Ottawa Small Business Forum Seminars
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Seminars

Six-Figure Networking!

Networking is recognized as the most cost-effective way to build business or drive revenues. As such, it is of vital importance for speaking professionals. Unfortunately, for over 90% of business and sales professionals, it is also a misunderstood and abused business strategy. Join Michael Hughes, Canada’s Networking Guru, as he shares his practical and proven strategies to achieve Six-Figure Networking. During this session, participants will discover how to maximize networking group investment.

Here’s what they’ll learn:
• Why a networking group is a powerful & productive vehicle for your business.
• 5 MAXIMUM LEVERAGE networking group strategies that will multiply your results.
• 4 SECRET NETWORKING GROUP RESOURCES that accelerate personal profile & business potential.
• MUST-JOIN NETWORKING GROUPS & how to guarantee each delivers optimum impact for on-going referrals and revenues.

Presented by: Michael J. Hughes

Known as THE Networking Guru, Michael Hughes has done extensive research on, and is a specialist in, utilizing networking as a business strategy.

Michael’s most unique characteristic is that he has built his company from an idea to a six-figure speaking and consulting practice using networking as his sole marketing strategy.

His client list includes Alcatel, Scotiabank, Delta Hotels, Sun Microsystems of Canada, Investors Group, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, University of Ottawa MBA program and the Conference Board of Canada.


 

Leading Leaders: Preparing To Reach The Next Level Through Your Business Relationships!

We know the true assets to achieving our desired results are the people--from staff, to customers to yourself.
What is stopping you from reaching the next level?
What is it costing you NOT to address these challenges?
Learn how to keep motivated using the inside-out approach.
Starting with yourself, your team and yes, your customers.

Join expert Coach Pauline Fleming and leave with:
* 8 things to stop that are blocking you and your organization from reaching the next level
* 8 things to start
* ONE tool that will make a big difference
* A simple Ready-to-Implement Action to start moving things forward TODAY
* Plus a BONUS takeaway available ONLY for participants

Presented by: Pauline Fleming, Owner, PRO-Active Possibilities

Pauline Fleming is a proactive change catalyst for those ready to reach their next level.
For over 20 years, Pauline has coached high-performance individuals & teams; initially as a teacher and athletic coach and now in the business arena. Through this experience, Pauline has identified core traits which form the PRO-Active Possibilities Coaching process.  

A published author, international speaker, wife, mother, award winning business owner and international high-performance coach, she has achieved the perfect blend of work-life balance.  Pauline is referred to as “positively contagious”, gets to the point and gets people thinking—then holds them accountable to implementing. The PRO-Active Possibilities customized approach guides high achieving individuals and organizations to reach their next level. 

As a Master Certified Coach—the highest recognized coaching credential world-wide, Pauline has guided the personal & professional growth of high performers around the world.  Her extensive resource list matches her clients breadth and depth from individuals to international corporations such as Proctor & Gamble, Rogers Communications, Canadian Tire, Standards Council Canada and more. Pauline's clients reach the next level by focusing on their strengths, keeping it simple and making PRO-Active choices.


 

Discover how to sell more, in less time while making even more money!

Being a successful sales person today means first letting go of a lot of those old, faithful, "tried and true" ideas that used to work, but now only get between you, and making the sale. Overly aggressive or persistent cold calling, too-polished power points and corporate brochures, and insincere closing tricks and tactics are both out of date and – nine times out of ten – unsuccessful.

Instead, today's savvy buyers are looking to develop trusted, long-term relationships with their suppliers, by demanding a new approach to sales that opens the lines of communication, builds trust and loyalty, ensures consistent success and answers that all-important question:

How much fun are you to buy from?

In this session, Colleen demonstrates The 7 Sales Imperatives for enhancing sales performance, and The 3 Key Behaviours that lead to consistently flawless sales results: The strategies and tactics presented will ensure that you can sell more, in less time at a higher profit.

Inspiring Results
• Increase profitability by discounting 80% less often;
• Reduce sales cycles by up to 30%;
• Increase your average order size by up to 50%;
• Use the fine line between persistence and stalking to achieve an instant 80% increase in call-back ratios.
Use your “uncomfort-zone” to build sales success

Presented by: Colleen Francis, Engage Selling Solutions

Colleen Francis is driven by a passion for people—motivating them to reach for the highest standards of success. For over 15 years, she has studied the business habits of the top 20% of sales performers in organizations of all sizes and shapes-from Fortune 500 companies, to small- and medium—sized businesses. Through her company, Engage Selling Solutions, Colleen has condensed that winning formula into an internationally acclaimed sales-training approach, helping sales and marketing professionals everywhere achieve their maximum potential.


