Retailing has always been a hard business. The hours are long, profits are slim, overheads continue to rise and competition never lets up. And now we are in the midst of the worst recession in our lifetimes. So, how are we going to survive? The first reaction of many independent retailers is to work harder, [...]
‘Case Studies’
The team at Macadamian ’stays the course’
by Fred Boulanger - Monday, July 13th, 2009Frederic Boulanger, founder and CEO of Macadamian Technologies Inc., discusses the role his company plays as a software consultancy that helps clients develop successful products, the demands this puts on staff and how the company has remained a destination employer for the best talent. He stresses the importance of an “egoless” culture in which staff feel comfortable engaging with senior management, there is regular communication through forums such as town hall meetings, and staff have strong leadership thats maintain morale and productivity to ensure the company “stays the course” in challenging times.
How to use Twitter as a business development tool
by Lisa Larter - Thursday, July 2nd, 2009Lisa Larter, owner of TELUS dealership Parlez Wireless, has embraced social media as a means to reach out to customers and build sales channels. Here she discusses how Twitter in particular has proven to be an effective tool.
Listen to what the customer wants, then deliver
by Murray and Linda Greenberg - Thursday, July 2nd, 2009Murray and Linda Greenberg, owners of Capital City Luggage, discuss how they have defined their target audience and keep their shop stocked with the right mix of inventory to keep customers coming back.
Customers come first at Parlez Wireless
by Lisa Larter - Tuesday, June 30th, 2009Lisa Larter, owner of TELUS dealership Parlez Wireless in Orleans, discusses the fundamental aspects of good customer service that are crucial to business success.
Financial advisor Sheldon Rice builds personal interest into successful niche business
by Leo Valiquette - Tuesday, June 30th, 2009As a boy, financial advisor Sheldon Rice saw his mother struggle on her own to raise two children and make ends meet. But while this experience compelled him in his professional life to focus his practice on women, it has taken much more than good intentions to build a successful business around such a niche [...]
Parlez Wireless gets down to work to promote itself out of the recession
by Leo Valiquette - Sunday, June 28th, 2009When Lisa Larter, owner of successful TELUS retail store Parlez Wireless on Innes Road, saw the recession setting in, she realized there were only two options: sit back and take the punches, or take action and devise a strategy to not only survive but thrive.
“We knew we had to proactively re-engage with existing customers and [...]
Capital City Luggage still thriving thanks to a fundamental approach to business
by Leo Valiquette - Sunday, June 28th, 2009Murray and Linda Greenberg, owners of Capital City Luggage on Wellington Street West, have endured their share of challenges over almost 25 years in business, but a clear focus on the fundamentals of sound cash-flow management, customer service and consistent self-promotion has kept the till ringing.
In 1980, Murray left the construction and renovation industry and went [...]
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