Praveeni Perera | Canadian Small Business Women

Sep 04 2017

3 Reasons Why You Should Join a Nonprofit Board

“Join a nonprofit board” We’ve all seen this listed in someone’s LinkedIn Profile but just why is it so important? Volunteering is a great way to make new connections and expand your network and being part of a board can provide you with valuable skills and experience. Unlike corporate boards which are notoriously difficult to join and often rely on private appointment of board members, nonprofits often recruit volunteer board members to help with governance related decisions. Here are 3 reasons why you should join a nonprofit board:

Expand your network

Being on a board gives you the opportunity to meet and work with people from different professions and skills sets. It’s a great way to network with professionals outside of your specific field and workplace. Additionally being a board member usually means you have to represent the nonprofit at community and industry events which gives you more opportunities to network.

Strengthen your leadership and project management skills

Board members are responsible for the governance of an organization. As a board member you are a decision maker. Volunteering on a board is a great way to strengthen your leadership skills, as you collaborate with fellow members on decisions such as budget increases and organizational expansions. You may also be tasked with your own portfolio of areas for which you are the point person, this is a great way to develop and strengthen your project management skills.

Enhance your professional profile

Being a board member is certainly something that looks great on your resume, but serving on a board also helps enhance your professional profile. As a board member you have certain responsibilities and are held accountable for the good governance of the nonprofit. Board members are viewed as leaders. Serving on a board also allows you to align yourself professionally with a cause or platform so be careful which nonprofit you choose to volunteer with. A professional who is not only experienced and qualified but who also gives back to his/her community is something recruiters, professional organizations and corporate boards look for when seeking to fill a vacancy at an organization or on another board.

Praveeni Perera is an experienced entrepreneur having co-founded a training and consulting company catering to clients around the world. Her area of expertise is international expansions. You can connect with her via Twitter or LinkedIn

Jul 04 2017

The Americanization of Canadian Business

Americanization is a term that has been around for many years and had different connotations at different periods of time. First used as a word associated with the integration and assimilation of immigrants to the United States by adopting American beliefs and values, Americanization now refers to the making something be it a person, a business or a culture “American” in character.

Though we don’t realize it Americanization has been a constant in our culture, lives and businesses for a significant period of time. The American influence plays a lead role in the Canadian economy as the United States is Canada’s largest trading partner, accounting for $544.0 billion in two way goods trade last year. Conversely China is the United States’ largest trading partner with $578.6 billion of two way goods trade in 2016.

The trade relationship between Canada and the US is not an interdependent one as Canada relies more heavily on the United States than they do on us. In fact a significant percentage of Canada’s provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is dependent on the US. For example 49% of Ontario’s GDP is dependent upon trade with the United States. Comparatively trade with Canada exceeds 10% of annual economic output in only 2 out of 50 states, Michigan and Vermont. As such, anything that affects the United States’ economy will affect Canada, whether beneficial or detrimental; as the saying goes when America coughs Canada catches the cold. Here are a few examples that illustrate the Americanization of the Canadian market

Black Frid’eh

For many years Black Friday, the day after American thanksgiving was observed solely in the United States. This however did not keep Canadian shoppers from crossing the border in an attempt to snap up some of the savings. However with the weaker loonie the number of bargain hunters making the trek to the States has dwindled and in an effort to keep Canadian shoppers in Canada, local retailers offered up their own version of Black Friday. Although not as widespread as the traditional Boxing Day sales the Black Friday sale phenomenon slowly but surely made its way in to Canada. Though we are borrowing a bit of the American culture this aspect of Americanization stands to benefit Canadian consumers who can take advantage of sales before and after Christmas.

