Grow your business globally

Are you thinking of growing globally? If you’re like thousands of other Canadian entrepreneurs, you may be drawn by the allure of international markets and the promise they hold for your business. If so, consider these top tips for finding global opportunities: 

Look beyond the United States For new exporters, the US can be an attractive market. After all, it’s close and culturally similar. However, it’s important to consider all options. Emerging markets, such as China, Brazil and India, can offer you a competitive advantage if you’re one of the first in your industry to establish a foothold. Similarly, other well-established markets may be just the right fit for your product or service.

Conduct thorough market research Be sure to base your target market decision on in-depth research. Investigate your list of markets and evaluate their potential based on market and import growth. Identify issues that may influence demand for your product or service and investigate any barriers to trade. Then, narrow down your list to one or two key markets.

Register with the Canadian Company Capabilities (CCC) database CCC is a powerful networking tool. The database lists 60,000 Canadian companies. Besides being a valuable marketing tool for your business, it allows you to connect with suppliers with exporting experience, buyers and distributors. You’ll also get access to public and private sector business opportunities. Check out www.ic.gc.ca/cdncc.

Enlist the help of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service Register for the Virtual Trade Commissioner at www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca to get access to market and sector information, upcoming events and business leads. Tap into the network of Trade Commissioners in Canada and abroad for help with finding opportunities and qualified contacts in your target market.

Remember, the opportunities are out there. With a bit of legwork, you’ll find them!

By Nicole d’Entremont, small business owner. More information is available at www.CanadaBusiness.ca or by calling 1-888-576-4444 (TTY 1-800-457-8466).

Posted by Ashley in Growing Your Biz on January 27th, 2012

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Is Franchising For You?

From the Canadian Franchising Association

With a mix of entrepreneurial opportunity and a tried-and-true formula for success, the franchise business model is an opportunity for people looking to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves.

When you think about a franchise, which well-known brands immediately come to mind: McDonald’s, KFC, or Subway, perhaps? “A lot of people think of franchising as ‘fast food,’” says Lorraine McLachlan, Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) president and CEO. “What most people don’t realize is that franchises can be found in nearly every industry, from quick service restaurants to automotive, education and retail, just to name a few.”

That’s because the franchise business model lends itself well to virtually any business sector. In franchising, the company that owns the brand (called the Franchisor) licenses its brand, product or services and way of doing business to an investor/business owner (called the Franchisee.) In return, the Franchisee provides a share of his or her income back to the franchisor. “Any business that can be exactly replicated in multiple locations can be a franchise,” McLachlan says.

There’s a wealth of franchises operating in Canada. A look at the CFA online member directory shows hundreds of franchise brands in a wide variety of categories. According to the CFA, there are an estimated 1,200 franchise systems and around 78,000 franchised locations across Canada.

Before you sign on to become a franchisee, you’ve got to do your homework. There are two things you need to assess: yourself and the franchise systems.

Knowing yourself and what motivates you is the first step to finding a great franchise fit. Think about how and where you’d like to operate your business and which industries or business sectors are most interesting to you. Look at your skills, talents and preferences and assess your financial situation.

Next, investigate the franchise brands that fit with your lifestyle and interests. Use all the research tools at your disposal, including franchise publications, websites and tradeshows. Speak with people from the franchise’s head office and talk to existing franchisees to get first-hand views on what it’s like to be a franchisee with their system.

As you research your options, what signs of a successful franchise system should you look for? “The success of a franchise system can be influenced by a number of factors,” says McLachlan, “so you will want to explore all aspects of the company as part of a proper due diligence process.”

Ask if the system is a CFA member. Members adhere to the Association’s Code of Ethics, which outlines ethical best practices for, among other things, disclosure of financial records and projections. The franchisor should provide you with full and accurate written disclosure about the franchise system in a timely fashion.

Look at the core of the franchise system concept: the products or services offered. The concept should be unique and differentiated from competitors, with a clearly defined market. There must also be consistency from location to location, an important hallmark of the franchise business model.

