July 2006

Starting/Growing a Business Info Session: August 8, 2006

Do you have a great idea for a business, but don’t know how to get started? Or, are you already in business and looking for ways to grow?

If you are confused about what to include in a business plan, don’t know where to start with market research, or unclear about how to apply for a business loan, this information session is for you!

Business Loans Info Session: August 10, 2006

Learn how we can help finance your business! This phone-in, province-wide information session will cover:

What your options are for financing your business, what your credit rating means, why a Women's Enterprise Centre empowerment loan is different from a bank, and how you can qualify.

Small Business
Audio Tip (mp3 file)
Learn what branding is and how it can help your business! click here

Women's Enterprise Centre assists women entrepreneurs who live and do business anywhere in BC. We invite you to contact us for assistance in financing your business up to $100,000.

Head Office
201 - 1726 Dolphin Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R9

Vancouver Office
82-601 West Cordova St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1

Victoria Office
Suite G-8, Sussex Building
1001 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC, V8W 2C5

BC Toll Free:
1-800-643-7014
E-mail: info@womensenterprise.ca

Visit our website at
www.womensenterprise.ca

View this newsletter online:
click here

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June 2006
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An initiative of:

"Six Keys To Common Sense Marketing"

In April we focused on the first marketing key, Specialists Make More Than Generalists. In May we focused on the second marketing key, Work The Marketing Success Pyramid and in June we examined the third marketing key, Find And Focus On Heavy Users. This month we address:

Marketing Key #4:
Better Marketing = Less Selling

The fourth key to common sense marketing recognizes that better marketing equals less selling. What this means is that if you:

have identified the target market whose needs are a fit to your strengths;
know who those people are and what makes them tick;
have figured out how to reach them so that you are top-of-mind at the time they are making their buying decisions; and,
have developed a message that is meaningful to them

then the amount of effort you have to spend on selling, in the traditional sense, is minimal. In other words, with a strong marketing strategy, your days of cold calling for new business are probably numbered.

The 10 Laws of Sales Success

Make sales one of the easiest tasks you'll undertake!

Bill Brooks of the Brooks Group estimates that more than 85 percent of customers have a negative view of all salespeople. But it doesn't have to be that way: You can prove the masses wrong, and learn to develop the skills that will have people thinking differently about the selling process. In fact, selling can be one of the most rewarding tasks you'll undertake as a business owner—but only if you follow these 10 tactics:

Financial Guidance Courses for Small Business Owners

Financial Understanding for Small Business

Even if you use a bookkeeper and/or accountant, it is imperative that you understand the financial side of your business. This introductory-level guide takes you through practical exercises to help you improve your financial skills and knowledge.

By the time you complete this workbook you will be able to: read balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements. You will also understand cost of goods sold and margins as well as recognize the difference between sales and profit.

Purchase this study guide, click here

Financial Management for Small Business

One of the keys to business success is an ability to interpret financial statements. In fact, a primary cause of business failure is poor financial management, including the misunderstanding of financial statements and inappropriate action taken as a result.

This guide will help you understand basic financial principles that must be applied to your business on a daily basis. When you complete the course, you will be comfortable with the functions of cash flow management, cost/profit/volume relationship, credit and collections and business ratios.

Purchase this study guide, click here

Courses from Women's Enterprise Centre are available on demand throughout the province. Courses are often held in partnership with community organizations such as Women in Business groups, Chambers of Commerce and Community Futures. If you are a provider of business services in BC, we invite you to partner with us to provide custom training for women business owners. Call 1.800.643.7014 or email info@womensenterprise.ca

Women's Enterprise Centre Client Success Story

From National to International Art Advisor - Susan Almrud

After seven years in the Vancouver art world, Susan Almrud found both her business and her interests expanding. Six months ago she made a pivotal decision to refocus her business. She closed her Vancouver-based contemporary art gallery, State Gallery and Projects, and began pursuing the art world at an international level. Today, Susan works successfully with private and corporate clients across the globe, helping them acquire significant pieces of art for emerging and established collections.