Live Canadian Buy American

Although the United States has a larger population and consumer base, Canada has quite a few offerings in the way of brands. Names such as Roots, Tim Hortons, Lululemon, Canada Goose, Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws are successful Canadian brands. However there is still a large appeal for American brands in the Canadian market. For example Tim Hortons is synonymous with Canada but the coffee shop is viewed as more of a discount brand rather than a truly Canadian business with Starbucks still playing a major role in the coffee market. Even though Starbucks offers less bang for your buck with their $5 lattes and fancy baristas the brand has still managed to carve out a market for themselves in Canada. American brands may not be the most economical but they certainly have appeal in Canada; an example of just how Americanized our market is. We have home grown alternatives but we still choose to buy American.

Hollywood Loyalty

The American entertainment industry has a significant influence on Canadian culture and business. Almost all of the movies, music and entertainers we enjoy in Canada are products of the US. Though Canada can boast of artists such as Celine Dion, Drake, Shania Twain and even Justin Bieber, the fact that they are indeed Canadian seems relatively unknown and unnoticed on a global level. When it comes to movies, Hollywood dominates the Canadian box office as Canadian films gain little notoriety aside from previews at smaller film festivals. In 2011, 50% of Canadians thought American movies and TV shows were superior to those made in Canada. Hollywood does have its appeal and offers a wide range of movies but it is far from being the world’s largest film industry. While American films may dominate the Canadian movie market, Bollywood, India’s film industry has far surpassed it in its appeal and reach. Our loyalty to Hollywood is another example of how Americanization has influenced the choices Canadian consumers make.

Jun 04 2017

Five Fun Ways to Network This Summer

It’s finally summer! And for those of us in Canada that means the short but sweet period of warm weather we wait for all year long. It’s great to get out and enjoy the summer weather but as entrepreneurs we still need to work and grow our businesses. Working however doesn’t always have to be a chore as you can work some fun in to your schedule. Networking is a great way to grow your contact base and your business. Here are 5 fun ways to network this summer:

Attend a summer social/fundraiser

Many businesses and charities host events in the summer months such as summer parties and fundraisers. Attending a summer party hosted by a friend or spouse’s workplace or choosing to attend a fundraiser hosted by a local charity is a great way to meet new people and make new business contacts.

Enter a charity sports tournament

Outdoor sports aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but if you are an athlete or athletically inclined entering a charity sports tournament and being part of a team is another fun way to make new connections. These tournaments are open to the public and attract participants from a myriad of different professional backgrounds.

Volunteer at a local festival

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community. Summer time equals festival time – there always different festivals going on around us. Whether they’re music festivals, municipal events or cultural celebrations these festivals depend on volunteers. Many festivals put out public calls for volunteers from within the community. Not only does volunteering look great on your resume and professional profile, being a part of a local festival introduces you to more members of your community as well.

Leverage your lunch break

The warmer summer weather is a great reason to be outside and an even better opportunity to invite a new connection out to lunch. Most people enjoy being out of the office during the warmer summer months and are more likely to accept a lunch invitation. The season also makes a lunch meeting more informal as you can opt for outdoor seating and enjoy your surroundings.

Host a family BBQ

Summer is a great time to get the family together. Sure it might seem like you already know everyone in your family, but you don’t know who they know. As an entrepreneur it’s important to spread the word about your business and what a better audience than your family. Who knows they might just know someone who may be a great business connection.

May 04 2017

Emerging Economies: 3 things you need to know

Emerging economies and emerging markets are terms that are being thrown around quite readily in today’s business world. Amidst the current and upcoming changes to political climates in some of the world’s most developed countries economic forecasters and investment experts often refer to emerging economies when predicting growth or elevated risks. But just what are emerging economies and why should we care about them? Here are 3 things you need to know about emerging economies:

What is an emerging economy

An emerging economy or emerging market economy as it is often referred to is an economy with low to mid range per capita income (the income of the average person living in this particular economy). Emerging economies are characterized by their rapid growth and volatility; they offer a huge potential for growth however pose significant political, financial and social risks.

What are some examples of emerging economies

Last year the IMF identified 23 countries as emerging market economies, however you don’t need to memorize all 23. A few common examples are the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and the MINT countries (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey). Other popular emerging economies are Malaysia, Thailand, Chile, the Philippines and South Africa.

