Let's face it - the competition facing a small business owner in Canada is fierce. Less than 1% of small businesses will survive their first 5 years.
With that in mind - here's 6 links to make sure your small business stays on top.
1. Get Evernote
Evernote is an app that makes modern life manageable by letting you easily collect and find everything that matters.
- Keep everything in sync
- Remember things you like
- Improve your research
Read this awesome Evernote beginner's guide and get your small business organized.
2. Write a Business Plan
A business plan is a tool for understanding how your business is put together. Use it to monitor your progress and hold yourself accountable for how your business is performing.
The folks over at Entrepreneur.com have excellent business plan guide to help your small business reach the next level.
3. Attend small business networking events
In business, there is perhaps no greater asset than your network. Meeting and developing new contacts is the lifeblood of your small business and you should make networking a part of your routine. You can find a complete list of small business networking events at the Small Business Community Network.
4. Learn how to use LinkedIN
LinkedIN is a tool to research people and companies, reconnect with past business associates, and generate business opportunities. The statistics for LinkedIN are impressive - 7 million Canadian users (over 1.6 million in Toronto alone) with 25% of users spending at least 5 hours a week on the social media platform. Your prospects are hanging out on LinkedIN - go find them!
Here's a brilliant beginner's guide to LinkedIN to help you navigate the world of digital networking.
5. Start an E-newsletter
E-newsletters are a cost effective and easy to implement method for building loyalty with your customers and spreading the gospel about the wonders of your small business. Sent out weekly, monthly or quarterly, you'll establish a regular link with your customers and keep your business top of mind.
We found this E-newsletter guide really helpful and the title is great - "Design and Build an email newsletter without losing your mind". Get to it!
6. Get a Health Spending Account
As a small business owner, cost control is top of mind. A Health Spending Account has no premiums, no deductibles, and best of all - you get to write off all of your medical expenses through your company!
Check out this Beginner's Guide to Health Spending Accounts and take charge of your medical costs.
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