Women's Enterprise Centre, June Client Success Story, click here

Today's Women Leadership Conference

"An event for the women of Northern BC!" Friday, September 29th, 2006.

This conference is all about understanding the characteristics of oneself, and utilizing this knowledge to capitalize on strengths, overcome barriers, supplement gaps, and generally become the advocate for your own career. The program is an exciting half day workshop delivered "edutainment" style helping participants to understand themselves, value differences, and put that to work to create harmony in teams, work groups, relationships, develop selling techniques, extend networks, coach for performance, reward and motivate based on easy to grasp information. Participants will complete a self assessment, uncover their personal “Plaid”, understand the significant traits and characteristics of all colours, have fun while learning and receive take home materials.

July 1st Goods and Services Tax Cut to 6 Percent

Will this impact you in a positive or negative way, or will it even matter?

As of July 1, 2006, most Canadians have a little more money in their pockets. The federal government announced several measures in its May budget aimed at reducing the tax load we all face. Government estimates say these changes will save Canadians well over $5 billion in taxes this year - not including the child-care benefit. The Canada Revenue Agency has put up a special website to ensure a smooth implementation of the GST/HST rate reduction. To help consumers and businesses adjust to the 1 percentage point tax reduction, this website explains how the tax cut will be implemented and outlines the transitional rules. It also contains a series of questions and answers on selected topics.

See what Canadians across the nation are saying about the GST cut, click here
Learn how to update the GST rate in your accounting software, click here
For more details about the GST reduction and how to prepare, click here

Incorporating Your Company: The Goodwill Factor

Learn about important issues that will ensure you are not penalized.

At some point most entrepreneurs will need to transfer personal assets into their business. The process may be more important than you think, as an improper transfer of assets could result in a large and completely unexpected tax bill. To understand how to transfer assets to a new corporation, both tangible and intangible assets must be considered. There are three possible ways that assets will be transferred to a new corporation...

Start It Up on a Shoestring: Inexpensive Business Ideas

Almost anyone can start a business with one of these business ideas.

Want to start a business of your own but have little or no money to invest? Have a look at these seven business ideas. Every one of these business ideas will let you start a business quickly and in some cases, almost instantly. All of the business ideas on this list can be operated as a home-based business. In most cases, you can start one of these for next to nothing.

July 2006

Starting/Growing a Business Info Session: August 8, 2006

Business Loans Info Session: August 10, 2006

Small Business
Audio Tip (mp3 file)
Learn what branding is and how it can help your business! click here

"Six Keys To Common Sense Marketing"

Marketing Key #4:
Better Marketing = Less Selling

The 10 Laws of Sales Success

Financial Guidance Courses for Small Business Owners

Women's Enterprise Centre Client Success Story

Today's Women Leadership Conference

July 1st Goods and Services Tax Cut to 6 Percent

Incorporating Your Company: The Goodwill Factor

Start It Up on a Shoestring: Inexpensive Business Ideas

Recommended Reading

Women's Enterprise Centre

Small Business BC and eBC Seminars

Around the Province

July 2006

Starting/Growing a Business Info Session: August 8, 2006

Business Loans Info Session: August 10, 2006

Small Business Audio Tip (mp3 file) Learn what branding is and how it can help your business! click here

"Six Keys To Common Sense Marketing"

Marketing Key #4: Better Marketing = Less Selling

The 10 Laws of Sales Success

Financial Guidance Courses for Small Business Owners

Women's Enterprise Centre Client Success Story

Today's Women Leadership Conference

July 1st Goods and Services Tax Cut to 6 Percent

Incorporating Your Company: The Goodwill Factor

Start It Up on a Shoestring: Inexpensive Business Ideas

Recommended Reading

Women's Enterprise Centre

Small Business BC and eBC Seminars

Around the Province

Small Business
Audio Tip (mp3 file)
Learn what branding is and how it can help your business! click here

Marketing Key #4:
Better Marketing = Less Selling