners awake, interested and engaged. Remember to appeal to a variety of learning styles. At the same time, try not to overwhelm prospective clients with too much information. All content should be useful and concise.

#4 Make It Memorable: Don’t lose track of your main points.Present your arguments clearly, pose questions and give answers. The trick here, is to make it memorable for your audience. Handouts are another way to ensure that people remember what you presented and can refer to it later. Who knows you might even get points for doing a little something extra to add to the wow factor.

#5 Familiarize Yourself With the Space: Take a look at the space you’re in. Notice the layout of the room. Its often helpful if the overall feel of the room, reflects the mood that you want to project in your presentation.Think about the idea or product you’re selling, ask to be in a spot that allows for the kinds of interactions, breakout groups and discussions that you’re looking to have with your audience. Have easy access to all the equipment you’ll need to have your presentation go without a glitch, such as a projector or a flipchart.

#6 Imagine You’ll Impress: Think positive. Setting yourself up for success is a simple matter of telling yourself that you will do nothing less than impress. Keep upbeat and don’t forget to smile. This will help your audience relax and let you begin to feel comfortable with your attendees. Having a friendly disposition signals to others, that you are uninhibited and open for dialogue.

#7 Look Professional: Dress for success; I would say business casual. When presenting stand up tall with your shoulders back and facing the front. Positioning yourself slightly to the left of your projector will create an inviting atmosphere and people will be able to see exactly what you’re doing. This will also boost your confidence.

#8 Finish Strong: Save your strongest points for last. Have a closing statement that inspires, motivates and surprises your audience. Built people up to an unexpected reveal or offer a worthwhile incentive. Make your call to action sound genuine and authentic. Better yet, leave your audience coming back for more. You want people to continue the discussion outside the event. Momentum is critical, so don’t miss your chance to stir up some action.

These are your guiding points to a successful presentation. I hope they will serve you well in preparing you for the business world. Visit wizof.biz for more fabulous business tips and advice or to get personalized advice on your next presentation script or visuals.

Image Creative Commons courtesy NASA Goddard  

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Whether you are writing a business plan, putting together and important presentation or working on a resume that will impress employers, getting your message across is far from easy. So if you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry. WizOf.Biz is here to offer you constructive business advice along with step by step guidelines on how to write any type of business text even before you pay us for a full review of your submission. We are so dedicated to your success that even if you have never written what you need to complete ever before, our online templates will guide you to success.

How Do Our Templates Work?

What you do is simply sign into the WizOfBiz site and click on Client Dashboard. This will give you the option to upload your material. Once you’re at the Quick Start page, you will see a dropdown menu with a list of submission types to choose from. For the purposes of this post, let’s select White Paper as our example. Those of you who know the format of a white paper will likely choose to upload your own file. Others, who new to a white paper, for example, may gravitate towards our online template which guides you through the process. Creating a white paper using this method saves you time and energy. Each section of the template gives clear instructions, while showing you the essential elements of writing a white paper. Just fill in the blanks.

Let’s go through the example:

What Is A White Paper? It is a well-thought out written sales letter. Its purpose is to convince potential clients that your product or service is worth their investment. Your job is to introduce, entice and ultimately persuade people that they should take the next step. The argument you present should be convincing and offer a solution to a problem.

What’s In the Name? The first section of our WizOf.Biz white paper template is your title. The title of your paper should instantly suggest exactly how what you’re selling can be of value to the buyer. It should also be catchy and point the reader to what is unique about your idea.

Are You Helping Solve A Problem? Generally, when introducing a product or service, you would also present a problem or opportunity that a client needs to solve or would otherwise miss out. Perhaps your product will help increase sales, step up the marketing efforts or assist in generating new leads for the company. If there are a number of solutions to the problem you can offer, weave them into the core of your letter. Your introduction should be relatively short, just enough to peek the readers’ curiosity.

Is It Real? Make sure to give the reader plenty of evidence to support your claims. Back up your statements with research, numbers and testimonials. This will solidify your presentation in the readers mind as well as authenticate your brand.

How Do I Benefit? This is the number one question people ask themselves when introduced to a new concept. Consider it your cue to make your case. Give your reader some practical examples of how your product or service can help help solve A,B and C. They should be able to see the bigger picture as your describe your solution.

Do I Step It Up A Notch? Of course, the closing piece, should be a chance to show off and let your reader know exactly why they should choose you and and not the competition. Start by highlighting specific elements that make you unique. Present this in a succinct, creative manner. Doing so will impress the reader and persuade him or her to take that leap of faith. Do not forget to include a call to action, without it, your letter will lose its purpose.

