A recent encounter I had brought to light the importance of effective communication. It also demonstrated how easily a simple problem can become complex when we use an ‘inflexible’ style of communication. The incident happened at the local post office between two sales associates and me. A few weeks ago, I signed up for a P.O. Box for my company. As is often the case, I misplaced the receipt a few days later. Several hours of searching the house was unsuccessful and I finally admitted defeat.
So off I went to the post office. I told the two associates my dilemma and that I needed another receipt for income tax purposes. The sales associates were not impressed. I was met with comments like: “We don’t that”, “we don’t just randomly print receipts”, and “it’s the customer’s responsibility to take care of their receipt after the purchase”. I wasn’t too happy either. I replied with comments like: “How complicated can it be to print a receipt?” and “why can’t you just give me something in writing?”. Read more »
Tags: communication, marketing, sales
BizLaunch is a company that offers consulting services to small businesses. Its two founders have launched a combined 17 companies over their careers; not bad considering most people have trouble launching and managing even one.
It uses an extremely creative way to market itself to prospective clients: its free BizLaunch seminars. Several times a month, in various cities around the country, it offers workshops on issues of importance to entrepreneurs. Read more »
Tags: coaching, entrepreneurship, mentoring, small business consulting, starting a business
For four days next week at the Complexe Desjardins in Montreal, people can take advantage of free personal legal advice. The individual consultations are part of the Montreal Bar’s annual Visez Droit event and will be available Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. People are asked to bring along with them any legal documents that are relevant to their inquiries. The same event in 2008 attracted more than 1,000 people.
Tags: entrepreneurship, legal services, starting a business
There was a post on lifehacker a few weeks ago providing free access to a great “Small Business Resource Guide” put together by Sarah Gootnick. It contains information on everything from free anti-virus software to Voice Over IP to where to find virtual assistants. A must have for every start-up, so here it is in its entirety.
Download report
Tags: guide, resources, SME