 

Four Ways to Grow Your Business

The Seminar Four Ways to Grow Your Business is presented in an entertaining and motivating seminar. You will learn that all business growth techniques can be grouped into four categories. It is only the little things that make a big difference to your business when you are working ON rather than IN your enterprise. Witness a computer model that proves in financial terms that you can grow your business by implementing effective ideas.

As a participant you will be able to picture growth in your business and will be able to understand what to do to increase the bottom line. There will be plenty of time to ask questions to clarify how to work with simple tools to Grow Your Business.

Presented by: Nicholas Newton, results Systems Incorporated

Nicholas Newton is a builder of businesses. Personally, he has developed Newton & Company, Chartered Accountants, Results Systems Incorporated, and The Frouin Group. For the past several years, he has concentrated in building his clients’ businesses. He does this through extensive problem identification and solution recommendation. His strong belief that value is not provided unless ideas are implemented has required him to develop strong interpersonal skills to ensure that his clients implement effective solutions. Nicholas has studied facilitation and mentoring and applies these techniques to execute strong results. He is also trained in seminar presentation and public presentations.


 

How to do Business with the Federal Government

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is the main federal government buying department, purchasing approximately $6B in goods and services from SMEs across Canada. The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME), within PWGSC, focuses on SME interests in government contracting.

A representatives from OSME will provide valuable insight on PWGSC’s procurement process, how the government does its buying, and how to keep track of opportunities to bid on Canadian government purchases, and how to market to the federal government. This information session is a must for any entrepreneur who intends to target government contracts. It will provide a unique opportunity to network with the professionals who know the process inside and out. You’ll also have an opportunity to gather more information and materials at the OSME (Business Access Canada) display booth and meet with experts one-on-one.

Presented by: Barry Fournier, Senior Training Advisor, Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME), Public Works and Government Services Canada

Mr. Fournier has been delivering information sessions on how to do business with the federal government for over ten years. He also acts as liaison with suppliers and chambers of commerce to expand their marketing efforts and increase their understanding of the potential business opportunities within the federal government. Mr. Fournier works in the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) at Public Works and Government Services Canada. Under OSME is the Business Access Canada (BAC) program that was created to improve supplier and buyer awareness of federal business opportunities and of the Government of Canada procurement system. Mr. Fournier works to increase the visibility of the BAC program within the supplier community.


 

Common Legal Mistakes that Keep Lawyers in Business

It is not uncommon for small businesses to make legal mistakes. In fact, it is almost a rite of passage. With that in mind, the more you know the better prepared you will be to handle difficult situations. Lawyers with Nelligan O'Brien Payne will discuss some of the most common legal mistakes made by small businesses and provide you with practical tips and strategies on how to avoid them.

Presented by: David Stout and Geoffrey Cantello, Partners, Nelligan O'Brien Payne

Geoffrey Cantello is a partner with Nelligan O’Brien Payne and practices primarily in the areas of Municipal Law and Construction Law. Geoff also has many years of experience dealing with Commercial Real Estate matters and general Business Law issues.

David Stout is a partner with Nelligan O’Brien Payne. For over 30 years he has been providing legal services to organizations of every size. From not-for-profit organizations to large international companies, he regularly provides advice to clients on all aspects of corporate, business, and ancillary issues - including strategic planning, strategic alliances and long-range policy issues that may affect business.


Exceeding Your Goals:  How to Win in Any Competitive Environment

RBC Olympian Jason Dunkerley brings his experience from the track to the Small Business Forum. Jason will explore how the concept of COPE (challenge, opportunity, Perseverance, and excellence), can be used to draw parallels between success in running and success in the world of small business. Come and learn winning business strategies strategies while hearing an interesting and motivating story.

Presented by:  RBC Olympian Jason Dunkerley

Obstacles do not impede Jason Dunkerley. He has defied his physical circumstances to capture gold medals and become a top male track and field athlete. He is the epitome of determination, perseverance and discipline

Blind since birth, Jason set about on a mission of success.   That he is winning might surprise some, that he is even racing would surprise almost everyone.  In 2006, the Hamilton runner won a gold medal in the 1500m at World track and field championships in the Netherlands, only 6 months after suffering a hairline fracture to his fibula bone and torn knee ligaments after being hit by a car while running with a friend in Ottawa. Jason has also represented Canada at the 2005 European Paralympic track and field championships, winning the gold in the 1500m, and silver at the 2004 Paralympic Games.  Jason has also been honoured as the 2004 Ottawa male athlete of the year, the first athlete with a disability to receive this award.


