Off the Ground Blog
Help Wanted: How to attract (and keep) quality staff
So, you have established your business and it's a roaring success. The only problem is you’re so busy you can’t take a day off to relax! It’s time to hire some help. Although it is exciting, the hiring process can also be daunting, especially if you have never done it before. That's why the SBA has collected some great resources to make the process easier. To find our complete list visit the Management and Human Resources page. Hiring Staff
Aboriginal Business Education and Resources: A look at Ch'nook Indigenous Business Education
June is Aboriginal History month, a time to recognize and honour the cultures and contributions of Aboriginal people in Canada. The SBA would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few resources for aspiring entrepreneurs that identify as Aboriginal.
Quick Tips to Start Your Industry Research
According to a 2010 RBC poll, one-third of Canadians like the idea of starting their own business and one-fifth are actually planning to launch a business in the next five years! Well, it looks like some of our readers are part of that group and are just starting their business research.
2012: Hottest Industries for Entrepreneurs
Are you eager to start a business, but not sure which industry to tackle? You’re in luck! Inc. Magazine has just released their annual list of the top industries for start-ups.
Get Your Company in the Spotlight
Tips for Connecting with Traditional Media Social media is an excellent way to spread the word about your small business, but what if your audience is not that tech savvy? Or, you simply want to broaden your reach? Traditional media outlets such as print magazines and television talk shows are another great way to secure exposure for your company. Before you start contacting reporters consider these tips to grab your target’s attention.
24/7 is never enough! Time saving tips for banking
Finding the time to build and run a successful business is not easy. Many first-time entrepreneurs can be overwhelmed by their daily volume of ‘to-do’s’, especially during the early stages of business development, when a routine has yet to be established and new time-demanding issues pop up around every corner. What to do?
Cool Tools: A Few of Our Favorite Marketing Resources
KnowThis.com What it is: Marketing information in the form of a blog, a news database, and a series of tutorials.
How Cultured Is Your Company?
The Sergay Group defines company culture as "the collective way we do things around here. It involves a learned set of behaviors that is common knowledge to all the participants. These behaviors are based on a shared system of meanings which guide our perceptions, understanding of events, and what we pay attention to."
Backing Up Your Business Data
How often do you back up data from your small business? What technology do you use to do it? How do you decide what information needs to be archived? Your data is as much a part of your business as your products, services, and customers -- and it's nearly impossible to replace once it's gone. You may rely on a server or software program to run regular backups of your data, but you'll still need to pay attention to what gets archived, where, and how.
Why Use Web Analytics
Having a website is a cornerstone to creating an identity and presence for many businesses. It’s your calling card and the first impression that many customers will have of you and your business. Therefore you want to make sure that your website is effective in supporting your goals and the needs of your customers.