Business professionals can learn a vast amount of leadership skills from competitive athletes. There are powerful similarities between elite athletes and business leaders; both are hard-working, dedicated, and persevere through challenges to become better than they were the previous day. Business leaders and athletes both strive for goals, work hard for marginal gains, and endure…
Recently, “innovation” has become one of the most popular buzzwords in Canadian business, politics, and the economy. While there are many definitions of innovation, it can simply be stated that innovation entails revolutions to make the subject matter faster, more efficiently, or simply better than previous version, sometimes creating a completely new product/technology category altogether….
Anything worth doing in life comes with some hardship, struggle, or resistance. I left my family home when I was eighteen. At the time, I was still in high school, but determined to make my way in the world without much external support. I worked various jobs to pay for my rent, food, college education,…
Although Canadian manufacturers are largely projecting growth over their next 1-3 years, there are a number of constraints that will limit their ability to do so. As reported in Manufacturers’ Outlook 2016, a survey of top manufacturing executives in Canada, a variety of issues will continue to challenge operations and slow growth over that time….
The Canadian manufacturing industry has reasons to be cautious, yet optimistic in the short-term future. In February 2016, the industry’s contribution to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 1.5%, yet as a whole, industry sales dropped by 1.6%. As the Canadian business landscape changes, manufacturing executives must understand how to respond to new opportunities…
A key way to make yourself more employable, or to move up the corporate ladder, is to ensure that you’re always developing your skillsets through continuous learning. Regardless of the topic or your mastery of the subject, putting out the effort to learn new skills will help show your initiative and ultimately help you achieve…
While I am not a certified human resources professional, I have had several opportunities throughout my career to screen, interview, and hire employees. I hired my first employee in 1991 and have gone through the process of finding the ‘right’ candidate several times since then. Although my background is geared towards science, research and development,…
Canadian businesses should evaluate the benefit of entering international markets to grow, as export expansion has been a key pillar to many businesses growth. Beginning to export, however, poses a number of challenges for small businesses within Canada. Often times, business leaders are successful within their industry however lack the expertise or connections needed to…
Manufacturing has traditionally required a dedicated infrastructure, production team, and resource management system. These barriers to entry have given businesses near-exclusive control over the type of products available to consumers. However, with the recent advancements in additive manufacturing, such as affordable 3D printers, consumers are now given the freedom to design and create tangible items…
Proactive small business owners and executives are beginning to fill their calendars for the month, however should keep some space for the following small business events. Across Ontario, business leaders can network with other industry professionals and visit live events to develop greater perspective on key industry issues. Mentor Works’ government funding professionals will be…