Why are emerging economies important

Emerging economies constitute about 80% of the world’s population, with countries like China and India dominating the market. The rapid growth and potential high yield offered by emerging economies also make them an attractive option for investors looking to take on more risk in hopes of a higher and faster return on their investment. In addition emerging economies are a haven for outsourcing offering lower labour costs and an abundance of manpower.

Mar 04 2017

Working from home effectively

Entrepreneurs often run home based businesses and with a home based business, comes a home office. Working from home is great, whether you work for yourself or someone else. Unfortunately many people struggle with being productive while working from home. Productivity however is something we can all achieve if we simply apply ourselves. Here are 5 tips for working from effectively

Have a designated workspace

Having a designated workspace will make it easier to focus on work and avoid distractions at home. Whether you have a desk or a fully functional office room, always make sure you separate your professional and personal spaces.

Schedule working hours

Every office has hours of operation and your home office shouldn’t be an exception. In order to work effectively set working hours for yourself and keep to a daily schedule. Whether you’re working 9-5, 10-6 or 7-3 always make sure you get in a full day’s worth of work. You should also implement a daily schedule of tasks you wish to complete within the day. This will help you keep on track and up to date with deadlines and deliverables.

Get dressed

Ever heard of the saying dress for the job you want? Getting dressed for work is a great way to motivate yourself to be more productive at home. Although it’s tempting to spend the day in lounge wear while working from home, being too comfortable doesn’t help with productivity. When people look good they feel good and are more motivated to work hard and be more effective.

Get out

Spending too much time inside is never a good thing. Make it a point to get out of your home office at least once a day. Whether it’s for a meeting with a client or colleague or a quick coffee run. A change of scenery is always a great productivity booster. If your office consists of just your laptop you can even opt to work at a coffee shop a few days of the week.

Take breaks

Down time is an integral part of productivity, so don’t forget to give yourself a break. After all people who work at conventional workplaces often take coffee and lunch breaks. Try to avoid eating your lunch at your desk, step away and take a breather. This will allow you to regroup and collect your thoughts before you get down to work again. However make sure you structure your breaks and be vigilant about how much time you spend on each break.

Praveeni Perera is an experienced entrepreneur having co-founded a training and consulting company catering to clients around the world. Her area of expertise is international expansions. You can connect with her via Twitter or LinkedIn

Feb 04 2017

When the world is your oyster, don’t use the wrong fork: 5 mistakes entrepreneurs make when going global

Globalization has been the buzzword in the business community for many years. With technology making our world a smaller place, businesses big and small seem eager to be a part of the “going global” trend. But just what does expanding internationally mean and how much of an investment does it require? Many entrepreneurs are unaware of what an international expansion entails, which is the reason why many of them aren’t successful.

Here are five mistakes entrepreneurs make when going global:

Not spending enough time exploring potential markets

The decision to expand your business internationally is a huge step. Many entrepreneurs seem to get too caught up in the allure of going global that they often forget to evaluate the compatibility of their specific business in their market of choice. It’s important to allow adequate time for research on potential markets. Spend time exploring and getting to know potential markets that fit your specific business. Expanding internationally is not about which countries you’d like to personally visit; it’s about where your business can grow and thrive.

Underestimating costs and break-even time

Expansions are expensive! Don’t be fooled by the common misconception that outsourcing labour drastically lowers your operating costs – this may be true in the long run but breaking in to a new market will significantly increase your costs in the first few years. Adequate research about your market of choice and what kind of fees, licenses and legal documents are required is essentials for a successful expansion. Expansions take time to be profitable so it’s best to be conservative when forecasting break-even time, don’t expect and instant return on your investment.

Discounting the importance of cultural differences

Sadly soft skills such as business etiquette are often overlooked when it comes to international expansions; however they play a significant role in the success of your business. In order to enter a new international market you need to be able to build contacts and make the right connections. Networking internationally can be tricky especially when customs and traditions vary among cultures. It’s important to fully understand the differences between your own culture and the culture in your market of choice. For example is the country you’re looking to expand in to a collectivist or individualist culture – do they focus on the Me or on the We? If you can’t form a rapport and network effectively with people from different cultures; expanding you business internationally will be a challenge.

