"...the average person really doesn't understand what it means when the liquidity of the banking system worldwide shuts down. You're a few steps from hunters and gatherers again."
Patrick Pichette, CFO Google (from the Financial Post July 24, 2009)
 
How has the last year been for you and your business?  Sales down; profits down; spirits down?
If so, you are not alone.  So the big question is: "what are you doing about it?"  Are you using this time to become more efficient and productive?  Developing strategies to access new markets and networks?  Identifying expansion opportunities that will assist you in re-positioning your company?  Or simply waiting it out and hoping your cash reserves from the glory days will carry you through?
 
Waiting out the downturn and doing nothing to re-position for the future is accepting the lowest possible expectations of outcomes.  Maybe hunting and gathering sounds appealing to you but I kind of like the world of innovation and progress.  In the article quoted above, Patrick Pichette goes on to say: "In times of recession, that's when good companies innovate and invest ... to use a good Canadian euphemism, they're skating to where the puck is going to be."
 
So where is your puck going to be?  Don't know where to begin? I urge you to call us, meet with our Business Advisors, attend a workshop or join us at the launch of an exciting new initiative that will introduce you to international supply chains (with WEConnect Canada) on September 9, 2009.  We want to connect you to the resources you need in order to score that winning goal.
 
As always, I look forward to your comments and feedback.
 
Regards,
Tracey Scarlett

Are you a woman entrepreneur interested in accessing supply chains to grow your business?  Or, are you a corporation looking for qualified women-owned businesses to supply products and services?

 

If you answered yes, join us to celebrate the partnership launch of AWE and WEConnect Canada. Find out how this exciting program can add value to your business.  In the US, a similar program has 9,000 members doing business with 240 corporate members including some of the largest and most respected companies in the world.  Recently launched in eastern Canada, WEConnect's corporate members already include: Alcatel-Lucent, Avis Budget Group, BMO Financial Group, Cisco Systems Canada, Ernst & Young, IBM Canada, Manpower Professional, Merck Frost Canada, Pfizer, Staples, Telus, and Wal-Mart.

September 9: Edmonton
September 30: Calgary
Save the date, more information coming soon!

Motivational and sassy, Kim Duke delivered an entertaining and insightful presentation to Calgary's AWE-Inspiring Luncheon attendees on June 24th, 2009.  Kim has created a successful business "The Sales Diva" doing what she loves best, providing sales tips and advice specialized for women around the world. 
 
Emphasizing that you must be unique when selling your business, Kim discussed how to focus on your target market by attracting those you want to sell to and repelling those that are not  a good fit for your business.  
 
Kim's dynamic presentation was filled with practical advice and humorous recollections of how she has set herself apart in the world of sales. For more information on Kim Duke, please visit her website at http://www.salesdivas.com/  

Homework from Kim:

 Ask yourself 10 questions that start with "What if..." For example,"What if money wasn't an obstacle", "What if I marketed through social networking", "What if I had more time to...".  This is a great exercise to realize the sky is the limit when it comes to the possibilities of your endeavors. The next step is putting your ideas into action!

 Part 2 of our International Trade Series is on Exporting.  Lisa Lam-Cadieux, business advisor at AWE, wants you to become the 'Expert on Export'.  She recommends that you consider 3 important points before exporting your product.

1)      Has your product been successful domestically?  Selling your products locally enables you to develop a stable customer base, generate funds you will eventually need to expand internationally, and most importantly, allows you time to analyze what is going right and wrong for your product. Mistakes internationally are much costlier not only in terms of expenditures but also to your company's reputation. Identify the improvements needed early on, implement these and then begin your plans to move forward.  And remember that you will also likely have to tailor your product to the market.
2)      Have you considered what market you want to export to? If you are exporting to Australia because your friend said it was a good idea, then you may want to re-think your decision.  Proper market research is KEY to exporting.  You need to identify the best market, specific challenges (whether it be cultural or business) in that market, and look at potential partners who will help leverage your product in that area.  For more information and resources check out Business Women in International Trade.
3)      Do you have realistic expectations?  Time and money are major things to consider with taking your products and business internationally.  Measurable and profitable results from an exported product may take months or even years.  From proper market research you will gain valuable insight into the foreign market including potential demand, emerging trends, industry and import regulations, potential partners and more.  From this, you can set realistic forecasts and expectations.