Ask how they select franchisees to operate their locations. “Just as you are investigating a system, the franchisor should be conducting their own due diligence about potential franchisees. They should be keen on ensuring any relationship entered into will be mutually beneficial,” McLachlan says. Beware if you feel hurried or pressured into a decision – a good franchise system will want to take the time to be certain that signing a franchise agreement would be in both parties’ best interests.

Consider the level of support, training and communication offered to the franchise system’s franchisees. You should receive information about this from the franchisor, but a great way to find out more is to speak with some of the system’s current franchisees. Ask them about what their initial and ongoing support and training entailed and their satisfaction with the amount of communication they have with head office. This can give you a clearer idea of what you can expect should you join the system.

Before signing on the dotted line, the more you can investigate and evaluate a franchise opportunity, the better, says McLachlan. “When you invest in a franchise, yes, you’re investing in a concept that has been developed and tested, but making an informed decision is a vital first step in realizing your franchise goals.”

For more information and to start your search, visit www.cfa.ca.

About the Canadian Franchise Association

With almost 500 corporate members nation-wide, representing many of Canada’s best-known brands, the Canadian Franchise Association is the national voice of franchising in Canada and works with all levels of government to develop industry-made solutions. CFA promotes excellence in franchising and educates Canadians about franchising, specific franchise opportunities and proper due diligence through its website (www.cfa.ca), programs, publications and events including The Franchise Show in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

 

Posted by Ashley in Getting Started on January 25th, 2012

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An Interview with Erin Budd, owner of energyxpressions.com, distributors of fashionable activewear

By Donna Marrin

Tell us about your business and how you started it.
In January 2006, I traveled to Israel with my nephew. On our last day, we had some time to kill before going to the airport for the long flight home. As we were walking along a street, I spotted some pieces of the Margarita activewear line through a store doorway. 

I instantly noticed the vibrant colours. I’d never seen another activewear clothing line with such an energetic design. I felt the material and could tell right away that it was very good quality. I spent the afternoon studying the company website and decided right then that I would try to bring this line to Canada. I had no experience in retail – I just enjoy exercise. So I went back to Israel that summer to visit the company and secure Canadian distribution rights. Using my own money, I made an initial purchase, came back to Canada and started to sell.

What was your early vision for your business, and has it changed over time?
Originally, the business was simply retailing the Margarita activewear line locally. We are now distributing the brand across North America. As well, we have added a few more product lines to our website, and that has been going well for us.

Your biggest learning curve?
Starting my own business, I had to learn how to do the bookkeeping/paperwork, manage the business financially, and deal with the daily business itself. At the time, I was not married yet, so I had the extra time!

Describe a day in the life…
A typical day goes like this: First I make my morning green smoothie and I share it with my 2.5-year-old son. While he is busy eating breakfast, I answer the urgent emails.

I spend mornings with my son and I work in the afternoons, while he naps. After his nap, I prepare dinner for the family (sometimes my son helps:). After he’s in bed, I continue working into the night. On a good day, I will stop working and have an evening with my husband; watch a movie or read a book until I fall asleep.

What makes your business stand out?
Our main product line, Margarita activewear, itself is a unique brand. There are other websites selling it, but we are the only one (as far as I’ve seen) that allows customers to customize their order: customers can choose the colours they want, however they want them, with any Margarita item.

How do you find balance between your business and home life?
It can be tough to find balance at times. The problem with having your own business is that it never stops. You set the schedule and that schedule can run around the clock if you let it. I spend weekday mornings with my son, and I work in the afternoon while he naps, as well as after he goes to sleep at night. I schedule days so that meetings and other business activities are on certain days and during particular hours, so I can get what I need done and have time for my family. Spending time with them and taking a break makes me more productive and inspired. We all have a healthy dinner together each night, and spend time together on weekends. When it’s time to focus on the family, it’s time to turn the phone off and shut down the computer.

What’s the best part of running your own business? The most challenging?
I like keeping my own hours and being my own boss. I love the clothing and still get excited when the new styles come out. I also enjoy the letters I get from customers saying how much they love our products and our exceptional customer service; it is very rewarding. I still can’t believe they are talking about the company I started.

