INTEGRATING SOCIAL MEDIA

By writing blog content sections can be used on other social media to communicate with interested parties. For example a blog on ecopreneurship could raise discussion points on Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in.
The key is to make the content challenging to the potential reader in terms of knowledge transfer or discussion to expand information.
References and resources also help the reader/contributor.

ENTREPRNEURSHIP & MENTORING

1. Study by US Small Business Administration ranking-fostering entrepreneurial creativity and zeal: #1 Denmark, #2 CANADA, #3 U.S.
2.MicroMentor.org is a free on-line service that connects small-business owners with volunteer business mentors run by Mercy Corps, a non-profit humanitarian agency; currently 3,500 entrepreneurs and 2,600 business mentors are enrolled

BUSINESS PLANNING

Business planning is a challenging and time consuming effort by small, medium and large businesses. One of the most important benefits is getting ideas down on paper. Research and review of competing organizations around the world can provide good information. Some people use R&D (research & development) while others use rob and duplicate best ideas.

One recommended one page business plan has the following sections:
Vision-where do we want to be in five years
Mission-1 line description of the purpose of the business
5 Objectives-1 line measureable objectives such as revenue, profit, # of customers; for the first 2 years
5 Strategies-how will the objectives be achieved i.e. what 1 line description of methods
5 Plans-tasks to be performed to exectue strategies to include a completion date

Such an approach could be used ina simulated business such as available in www.sim-u.com

INTERESTING FACTS

A TD Small Business Index
-62% of Canadian small business owners describe themselves as very happy
-1% very unhappy
-why happy-97% owning gives a sense of pride & accomplishment
-where happiest-Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver
Restaurants in Canada
-36,390 full service restaurants with 64% independent brands; over 1 million employees plus 210,000 as product and service providers

ECOPRENEURISM

GREEN and SUSTAINABILITY are beneficial as a uniqueness and competitive advantage. A 2007 report by Environics Research Group for Bullfrog Power, Canada's 1005 green electricity provider, indicated "2/3 of Canadian consumers are likely to switch their spending to support companies that have demonstrated a commitment to green policies".




Products, services, suppliers are available that can contribute, not just in terms of social responsibility, but driving profit to the bottom line. The added benefit is contribution to brand name and image.

VOLUNTEER BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD

ALL micro and small businesses and social enterprises must establish a BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD.
Benefits to business owner-free advice, sales leads/referrals, credibility (names on web site/brochure)
Benefits to advisor-networking with other advisors to get leads/referrals, free advertising on company site, letter from company to boss saying positive involvement, add to resume-community involvement, learn something, social involvement
Process:
1. Identify needs for business-e.g. marketing, sales, financial, technology, knowledge re product/service
2. Recruit and have them sign a confidentiality/non-compete document
3. Have them agree to a once a month meeting for 1/2 hours-in-person or on-line or skype; plus 2 e-mails and 2 phone calls
4. Conduct monthly meeting with 1-2 items such as new product/service, marketing plan, problem, opportunity
NO one person has the knowledge and skills to manage ALL aspects of a business. A business advisory board (preferably volunteer)can provide professional advice and support to grow the business.
Based on your needs, more than one board should be established.