monday, march 3, 2014 · workshop 1 - brand story through the universal language of images and...

Business Innovation in Changing TimesYRBizSeries.ca | @YRBizSeries | #YRBizSeries

Celebrating Women in Business

Monday,March 3, 2014

Small Business Enterprise Centres

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2 Celebrating Women In Business: Exploring the Art of Storytelling

AgendaEmcee: Kirsten Eastwood, Women’s Centre of York Region

9:00 am: Registration, Networking

9:30 am: Welcome Remarks• Councillor Avia Eek, King Township

9:35 am: Introduction - Excavating Authentic New Insights About Women in Business• Hilary Van Welter, Ascentia

9:45 am: Opening Keynote - Discovering Your Story to Strengthen Your Business• Judy Maddren, Former host of CBC’s World Report and

Co-Founder of Soundportraits

10:15 am: Networking Break and Marketplace

10:45 am: Workshops - Uncovering the Ways of Women in Business

Workshop 1 - Brand Story through the Universal Language of Images and Sound • Danielle Koren, Improvance Inc.• Hilary Van Welter, Ascentia

Workshop 2- The Power of Words: Uncovering your “Wow”• Kirsten Eastwood, Women’s Centre of York Region• Jane Gertner, ventureLAB

12:00 pm: Lunch and Marketplace

1:00 pm: Reflections Debrief

1:15 pm: Interactive Presentation - Networking for Growth• Marianne Taggio, TEC Canada 1:55 pm: Closing Remarks

2:00 pm: Networking and Marketplace

YRBizSeries.ca | Twitter: @yrbizseries #yrbizseries | LinkedIn Group 3

Agenda

[visualizing the right message]Impr vance Inc.

and more...

Coming in April!

Free workshop on social media for small business. Check YRBizSeries.ca for details and to sign up

Google: More than just a Search Engine!• Sarid Layton, Treefrog Interactive Inc.

Communication has never been easier than in today’s business market. The tools at your disposal are powerful, and they are constantly changing. So how do you select the right ones? Whether you need to attract new prospects through social channels, or collaborate with existing and prospective clients, Google has an array of effective solutions that can help drive your business forward. Sarid Layton of Treefrog Inc. will share valuable insights about some of these tools, including Google hangouts, Google Drive and Google Plus, and explain how they can be used to advance your business.

Browse and shop at our Marketplace


PartnersThis conference has been made possible through a unique collaboration between key community stakeholder groups and organizations working on a “big idea”: that together we can create results greater than what can be achieved working independently. The ability to collaborate is a skill, and one to which our partner organizations have shown great dedication, courage and vision. They have transcended their traditional boundaries, to come together with others to create innovative solutions to the pressing challenges impacting our respective business communities. We thank each of them for their leadership and willingness to explore new ways of working together, and look forward to continuing our exciting and productive collaboration.

Vaughan Business

Series Partners

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Community Implementation Partners

Strategic Partners

Innovation Partners


SponsorsThe partner organizations would like to extend our warmest thanks and appreciation to our Sponsors - their encouragement, active participation in planning, financial contributions and incredible expertise have been essential to the realization of the vision for this event, and the Business Innovation in Changing Times Series.

Kingbridge Conference Centre & Institute is pleased to join the Business Innovation Conference Series as a Strategic Partner. We look forward to working with the partner communities to inspire and cultivate next-generation business concepts in innovation and entrepreneurship.

kingbridgecentre.com | 12750 Jane St. King City, ON

2013 Media Partners:


Sponsorship Opportunities

Partnership Program

Pre-event marketing campaigns throughout the year will reach more than 45,000 businesses in the northern York Region. We will work with you to align the benefits to your corporate priorities and requirements.

To learn more: Visit: yrbizseries.ca/sponsors orContact Karen Dubeau at [email protected]

A dynamic conference series addressing emerging strategic trends and issues for business and community leaders related to business growth, competitiveness, innovation and economic development.