The challenging part is that because I do my own bookkeeping, I spend so much time on that it can be hard to focus on the business; I often find myself spending more time on bookkeeping than actually thinking of new ways to increase revenues.

What business tool or resource could you not live without?
I really benefit from having contacts and a mentor that I am able to call on when I need guidance or assistance.

What is the key to your success?
Positive thinking and a passion for what I am doing!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting a business?
Be positive, dream big, work hard and enjoy it! You can accomplish a lot with a “can-do” attitude. Know and love your business, know your market. Research, research, research! Have a clear vision about where you want your business to go, and find a mentor who can help guide you, especially when you hit a brick wall. Be prepared for changes; things usually don’t go exactly as planned.

ERIN BUDD owns energyxpressions.com, a website that carries yoga and fitness clothing. She is also mom to an adorable 28-month-old boy, and wife to a wonderful husband. When she’s not having fun with the family, or working on the business, she’s busy creating in the kitchen: since she became a new mother, she’s been engrossed in how she can help her family be as healthy as possible. And she’s doing something right because they never get sick. She also enjoys drinking a green smoothie every day. Look the part, live the part! For more information, visit www.energyxpressions.com or send an email to: info@energyxpressions.com

Posted by Ashley in Small Business Spotlight on January 23rd, 2012

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Is your workplace as safe as it should be?

By Donna Marrin

John’s desk has an annoying network of device cables hanging loose beneath it, and he’s been meaning to address the issue… As John prepares to leave the office one day, his foot gets caught in a printer cable. He trips and falls hard, injuring his shoulder, while the printing unit that sits at the edge of his desk topples onto his arm, fracturing it near the elbow.

It’s hard to think about this sort of thing happening to you, but an incredible number of workplace accidents occur every day, with slips, trips and falls being the leading cause of office injuries. Most workplace accidents are completely preventable. Awareness is the first step in creating a safe environment. And a little common sense always goes a long way.

• Sure, stubbing a toe can be funny. Breaking a limb is not. Disabling falls can be prevented by making sure that all open spaces are clear of electrical, telephone and computer cables, boxes, and other clutter.

• Eat your pancakes—don’t be one. File cabinets frequently topple forward when drawer weight is unevenly distributed. Always close one drawer before opening another.

• Unless you’re setting up for a Saturday Night Live skit, close all desk and cabinet doors and drawers before you walk away to prevent “walk into” accidents.

• You can wear a helmet around the office… or you can make sure supplies are stored inside cabinets, not on top of them, and heavy items placed in lower drawers or on the lowest shelves.

• Unless your workspace is an ice rink, be aware of any slippery surfaces. Drinks spilled on floors or even a dripping umbrella can be hazardous and should be cleaned up or identified immediately.

• Pay attention when you’re on the move. Don’t carry loads that block your view ahead. Not only can you trip and fall, you also become a human battering ram to the distracted coworker who walks head on into you. With that said, don’t read while walking, either. I know someone who slammed into a concrete post and knocked himself out cold while reading and walking.

• Not a fan of concussions? Then don’t climb on chairs, desks or boxes when you want to access something that’s out of reach. Use a secure stepladder instead, and have a spotter nearby.

• Handrails are in stairwells for a reason. Hold onto them when you’re descending OR ascending a staircase.

• No butts about it—millions of dollars in damages are caused each year by carelessly discarded cigarette butts. Here’s where that common sense comes into play: don’t throw matches, ashes or cigarette butts into wastebaskets.

• Hilarious in Christmas Vacation, but not so hilarious if overloaded wall sockets and extension cords turn you into a hill of ash at work. And you’ll get more than a full head of corkscrew curls if you mix wet hands and electrical switches, sockets, plugs.

• Keep an eye open for unsafe conditions caused by defective equipment, loose stairs or floorboards, torn carpet, slippery doormats, burned-out lightbulbs, etc., and report them to your manager immediately.

• No matter how much they’ve dared you to do it, do not lean back as far as you can in your chair!

Here’s to a safe 2012.

