https://www.guildstreet.ca/blog daily 0.75 2024-07-31 https://www.guildstreet.ca/blog/cloud-accounting monthly 0.5 2024-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1600202617243-5XOYUP2TJ4VF21ISGHRF/pexels-bongkarn-thanyakij-3840987.jpg Guildstreet Market Connections - Keep your Mind on your Money and your Accounting in the Clouds - Mobility Flexibility is the key. Everyone who you grant access to your files can work from anywhere in the world. You and your staff can be mobile, or all be working from home offices. As more businesses run remotely - a result of the ever-changing face of how we run our businesses now - allow yourself and your employees the ability to keep on track from anywhere at any time. Security Cloud accounting technology means security for your sensitive financial information. The cloud means your data is consistently backed up to servers in multiple locations, while physical hard drives and your laptop computer can be stolen, corrupted and crash! Let's not even think about how natural disasters, fires and the like could destroy hard copy files, computers and hard drives. Cloud accounting means your data is available safely in multiple spots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1600202680626-OZ6AIS8KVJV2Y15X0QP0/pexels-bongkarn-thanyakij-3828306.jpg Guildstreet Market Connections - Keep your Mind on your Money and your Accounting in the Clouds - Current and Transparent Businesses are increasingly run remotely with employees working at least part-time from home. You can see your accounts, outstanding invoices, cash flow and expenses as well as an overall outlook in actual time by logging on to the cloud. You're on top of data and cash without having to call in-person meetings and ask personnel to send over files in advance. This means more transparency and flexibility for you and your employees. Centralized and Time Saving Inventory, cash flow, payroll, invoices, accounting and more are all kept on a central hub; the right software means you can get rid of multiple programs which often won't integrate. Your banking system will be integrated as well as your credit card transactions and data without you having to enter it (constantly) manually. Reduce the time you spend on paperwork, period. https://www.guildstreet.ca/blog/cowork-space monthly 0.5 2023-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1599585220913-NBY04BO6STGPOARVDOIJ/All_workstations_-_edited.jpg Guildstreet Market Connections - A Workstyle and Community that Helps your Business Thrive - Co-working space for the modern solopreneur and small business owner Contemporary solopreneurs and small business owners think outside the box. We want a co-work environment that offers freedom to innovate, a community that elevates us and a trendy space that is approachable and welcoming. A place to thrive. Goodbye walls and dusty cabinets. Think open concept, vaulted ceilings and historic character that inspires and ignites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1599585214878-RCXOOWKW4YA92LAH1YBB/Workstation_4_-_edited.jpg Guildstreet Market Connections - A Workstyle and Community that Helps your Business Thrive - Amenities and perks Included with your $ 550+ GST monthly fee, Guildstreet is happy to offer a suite of amenities and technologies to enhance your work or creative experience within our space. Included in the monthly rent is: Dedicated desk and chair and 2 monitors to connect to your laptop. A small storage space for your personal belongings and work files. Fibre optic Internet access to stay connected. Access to a scanner and printer. Use of a shared guest area to seat and greet your clients. Access to a shared kitchen for your morning (and afternoon!) java fix. Easy access to transit and plenty of City parking should you need it. https://www.guildstreet.ca/blog/svetlana-yanova-photography monthly 0.5 2023-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1600274652218-XXQBI8Z3D4WSH8TZK6PZ/MONTREAL-4114-scaled.jpg Guildstreet Market Connections - Professional Photography: No Filter Required - Why did you start your business? There’s a lot more to a good photo than meets the eye. In fact, as we learned when chatting with Svetlana, most of the magic — especially the passion and inspiration — is years in the making. “My love for the camera and for photos was instilled as a child. My father was a professional photographer and I was often following him around, wanting to be part of the action. He taught me about light, timing, composition... all the fundamentals needed to capture a great photo,” she recalls. “Eventually, he got me my own camera and I instantly fell in love.” For many years, her passion was a side project — a wedding here, a headshot there —until her corporate career took an unexpected turn and Svetlana was laid off. “Obviously, no one wants to lose their job, but it was a pivotal moment for me.” She took the experience as an opportunity to seize her passion and take a risk: she started her own photography business. https://www.guildstreet.ca/service-tab daily 0.75 2023-05-08 https://www.guildstreet.ca/service-tab/our-services monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/79e76676-9ce8-45fc-86c4-1999e1fadf62/guildstreet-accounting-virtual-cfo-calgary-small-business.jpg Our Services - VTABS - Our Services - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.guildstreet.ca/service-tab/entrepreneur monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/6db40e45-7aec-49f6-b5d4-333eb4584d56/guildstreet_web_icons_entrepreneur.png Our Services - VTABS - Entrepreneur - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.guildstreet.ca/service-tab/ecommerce monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/da41a70b-fc15-40e5-a666-d54bfd11c228/guildstreet_web_icons_business.png Our Services - VTABS - ECOMMERCE - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.guildstreet.ca/service-tab/enterprise monthly 0.5 2023-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/bc6b9f75-8274-47a7-bd2f-9a550ecc9714/guildstreet_web_icons_enterprise.png Our Services - VTABS - Enterprise - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal daily 0.75 2025-01-17 https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/colin-knoll monthly 0.5 2025-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/9e04d1f8-6db9-4ccc-9b8d-c1da484f4457/Colin_Knoll_Headshot.jpg Blog - Colin Knoll: Navigating Business Strategy with Vision and Purpose - What does it take to transform businesses and unlock their true potential? For Colin Knoll, it's a combination of strategic thinking, unwavering curiosity, and the lessons learned from an unexpected starting point: the soccer field. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/the-not-so-secret-weapon monthly 0.5 2025-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/99b2fdbf-f22b-4864-b78d-3f7b06d8a6d6/pexels-olly-3760778.jpg Blog - The (not so) Secret Weapon for Crisis Management A Business Continuity Plan is a strategy or list of steps a company takes to mitigate a disruption to business flow—the plan outlines procedures and resources needed to stay afloat and to get back on track as soon as possible. Although business continuity plans differ from company to company, a successful plan always includes elements like risk assessments, recovery strategies, staff and client communications, and staff continuity measures. Here are some of the top benefits of investing in a thorough business continuity plan: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/35b9ed51-93c1-441f-a41f-f50863f7dde6/pexels-shvets-production-7203956.jpg Blog - The (not so) Secret Weapon for Crisis Management 4. Maintain client trust Your business’ reputation and your client relationships are extremely valuable assets. A strong business continuity plan demonstrates to clients and shareholders that you are a trustworthy and reliable partner. Maintaining client trust and confidence can be done in several ways; one essential aspect of a business continuity plan is setting up clear communication goals. Clients want to know what is happening, how it affects them, and what the timeline is for resolution. Clear communications highlighting your ability to maintain operations even during challenging circumstances is also a great public relations strategy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/df587680-3291-4fa1-bf0c-e87879dacaaa/pexels-alphatradezone-5834234.jpg Blog - The (not so) Secret Weapon for Crisis Management Surprisingly the process of building your business continuity plan often reveals opportunities to streamline your operations and perhaps realize some cost savings right up front. Whether you are at the beginning stages of your entrepreneurial journey or are running an established business; a business continuity plan is a vital component that ensures your company remains resilient and adaptable in the face of adversity. Need help taking the first few steps to safeguard your company? Contact Guildstreet today- the first call is always free! https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/james-hirsch monthly 0.5 2025-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/2c9e2781-4c45-49b7-a8cd-cf3c071ec986/JH_Headshot.jpg Blog - The Journey of James Hirsch: From Chartered Accountant to Founder of Northguard Insurance Brokers - James Hirsch, founder of Northguard Insurance Brokers, is no stranger to the entrepreneurial spirit. From his early exposure to business through his mother’s boutique to a successful career in finance, James has always had a passion for building something meaningful. Today, as the owner of one of the few Indigenous-owned employee benefits insurance brokers in Canada, James has channeled his diverse professional experience into helping businesses streamline their employee benefits strategies. In this interview, James shares insights into his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/flexibility-and-profitability-for-your-businessnbsp-the-cloud-accounting-advantage monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/03884b7a-69a4-44b3-b9b1-db15f086367d/pexels-pixabay-60504.jpg Blog - Flexibility and Profitability for your Business:  The Cloud Accounting Advantage. - 2. Security The risk of lost or stolen data is a reality every business faces, and that risk increases when you use paper documents. Paper documents pose several security threats given that paperwork can easily be lost, stolen, and damaged. Although converting to a digital setup helps, data stored on a local device is also at risk of hardware malfunctions or failed backups. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/e84441b3-2000-4419-8e80-c872976eedf1/pexels-jeshoots-238118.jpg Blog - Flexibility and Profitability for your Business:  The Cloud Accounting Advantage. - 3. Accessibility More and more companies are embracing the hybrid work model. Your finances can also adapt to an on-the-go lifestyle. A major perk of switching to cloud accounting is that all your financial records are ready to view at the click of a button—allowing you to make important decisions in real-time from any location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/7eaf5edb-48c4-4ca6-b3c8-15dec9daa1c2/pexels-pixabay-265087+%282%29.jpg Blog - Flexibility and Profitability for your Business:  The Cloud Accounting Advantage. - 5. Information to help you run your business. Right now, do you have timely access to reports showing your gross profitability? Can you reliably see how much of your gross profit is taken up with shipping costs? Can you see why your profit is high and your cash flow is low? https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/mastering-the-art-of-pricing monthly 0.5 2024-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/a4446830-9ca5-40fa-8bc3-a08939a88550/pexels-pixabay-262470.jpeg Blog - Mastering the Art of Pricing: A Short Guide for E-commerce Entrepreneurs. Pricing is a subject that strikes fear into the hearts of many entrepreneurs. How do I get the price for my business products and services just right? What is the pricing sweet spot for my business? Your price must be sufficiently high to cover all your costs and provide a profit, strong enough to communicate your value and quality, and reasonable enough to avoid pricing your business out of your target market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/98d8c5bb-88b0-469d-bfde-3b0c80fb43bb/jason-briscoe-Gw_sFen8VhU-unsplash.jpg Blog - Mastering the Art of Pricing: A Short Guide for E-commerce Entrepreneurs. - 2. Know your Market: Thorough research into competitors and market trends is indispensable to your strategy. Exploring pricing of similar products and their inherent value is also foundational for positioning your product or service. It’s easy enough to gather market intelligence – Google your competitors, delve into all the online tools, join industry and market groups on social media... and keep your marketplace knowledge fresh. Save your research and circle back to it at least once every three months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/cdee3b11-b67f-4027-b9bb-217a97b4f946/docusign-7RWBSYA9Rro-unsplash.jpg Blog - Mastering the Art of Pricing: A Short Guide for E-commerce Entrepreneurs. - 6. Pulling it all together: You know that the ideal price for your product rests on the value that your customer sees in your product. When you understand what your customer is expecting from you and your market, then mastering the art of pricing becomes an iterative process, demanding careful consideration of every input to your price as well as periodic review of your pricing. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/community-and-connections monthly 0.5 2025-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/24a9772c-7b94-4cb2-a6ac-4aed1ca17b37/pexels-fauxels-3184416.jpg Blog - Community & Connections: The Importance of a Strong Network Your network can be anything from friends and community members who share a similar outlook on life to more formal partnerships, however, both are equally valuable when it comes to the success of your company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/3506c02c-e43f-414d-8536-92bd46b151e7/pexels-elevate-1267321.jpg Blog - Community & Connections: The Importance of a Strong Network For smaller companies, attending local events or joining industry-specific association groups are great ways to increase both your network and knowledge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1d762dfd-26a0-4f3f-9471-635a02ff771a/pexels-growthgal-3719037.jpg Blog - Community & Connections: The Importance of a Strong Network At Guildstreet, we know the importance of a strong network. We encourage everyone from entrepreneurs, start-ups, local companies, and larger businesses to come together so that we can all help each other shine! https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/accounting-ecommerce monthly 0.5 2024-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/5229f750-e735-4828-ad28-982a3f2455bc/pexels-tiger-lily-4483610.jpg Blog - Accounting for the Move to eCommerce: going from playing checkers to three-dimensional chess - The Challenge of eCommerce Accounting eCommerce accounting is complex and quickly becomes daunting for business owners who just want to focus on the core of their business. From intricate sales tax regulations to diverse revenue streams; from omnichannel inventory management to actionable financial reporting, the intricacies of eCommerce accounting require dedicated knowledge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/57d45c61-e624-4e1d-9551-acddd6e3dd0d/pexels-tobias-dziuba-319638-933830.jpg Blog - Accounting for the Move to eCommerce: going from playing checkers to three-dimensional chess - Key Differences driving eCommerce Accounting eCommerce accounting is different from traditional retail accounting... there is soooo much more. Multiple shopping and payment channels create unique accounting needs for online merchants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/959e1334-27fe-4747-89e5-0387880a8936/pexels-pixabay-265087+%281%29.jpg Blog - Accounting for the Move to eCommerce: going from playing checkers to three-dimensional chess - The Role of eCommerce Accountants Ecommerce accounting is a specialized field requiring specific knowledge. Ecommerce accounting experts understand the intricacies of managing eCommerce finances, the multi-faceted technical links, and help you implement effective processes as you scale your business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/02752e82-0588-4f6e-9e55-c94c69fc7f91/pexels-olly-3762806.jpg Blog - Accounting for the Move to eCommerce: going from playing checkers to three-dimensional chess - Trust the Experts As you start or build your business, prioritize eCommerce accounting alongside product development and marketing to lay a solid foundation for future success. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/dean-rud-boooooost-marketing monthly 0.5 2024-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/a8a613d6-6c77-4096-9239-bbcb15af9052/dean_rud.jpg Blog - Dean Rud on Bootstrapping Success: From DIY Music to Boooooost Marketing - Did you see your current venture as a possibility when you were touring the world in a punk rock band? Dean Rud, the founder of Boooooost Digital Marketing, has an unconventional path that led him to the world of digital marketing. His journey began in a place far removed from the corporate environment — as a member of a touring punk rock band. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/optimize-ecommerce-sales monthly 0.5 2024-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/03484366-0b7c-4f2b-bd42-7849d94a1531/pexels-n-voitkevich-6214471.jpg Blog - Excellence in Ecommerce: 5 Tips to Optimize Sales - Starting an ecommerce business is an exciting venture, but in an increasingly competitive online marketplace, you’ll need to stand out. Like any business, marketing efforts have a direct impact on sales, and the world of ecommerce brings benefits (and challenges) unique to the digital landscape when it comes to showcasing a product. Here are some important tactics to keep in mind when growing your ecommerce business: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/d8ce2df5-7793-441d-a323-5b5b7d15f4b3/pexels-tim-douglas-6567548.jpg Blog - Excellence in Ecommerce: 5 Tips to Optimize Sales - Improve the User Experience of your Website Beyond the visuals of your product, the overall look, feel, and experience of your website is crucial. The UX design (or user experience design) of your website needs to offer a seamless shopping experience that keeps customers engaged and on your site for long periods of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/254c1021-6547-4b6b-a262-3790b4f8fbee/pexels-ivan-samkov-7621142.jpg Blog - Excellence in Ecommerce: 5 Tips to Optimize Sales - Streamline Checkout Checkout is the most common area for customers to abandon their item. Unlike a physical store where simply tapping a card makes a purchase, too many steps to buy a product creates unwanted stress and frustration for customers. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/welcome-to-guildstreet monthly 0.5 2024-09-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/700f84a0-ce95-4652-8c92-e7949a255d7e/Welcome+to+Guildstreet+Image+1.jpg Blog - Welcome to Guildstreet! - Guildstreet can help set the foundation for your business to grow and prosper. Whether you’re just starting out, optimizing operations, scaling your company, or launching a new line of products, our team will provide you with a custom accounting plan so that you can save time and focus on what you do best. Your custom accounting plan can be as simple as accounting and tax, and as your business grows you can add-on a fractional Chief Financial Officer (a very affordable solution) and any advisory and analytical support that fits your wants and needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/4fdead03-24cd-4291-9b20-d101498d01c2/pexels-goumbik-577210.jpg Blog - Welcome to Guildstreet! - Full-service Virtual Accounting Department: Are you interested in simplifying your accounting function? Ready to grow and reluctant to take on the cost of adding accounting staff and office space? Guildstreet offers full-service cloud accounting and virtual support. Outsource your accounting to Guildstreet: we are 100% Canadian and 100% paperless. All your reports and results at your fingertips and no more paperwork clutter. Cloud accounting is streamlined and less expensive than having an accounting office of your own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/3e9cfcaa-84e2-4b2b-8dbd-789584ae02c1/pexels-divinetechygirl-1181533.jpg Blog - Welcome to Guildstreet! - Business Coaching: The next step to growing your business is talking with a coach. Guildstreet provides consulting and mentorship so that you can leverage your business to its full potential. From problem solving to strategic planning, you’ll have peace of mind knowing we’re here to guide you to success. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/profitable-ecommerce monthly 0.5 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/3966b38b-45a6-4517-bd43-498b14130280/pexels-michael-burrows-7148061.jpg Blog - Building a Profitable E-Commerce Business from Scratch - Great E-Commerce Accounting is The Key to a Successful Online Business Many people dream of owning their own business, and with the rise of e-commerce, that dream is now more accessible than ever. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores, e-commerce allows entrepreneurs to reach customers across the globe with fewer upfront costs and greater flexibility. Platforms like Shopify and Amazon have further opened doors for aspiring Canadian entrepreneurs to carve their own paths and build successful online businesses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/da50714c-7c10-45c6-aadb-a008a21a46d6/pexels-googledeepmind-18069696.jpg Blog - Building a Profitable E-Commerce Business from Scratch - 3. Future-Focused Planning E-commerce accounting is also about planning for the future. Accurate accounting gives you clean usable data enabling you to analyse the products or service lines that are most profitable, to identify opportunities to increase profit margins, and to provide the financial benchmarking needed to consider new marketing campaigns, evaluate ROI, or enter new markets. Regular review of your financial data with a financial advisor or virtual CFO will help you spot trends and make strategic decisions to position your business for growth. Proper E-commerce accounting gives you all the tools to scale efficiently, manage your resources wisely, and optimize your business operations over time. It’s empowering to know everything about your financial resources and to have an advisor to make sure that nothing is missed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/3fca3ceb-c487-4860-9ac1-c518a00776ab/pexels-shkrabaanthony-4348403.jpg Blog - Building a Profitable E-Commerce Business from Scratch - Starting and growing a successful e-commerce business requires more than just a great product and an effective marketing strategy. It requires a strong financial foundation built on accurate accounting, tax planning, and detailed financial reporting. E-commerce accounting is dedicated to ensuring that your business is organized, compliant, and ready for growth. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/dont-skip-branding monthly 0.5 2024-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ac2e7195-7052-40a8-b000-9cf38bfedd35/pexels-eva-bronzini-7661184.jpg Blog - Don’t bypass branding! Why establishing a brand early on is crucial for start-ups.  - What exactly is branding? Branding is essentially the process of creating an identity for your company—everything that encapsulates the product or service you are selling—from voice to image to overall feelings evoked. Branding is not only achieved through notable visual identifiers such as logos and color schemes, but also includes the mission, vision, and values of your organization, and what sets you apart from other competitors in your field. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ea9a0914-2800-4351-b43d-9b5a72ad0191/pexels-didsss-2467236.jpg Blog - Don’t bypass branding! Why establishing a brand early on is crucial for start-ups.  - If you ever find yourself driving into a new town, you’ll likely recognize those golden arches of McDonalds from a mile away- a prime example of powerful recognition and strong brand equity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/9a032c6b-599a-4e42-876e-38886ea61c34/pexels-leeloothefirst-8970679+%281%29.jpg Blog - Don’t bypass branding! Why establishing a brand early on is crucial for start-ups.  - A strong and consistent brand can ensure that you hire employees who have shared passions or interests, and who understand the mission and values of your company. Not only that, brand equity helps you obtain top notch talent as more and more applicants recognize your company. This is especially important if you are looking to hire brand ambassadors with larger audiences who are enthusiastic about endorsing your product or service. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/jocelyn-ross monthly 0.5 2024-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ca57918b-9ec7-4200-8ca8-f8c8c94cb261/Jocelyn+Ross+Head+Shot.jpg Blog - Jocelyn Ross: Redefining Design from Architecture to Interiors - JRstudioworks stands out as a premier boutique design practice, renowned for its bespoke, complete approach to both architecture and interior design. At the helm of this venture is Jocelyn Ross, a seasoned creative whose journey is anything but conventional. From her early days in her father’s architectural firm to her transition into interior design, Jocelyn's path was a tapestry of dedication and adaptability. Her career is a testament to the evolving nature of creativity, shaped by both rich experience and personal growth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/423e2407-2042-46a9-bf46-7f15d01bd341/Jocelyn+-+Design+2.jpg Blog - Jocelyn Ross: Redefining Design from Architecture to Interiors - A Day in the Life of a Designer Jocelyn’s typical workday is a dynamic blend of activities. She starts early, reviewing emails and setting priorities. "My favorite days are those spent meeting with clients, discussing their visions, and collaborating on design concepts," she shares. Much of her day is spent on-site, overseeing projects to ensure design elements are executed as planned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/2db9c581-2f6b-4177-b522-673b3ab697f2/Jocelyn+-+Design+1.jpg Blog - Jocelyn Ross: Redefining Design from Architecture to Interiors - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs For those embarking on their own entrepreneurial journeys, Jocelyn offers insightful advice. "Be passionate about what you do and be prepared for the challenges that come with entrepreneurship," she advises. A clear vision is essential, but flexibility and openness to change are equally important. Building strong relationships and never stopping learning are also crucial for growth and success. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/small-business-finance-world monthly 0.5 2024-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/f38a0c76-70db-4192-a64e-edd53895638d/pexels-vlada-karpovich-7433882.jpg Blog - Facing the World of Finance as a Small Business Owner: 5 Common Roadblocks - While you’re excited to get your business going—navigating the complexities of accounting and financial management might not be your forte. This becomes especially daunting when you are juggling all the other tasks required to keep your business on track while knowing that addressing financial challenges early on is crucial for the long-term success of your venture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/b072d190-8b1a-4a53-aa5b-3cf2eeff542f/pexels-goumbik-590022.jpg Blog - Facing the World of Finance as a Small Business Owner: 5 Common Roadblocks - 2. Uncertainty with Reporting Being able to monitor your financial performance is one thing; knowing how to produce timely and accurate reports is another. Having the right reports is crucial when it comes to dealing with investors, lenders, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies—and could be the make or break when it comes to securing important business investments. You may find that you don’t know where to start when it comes to creating detailed and professional financial reports and statements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/17878404-6d54-4447-a821-54d6ddf182cb/pexels-leeloothefirst-7818099.jpg Blog - Facing the World of Finance as a Small Business Owner: 5 Common Roadblocks - The good news is that a fractional CFO takes this off your plate. For instance, they can explore different sources of capital and help you evaluate each option ensuring you make the best choice for your business. Further, they can set up the required financial documents or business plans needed to secure loans or investments. A fractional CFO can also navigate the complexities of an agreement and negotiate the terms of funding to ensure you’re making the best financial decision for your business. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/competitive-advantage monthly 0.5 2024-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/d60912c9-a8a1-4470-bd1b-547b983c6f0c/pexels-pixabay-277124.jpg Blog - How to Gain a Competitive Advantage for Your Business: Hire a Fractional CFO! - Understanding a business’s financial health is critical for any business owner. Partnering with accounting experts, especially with a fractional CFO (Chief Financial Officer), is a game-changer to gaining that competitive edge. Now aren’t CFOs just about tax filings? Not at all! CFOs offer analyses that delve deep into your numbers; those numbers tell you amazing things about your business. Fractional CFOs also offer a broad spectrum of financial insights and tools that you better understand your business operations, make informed decisions, and grow strategically. How does a fractional CFO provide your business with the clarity and strategic advice that you need to leverage financial data into a significant competitive advantage? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/64aadac9-851f-4c07-86cf-ae125481d219/pexels-gabby-k-6998462.jpg Blog - How to Gain a Competitive Advantage for Your Business: Hire a Fractional CFO! - Scalable Growth With growth comes uncharted territory, new product lines, expansion into fresh markets, and new staffing needs. Where businesses see the most impact is also where having a fractional CFO on board can change the game: Financial Strategy and Planning: Fractional CFOs assist in developing financial strategies that are aligned with your organization's goals. Partnering with you, the business owner, to forecast cash flow, provide revenue projections, and optimize pricing strategies. Profit Margins: Perhaps all your product lines are profitable, but it is very likely that some lines are more efficient than others in their profitability. Fractional CFOs identify which of your revenue streams deliver profit most effectively. Cost Management: Fractional CFOs analyse costs across all business lines, identifying areas for savings while suggesting efficiency improvements. Scaling Operations: As your business grows, a fractional CFO supports you in scaling your operations efficiently, ensuring financial systems, processes, and controls are in place for you to effectively manage growth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/4c111f15-b8e9-49bb-9522-1016d55b5ebc/pexels-rethaferguson-3810792.jpg Blog - How to Gain a Competitive Advantage for Your Business: Hire a Fractional CFO! - Gain a Competitive Advantage with a Fractional CFO If you are aiming to gain a competitive advantage, a pivotal strategy for your business is to partner with a fractional CFO. A fractional CFO works with you to understand your operations more deeply and help you to enhanced financial clarity. Clarity in turn leads to informed decisions and supports planned scalable growth. As the business landscape evolves, the role of a fractional CFO becomes increasingly important in driving sustainable, profitable growth for your business. Sign up for access to expertise that helps in navigating current challenges and positions your business to seize future opportunities with confidence. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/risk-mitigation monthly 0.5 2024-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/c585d932-7c52-403e-b4a9-f25af859dc1c/pexels-mizunokozuki-13801619.jpg Blog - Help Mitigate Risks by Following These Important Steps - Identify the risks Discuss and describe risks that might affect your business with your team. Keep track of your discussion in a spreadsheet or document. What are some of those risks? It could be economic risk. For example we are just coming out of a period of high inflation which has had the effect of slowing down sales for many businesses. It could be cyber risk. The news is full of breakdowns of software and computer systems. And yes, cyber criminals are a growing risk impacting small and large organizations alike. It could be internal risk. Mistakes happen. What systems do you have in place to provide double-checks, health and safety checks, and support for you and your staff? Analyze your list Once you have compiled your list of risks, you can then determine the likelihood and consequence of each risk, and develop an understanding of the nature of the risk and its potential effect on your business. Rank the risk Evaluate or rank the risk by determining its magnitude, which is the combination of likelihood and consequence. Determine whether the risk is acceptable or whether it is serious enough to warrant treatment. Add the rankings to your spreadsheet or document. Remember that some risks may take priority because of the requirement for due diligence. Health and safety always ranks at the top of any list of risks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/b309a074-9620-4ca3-9c30-d87a8b4c5a12/pexels-anna-nekrashevich-6801646.jpg Blog - Help Mitigate Risks by Following These Important Steps - Treat the risk During this step, assess your highest ranked risks and set out a plan to treat or modify or insure these risks to achieve acceptable risk levels. How can you minimize the probability of the negative consequences as well as enhance the opportunities? Create risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans in this step and add them to your spreadsheet or document. Review the Risk and Implement Mitigation Strategies This is the step where you use your file to monitor, track and review the risks you’ve identified. Be prepared to adjust your business practices to mitigate and eliminate potential risks. Review regularly and adjust or optimize as needed. Identifying your plan to identify risks and mitigation strategies is just the first step. Regular review with your staff and reminding them of best practices to avoid rising issues - keeping your risk management evergreen - is equally important. Remember: risk is about uncertainty. If you put a framework around that uncertainty, then you are prepared to move much more confidently toward achieving your business goals. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/entrepreneurs-imposter-syndrome monthly 0.5 2024-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1721867854542-6RE67SOG5CR4H5YUVOJQ/pexels-tobiasbjorkli-2334533.jpg Blog - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur - Have you ever questioned your own expertise in a role? Or felt like you might be “faking” your way through a career despite your skill set? If so, you may have fallen victim to imposter syndrome—a psychological experience where a person feels as though they are a fraud, or “imposter” when it comes to achievements or successes. This is usually characterized by feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, and incompetence, despite no real evidence to support these traits and no truth behind the idea that one is faking their achievements or are undeserving of success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/39c10c6d-fc2a-42ae-91d8-80661aad90bd/pexels-alexander-suhorucov-6457520.jpg Blog - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur - 1. Build a supportive network If you feel swamped trying to manage your business and begin questioning your abilities, it can help to know that others are experiencing something similar. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and like-minded individuals not only provides emotional validation, but these connections can offer practical advice when challenges arise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/e9012a4a-31cb-4b2b-bb1f-8f344e02d8e6/pexels-shvetsa-3727454.jpg Blog - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur - 3. Set realistic goals While ambition has its obvious pros in business management—creating a more systematic and achievable method to meet goals can reduce feelings of inadequacy. If you set goals that are already out of reach, imposter syndrome will only worsen when you realize you’re not able to meet those milestones. Instead, goals should be broken down into smaller, actionable steps to avoid overwhelm. Goals that are clearly defined, measurable, and achievable within a reasonable timeframe will allow you to slowly build momentum without the looming fear of failure. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/wulver-digital-advertising monthly 0.5 2024-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/9ab46aa2-a214-4921-a2d3-a8752aceff66/_MR_0252-linkedin.jpg Blog - Lessons in Entrepreneurship: Robin Eldred’s Path to Owning Wulver Digital Advertising - Today, Robin stands as the proud owner of Wulver Digital Advertising, a dynamic digital agency specialising in driving business growth through cutting edge digital advertising strategies. Wulver’s diverse portfolio spans national energy associations, multi-million dollar e-commerce brands, local festivals, real estate developers, and travel and tourism businesses. Robin leverages his extensive expertise to help companies generate leads and boost sales effectively. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/smart-spending monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/5ace6792-c8b5-447e-a0b4-ff83be8a7fea/pexels-cocarinne-6446684.jpg Blog - Smart Spending: Practical Ways to Lower Your Business Expenses - 1. Analyze Your Expenses Your first step to optimizing your expenses is to understand where the money is spent. Conduct a thorough review of your expenses over at least the last twelve months. Your accountant categorizes expenses into indirect costs (rent, salaries, insurance) and direct costs (cost of goods sold, shipping, merchant fees and handling). Review your gross margin – simply put, gross margin is the difference between the revenue that your business earns and direct costs. Your gross margin should land somewhere between 40 to 60%. Seems a high number until you deduct all those other indirect costs! Next, look for patterns of spending. For example, perhaps are you spending your money on software subscriptions or rental equipment that are no longer used? It’s worth becoming fully familiar with your numbers. Not sure what you are looking at? Reach out and ask your accountant. You need a clear picture of your spending patterns to be able to highlight areas where you can adjust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1359a483-73ff-40ab-9e33-49479f7832ff/pexels-karolina-grabowska-4491469.jpg Blog - Smart Spending: Practical Ways to Lower Your Business Expenses - 4. Negotiate with Suppliers Don’t be afraid to negotiate with your suppliers. Almost every supplier has a discount structure. Long-term contracts or volume discounts reduces your costs which in turn expands your margins. You can also negotiate just-in-time production or drop-shipping arrangements with some of your suppliers. Then, if your suppliers are managing the shipments and storage arrangements, your need for space and handling is reduced. Watch out, though. Some suppliers charge hefty fees. Standardizing shipping arrangements will bring you opportunities. Is there another shipper in your area that can handle your shipments for lower cost? Can you negotiate discounts if your shippers only pick up once a week? Building strong relationships with your suppliers can lead to other cost-saving opportunities. Ask them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/a32aaf98-4f64-40ac-9a47-5e1c7ea8e3e2/pexels-mikhail-nilov-6964118.jpg Blog - Smart Spending: Practical Ways