A lack of product flexibility

Sometimes you may need to change your product to better suit a new market. Entrepreneurs need to be aware that the look of their product will need to evolve to better appeal to its potential buyers. A great example of this is Coca Cola – everyone the world over knows about the soft drink, but a bottle of Coke doesn’t look the same in every country – it’s evolved to suit the needs of new markets. In North America we have large 2L bottles of Coke but some countries only sell 1.5L bottles of Coke- the reason? Simple – their fridges are smaller. If you want to be successful internationally you need to be able to adapt your product to suit your new market.

Not changing your marketing strategy

What works well in one country may not work well in another, and this is especially true for marketing strategies. Some countries respond very well to social media marketing, while others respond better to direct selling. Effective marketing is extremely important when introducing a new product. Learn from local players and adapt your marketing strategy to suit the new market. Don’t get stuck in a cookie cutter strategy be open to new ideas and try a few different strategies until you find the one that works best for your particular product.

Jun 04 2016

3 Ways to Network This Summer

Summer is fast approaching and as the days get longer and warmer entrepreneurs put their networking goals on hold. Sadly many people think of networking as work and forget that a strong network is built through relationships not rules or business card quotas. Contrary to popular belief summer is a great time to get out there and strengthen your network. Here are three ways you can network this Summer:

Get in the game
Outdoor sports are extremely popular in the summer. Whether you’re a player or simply a fan get in the game by joining a sports team or attending a sporting event. There are also some great charity sports events such as golf or volleyball tournaments that you can get involved in. Sharing a common interest such as sports, brings people together and helps form better relationships.

Leverage your lunch break
The warmer summer weather is a great reason to be outside and an even better opportunity to invite a new connection out to lunch. Most people enjoy being out of the office during the warmer summer months and are more likely to accept a lunch invitation. The season also makes a lunch meeting more informal as you can opt for outdoor seating and enjoy your surroundings.

Attend some festivals
Summer is famous for its festivals. Attending a few summer festivals is a great way to learn about new music and different cultures. It also exposes you to many potential connections. Most festivals are free and open to the public so it’s a cost effective way to enjoy the summer and build your network.

Praveeni Perera is the CEO and co-founder of Professional Edge Consulting a corporate training company based in Ottawa offering training and coaching services to clients around the world. She can be reached via Website, Twitter, Facebook or her Blog.

May 04 2016

Business Without Borders – The Advantages of Outsourcing

The word outsourcing has a notorious reputation in the business community, you’re either a lover or a hater. Often times there is very little middle ground when it comes to views regarding outsourcing work. As a Canadian business owner it’s easy to get swayed one way of the other on the idea of letting someone else, possibly on the other side of the world do work for you. However outsourcing can have some tangible benefits especially for small business owners. Here are a few advantages I’ve noticed while outsourcing some of my projects :

Cost Efficient
In most cases outsourcing will cut down your expenses significantly if you choose the correct market to work with. I say this because outsourcing services are often advertised via online bidding websites such as elance. These sites allow you to choose from different bidders many of whom are located in emerging economies whose currency exchange rate is fairly low when compared to the Canadian dollar.

Focus on Core Principles
Delegating work via outsourcing will leave you more time to focus on your core business practices first. In many cases back office operations such as administrative and HR services can be outsourced. It’s easy to get caught up in back office tasks and lose focus of your core business processes. Outsourcing allows someone else to handle them so you are free to examine the heart of business and what makes it tick.

Time Differences
Although working with international partners can sometimes be challenging, a large time difference can also be advantageous. While you’re a sleep they’re working and vice versa. There is always someone working on improving and maintaining your business. Communication is key when working across time zones so make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to dates and deadlines.