Posted by Ashley in Getting Organized on January 20th, 2012

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An Interview with Donna Klacza, owner of Fun To Grow On, a specialty toy store in Mississauga, Ontario

By Donna Marrin

Tell us about your business and how you started it.
I own a bricks and mortar specialty toy store in Mississauga, Ontario, called Fun To Grow On, and I am co-owner of LearningToys.ca. I opened my bricks and mortar store 25 years ago when it seemed difficult to find good quality educational toys for my children, then five and two years of age.

What was your early vision for your business, and has it changed over time?
I wanted to provide a destination store for specialty toys to service the community I lived in.

With the addition of the online component, I can now reach out to customers all across the country looking for the unique products we carry.

Your biggest learning curve?
For the bricks and mortar store, it was inventory control and purchasing cycles. For the online business there is a new learning curve every three months!

Describe a day in the life…
From January until September, I keep the stores well stocked for the changing seasons. It is relaxed and manageable with customers shopping for birthdays and special occasions. But come October, POW! Almost 50% of our sales hit in the last three months of the year. It is exciting, exhausting and rewarding, but it is also fortunate that December 25th gives us the well-earned break we need.

What makes your business stand out?
Definitely the products and the suppliers we purchase from. The products are superior quality and come from manufacturers who care about producing toys that children will learn from and love. Our suppliers also care about their impact on the environment and make every effort to produce toys that in no way harm our environment.

Do you have any entertaining anecdotes or interesting facts to share about your line of work?
Many of the toys that I am selling today are the same ones that I was selling 25 years ago, when I first opened. Even though the world has changed dramatically, children still enjoy simple, unstructured, creative play.

How do you find balance between your business and home life?
It is not easy to do when you run your own business.  I have always loved being busy, but I found that hiring employees that I can rely upon when I’m busy with things outside the business makes life much easier for me.

What’s the best part of running your own business? The most challenging?
The best part is the freedom to come up with new ideas and then be able to implement them immediately. No red tape, no Board of Directors’ approval. Most challenging for me is finding new ways to keep myself focused and interested after 25 years.

What business tool or resource could you not live without?
My dedicated employees who allow me to expand my business opportunities and spend valuable time with family and friends.

What is the key to your success?
My never-flagging willingness to work hard and to see new opportunities around every corner.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting a business?
Have enough capital to fund the business for at least three years. Start with a strong support base, accountant, banking advisor, IT support and reliable employees.

ABOUT DONNA KLACZA Twenty Five years ago when my children were five and two years of age, I opened a specialty toy store in my Mississauga neighbourhood, hoping to provide the community with a place to buy quality toys for their children. Fun To Grow On, my bricks and mortar store, has grown and expanded over the years and still fills the niche of providing unique and engaging toys for children of all ages. Just ask my two-year-old granddaughter where the best toys come from! Five years ago, my partner and I launched LearningToys.ca. The ever-changing online retail environment provides me with challenges that keep my entrepreneurial spirit alive and strong. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at donna@learningtoys.ca Visit: http://www.funtogrowon.ca/

Posted by Ashley in Small Business Spotlight on January 18th, 2012

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Book of the Month: The 11 Laws of Likability

by Michelle Tillis Lederman

In a big company, the ‘unlikables’ can stay hidden and never have any interaction with customers.

But if you’re the company, your personality becomes the brand. And if you’re not considered likable, it will hurt your sales.

Now this book doesn’t tell you to become something that you’re not, because authenticity is key. You’re instructed to emphasize the positive. And through the tips and tools, you’ll discover what character traits you already have that are likable and be taught to bring these to the forefront in all interactions.