Knowledge is Power: Income Tax Planning for Small Business

Every small business has to deal with taxes and the various government tax authorities. Knowing how taxes affect your business and how the income tax system is structured at the federal and Ontario levels can help you save your hard-earned dollars. Understand the tax implications for various small business formations, and learn how to get the best tax breaks for your business

Presented by: Gary Katz and Jason Valente, Logan Katz LLP

Gary Katz
After graduating from McGill University, Gary obtained his Chartered Accountant designation in 1982 and is actively involved with owner/manager businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes and complexity. Gary assists his clients with a wide range of services including audit and assurance, human resources, expense analysis, profitability analysis, succession, corporate financing, cash flow management, growth strategies, planning, strategic taxation matters, and business advisory services. He has been a volunteer with Kiwanis club of Rideau (Ottawa), Ottawa-Carleton Board of Trade, is a past Treasurer of Canadian Mothercraft and was a trustee of the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

Jason Valente
Jason graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Highest Honours) in 1997. Immediately after graduation, he began his career in professional accounting at an international public accounting firm. He acquired his Chartered Accountant designation in 1999. In 2002, he joined Logan Katz LLP. He is responsible for providing audit, accounting, taxation and business advisory services to organizations of various sizes in many industries. He also has expertise in processing claims for scientific research and experimental development investment tax credits.


Réussir en affaire avec internet
(Le Référencement)

Utilisez la force du référencement internet pour augmenter votre visibilité sur le NET. Découvrez l’importance d’opter pour les bons moteurs de recherche, de choisir les bons mots clés et de maximiser votre stratégie marketing afin de profiter au maximum des 500 millions de recherche sur internet effectuées annuellement par les canadiens.

Présentation : Édith Laframboise

Édith a une vaste expérience en formation et en mentorat. Elle a travaillé, entre autres, comme mentore au centre de mentorat étudiant de la faculté des arts de l’Université d’Ottawa., sans compter son implication comme tutrice an centre de S.O.S études Outaouais de Hull. Elle a aussi été aide-enseignante à l’école Saint-Jean Baptiste (l’Orignal).

Édith s’est jointe au programme Étudiants Bien Branchés en tant que formatrice en entreprise. Cette initiative d’Industrie Canada, en partenariat avec la Cité des Affaires, permet aux PME de découvrir l’importance et les avantages de l’internet et du commerce électronique dans le développement des affaires.


 

La synergie d’équipe : Une contribution à la performance!

À la fin de la conférence, le participant sera en mesure d'évaluer sa contribution au sein de l'équipe, de reconnaître ses forces et faiblesses et d'adapter son comportement aux variances de ses collègues.

Présentation : Céline Côté

Céline Côté is a consultant in skills development with training in industrial relations and organizational psychology.  She contributes over 15 years’ experience in counselling services with managers and employees, helping them improve organizational efficiency and individual satisfaction.  She has a substantial amount of experience in skills development and career transitioning with different client groups.  An experienced trainer and the designer of a number of workshops focusing on the psychology of work, productive team building and decision-making.  With a passion for success, her professional relationships are imbued with her sense of ethics and her quest for excellence.


 

Travailler plus, mais pas plus fort

Dans un monde de plus en plus compétitif et exigeant, il est souvent difficile d’accomplir tout ce que nous voulons réaliser dans une journée de travail. Cet atelier vous permettra de développer ¨trucs et astuces ¨ afin de maximiser vos énergies au travail.

Présentation : Micheline Lesage

Membre bilingue de la haute direction, Micheline Lesage a plus de 23 années d’expérience à son actif aux niveaux national et international dans les domaines culturels, artistiques et administratifs. Elle possède une solide expérience en gestion de politiques et de programmes, en consultation publique, en développement organisationnel, et en négociation de partenariats avec divers ministères et agences.

Elle a exercé la fonction de Directrice de la Division des arts du Conseil des arts du Canada et sous sa gouverne, le Conseil a sensiblement augmenté la participation des francophones hors Québec et des anglophones au Québec au sein des nombreux comités de pairs auxquels le Conseil confie ses recommandations d'appui.

Madame Lesage est également signataire, au nom du Conseil des arts, de l’entente multipartite pour le développement des arts et de la culture de la francophonie canadienne aux côtés du Centre national des arts, de l'Office national du film et de la Société Radio-Canada.

Elle a édité dans les deux langues des centaines de documents (politiques, programmes, recommandations) destinés aux membres du Conseil d’administration du Conseil des arts et a formé plusieurs assistantes à la rédaction de procès-verbaux. De plus, son expérience à gérer des conseils d’administration nationaux lui ont permis d’acquérir des connaissances et des compétences pratiques dans la gestion des réunions.