Flexible Staffing
As a small business owner your workload can fluctuate. Hiring on-site staff whether permanent or on contract can often be cost intensive. Outsourcing tasks according to demand will allow your business more financial flexibility as you can increase or decrease the number of outsourced projects easily. Essentially you can expand or scale back your staff as needed.

Apr 04 2016

6 Tips for Managing Your Employees

Praveeni

Managing people is a tricky job, even for the most skilled business school grads and experienced professionals. Running a business and managing staff is more than just delegating tasks and supervising employees; it means you are accountable to both your clients and your staff.

Here are a few tips for managing people :

Delegate work according to skill level and capability
As an entrepreneur your staff is there to help you achieve your goals and grow your business. Being in charge is doesn’t give you the right to palm off tasks you don’t enjoy on your staff. You must delegate work according to your staff’s skill level and capabilities. Each member of your staff is unique and has different strengths and weaknesses; it is your job to recognize their strengths. You need to get to know your staff and their capacities in the workplace. Remember to be fair in your delegation, resist the urge to pile work on your strongest staff members and delegate easier tasks to those who might be struggling. Make sure everyone has a fair share of responsibilities within their assigned roles.
Hold weekly meetings
Weekly meetings are a common practice in most workplaces as it gives co-workers and managers alike a chance to discuss progress, plan the coming week, and initiate new tasks. Make sure you get status updates on the work you’ve delegated and ensure the participation of all your employees in weekly meetings. This will allow you to assess how employees are dealing with the workload and determine where changes need to be made.
Schedule open door time
The “Open door” policy isn’t always the best approach to increase productivity. As a business owner and manager you may need time alone in your office to work, brainstorm, meet tight deadlines, and sort out your thoughts. However, your employees will have questions and concerns to discuss with you, designating a time when you will be available to address these concerns is a great way of showing your concern and approachability. It’s a good idea to schedule “open door time” every day or at least 3 times a week; this way employees know they can talk to you about their concerns. This practice is often adopted in academia where professors have “Office Hours” within which students can meet them to discuss grades, assignments etc.
Exercise open and effective communication
Open communication is the key to effective management. Bosses are often the bearers of good and bad news. Inform all employees at the same time. Some business owners feel that they should only share information with certain employees who they determine “need to know it” or for whom it is “relevant”. However this scenario often results in closed door meetings between bosses and just a few staff members, leaving other employees feeling left out, suspicious and anxious. Engaging in closed door meetings of this sort is highly discouraged as it promotes division and suspicion. Of course some information needs to remain confidential but as a business owner you must be discrete about how you go about disclosing information to staff.
Keep it professional
Sometimes as a business owner it may be tempting to befriend your employees since you hired them and they work directly for you, but it’s important to keep it professional. You may be closer to certain members of your staff than others but attempt to maintain the same level of interaction with all employees. Avoid going out to lunch with the same staff members every week or sitting next to the same people at meetings. This makes others feel like you’re playing favourites and will result in jealousy, competition, and workplace conflict as everyone wants to be close to “the boss”. You can engage in conversations with employees outside of working hours but remember to keep your composure. Be polite and keep it professional, don’t get too personal.
Introduce team building initiatives
Initiating team building activities is a good way to foster a collectivist environment within your business and make employees feel included and welcome. Introducing office outings such as a lunch out of the office will allow you to connect with your staff in a new environment and boost morale. If going out is not feasible, organizing a potluck or simply celebrating employee birthdays with a cake or dessert is a great way to promote interaction. As a business owner you need to make sure employees are team players working toward a common goal.

Mar 04 2016

5 reasons why entrepreneurs should travel

Praveeni

Life as an entrepreneur can often be stressful and overwhelming, with business commitments and client demands. Planning a vacation is usually the last thing on your mind when you’re trying to run your own business. Surprisingly travel can have some very real benefits for entrepreneurs, so if escaping the Canadian winter isn’t a good enough excuse here are 5 reasons why entrepreneurs should travel :

Relax and renew your mind

Many entrepreneurs overlook the fact that you can actually suffer from mental fatigue – your mind gets tired too! Travel allows you to let go of your troubles and focus on something other than work. Whether you’re lying on a beach or hiking up a mountain a new environment and change of scene can alleviate mental fatigue and relax your body as well.