FROM THE BOOK JACKET:
We all know that networking is important, and that forming relationships with others is a vital part of success. But sometimes it seems like networking removes all emotions from the equation and focuses only on immediate goals… whereas the kind of relationships that have true staying power, give us joy, and support us in the long run are founded on simply liking each other.
This book, featuring activities, self-assessment quizzes, and real-life anecdotes from professional and social settings, shows readers how to identify what’s likable in themselves and create honest, authentic interactions that become “wins” for all parties involved. Readers will discover how to:
* Start conversations and keep them going with ease
* Convert acquaintances into friends
* Uncover people’s preferences and tweak their own personal style to enable engaging, reciprocal interactions
* Create follow-up and stay in others’ minds long after the initial meeting
The worst thing we can do when trying to establish a personal bond with someone is to come across as manipulative or self-serving. Authentic connections go much deeper — and feel much easier — than trying to hit self-imposed business card collection quotas. This book presents a new paradigm that shows how even the most networking-averse can network… and like it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Tillis Lederman (South Orange, NJ) is founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, which provides customized communication and leadership programs. She is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and a faculty member of the American Management Association. She specializes in enhancing interpersonal communications and has delivered seminars internationally for corporations, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Posted by Ashley in Book of the Month on January 16th, 2012

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Attract Clients Without Selling Or Marketing

By Steve Slaunwhite

I recently presented an afternoon workshop to a group of professional speakers. The topic? How to write marketing copy that sells. It was a great audience and I had a lot of fun. But here’s the thing…

I didn’t make a dime doing that workshop. My speaking services were provided for free as my way of supporting the group — which I was happy to do.

And during the presentation, I never so much as mentioned my coaching, consulting or copywriting services — and I barely talked about my books. And yet:

I sold almost all the books I brought with me.
I got seven (and counting) serious enquiries into my services.

That’s the power of teaching.

Of course, this is probably not a big surprise to you. How many times have you attended a workshop or dialed into a teleclass and were subsequently motivated to visit the speaker’s website, or find out more about his or her services, or even buy something from that person right there on the spot? People are naturally drawn to the person “on stage” who shares his or her expertise. They remember that person. They want to work with that person.

So if you haven’t integrated some sort of speaking into your marketing activities, you should at least consider doing so. As my friend and copywriting legend Bob Bly once told me, “If you do it right, it’s almost impossible NOT to get a new client from a speaking gig.” That has certainly been my experience.

I often tell the story of doing a one-hour workshop to about fifty marketing VPs at a conference many years ago. When I finished, several audience members approached me. A short lineup formed. I distinctly remember thinking, “Wow. It doesn’t get better than this. Potential clients are actually queuing up to speak with me!”

Why does teaching work so well as a marketing strategy? Well, it’s a little like giving away a free sample of your expertise. The audience is getting a “taste” of what it’s like to work with you. They can see you, hear you, talk to you. They’re also assuming — and, in most cases, rightfully so — that if you teach what you do, then you must be good at what do you.

Think about it. Wouldn’t you want the guy who does the deck building seminars at Home Depot to build your deck?

And, by the way, I’ve been talking here about speaking at live events. But you don’t necessarily have to do it that way. A coaching client of mine recently put together a 40-minute webinar and is offering it to associations and other groups in her target market. The deal is, they sell the seats and keep the money. She delivers the webinar and, at the end of the presentation, is allowed to invite participants to visit her website or contact her about her services. She has already lined up two of these webinar speaking gigs. And, chances are, she’s going to generate a lot of good leads and referrals from her “cross country webinar tour” — which she’ll be able to do from home in her pajamas!

So look closely at the industry or niche market you’re targeting. What opportunities are there for you to teach what you know? Are there meetings or conferences? Can you create a speaking opportunity? It’s worth the effort.

The more you teach, the more clients you’ll likely attract.

STEVE SLAUNWHITE is a popular marketing coach, speaker and bestselling author. His many books include The Everything Guide to Writing Copy and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Starting a Web-Based Business. His latest, The Wealthy Freelancer, recently won a “2010 Best Small Business Book Award”. Steve is well-known for his Marketing That Means Business® approach to helping business owners attract more clients, increase sales, and make more money. To learn more about his coaching and consulting programs, books, and workshops, visit www.SteveSlaunwhite.com

Posted by Ashley in Marketing on January 13th, 2012

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Android Tablet Overview

A tablet can be a very useful tool for a small business owner. Having the ability to take work on the road with such a small and powerful tool makes running a business a little bit easier. We take a look at the hottest Android tablets on the market to help you find out which one is best for you.