WizOf.Biz is here to help. Our Quick Start option is a fun and easy way to upload your cover letter, speech, business idea and more! The template formula allows you to fill out and create business materials of any type or scale prior to starting the paid review process.

You can customize your experience on WizOf.Biz to suit your level of experience, business background or individual needs. Our efficient Mentor Engine works one hundred percent of the time to give our clients the business tips and advice they deserve.

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Creative Branding is about imagination. By adding this simple ingredient to your business model you will open the door to new possibilities and bring fresh value to your business. In this post Martha and I, will share some advice that you can use to inject imagination into your brand identity.

Determine the Values Behind Your Brand:

The number one tip to unlocking your entrepreneurial imagination is realizing that your audience wants to be reached on an emotional level. Decide what kinds of feelings your business evokes. It’s important that all your advertising material is consistent and memorable. Then aim to evoke those emotions through your branding and marketing.

Develop a Great Tag Line:

A great tag line will make your business memorable. Some examples:

Ken’s K-9 Klean Up – Ok, pretty good.This says dogs, and the K in Clean is also cool. I wonder though, why should people care? The reason this is tagline is not drawing me in, is that there is no emotional response. I’m still not sure exactly what value this service is to me or how I am to feel after having read this tagline. Watch what happens when you take the same tagline and give it a twist.

Oh, shit! at 1-800- Dog-Poop – This wording is much more memorable. It is catchy and lets the client know exactly what need it addresses while appealing to the dog lovers’ sense of urgency in a funny way.It’s important to understand that people buy into an idea rather than a sales pitch.

Get to Know Your Audience:

Always know who you’re targeting. Find out where your clients live, what they enjoy and the types of things they aspire to achieve. Then tailor your branding approach to the specific needs of your target group. When you begin to speak your clients language you will be able to make intuitive decisions about your overall image.

Keep An Open Mind:

Innovation and creativity both require an open mind. Think of a marketing stunt or make a new discovery. Offbeat marketing solutions will help humanize your business in the eyes of clients which is the first step towards your gaining trust

Draw From Your Own Experience:

Make everyday about experiences.Observing the behaviors and motivations of others is a way to gain creative insight, explore fresh ideas and cultivate inspired relationships.

Contribute to the Ideas Of Others:

Imagination thrives when you share ideas, discuss possible outcomes, give advice or offer solutions. Help reenergize concepts by collaborating with others. Doing so will generate a network of like-minded people and get you on the path to success.

Explore Alternative Business Strategies:

Don’t be afraid to take risks. A thriving business is one that dares to be different. A great example of a daring approach to marketing is this intriguing play on words that draws a parallel between cultures:

“Having an Event?” Oui Cater!

This is a slogan for Michael’s Bakery Cafe in Toronto. The playful phrase speaks to tradition and pushes existing cultural boundaries.

For assistance in re imagining your turn to the experts and our MentorEngine at WizOf.Biz.

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Contract-based work has become a standard part of our economy. Employers are less willing to make long-term commitments to employees and prefer the instability of contract work.

Most contracts last anywhere from three months to a year and do not offer benefits or financial stability. While companies do tend to hire contractors based on experience, they impose tougher deadlines at cheaper rates.

Some of the Drawbacks of Contract Work:

• As a contractor, you may end up on the outside of the inner office circles.
• Your professional attributes and efforts are likely to remain unnoticed due in part to your short term standing.
• There will be no significant benefits to rely on.
• Contractors still answer to companies.
• No employer is going to ask you "What is it you really want to do?" or "How can we help you find your passion?"

It's important to keep in mind that contract work is not for everyone. If you are pulling your hair out at the idea that your contract will soon end and you will once again be back at the drawing board; well then perhaps you should think twice about accepting contracts. This route may mean a longer road to success and stability.

However, there are reasons to participate in contact work. The most basic one is that you need income. There are though, other great benefits of this kind of work..

• If you impress, you might get a chance at permanent employment.
• Less office politics to be involved in.
• Access to more business related tax deductions.
• You get to dab into various industries and work with different people.
• Contract work is results driven so you are free to make your own adjustments.

Either way, WizOf.Biz can help you navigate through this rather unstable economic landscape. Whatever your questions; we have the answer. Our mentors will help you impress during your contract assignment, or give you advice on your business ideas, marketing plans or promotional materials. We can mentor you through the creation of a proper contract or even ensure that your business name and logo will draw attention.

We are here to deliver business wisdom to you.

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This is the first part in a series looking at how to effectively use Wizof.Biz in your business.