Since 2011, the successful conference series has held seventeen events with high profile presenters in a dynamic and interactive format, attracting more than 2,000 attendees.

Coming in 2014:

• May - Big Data for Small Businesses: Your Essential Tool for a Competitive Edge!

• June - Important Online Trends for Small Business: Advertising, Virtual Currencies, E-Commerce Systems, SEO and more

• September - Canadian-EU Trade Agreement: Explore Opportunities at the Import Export Conference

• November - Education Revolution: Workforce of Tomorrow

We like to hear from you

Send us your ideas for other conference topics: [email protected]


Speaker ProfilesKirsten EastwoodWomen’s Centre of York RegionIn her role as Executive Director, Kirsten Eastwood has increased Women’s Centre of York Region’s profile in the community, tripled agency funding, launched an innovative business incubator program for low income women entrepreneurs, and developed

over 200 effective community partnerships. WCYR provides programs that help women in our community create and maintain sustainable lives and move forward with dignity. Kirsten specializes in women’s economic development and researching innovative social and business policies and practices. Kirsten is a strong believer in empowering women so they make healthy choices for sustainable change.

Jane GertnerventureLABJane is an Executive in Residence at ventureLAB. She is a strong integrative thinker, and is able to draw upon her deep business experience and broad skill sets to assist clients in strengthening their value propositions, commercializing products, forging

successful strategic partnerships, improving investment readiness, and enhancing value. Jane is the Managing Partner of an SME consultancy, serves on numerous Advisory Boards, and is Vice Chair of the Alumni Board at the Rotman School of Management.

Councillor Avia EekKing TownshipAvia and her husband own and operate a third generation farm producing vegetables in Ontario’s Holland Marsh. In 2010 Avia was elected Ward 6 municipal councillor for King Township in the Regional Municipality of York Region. She represents

the Township (Region appointed) on the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors and continues to serve on numerous other committees. Avia recently became a Director on the national board for CanAgPlus (Food Safety for Canada’s Fresh Fruits and Vegetables). She is a past director with the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association.


Speaker Profiles

Sarid LaytonTreefrog Interactive Inc.Sarid joined the Treefrog team in 2010. Since then, she has helped numerous clients evolve their businesses, from developing comprehensive marketing solutions and simplifying complex internal efficiency systems. Sarid drives the success of

Treefrog’s clients by looking deeper than just their websites; she conducts a thorough evaluation of all areas within a business—from sales generation to marketing through to production. Sarid’s love of technology and her intense desire to learn has helped her become a launch pad for many businesses in York Region. She draws on her creativity and her diverse business acumen to help organizations understand the online world and how they can evolve within it.

Judy MaddrenSoundportraitsAs host of CBC Radio’s World Report, Judy Maddren helped Canadians across the country begin their day with the news of our world. Judy also founded the CBC “A Christmas Carol” readings across Canada, raising millions of dollars to benefit local charities

of all kinds. In her business Soundportraits, she has recorded the memoirs of people young and old. She believes that “every life is remarkable”, and that telling and hearing our stories connects us strongly in our communities.

Danielle KorenImprovance Inc.Danielle is an experienced marketing specialist, photographer, and multidisciplinary project manager with a creative mind. She has a Management Master’s Degree and 18+ years of experience executing strategic initiatives in the public and private sector.

She is the owner of Improvance Inc., a company that visualises the right message through photography and graphic design. Among her clients are Newmarket Chamber of Commerce and The Regional Municipality of York. In addition, she is the founder and event director of Help-Portrait Newmarket and organized and executed two successful events.


Speaker ProfilesMarianne TaggioTEC CanadaFor Marianne Taggio, there is only one good reason to be in business and that is to create a loyal customer. Her reputation as turnaround agent and growth strategist is underscored by this philosophy. For over 15 years, this dynamic

financial services industry leader has orchestrated large-scale corporate transformations by building high-performing, customer-centric business units, strengthening operating infrastructures and strategically driving sustainable change.

