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TRANSCRIPT
Volume 2 Issue 5 - June 2010 Halton Business Briefs Start-up Edition is produced four times per year
Contents
Spotlight on Halton Entrepreneur
Who’s New in Halton
Seminars & Events
Summer Company
Biz Tip – Everyone Likes Something for Free
Spotlight on Halton EntrepreneurThe Business: J. Richard Werkman, Chiropodist
J. Richard Werkman, Chiropodist and his life and business partner, Vicki, specialize in the art and science of exceptional footcare for all ages. Rick’s ability to provide expert medical care in a warm and friendly manner is second to none. Rick and Vicki are personable, easy to approach, and speak in an easy to understand manner that reflects their commitment to their patients.
How I got started: Rick has been part of the chiropody/podiatry profession since 1991! The new location in Oakville provided the opportunity for Rick and Vicki to return to their roots (they both grew up in Oakville) and design their dream clinic that would help them achieve the goal of healthy feet and a healthy work environment for all.
What they did different: Their new facility in Oakville is a testament not only to their innovative approach to footcare, but to the community and environment as well. The office is chartless and digital and renewable/recyclable materials have been used in the construction. Renewable materials were used in the finishes of the office, including recyclable flooring, low energy lighting, high efficiency plumbing and furniture that follow low emission standards.
Typical hours: Rick and Vicki understand that some families require appointments outside regular business hours, so they also offer evening and Saturday appointments. In addition, they provide educational information at events such as workplace health fairs, running groups, sports teams and provide emergency footcare at marathon events.
My Biggest Challenge: Every new business faces the challenge of getting noticed and letting people know you’re open. Rick and Vicki are working hard to promote their service and let the community know they are ready to help with routine footcare as well as treatment for corns and calluses, plantar warts, diabetic footcare and education, thick or ingrown nails, heel/arch/foot pain, custom made orthotics, nail surgery, and sports related foot problems and injuries.
My Greatest Reward: Rick and Vicki believe one of the greatest rewards in owning a business is the opportunity to meet and interact regularly with patients and their families and to provide exceptional footcare that exceeds their patients’ expectations.
Advice for other Entrepreneurs: Research your business. Research what makes you different. Ask for advice and have a network of people to bounce your ideas around with. Gear your business to an area you truly enjoy and find rewarding. Keep fine tuning your business until you achieve your goal.
Contact Information: J. Richard Werkman, D.Ch., B.Sc. Podiatric Medicine 33-1495 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON. L6J 0B2 T: 905.845.4817 W: www.werkman.ca E: [email protected]
Halton Business Briefs Start-up Edition
Targeted Wage Subsidies Program
Your business could receive a wage subsidy of up to 60% for a maximum of 78 weeks to hire an eligible unemployed person. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/employers/wagesubsidy.html
Halton’s Enterprising Youth Create Their Own Summer Businesses!The Summer Company program provides hands-on business training and mentoring - together with awards of up to $3,000 - to help enterprising students between the ages of 15-29 start and run their own summer business. The Small Business Centre co-ordinates the program locally, and delivers it with the help of volunteer business advisors from the community. “We have a great group of students with some very unique business ideas” says Paul de Burger, the coordinator of this year’s program. More information on the student run businesses can be found on our website www.halton.ca/summercompany
Who’s New in HaltonPlease contact our office if you have registered your business within the last year and would like to be listed in “Who’s New.”
June: Marketing, Bookkeeping, Starting a Small Business, HST, Government Programs & Funding Sources for Ontario Exporters
September: HST, Starting a Small Business, First Steps in Exporting, Sales, Innovation Night
It is the intention of the Regional Municipality of Halton to only provide readers with a listing of new business in the Region and we do not recommend, warrant or validate the services provided by such businesses.
Seminars and EventsUpcoming seminars include:
Please visit our website or call for dates, times and locations. www.halton.ca/businessevents To register: Phone Access Halton at 905-825-6000 or toll free at 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866) for quick and easy registration with your credit card.