See different business environments

Travel gives you the opportunity to learn not only about a new culture but a new business environment as well. Whether you realize it or not traveling as an entrepreneur will strengthen your business acumen as you are exposed to different races, cultures and countries. It’s always good to know about how business is conducted in different countries, if you do choose to go international at some point you’ve already got a head start!

Make new connections

Networking is an important part of business so don’t limit your network to just local or national contacts. You never know when someone from another part of the world may require your expertise or vice versa. Travel is a great way to meet new people and make new connections. Whether you travel in a group or solo you’ll inevitably meet and make new friends who in turn will become a part of your international network.

Discover new opportunities

Exposure to different environments and cultures is a great source of inspiration. Traveling can help you discover new business opportunities and ideas as you learn about how different people live and different countries operate. Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck thinking inside the box. You can also discover new export or import opportunities based on needs at home or in other countries. Your next great business idea or solution may be only a trip away.

Learn new things

Traveling enriches your life with new experiences and new skills. Look at vacations and travel as a learning opportunity rather than an expense. Whether you’re simply taking a historical tour or using a guidebook to learn the local lingo, travel will always afford you the opportunity to learn new things. It’s a great way to learn a new language or skill. Learning is something that should never stop regardless of age.

Feb 04 2016

6 mistakes entrepreneurs make when seeking out funding

Praveeni

Entrepreneurs often have many “great” ideas and rely on funding in the form of a business loan or investors to bring their dreams to light. Pitching your business and asking for funding can be an intimidating and grueling process. However if successful the payoffs can be huge. Unfortunately many entrepreneurs aren’t successful in securing the funding they require. Here’s a look at 6 mistakes entrepreneurs make when seeking out funding:

Over-valuing their firm or product
Ok you’ve got an idea- that’s great, but how much is it worth? If it’s your idea it’s probably priceless to you but how much is your business really worth? People tend to over-value their business in hopes of securing a greater investment but that very often fails. Take an objective stance when valuing your business – look at how much you’ve done in sales, your costs and how much revenue you’re really brining in. Remember sales do not denote firm value. Don’t forget to factor in your production, operational and carrying costs.

Presentation & pitch is too long
Your elevator pitch and investor presentation should be short and informative. Keep your presentation under 10 slides and make your slides concise with 3-5 points per slide. Your elevator pitch should be about a minute long at most. If you can’t summarize your business in under a minute you may need to spend more time understanding your business. No one wants to be stuck listening to a 20 slide presentation.

No concept of market size
Whenever you offer a product or service you must be aware of how large or small its market is. Whether it’s a nice or mass market item, every product/service has a market. It’s up to you as an entrepreneur to research your market and determine who your target audience is and how much of a market share you would like to capture. Remember 100% market share isn’t always a viable or profitable goal. Be realistic in your market share goals and understand the size of your market.

No professional business plan

A well written, factually correct business plan can garner you the funding you require. It’s important not to skimp on your business plan. Don’t rush it, take time to understand the risks, opportunities and profitability of your idea. Make sure you comprehend your product and what it will take to bring your idea to market. Many people overlook the financial aspect of a business plan. Projections can be intimidating so seek out professional help if you require it, never assume always ask.

Inability to explain what problem their product solves
Ok so you’ve got an idea – great! How can it help me? What problem will it solve? Many times entrepreneurs are unable to explain exactly how their product is useful to consumers. This can be off-putting to investors as they think – if a person can’t even explain their own product then how can they sell it? You must fully understand your product or service and how it benefits consumers. Be prepared to answer questions about your own product and your competitor’s offerings as well. The more informed you are the better.