Hilary Van WelterAscentia Hilary’s speciality lies in exploring new landscapes and frontiers, uncovering uncharted territory and unleashing hidden potential. She undertakes breakthrough work through her designs of projects that weave together distinctly different perspectives and disciplines to find enriching,

inventive and human answers to significant challenges.

120 Harry Walker Parkway North, Newmarket ON L3Y 7B2 t. 905.853.9270 f. 905.853.9271 www.wcyr.caRegistered Charitable Number: 13485 9024 RR0001

change wellness stability home support relationships independence balancegoal setting

PhotosIndividual photo prints 7”x7”: $15 12”x12” or 11.5”x11.5” with white border: $25Framed individual photos 10“x10” (photo: 4.75”x4.75”) $25 (two for $40, three for $60) 20“x20” (photo: 11.5”x11.5”) $50 (two for $90)Poster of all 9 images and words 8”x10”: $20Framed poster of all 9 images and words (photo: 8”x10”): $45

All proceeds go to benefit Women’s Centre of York RegionTo order, contact: Danielle Koren: 905.716.6240 or [email protected]

elements of a sustainable livelihood


Uncovering the Ways of Women in Business

The essence of this event is to surface and honour the powerful ways of women by capturing and sharing the insights of women entrepreneurs through a series of creative workshops.

As we celebrate International Women’s Week, we are recognizing the different ways and voices of women in business to inspire change. We are exploring the ability of women to ‘naturalize’ the world of work or business while evolving the meaning of business and redefining success.

This begins with connecting to our businesses in more ‘natural ways’ that have stood the test of time for millennia: images, music, and storytelling. We are also going back in time for the original definition of business from the 14th Century which was ‘purposeful activity’.

Two workshops have been designed to help us connect to our ‘purposeful activity’, be it a business, project or organization in new ways. By getting to know your business better, you will be able to express the contribution you wish to make, and what makes this business special in a very noisy and competitive world.

This is a sampler experience to give you a taste of some alternative approaches to business/project development. The workshop is intended to be a guide for on-going and future reflections.

Work Book

by Raine Davis (2006)

This event was designed and created in collaboration with

[visualizing the right message]Impr vance Inc.


Workshop 1: Brand Stories through the Universal Language of Images and Sound

Image Station

Introduction

Images have magical way of communicating complex thoughts and feelings. After all, think of the images that have made a difference to your lives. The recent Winter Olympics have brought many memorable images, such as Alex Bilodeau celebrating his gold medal win with his brother. These images create a feeling that taps into thoughts, emotions and beliefs all at once. Let’s explore what images say about your business.

The first 3 Steps of this process you conduct individually. Step 4 you share with your fellow participants. These are very fast intuitive activities.

Individual Activity

1. Connection to Your Business (3 min) Close your eyes and connect to your business. What are its characteristics and features that immediately pop to mind?

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2. Accomplishments (3 min)2.1 Please choose one of the photos on the display table that

tells a story about one of the accomplishments/successes of your business.

2.2 What story does it tell of one the accomplishments/successes of your business?

2.3 What title would your business give this photo?

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3. Vulnerability (3 min)3.1 Choose one of the photos on the display table that

could tell a story about a time or situation when you wanted to run away from your business because it felt vulnerable.

3.2 What story does this photo tell about a time when your business felt vulnerable?

3.3 What title would your business give this photo?

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Work BookGroup Activity

4. Learning & Ways of Women (6 min) Please answer this question and then share it with your fellow participants. Please place your answers on the large cards provided.

4.1 What have you learned about the brand story of your business through images?

4.2 What are the business ways of women you have experienced in this activity?


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Sound Station

We have known for quite some time that music has a powerful impact on us mere mortals. It can elevate us to higher understanding, and guide us through the lows of our lives. Music is a somewhat invisible force that moves in mysterious ways, shaping humanity across cultures and throughout history.

So how can it help shape your business?

The first 2 Steps of this process you conduct individually. Step 3 you share with your fellow participants. These are very fast intuitive activities.