Fair Trade ColombiaProducts that foster peace. A portion of proceeds is donated to improve lives in vulnerable communities in Colombia. Contact: Yurry Wu Oakville Ph: 416-568-5705 email: [email protected] web: www.fairtradecolombia.com
The Art of PossibilitiesProfessional ADHD Coaching & Consulting Contact: Sue Potter 212-345 Lakeshore Road East Oakville Ph: 905-582-6965 email: [email protected] web: www.theartofpossibilities.ca
e-Spot™The Home for entrepreneurs who wish to grow them-selves and their businesses. Located in a creative, uncorporate loft, it’s the one stop-spot for entrepreneurs to work, learn, network and grow. Contact: Grace Attard 353 Iroquois Shore Road, Suite 200 Oakville Ph: 289-291-5304 web: www.e-spot.ca
Oakleaf Christian Junior School Inc.Oakleaf-where learning is fun and intentional! Contact: Tola Gbenga-Alade B.Sc, AMI, RECE Executive Director/CEO 6-1525 Cornwall Rd., Oakville Ph: 845-ROOT (7668) web: www.oakleafschool.ca
Pay It Forward RecruitmentA niche recruitment company that specializes in sourcing exclusively for marketing positions at all levels (client and agency sides) within the GTA. For every candidate hired by a client of Pay It Forward Recruitment, a donation is made to Rethink Breast Cancer. Contact: Peggy Lippert, Executive Director Burlington Ph: 905-412-0229 email: [email protected] web: www.payitforwardrecruitment.com
Operation SafetyWe offer a wide range of safety services and training programs, customized to your needs. 1081 Abbot Street, Milton Contact: Keith Lamson Ph: 905-878-3810 email: [email protected] web: www.operationsafety.ca
The Workforce ConsultantsWe assist businesses in the management of human resources. We diagnose your needs and send you the experts. If you are looking to attract, develop, or retain employees, we can guide you in making that happen. Contact: Lynda Zugec, MA, Program Manager Ph: 646-797-2946 email: [email protected] web: www.theworkforceconsultants.com
GoldenHRshoeProvides comprehensive human resources solutions and services for small businesses. Contact: Beth McLaughlin Burlington Ph: 905-484-4748 email: [email protected] web: www.goldenhrshoe.com
If your customer has referred you to other potential customers, timing a thank you acknowledgement is important. Immediately send a thank you card or small token of appreciation for referring you. Referral marketing is worth more than any dollars spent on advertising. It comes with a strong testimonial from your client. It is word of mouth marketing with added trust and credibility.
Many companies do not allow employees to accept gifts because it might make them partial to buying from one supplier rather than what is best for the company. Ask ahead of time and find out what the policy is to avoid embarrassment for both parties.
Choose your gifts and promotional items carefully. It feels good to give and your customers will feel appreciated.
By Yolanda Fitzpatrick, Business Consultant, Halton Region
What do you need to consider in giving your customers promotional items and gifts? Investments in these items need to pay off, so make sure you’ve got it right. As a rule, you can deduct any reasonable current
expense you paid or will have to pay to earn business income. Contact the Canada Revenue Agency or your accountant for additional guidelines regarding gifts and promotional items.
Make sure your name, logo or website is on the item; make it easy for customers to contact you. There are many suppliers that can put your information on anything, including dimpled golf balls.
Useful and practical gifts are good. Post it note pads are great as your business name appears clearly on every page. Pens are often stacked together making it difficult to read the business name or contact information. Think of something unusual. A catering business delivered one fresh red apple to all local businesses. It was inexpensive, caused much discussion among the employees and increased their business.
Tickets to the movies, theatre or sporting events are a good option. Be sure your client can attend. Many tickets go to waste as entrepreneurs scramble to get takers at the last minute. It is better to ask customers to choose a date that works for them and then send event tickets.
Ensure your gift is culturally correct and appropriate for your customers. Avoid gifts such as donations to charity unless you know for certain it is a cause they would appreciate. Bottles of wine or alcohol and some types of food are not recommended unless you are sure your customer would appreciate it. What if your client is a non-drinker or vegetarian?
Timing on sending gifts can make a difference. Gifts and cards sent during the Christmas holidays may not receive the attention you hope for because of other gifts arriving and the busyness of the season. Try sending a Happy Thanksgiving or a Canada Day card to make a difference and get noticed.
BizTip: Everyone Likes Something for Free
Thank you to our partners, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and RBC
Any views or opinions presented in this newsletter by third parties are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Halton Region.
For more information, please contact Halton Region’s Small Business Centre:
Halton RegionDial 311 or 905-825-6000
Toll free: 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866) TTY: 905-827-9833 www.halton.ca
Email: [email protected]