Feature Articles

Marketing Series for Women Entrepreneurs

#2 Market Research: Being In the Know

Market research always sounds to me like something a very serious professional with a stern face, large glasses, and clipboard should be doing, but not enjoying. Admit it, it does sound just a little bit dull, doesn’t it?

There are a multitude of things you’ll want to know before you launch your business, including many operational, financial and legal considerations. However, before you start digging into the details on those very important logistics, you need to know there is a market for the products and services you’d like to offer.

Business Tip of the Month
...from the desk of the Client Services Coordinator

Tradeshow ‘Season’ Lasts All Year!

My curiosity was piqued the other day, when I overheard someone talking about getting ready for the tradeshow season. A researcher by nature, it didn’t take me long to confirm that tradeshow ‘season’ is actually 12 months long!

Entrepreneur of the Month

Lindsay Smith - Massive Media Inc

Some of the best entrepreneurs fall into business naturally when they find a way
to fill an unmet need in the market. For Lindsay Smith, owner of Massive Media Inc. in Vancouver, this was the case.

Ten years ago, Smith was part of a team of students at SFU who came up with a concept they called “GeekRave,” a social networking event targeting the 20-something workers in Vancouver’s high-tech industry during the height of the tech boom. The first GeekRave drew hundreds of attendees, the next, thousands. The project became GeekRave Productions, with Smith as Director of Public Relations, then President.

News & Announcements

Learn from Experienced Women Business Owners!

Attend an upcoming Mentor Advisory Forum

Do you ever feel like you’re the only woman entrepreneur facing your particular challenges? You aren’t.

Our Mentoring Advisory Forums are a fun, high energy way for entrepreneurs to connect with a panel of mentors and with other self-employed women across the province. This is your chance to ask questions and get advice from experienced women entrepreneurs about time management, social media, work/life balance, etc.

Send us your questions, concerns, and challenges on the business topics listed below, then join us by phone from anywhere in the province to get solutions and new ideas from a panel of experienced mentors.

To register for any (or all) of our upcoming Mentor Advisory Forums click here.

Upcoming Mentor Advisory Forums

Letting Go – Learning to Delegate - Wednesday, March 3, 9:00 – 10:00am (PST) Finding Your Dream Customer - Wednesday, March 17, 9:00 – 10:00am (PST) .

CRA Offering Free HST Information Sessions

The Canada Revenue Agency is offering free information sessions to help ensure that businesses receive the information they need for the transition to the federal administration of the harmonized sales tax (HST) in BC July 1, 2010.

Further info and links to times, locations, etc ... Click here.

Maternity Benefits for the Self-Employed

As of January 31, 2010, self-employed people can register for access to EI Special Benefits. The four types of special benefits are:

• Maternity benefits
• Parental benefits
• Sickness benefits
• Compassionate care benefits.
  

Resource of the Month
Women's Enterprise Centre has lots of resources on our website to help you run your business better. This month we focus on marketing.

The Six Keys to Common Sense Marketing

Good marketing is a cornerstone of business success. You can be the best multi-tasker, accountant, even negotiator, but if you don’t have a sound marketing strategy based on meeting the needs of a clearly defined target market, you aren’t going to sell much of anything to anybody. And like it or not, a business has to sell stuff to survive.

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Events and Happenings

Around the Province

Mentor Advisory Forum - Learning to Delegate
By telephone from anywhere in BC
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 9 – 10am
For more information click here

Small Business BC is proud to support: A Special HST Breakfast Seminar Presented by CGA-BC
Crystal Pavilion Ballroom, Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver
Wednesday, March 4, 2010, 7:30 - 10 am
For more information click here

Fraser Valley Women in Business Conference
Chilliwack Heritage Park
Friday, March 5 – Sunday, March 7, 2010
For more information click here

Creating your Own Path speaking event
LilliQ Cafe, Vancouver
March 5, 2010, 9:15 – 11:15am
For more information click here

5th Annual Women Front and Centre Awards Gala
Penticton Lakeside Resort
Saturday, March 6, 2010, 6 – 7pm
For more information click here

Live@SOHO! Refreshed event - HST for small business seminar
Circa Restaurant & Lounge, Vancouver
Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 4:30 – 8:30pm
For more information click here

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards nomination deadline
Vancouver
Monday, March 15, 2010
For more information click here

Expanding Markets, Increasing Sales Information Seminar
Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna
Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 8:30am - 12:00pm
For more information click here

Mentor Advisory Forum - Finding Your Dream Customer
By telephone from anywhere in BC
Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 9 – 10am
For more information click here

SBBC "Successful You Business Contest & Awards" nomination deadline
Province-wide
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
For more information click here

Innovative Approaches to Success Conference
Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, Edmonton, AB
Wednesday, April 21 – Friday, April 23, 2010
For more information click here