No flexibility
When asking for funding you need to be flexible. Remember you’re asking someone else to put their trust and money in you and your business. You may not always get the offer you prefer and in some cases may have to counter offer as well. It’s good to be prepared with at least 3 different counter offers when pitching to investors. You should also be open to different kinds of offers. This doesn’t mean give away your whole company for free but listen to what they have to say and run the numbers before you decide to accept, counter or decline. Most importantly be realistic – have a realistic valuation and seek out the appropriate amount for the share you’re offering.

Jan 04 2016

16 Inspiring Quotes for 2016!

Praveeni

Happy New Year! It’s time for a fresh start once again and what better way to kick off 2016 than with a little positivity and inspiration. Every new year is a chance to hit the re-set button, clear our the clutter and negativity in our lives and look at the world, ourselves and our businesses with a fresh set of eyes. Here’s my list of 16 inspiring quotes for 2016 :

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day.For poise, walk with the knowledge that you will never walk alone” – Sam Levenson
“ Be yourself everyone else is already taken “ – Oscar Wilde
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible !” – Audrey Hepburn
“ Be kind to those who are cruel to you, for they know not what kindness is ” – Praveeni Perera
“Don’t follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you” – Margaret Thatcher
“ Let no man pull you low enough to hate him “ – Martin Luther King
“Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of someone else” – Judy Garland
“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t ” – Margaret Thatcher
“Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives” – Michelle Obama
“Don’t waste time putting others down when you could be building yourself up “ – Praveeni Perera
“ A girl should be two things : classy and fabulous” – Coco Chanel

“The attributes of a great lady may still be found in the rule of the four S’s: Sincerity, Simplicity, Sympathy, and Serenity” – Emily Post
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness” – Oprah Winfrey
“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman” – Coco Chanel
“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much” – Oscar Wilde
“What other people think of you is none of your business “ – Amy Hatvany

Nov 04 2015

Four Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

Being an entrepreneur is a challenging and rewarding experience but it’s not without its pitfalls. Although a business idea may seem profitable it may not always be the case and in business as in life failure (along with success) is inevitable. Everyone makes mistakes but it doesn’t mean success won’t come your way eventually, here’s a quick look at the 4 most common mistakes entrepreneurs make:

Overvaluing their product/company
Most businesses start off with funding in the way of a business loan or investors. Although there are many sources for investment, funding may be hard to come by if you’ve over valued your company. If you’ve ever watched the show Dragons Den you’ll find that many entrepreneurs do this,; not maliciously but because they believe so strongly in their product or idea that they fail to see it’s realistic value.

Overly diversifying product offering
As a new business owner it’s easy to get caught up in expanding your product offering as your business grows. Though it’s good to provide a range of choices, overly diversifying business services or products can lead to dilution of your company’s mission and vision. It’s important to take a step back and look at why you started in the first place. In most cases a few key products will drive sales and increase business, instead of offering new products work on improving the ones that are profitable.

Calling themselves “experts”

The term “expert” gets thrown around way too often in the business world. These days everyone’s an expert at something, or so they say. Some may argue that marketing yourself as an expert gives clients the impression that no one else can provide the same level of service. However labeling yourself as an expert can limit your ability to learn and grow as an entrepreneur. The key is never to be the smartest person in the room; this doesn’t mean downplay your knowledge but rather be open to increase your knowledge base.

4. Spending marketing dollars too early

Marketing is tricky as it can help increase and decrease sales. Many entrepreneurs end up spending too much money on marketing campaigns that have no goal or focus and thus do not result in profitable returns. Simply building brand awareness is not enough. In order to build awareness you must first build a brand, and this can only be achieved through clients and sales. Although it’s tempting to run ads or start accounts on all the latest social media channels first focus on building a clientele, without clients you have no brand.

Aug 04 2015

The Beauty in Business – 5 Reasons why looks matter

Looks matter! We all know and have come to accept the fact that appearances, though sometimes deceiving do play a part in how successful we are in life in general. It may come as a surprise to some however that looks matter in business as well. Although this may be a tough pill to swallow for those who believe that clients choose you based on your knowledge, products and customer care, looks do play a large part in the business world. Here are five reasons why looks matter in the business world :

The first impression is a lasting impression

You only get once chance to make a great first impression and it’s rather difficult to recover from a bad one. The initial part of a first impression is based solely on the way you look; when someone sees you for the first time they make a judgment about you before you even have the chance to speak. Thus it’s important to make sure your look represents the message you want to convey through your words.