Individual Activity Step 1:5. Listening (2 min)

Please place your headsets on and play the music you brought with you. Connect to the music; then connect to your business. Leave your music playing while you answer these questions. If you didn’t bring music, then close your eyes, take a couple of deep breaths, connect to your heart beat, then answer the following question.

Step 2:6. Interpretation (6 min)

Please answer the following questions in the order of the numbers.

Music/Songs Application to Business/Project

6.1 What music/songs bring you the feeling of joy/bliss?

6.2 How can your business bring joy to your clients?


6.3 What music/songs do you listen to when you are sad?

6.4 How can your business bring comfort to your clients during tough times?

6.5 What are your favourite love songs?

6.6 How can your love of your business bring new possibilities to your clients?

Group Activity Step 3:7. Learning & Ways of Women (7 min)

Please answer this question and then share it with your fellow participants. Please place your answers on the large cards provided.

7.1 What have you learned about the brand story of your business through music?


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Workshop 2: The Power of Words: Uncovering your “Wow”

Since childhood, we have learned to love stories. Stories can evoke feelings, emotions, reactions, and connect us to others. Stories are a compelling way to draw us in and in turn, create a sticky factor that draws people to us. Storytelling is a powerful way to share your business with others and create a great first impression and a positive and lingering memory.

The exercises in this workshop are designed to help you find the words to create the Wow factors of your business and have a taste of putting those words together into a story.

Zinger Station

Introduction

A Da Vinci Zinger is an idea, work in progress or initiative that makes you say “Wow” or “How cool is this!” It might be a breakthrough in science, business, entertainment, education, technology or just something completely wild. It might be big or small, from today or six centuries ago, from close to home to far away. Steps 1 and 2 you will conduct individually and in Step 3, you will share your reflections share with your fellow participants. These are very fast intuitive activities.

Individual Activity

8. Step 1: Connection to You (2 min) Look at the Zinger you brought in and then close your eyes and connect to your business.

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8.1 Why did you choose this Zinger? What about it gives you butterflies or makes you tingle?

9. Step 2: Connection to your business (3 min)

9.1 Thinking about the feelings this Zinger evokes in you, does your business evoke the same feelings?

9.2 If not, how can you cultivate these feelings into the DNA of your business? If so, how do you use those feelings to strengthen your business story?


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Group Activity

10. Step 3: Learning & Ways of Women (10 min) Please answer this question and then share it with your fellow participants. Please place your answers on the large cards provided.

10.1 What have you learned about the Wow factor of your business?


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Questions Station

One of the strengths of a good story teller is the ability to ask insightful and engaging questions. This exercise will help you to ask and answer questions in the context of your business. For this exercise, you will be working and sharing in your small groups.

11. Step 1: Asking and answering the questions (5 min) Turn, pull a question from the jar on your table, read it to yourself, and then pose the question to someone at your table. If someone wants to pass on the question, pull another question or pose the question to someone else. Respond intuitively and don’t overthink your answer. Listen to the stories that emerge and use the space below to write your answers. As you listen, consider:

11.1 What stories emerge?


11.2 What did you find thought provoking about the mini stories that emerge?

12. Step 2: Learning & Ways of Women (10 min)

Please answer this question and then share it with your fellow participants. Please place your answers on the large cards provided.

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12.1 What have you learned about how could you use this kind of storytelling in your business?


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YRBizSeries.ca | @YRBizSeries

Learning new skills, business strategies & best practices

Exciting Topics for 2014

Big Data for Small Businesses: Your Essential Tool for a Competetive Edge!May, 2014 - Richmond Hill

Important Online Trends for Small Business:Advertising, Virtual Currencies, E-CommerceJune, 2014 - Georgina

Canada-EU Trade Agreement:Explore Opportunities at the Import Export ConferenceSeptember, 2014 - Vaughan

Education Revolution: Workfroce of TomorrowNovember, 2014 - Newmarket

monday, march 3, 2014 · workshop 1 - brand story through the universal language of images and...

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