 

Posted by Ashley in Getting Organized on January 11th, 2012

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How to get more time in 2012

By Mark Wardell

The number one complaint I heard from business owners in 2011 went something like this: “I never have enough time.” No surprise there. It’s a taxing job running a company and, at the end of the day, many entrepreneurs are left feeling that the time needed to accomplish everything we need to for optimal business growth just isn’t there.

We’ve all heard the comparison of the business owner to a hamster on a treadmill. It’s a strong picture because many of us have indeed put in those 50 or 60-hour work weeks, yet somehow end up feeling we haven’t been able to “really do anything.”

The question really is: who does have enough time? The answer, I believe, is those of us who learn the secret to managing not only our time but our resources, people, schedules and demands. To get more time, we need a paradigm shift on how we view and value time.

What follows is a step-by-step guide to help you shift the way you see time, and thereby get more of it for yourself and your business in 2012.

1. Track your time. For two weeks, take notes on every hour you spend from the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed. Keep a journal and record everything you do.

At the end of the two weeks, sit down and identify the categories of work you engaged in – client time, employee time, administrative time, planning time and even personal time if you’d like to better manage that as well (why not?).

This is a great exercise because you’ll end up with real data you can analyze vs. relying on your self-perceptions, which, lets face it, tend be less accurate. Many of us tend to think we are more efficient than we actually are.

2. Analyze your time. As you look at where you’re spending your time, identify your “high-value” work vs. “low-value work.” The high-value work is the work you should you be doing more of. It’s the work that you do to invest in the growth of your business and is, therefore, the highest value to you and your company.

Conversely, lower-value work is all of the work that you could technically be outsourcing or delegating to other team members or an outside agency.

3. Learn to outsource and delegate. If you’re one of those people who think that nobody else can do what you do, well, you’re most likely wrong. In many cases, if you take some time to carefully document the procedure, you can train someone else to take over. Sometimes it helps to break it down to understand the full value—to you—of doing this. Consider that saving ten minutes per day adds up to a full workweek per year.

4. Train your employees to think for themselves. As you analyze your time, you’ll likely notice that a large percentage of your time could be delegated. One of the most effective ways to free yourself from unnecessary time restraints is to train your employees to think for themselves. Don’t answer every question that comes across your desk, but rather, put it back to your employees to figure out the answers for themselves. Ask them, “What would you do if I wasn’t here?” You might be surprised at how well they can rise to the challenge.

5. Make the structural or procedural changes needed to support your people. If your employees have a difficult time finding the answers without you, this is a strong indication that perhaps a procedural manual is needed or that you need to make information easier to locate on shared files. Whatever the case, the quicker you can get your business running well without it all hinging on your input at every turn, the more valuable it will be.

6. Adopt a new paradigm on scheduling. Ok, so you’ve tracked your time and you can see where the big changes need to be made. Now it’s time to move forward. You need a new paradigm on scheduling your time.

The trick is not to be reactive with your time, but rather, to proactively schedule the important, “high-value” business time each week.

For example, if you don’t schedule your strategic planning time, it’s likely you’ll never get around to it. Other seemingly more urgent tasks will always take precedence.

I also recommend that instead of an open door policy, you take non-emergency meeting requests from staff. This will help you avoid answering quick questions that could be solved without you (and interrupt your own productivity). Scheduled 1-1 meetings also ensure your people get your full attention when they need it.

7. Schedule weekly staff meetings. This is a great way to not only decrease the need for interruptive spontaneous meetings, but also to more thoroughly and productively motivate your team leaders and gauge their progress.

8. Find an amazing gatekeeper. A competent yet slightly ruthless (think friendly pit-bull) assistant is the secret to many a business owner’s success. Finding the right person isn’t easy though, so once you do, make sure you do everything you can to keep them!

Achieving a paradigm shift around the way you value your time is, in my experience, life changing AND business changing. Invest in the required structural and procedural changes now and you’ll set your business up for optimal long-term growth. Soon, you’ll find yourself achieving more in a forty-hour workweek than you once did in a 60-hour week. You may even find the word “vacation” entering into your vocabulary.