The WizOf.Biz platform is a unique, affordable and effective way for individuals, companies and entrepreneurs to quickly gain a competitive business advantage. We offer clients professional online guidance and feedback on all available business materials, including personalized advice and review.

The versatility of the format we offer, allows our friendly qualified advisors to easily customize their approach to reflect your individual business needs. Whether yours is a long standing business, a small to medium size venture or a startup idea with a vision: we're here to lend a hand. The work we do is inspired by our desire to help you succeed.

1) When does using WizOf.Biz make sense?

Our platform is a perfect solution if you find yourself needing advice or inspiration. As a person working alone, in a small business, or as part of a large team, using the wisdom we can provide ensures that the work you do is the best it can be. Use our platform when you need to gurantee what you’ve done is perfect, you need a new perspective on your work or you just need a second set of eyes and you want to keep this to yourself. Our expert advisers are here to listen, regardless of your level of business experience.

Students are welcome to submit to us their unpolished resumes, proposals and CVs. Building a strong relationship with our professional advisers can go a long way in helping aspiring business students get the support and confidence they need to be successful.

2) Can large businesses use WizOf.Biz?

Large companies can get assistance with larger scale submissions. We will work with you on answering all of your business inquiries from marketing advice to branding, to adjusting your written communication efforts and helping you produce the type of content that instantly reflects the authenticity and value of your business. Free qualified opinions will be delivered to your inbox within twenty-four hours of submitting.

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Over the past several months, WizOf.Biz has been making very important connections. One of many such connections includes participating in ongoing B2B Marketing and Digital Branding Conferences with Open Dialogue; an organization that specializes in high profile business events. Our team is making great progress when it comes to spreading our message and paving the way for young entrepreneurs.

Also, this February we’ve started a conversation with the Toronto Region Board of Trade. While there, we successfully presented our online business platform. The Board’s members were quite interested in what we had to say. Many agreed that such an innovative idea can be of of value to local businesses. They identified with WizOf.Biz’s number one goal of assisting startups and larger businesses in realizing their potential through online content revisions, feedback and professional business advice.

WizOf.Biz would like to thank the Toronto Region Board Of Trade for the opportunity to present to its members. We look forward to the possibility of working together on bridging the gap to this city’s social, commercial and economic growth.

In the meantime, we invite all of Toronto’s business men and women to talk to us. Feel free to share your stories, goals and aspirations. We provide you with the expertise you need. Our qualified advisors are happy to serve as your network for business guidance and support.

For more information on the Toronto Region Board of Trade visit www.bot.com or follow this link to connect to one of our business advisors.

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We at WizOf.Biz are always looking for people to work with and inspire. Sharing professional business insight, advice and creativity with people, is what we work towards. That is why, about two weeks ago, WizOf.Biz CEO, Reg Charney, spoke very openly to a group of young students at Seneca’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Program.

I must say, I was most impressed with Reg’s overall presence and enthusiasm. I could tell that he was eager to tell students about the many ways that WizOf.Biz can assist budding entherpreneurs.The silence in the room let me know that the group was listening and was finding Reg’s presentation quite informative. He wanted to know their answers to the question “What does entrepreneurship mean to you?” giving them real life success stories and allowing business experts to contribute to the overall discussion.

Thanks to professor Jane Forbes, the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Program exists. It is now an in-demand program, that offers students a unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of contemporary management theory, as well as give students the practical skills they need to enable them to plan, manage and expand their ventures. Forbes says, that “Along with being a teacher, I am the Program Leader and Faculty Advisor for Students for Free Enterprize.” She has over thirty years experience and is “proud of being able to engage and support Senecans in their quest for entrepreneurship”.

The Guest Speaker Series, allows students to experience business outside the classroom. They are challenged by high profile business experts, share innovative ideas and present their business plans to industry professionals. Rounding it off, are a series of interactive seminars, online business simulations and continual guidance. A large component of managing a project is getting business advice from the Board of Advisors.

Upon graduating, Seneca’s Entrepreneurship students will present their completed business plan to the the Canadian Youth Business Foundation and be considered for a sizable loan to help initiate their business.

WizOf.Biz is honored to have been invited to speak to students of the Small Business & Enterpreneurship Program. It has been a tremendous experience for our team and we look forward to continuing to provide expert business insight and innovation through our online consulting platform. It is our goal to inspire young entrepreneurs and help them succeed along the way.

For more information on Seneca’s Business Program visit http://www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/BAS.html or to learn about how WizOf.Biz can help you get ahead in business check out what makes us great.

Image credit: CollegeDegrees360 Creative Commons 

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