Potential clients are more likely to listen to people they find attractive

This may sound a little crazy and off-putting but research along with many hidden camera T.V. shows have proven that it is in fact true. If we find a person attractive we would like to spend more time speaking with them and listen to what they have to say. Although what each person finds attractive differs individually the overall package you present (i.e. yourself) should come across as well groomed, friendly and professional.

A professional look helps establish trust

Trust is a key component of winning and retaining clients. In order to gain a client’s business you have to win their trust first. You can gain a client’s trust by looking the part – what would you like a client to think when they see you? Clients usually like to do business with people they cant relate to and those who offer a professional service. It’s important to portray an image of professionalism and approachability. Clients need to know that you have the skills required to provide them with top quality products and services, but they also need to know that they can come to you and speak with you directly if they have a concern.

Looking healthy portrays energy and motivation

Clients ultimately want to do business with people who work hard for them and provide them with the best products/services. As we are now living in the health and fitness revolution maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being in shape is exceedingly important in business. If you look like you take time to look after yourself and make healthy choices clients will notice; looking healthy conveys the message that you are motivated and energized. You don’t have to be a body builder or a fitness model to portray this image but you do need to take time to evaluate your own health and fitness, an area that many entrepreneurs overlook. Make time for you and the results both physical and financial will show.

Your look represents your brand

The way you look is a non-verbal advertisement for your brand. Whether you realize it or not you make a fashion statement everyday with the clothes you choose, the way you do your hair and make up and the manner in which you carry yourself. As an entrepreneur it’s important to make sure that statement accurately represents the brand you’re trying to establish. People will judge your outfit, accessories, behavior etc. and try to draw parallels between them and the product/services you are trying to market. So before you step out each morning ask yourself – are you on brand? If not, it may be time to re-think that outfit or hairstyle.

Jul 04 2015

5 Tips for Business Dining

Business dinners and lunches are a great way to form and strengthen business relationships. Sharing a meal with an existing or potential client gives you the opportunity to get to know them better on a more personal level and vice versa. However there are a few rules you should follow to keep it professional while dining. Here are my 5 tips for business dining :

1.Choose an appropriate restaurant and make a reservation

When you’re hosting a business lunch or dinner it’s important to ensure that you pick a restaurant that suits the purpose of your meeting. Stay away from fast food joints or chain restaurants and avoid entertaining clients in your home. Choose a mid to high range restaurant that has a good ambience which is conducive to conversation. You should also reserve your table in advance.

Arrive early

Always endeavor to arrive well before your guests. This way you can make sure you have a suitable table and make payment arrangements ahead of time. You should also greet your guests as they walk in to the restaurant and escort them to your table. After all you’re the host.

Do your prep work

Whenever you’re meeting a potential or existing client it’s important to have appropriate and relevant topics to talk about. Familiarize yourself with what’s going on in the world in general, the business world and the client/potential client’s organization. You should ideally know about your potential client’s organization in terms of future plans, recent acquisitions or anything exciting that may help your case in securing their business.

No laptops at the table

Nothing is worse than working at the dining table. Your guest would be expecting a relaxed meal and having your laptop out explaining facts and figures just ruins the mood. Ideally you shouldn’t be bringing any numbers to the table. Think of the meal as a way of building a rapport with your potential or existing customer. You want them to like you so don’t hide behind the numbers.

Mind your manners

Basic table manners are a must when hosting a business meal. If you’re unsure of which fork to use or where to place your napkin simply seek the advice of an etiquette expert before your meal. This will help you brush up on your manners and increase your confidence.

Praveeni Perera is an experienced entrepreneur having co-founded a training and consulting company catering to clients around the world. Her area of expertise is international expansions. You can connect with her via Twitter or LinkedIn

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