Mark is President & Founder of Wardell Professional Development (www.wardell.biz), an advisory group that helps business owners plan and execute the growth of their companies. The author of seven business books, Mark also writes regularly for several national business publications, including Profit Magazine, the Globe and Mail, and CGA Magazine. Email him at mark@wardell.biz

Posted by Ashley in Getting Organized on January 9th, 2012

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Information Overload in our Digital World

By Darrell Cook

The world today is experiencing information overload. Our daily lives are littered with incredible amounts of messages and stimuli that crowd our information processing to the point of breaking. If we try to pinpoint the source of all our stress, tension and even indecision, we might find that the culprit is the microchip. Advancing technology has created these vast information doorways with their never-ending corridors. We have built upon ways to gather, collect, formulate and dispense information more quickly than ever before in history. Google has changed the way we search for information; Apple has changed the way we surf the Web; and Facebook has changed the way we communicate. However, our capacity for taking on this plethora of content often feels insurmountable.

In order to manage all this information, we must develop our mental capabilities in ways that combat complexity. In short, we need to work on building habits that promote clarity and purpose to help us resurrect simplicity in our daily lives and dismiss the clutter that invades our grey matter on a regular basis.

Lately, I have been able to spend time with very successful people who have mastered their information traffic jam, and there seems to be a common pattern. Listed below are three helpful strategies to guide you away from a potential information overload problem.

Being present

Being present is about being in the moment and not living in the past or stargazing into the future. In our daily lives, information overload often creates vision and hope for great ideas, but it’s more important to focus on what’s happening right now. Think about conversations you have with people and how they feel when you are “in the moment” with them. They probably feel really connected to you. As a result, your relationship with them is heightened. You learn more about each other, and chances are they will want to promote you to others. Being present also generates a tremendous amount of consciousness, providing you with the energy and decision-making abilities that result in quick action. Being present is, above all, the most important step in dealing with information overload.

Removing complacency from success

After many years of coaching people, I have often found that when failure occurs, it springboards people into another gear, almost like adding rocket fuel. The emotions derived from failure spark action and drive people into a more focused mindset of deliverability. Conversely, I have also seen how brief encounters with success can act as a sedative for many. Often, people think that immediate success is sure to happen. Unfortunately, within an information-overloaded world, success is never sustaining. The competitive nature of our offerings and intellectual capital are soon captured online and our advantage is diminished rapidly. Successful people combat these issues by maintaining an “edge” or injecting a sense of urgency into innovative ideas. Keeping the focus on the added value of your unique skill in today’s business world will definitely separate you from the pack.

Leading in a digital world

Ask a good question and you will get a good answer. This adage is extremely important when you want to cut through all the clutter and complexity of problems that exist today. Successful people know how to ask the right questions, not necessarily the obvious ones. As information bombards us daily, it’s hard to determine whose opinions are the best. Although opinion makers in a digital world are quite well regarded, it is the leaders who dictate change and innovation. Leadership is about influence. The ability to set a direction, communicate it widely and, most of all, ask good questions to refine the direction is important. Leaders today know that teamwork is more important than ever, and that good teams create great results. At the root of it is the ability to know which questions need to be asked and acted upon.

Technology has propelled us forward faster than we could have imagined twenty years ago. Ironically, we are educating our youth about the future when we have no idea what’s in store for us. The world is an exciting new backdrop for bits and bytes of global content. It will be interesting to see how we navigate the tidal wave of information as the speed of communication continues to escalate. Buckle up — we are in for a bumpy ride!

Darrell Cook is Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Conversys. His focus is to steward the North American growth for Digital Promotions Marketing. His career spans a wide range of technology and Internet companies throughout North America and the UK. From small start-ups to Fortune 500 firms, Darrell excels at bridging offline business processes with effective online channels. He is currently a Board of Director of the Retail Advertising and Marketing Club of Canada (RAC), and former Board of Director of the Internet Advertising Bureau of Canada.

Posted by Ashley in Getting Organized on January 6th, 2012

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