to Lower Your Business Expenses - 6. Implement a Remote Work Policy Is your business model adaptable to implement remote work? Remote work is great for many employees and will significantly reduce your overhead. Even a hybrid remote work plan will reduce costs – think shared workspaces. Clearly, adapting to a remote work policy takes some preplanning and expert human resources management advice. For example, salary expectations would shift from hours in the office to work accomplished and work milestones. Would your organization benefit from a flexible workforce? https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/ideas-to-increase-revenue monthly 0.5 2024-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/c065f285-f4ff-4a8d-b043-e906a6f107ae/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ideas to Increase Revenue - Increasing revenue is a top priority for small business owners looking to grow and thrive in a competitive market. At Guildstreet, we understand the unique challenges faced by small businesses and are here to provide practical strategies to boost your income. Here are some effective ideas to help you increase your revenue and drive your business forward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/f40ee8df-ec10-4d4c-b086-fbeaa61da764/pexels-pet-foto-644780685-17880528.jpg Blog - Ideas to Increase Revenue - 3. Implement a Customer Loyalty Program Loyal customers are invaluable to your business. Implementing a customer loyalty program can encourage repeat business and increase customer retention. Offer incentives such as discounts, exclusive offers, or rewards points for frequent purchases. A well-designed loyalty program not only boosts sales but also enhances customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/f64ffd60-b749-4396-99d6-b37172dc8cf7/pexels-olly-3778966.jpg Blog - Ideas to Increase Revenue - 8. Leverage Partnerships and Collaborations Forming strategic partnerships and collaborations can help you reach new customers and increase revenue. Partner with complementary businesses to offer bundled products or services, co-host events, or cross-promote each other’s offerings. Collaborations can enhance your brand’s credibility and provide access to new markets and customer bases. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/tax-tips monthly 0.5 2024-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/18eeee03-f329-48aa-99b4-45a410539ae3/pexels-karolina-grabowska-5632402.jpg Blog - Essential Tax Tips for Canadian Ecommerce Businesses! - Did you know that shipping your product to Canadian and other destinations can trigger a sales tax obligation in that jurisdiction? If you run an ecommerce business, it’s crucial to learn a little about sales tax requirements – or - to hire an accountant who can help you navigate the complexities. (Guildstreet are ecommerce experts!) Here are sales tax tips for ecommerce businesses in Canada focusing on sales tax for shipments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/83b32bc1-fa86-4429-b00d-b1cc1c68d6e3/pexels-karolina-grabowska-5650037.jpg Blog - Essential Tax Tips for Canadian Ecommerce Businesses! - Collecting Sales Tax When selling products online, it’s important to collect the appropriate sales tax based on the destination of the shipment. This shipment destination is what the CRA calls “source of supply.” As you read above, the tax rates and registration requirements differ depending on the province or territory where your customers are located. Now, you might also be providing online services (another form of ecommerce) that are provided to customers in other provinces, but not shipped. Then the source of supply – the sales tax calculation location – is the place where your business does the work. For example, your Ontario office will charge 13% and your Alberta office will charge 5%. There is another wrinkle – if you are invoicing your client for an event that takes place in another province, then the sales tax that you charge is the tax applicable to the province where the event took place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/43483ef0-c8fa-4510-9c10-70e74a83adc3/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6169659+%281%29.jpg Blog - Essential Tax Tips for Canadian Ecommerce Businesses! - Seeking Professional Advice Since sales tax regulations are complex and subject to change, we do recommend hiring an accountant who specializes in ecommerce, to monitor and file your sales tax, and to provide valuable insights to ensure that your business is compliant. An ecommerce specialist accountant can also help optimize your tax strategy and assist with any audits or queries from tax authorities. If you are handling your own sales tax registration and filings, be sure to read, read, read! There is useful information on each jurisdiction’s website, and on the sales platforms’ websites. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/fear-free-finance monthly 0.5 2024-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/777acd5e-4bee-4faf-9ebf-224ea8534e9a/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fear-Free Finance - Enter Alan Beaulieu, a proven corporate financial services leader with extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, not-for-profit organizations and ecommerce. He brings a road-tested understanding of financial and corporate controls, reporting, compliance, systems, and leadership. Well-versed in the cultural, business, and statutory nuances of international ventures, his role at Guildstreet is to assist emerging, small, and mid-sized businesses with financial and corporate guidance, system implementation, and to cultivate sustainable relationships with business partners and external stakeholders. In this role, he leverages his wealth of experience with industry giants and complex regulatory bodies to drive growth and success for Guildstreet’s clients. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/cfo-expertise monthly 0.5 2024-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/9965ea33-0ea1-4b10-ac8f-1d578bad680d/pexels-nappy-935949.jpg Blog - Navigating Business Growth: How CFO Expertise Shapes Financial Outcomes - Every entrepreneur dreams that one day their hard work will pay off, envisioning their business taking flight and experiencing growth fueled by time, investments, and passion. However, with growth comes a new set of challenges that can potentially undermine the new-found success of a business. The key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring sustained success lies in partnering with a business strategist. One that can bring experience and financial acumen to the table, enter the Fractional CFO. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/fd7f2109-8d54-45f9-bee9-224ddacc71b3/pexels-fauxels-3184640.jpg Blog - Navigating Business Growth: How CFO Expertise Shapes Financial Outcomes - Business Growth A fractional CFO looks at your business’s data and determines how to get from your current state of business to where you’re looking to go. They map your trajectory and create the blueprint necessary to achieve growth in the most efficient and sustainable way possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ee5f4aa0-8519-4c5b-bbdf-98383369daba/pexels-goumbik-590016.jpg Blog - Navigating Business Growth: How CFO Expertise Shapes Financial Outcomes Navigating the complexities of business growth requires strategic financial management. A Fractional CFO serves as an essential ally, mapping out trajectories and creating critical blueprints for sustained growth. From addressing tax implications and staffing needs to optimizing systems and processes, Fractional CFOs offer tailored solutions to help businesses thrive amidst expansion. Their expertise not only ensures financial stability but also fosters strategic decision-making, positioning businesses for long-term, future-proofed success. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/business-growth monthly 0.5 2024-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/d6287bbc-5b7f-42d5-925d-6b896f91f3ba/pexels-shvetsa-5324986.jpg Blog - Strategic Planning and Coaching for Business Growth - Getting help with Strategic Planning and engaging a mentor and coach is the best way to make sure that you first have a plan, and second, know how to implement it. This post will talk about some key strategies to think about and the role of getting an expert coach to implement them. Guildstreet calls our mentoring and coaching services fractional CFO Services, because the success of any business is always based on its profitability and levels of cash. A fractional CFO can also advise when you need to engage Merchandising, Marketing and E-Commerce specialists, and can help you find the financing to grow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/44d0b2eb-9600-4059-a392-916670a17d71/pexels-yankrukov-7693107.jpg Blog - Strategic Planning and Coaching for Business Growth - 4. Do you want to leverage your data analytics? Data-driven decision-making is essential for understanding consumer behavior and market trends. Investing in analytics helps businesses gain insights, optimize operations, and refine marketing strategies. Understanding the nuts and bolts of your business may be the single most beneficial strategy to grow it fast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ae38f309-879f-4deb-a71b-6a1cd04bd192/pexels-shvetsa-5325017.jpg Blog - Strategic Planning and Coaching for Business Growth - Running a business in a landscape that is constantly evolving presents challenges and opportunities for Canadian enterprises. Embracing technological advancements, understanding shifts in consumer behavior, and adopting strategic planning and coaching, can help your business can thrive in any environment. The key to success lies in being proactive, agile, and customer centric. As the market continues to evolve, businesses must remain committed to innovation and continuous improvement to stay ahead of the curve, which is both terrifying and fun! https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/gig-economy monthly 0.5 2024-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1600204999634-RBOSNDS6IIV7BOI7QIV8/pexels-cottonbro-4065158.jpg Blog - The Evolving Work Landscape: the Gig Economy - What is a side gig? Gig work is defined as: “… a form of employment characterized by short-term jobs or tasks which does not guarantee steady work ...” This includes freelancers, self-employment and on-demand workers hired by online platforms such as Uber. Why is the gig economy growing in popularity? Stats Canada notes the first jump in gig workers followed the global financial crisis and the subsequent recession. The second sharp increase came in 2012–2013, due to a “proliferation of online platforms” that provided the framework for gig-work to take place. And we all know what happened during the pandemic! Remote work became our default and gig work jumped yet again. In our new normal we are many more of us participating in gig work than before. And why not? Gig work offers so many opportunities to all of us to make that extra cash or to make a living. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1600205504302-TTWJP9397U6A0MHOT5SZ/pexels-cottonbro-4065620.jpg Blog - The Evolving Work Landscape: the Gig Economy - Other factors include: Recognizing that work and location don’t need to go hand-on-hand. With so many online platforms connecting workers to jobs and projects around the world, workers are realizing they don't have to settle in one location. They can simply grab a laptop and head out the door. (Just don’t forget the internet connection!) Employers see value in selecting from a larger workforce pool. Online platforms have enabled employers to select the best individuals for specific projects from a larger pool than that available in any given area. Cutting overhead costs for business owners is enticing. Between taxes, supplies, equipment and all the other items you need to get your business up and running, having employees with pensions, vacation days and benefits — let alone office space — is not cheap. Responding to a demand for more flexibility. It’s common knowledge that the millennial generation is interested in flexibility and experience. They tend to change jobs several times throughout their working lives. The gig economy can be seen as an evolution of that trend. Adding an income stream. See gigs as an opportunity to supplement your income or create a cushion. If you hold down a traditional day job, then reeling in extra income through a side hustle can help you pay down debt, save more for retirement or fund other goals. Moreover, in a province like Alberta, whose economy has seen its share or peaks and valleys, building a buffer and a plan B can make the difference in your overall financial health. Following your passion. You have a passion for a craft that doesn’t have great prospects of paying the bills? Turning it into a side hustle might be the perfect way to follow your heart while maintaining a regular income. And who knows? Little steps overtime can lead to something more serious and even a full-time business. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/boost-your-business-with-a-virtual-cfo-unlocking-funding-potential monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/62873528-d298-4b44-bd1c-7414e505ed82/Comprehensive+Financial+Statement+Review+by+Virtual+CFO Blog - Boost Your Business with a Virtual CFO: Unlocking Funding Potential - Funding Strategy A virtual CFO will craft a funding strategy that aligns with your business goals. They assess your financial needs and identify the most suitable financing options, whether it’s loans, lines of credit, venture capital, or grants. With their expertise, you can target the right sources. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/7bfaab7d-9d78-4f47-97d4-0665613fb746/Compelling+Pitch+Decks+and+Proposals+for+Investors Blog - Boost Your Business with a Virtual CFO: Unlocking Funding Potential - Compelling Pitch Decks and Proposals Securing funding often requires more than just good numbers; you need to tell a compelling story. A virtual CFO can help you create persuasive pitch decks and proposals that highlight your business's strengths and opportunities. They know what investors and lenders are looking for and can tailor your presentation to meet those expectations, increasing your chances of success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/86e5d182-cfb4-450b-98bc-b21fdd813cbe/pexels-karolina-grabowska-7679649+%281%29.jpg Blog - Boost Your Business with a Virtual CFO: Unlocking Funding Potential - Conclusion Having a virtual CFO supporting your business can be a game-changer as you seek funding. They provide the expertise, strategic insight, and connections needed to unlock funding opportunities and propel your business towards growth and success. It is always good to have a professional at your back. Download our free ebook: SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR YOUR SMALLBUSINESS CFO. And book your free discovery call today! info@guildstreet.ca https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/how-to-get-spectacular-business-results-hire-a-fractional-cfo monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ad09a214-e944-4575-8f6f-5249df2f81f0/pexels-fauxels-3184292.jpg Blog - How to get spectacular business results: Hire a fractional CFO - Embarking on the journey of a new business is exhilarating and – as you already know - every new business launch comes with its own set of financial challenges. Many entrepreneurs tend to focus primarily on their annual tax returns, and inadvertently miss out on the financial guidance and stewardship that they need to navigate pitfalls and successfully grow their businesses. They find themselves steering their business without a clear understanding of where the money is coming from and where it’s going. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/90cf4f77-def3-480c-929c-d00184f53033/pexels-fauxels-3182812.jpg Blog - How to get spectacular business results: Hire a fractional CFO - Business accountants handle the day-to-day transactions (the bookkeeping part). In addition, they manage the technology that makes your accounting flow smoothly (and makes business accounting services more accurate and less expensive) and they help with your operational needs, such as helping to manage your inventory records, handling your invoicing, and monitoring your accounts payable and accounts receivable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/a4f32336-5c60-4a0b-b40e-716495e72530/pexels-fauxels-3184418.jpg Blog - How to get spectacular business results: Hire a fractional CFO - Think of some of the questions that you can ask and consult with your fractional CFO: Are my product sales numbers showing the complete picture? How do I seek additional financing? Can I afford to hire that additional team member? How do I budget to grow? How do I know that I am staying on track. I’m looking at adding a new product line – which of my products are doing best and why? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/062f0cb7-df54-4f2d-87a3-33ddd37a20cb/pexels-olly-3760260.jpg Blog - How to get spectacular business results: Hire a fractional CFO We’ve compiled an ebook, Seven Questions for your Small Business CFO that details examples of practical financial guidance that will help your business to thrive. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/contingency-planning monthly 0.5 2024-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/bdd83468-46fe-422f-9b38-863f617e7a9f/pexels-polina-tankilevitch-3873179.jpg Blog - Crafting Effective Contingency Plans: Ensuring Business Resilience - This is a very personal post today. I have a nasty cold and I’m out of the game for a few days. The Guildstreet team are amazing and luckily with their help Guildstreet seems to almost run itself. We are a team and we can take up the slack for each other if someone is down sick or on vacation. Well, that isn’t actually luck – it’s planning - and it got me thinking. What does every business absolutely need to keep running when something unexpected happens? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/9eade32e-ea18-4d87-9ad1-1c7cb6537376/pexels-alexander-suhorucov-6457521.jpg Blog - Crafting Effective Contingency Plans: Ensuring Business Resilience - Putting together a contingency plan and an action plan to deal with the contingency is the best way to be prepared to keep your business operating. Think about the level of cash that you will need to keep your business going, where to find backup people, and how to protect your business from cyber-attacks. What are the tasks and processes that can be put on the back burner when necessary. Do you have critical employee insurance and business interruption insurance? Your business is unique so it’s smart to work out what you need to do to keep it operating and the resources that you need to implement your contingency plan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/f5c6203e-c505-47e1-b1d3-833e9b09202a/pexels-fauxels-3184297.jpg Blog - Crafting Effective Contingency Plans: Ensuring Business Resilience - 3. A communication plan So, what if I got sick during the early days of Guildstreet and there was no one to take up my work? What if you need to step back from your business during your startup period? Effective communication is key. If your customers know what is going on they will likely continue to support your business. And it’s not just your customers. Make sure that all stakeholders, including employees if you have them, customers, suppliers, and investors, are informed about your situation and the steps you are taking to address it. People are great if you openly tell them what is going on. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/alyssa-berry-communications monthly 0.5 2024-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1599587270281-BHY1O48BJMQGYAN1I3RS/Headshots_bySvetlana-0130-Alyssa-1024x683.jpg Blog - How the ‘Unagency’ Agency Model Helps Business Shine - Enter Alyssa Berry to the rescue. With nearly 20 years of marketing, communications and public relations experience in a variety of fields — municipal government, recreation, culture, tourism — Alyssa knows her stuff. She knows how to get businesses noticed. In 2015, she decided to take her craft to the next level and launched her 'unagency,' Alyssa Berry Communications (ABC). Alyssa set out to be a different sort of consultancy. One that connects and collaborates; where relationships form the foundation of success. Today, she helps small business owners and entrepreneurs create and implement marketing and PR strategies that help them truly grow. Guildstreet sat down with Alyssa to chat about her story. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/are-you-ready-for-the-e-commerce-trends-of-2024 monthly 0.5 2024-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/5faf8146-7dfc-4483-bd96-9aaa68750566/pexels-andrew-3178818.jpg Blog - Are You Ready for the E-commerce Trends of 2024? - 2. Social media commerce As Generation Z increasingly dominates the consumer market, they are driving a shift in how products are found and purchased. Shifts in search behaviour have been observed since 2022 and continue well into the present day as new generations of consumers use Google and other traditional search channels less, while platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube play a significant role in product discovery [R1] and purchase. Businesses must prioritize a strong and easily accessible social media presence, with seamless omni-channels that allow customers a fully integrated experience. And consistent branding really counts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/31a20ad2-a7a8-4647-a8ac-3c961ed9d2ca/pexels-rdne-7309317.jpg Blog - Are You Ready for the E-commerce Trends of 2024? - 6. Second-hand marketplaces are on the rise As the cost of living rises with inflation, buying new seems less and less attainable for price-conscious consumers and consumers conscious about sustainability. 2024 is poised to see an eruption in an already thriving industry. Consider eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, Carrot, and ThredUp, platforms that have dominated the second-hand market, their success has set the backdrop for a new frontier in 2024, where we will see C2C compete against the likes of B2C and even B2B. Some major retailers are capitalising on this trend, Walmart’s liquidation auctions on their consumer marketplace, or Lululemon’s “Like New” resale website. Smaller retailers will need to show the same flexibility, to experiment with price points that make sense, and new logistics and value chains to make their respective e-commerce platforms profitable and grow their customer experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/8d82be44-eca8-4e7a-bb01-f7c183e7eede/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4623080.jpg Blog - Are You Ready for the E-commerce Trends of 2024? - Put The Customer Experience First The consumer experience is everything in 2024 and that will continue. Customer experience is the common denominator in these trends and customer experience will continue to change e-commerce. E-commerce is set to offer customers innovative, personalized, and increasingly seamless shopping experiences. By identifying which trends fit your brand and investing in technology to enable your adoption of these trends, your business can surf the e-commerce wave of 2024 and find success. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/from-9-to-5-to-freelance monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/d11f5044-718f-4fe6-a292-49a03adbe415/Justine+Beaulieu.jpg Blog - From 9 to 5 to Freelance I’ve always been an avid storyteller who could often be found writing feverishly in a lined notebook. I wrote stories based on people I’d met, movies I had watched, even books whose plots I found lacking. While my peers excelled in research or delved more deeply into Shakespearan dramas, it was my knack for weaving complex ideas into captivating narratives that consistently set me apart. Despite my natural talent, the idea of turning writing into a profession felt distant. I had an aversion to lengthy compositions and the entire journalistic field had faced a daunting correction, leaving me doubtful about the potential return on investment from pursuing my dreams at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/20104435-d2ae-4e8a-a4e6-05532789c560/7793D69A-2EF1-41B9-AACD-C310DEB95F74.jpg Blog - From 9 to 5 to Freelance - Overcoming Obstacles Wrestling with imposter syndrome and navigating the fluctuating demands of the freelance landscape are two of my biggest obstacles. My skills are largely self taught and while I do extensive research and supplement with additional media to fill any gaps, feeling as though I have blind spots in my ability to craft copy is inevitable. The work is also variable, clients tend to want things all at once which means there are spells of little to no writing. Finding a consistent client is so invaluable, it serves as a cure to both of those maladies. One milestone I look forward to one day celebrating is the ability to write independently full time! I would have to be very certain before making that leap but I hope to one day be ready for such a big step. The beauty of this work is that it is truly mobile, I can write as comfortably from the coffee shop around the corner as I can from a balcony in Belize. Every new addition to my portfolio helps drive me towards that goal. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/five-common-business-financial-mistakes monthly 0.5 2024-04-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/8ca1f38a-0051-4dbb-89d0-29c2df123c68/pexels-karolina-grabowska-6214828.jpg Blog - Five Common Business Financial Mistakes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/fb2bf850-cf6b-46aa-9d56-489cb71ccbe2/pexels-cottonbro-studio-4046148.jpg Blog - Five Common Business Financial Mistakes - Not Tracking Cash Flow Cash Flow for a business refers to the movement of money into and out of the company over a specific period. Cash flow is different from Profit. Cash flow encompasses cash receipts from sales, investments, and financing, minus all cash expenses such as payment of operating costs, investments, and debt payments. Positive cash flow ensures liquidity and operational stability. Cash flow is your business’s life blood. The timing of cash flow is critical to a business. Sales and expenses flow monthly, but businesses face significant expenditures through the year to buy assets or inventory, for example a large insurance “balloon” payment that appears annually, or your federal and provincial taxes. Think about what happens if you are short of cash and you need to both meet payroll and buy inventory in advance of your strongest sales season. Healthy businesses can still hit significant financial draws during the year by being aware and planning for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/e2756488-6881-4c46-ba73-63eba09ccba5/Screenshot+2024-04-08+at+7.26.10+PM.png Blog - Five Common Business Financial Mistakes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ada4655a-cd83-4c30-9c95-4d1406763081/pexels-jonathan-borba-14820423.jpg Blog - Five Common Business Financial Mistakes Financial business health comes from knowing your numbers – learn your critical financial measures, plan for a realistic gross margin, save for taxes, manage your cash flows, avoid discounting. Did this article help add a little clarity and guidance to help you steer your business toward financial stability and prosperity. We can help you learn your numbers and help you keep your business financially healthy. Contact Guildstreet (info@guildstreet.ca) today. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/run-a-business monthly 0.5 2024-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/52f6feba-a6b3-4608-9a73-21eae5e16a47/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3808822.jpg Blog - Now is the time to start YOUR small business - Excuse 1 “The economy sucks. Now is not the right time to start a business.” Yeah, there is always an expert ready to tell us that we are heading for the next recession, the next downturn. In the real world, there is always a silver lining to any gloomy prediction: There are always problems that need solving: Consumers and businesses want solutions that present opportunities for any entrepreneur. It’s easy to start small with one service or product and to expand. Digital and Ecommerce opportunities are expanding at a staggering rate. Pull from a qualified labour pool: With the world-wide gig economy, it's easy to find highly qualified, talented and effective individuals to supplement your own skills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/e5a59f5e-2be4-4b83-be95-9a7bc0e98379/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3761509.jpg Blog - Now is the time to start YOUR small business - Excuse 2 “There’s just no market for my service or product here.” Every business is unique. Your offering will be different from your competitors. Depending on your service or the product you are selling, expanding your business outside Canada can be an incredible opportunity. Online business has opened up amazing opportunities. More and more people are shopping online. By setting foot in the world of ecommerce, you are opening your business internationally. You’re expanding into an international market that keeps growing. In fact, ecommerce sales are predicted to be at $6.3 trillion this year. Hefty and overwhelming statistics, right? Well, Amazon, Shopify, Thinkific and Kajabi, among many other platforms, are making it easy to start small scale businesses, ready to grow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/5917e05c-a551-421d-bbb9-417c6dbe01b9/pexels-elevate-digital-1647919.jpg Blog - Now is the time to start YOUR small business - Excuse 3. “I have nothing to offer.” You have more to offer than you realize. Consider your daily routine at work or at home. How often do thoughts like, “this would be so much easier if…” or “I wish I had a…” cross your mind? Next time those thoughts pop up, focus on how you could solve them and watch your idea come to life. Remember these 4 actions: Successful business ideas are those that create solutions to real problems. Analyze old ideas and think about opportunities to change and improve them. Focus on making something easier, cheaper or more convenient. Be careful here - never price your product under its value. What do you want to know more about? Do you think other people might also be interested in learning more about what you know? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/dad4d97d-6d4f-477e-8470-c8fdfcb50c97/image+%281%29.png Blog - Now is the time to start YOUR small business - Excuse 4. “Many small businesses fail. Why risk it?” According to an Industry Canada study, "… the main reason for business failure is inexperienced management. Managers of bankrupt firms do not have the experience, knowledge or vision to run their businesses.” At the core of this? Poor planning and poor financial control. Thankfully, business failure because of poor planning is completely avoidable. Though planning is typically harder and more time consuming than executing your business strategy, it's really worth the investment. If you’re still stumped, a consultation with a business advisor is a good use of your time. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/power-of-positivity monthly 0.5 2024-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/74db4dce-1d34-40ae-a96a-2681999c3514/pexels-fauxels-3184423.jpg Blog - ENTREPRENEURSHIP: The Crazy Power in Positivity - Positivity vs. Negativity Another way to look at positivity is to understand the different outcomes that come from positive versus negative mindsets. A negative mindset limits thinking, undervalues achievements and generates a variety of poor outcomes and negative feelings. Negative feelings, in turn, can lead to lack of confidence and underperformance. Negative thinking leads to not thinking - the inability to seek out solutions because you’ve given up too early. Negative thinking blocks everything. It spirals in on itself like a black hole. A positive mindset, on the other hand, is open and innovative, always searching for a way to the better outcome. Positivity increases energy and improves productivity: a winning formula for success. Positivity breeds the tenacity to keep going and find your way through the forest. Positivity can help you turn a bad situation into a good one in a much shorter period of time and with better end results. And best of all … a mindset of positivity generates ideas! Consider that huge setback that was the COVID shut-downs. How did your business respond? Were you discouraged? Ready to give up and lose faith? Or did you adapt to serve your customers? Did you identify ideas that will make your business more resilient in the future? Many businesses are now more agile and flexible in finding the feedstocks for their business because they were forced to find alternative sources of supply. Guildstreet’s clients are an amazing example of the power of positive thinking. During the pandemic they invented new ways of doing business, new ways of reaching customers, and created lots of new product lines. Pivot has become an overused word, but wow, please celebrate all the businesses who did pivot and who came out of the pandemic shut-downs stronger and more profitable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1c341c67-d708-434d-b4fc-6b4f87580701/pexels-photo-1028930.jpeg Blog - ENTREPRENEURSHIP: The Crazy Power in Positivity - Growth vs. Fixed The second important mindset is growth versus fixed. A growth mindset views the opportunities ahead as limitless. A fixed mindset is limited by the current state of things. (You can tell from this section that my favourite Christmas present was “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck!) A growth mindset allows entrepreneurs to think big and push forward. Missteps become a chance to demonstrate resilience and determination: both being ingredients needed to overcome set backs and to reach new heights. You will recognize this mindset when you read stories of successful entrepreneurs who changed adversity into triumph. It’s quite a fun exercise to view a challenge and look at ways to twist that challenge on it’s head and turn it into an opportunity. An entrepreneur with a fixed mindset suffers failure and gives up. A fixed mindset views the market and political environment as limited and shrinking; something they have no control over, so they don’t bother trying. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Wayne Gretzky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/83a8df34-f49e-4fed-98bc-2eda405be299/pexels-polina-zimmerman-3782235.jpg Blog - ENTREPRENEURSHIP: The Crazy Power in Positivity - Shift your Mindset Here are three more tips to help entrepreneurs maintain a positive and growth-oriented mindset: Make your goals unlimited. Unlimited thinking opens up your goals to unlimited opportunity and performance. Think of Henry’s Ford’s quote about a ‘can’ versus ‘can’t’ attitude. Amazon started in Jeff Bezos garage! Be deliberate and take action. Deliberately take actions to achieve your goals - step by step. If the goal is gaspingly huge, then break it down into chunks. Execute with excellence. You are the best. You are unique and will bring a unique flavor to your business in any industry. Demonstrate that to your customers by providing them with their best choices. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/finding-sweet-success monthly 0.5 2024-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/91f74223-531c-45ef-9927-22ec6ab2f350/32E12AE3-3097-481B-A9C3-FBF9BEF6FA0B-3.jpg Blog - Finding Sweet Success From an early age, Deidre found solace and joy in the kitchen, whether she was concocting culinary marvels or snacking upon her latest baked delight. The practice eventually served as an outlet for her as she progressed into higher education. “Baking was a great way to relax between studying and gave me a reason to eat a bunch of cookies!” she reminisces. However, as Deidre embarked on her journey through University, she soon realized that her Science degree lacked the creative outlet she craved. So, she pivoted, diving into the precise and heavenly world of baking and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America. This decision soon paved the way to a summer job at a local bakery, where early mornings and flour dusted countertops only fueled her passion for the craft. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/2b4c16c3-1e2a-4bf7-8d32-1dc455c2fc06/FF984A36-D60F-4663-88AC-BC44791BD1D0.jpg Blog - Finding Sweet Success [Biscettes] is allowing us to expand our business at this location and at Sweet Relief by creating more kitchen space for cookie dough production and wholesale opportunities. We focus on a simple and more streamlined storefront model and so far it's been working great! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/c0ffc5ae-c398-4216-b668-c3ba6030fdf7/9..JPG Blog - Finding Sweet Success - Sweet Success Providing for the team that keeps her cookies on the shelves has always been a priority for Deidre. “Being able to grow my team and provide them with health benefits was a big milestone for me.” Not only do they keep the patrons well fed, but her staff keep the business afloat in the rare occasion that she is able to take some time away. “Going on vacation without answering any emails or doing any administration for a week was a wild dream! I went to Disney world with my niece and nephew!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/a919d1c9-f1f1-4deb-a05a-85b304acb813/1-2.jpg Blog - Finding Sweet Success - Words of Wisdom Deidre’s story reminds us that the path to success is often paved with unexpected detours and challenges. Yet, through determination and unwavering passion for her craft, she has turned her vision into a thriving reality. Her story reminds us that greatness lies in the twists, turns, and triumphs along the path to success. So as you embark on your own entrepreneurial journey, remember Deidre’s words: “It is so much work but if you love being busy and following your own vision it's the best thing!” Let her story be the spark that ignites your own pursuit of passion and purpose. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/what-is-ecommerce-and-why-can-it-be-important-to-your-business monthly 0.5 2024-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/0ef7b4ea-6259-4432-b9b7-5948ad84ca98/pexels-pixabay-87651.jpg Blog - What is Ecommerce and Why can it be Important to Your Business? The term "Ecommerce" has become ubiquitous, revolutionizing the way we buy and sell goods and services, and revolutionizing the way that we do business. From everyday necessities to luxury items, the online marketplace offers a convenient and diverse shopping experience accessible to consumers worldwide. Ecommerce has emerged as a vital channel for businesses, offering amazing opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to establish and grow any venture. But what exactly is Ecommerce, and how has it transformed our landscape? How can you dive into this thriving domain? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1c56fe1b-4f16-42d7-88de-3d23d6ed2924/pexels-helena-lopes-933964.jpg Blog - What is Ecommerce and Why can it be Important to Your Business? Another pivotal player in the ecommerce landscape is Shopify, founded in 2006 by Tobias Lütke, Daniel Weinand, and Scott Lake. Shopify provides a comprehensive platform for businesses to create online stores, manage inventory, process payments, and track sales. Its user-friendly interface and customizable templates make it a popular choice for entrepreneurs looking to establish an online presence quickly and efficiently. With over a million merchants worldwide, Shopify has become synonymous with ecommerce success, empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital marketplace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/c70d6afb-fccf-4a30-8481-aca54648c481/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144692.jpg Blog - What is Ecommerce and Why can it be Important to Your Business? Ecommerce and digital commerce represent landscapes brimming with opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. From the global reach and flexibility of ecommerce to the diverse avenues of digital commerce, the digital economy offers endless possibilities for innovation and growth. By embracing digital technologies and harnessing the power of the internet, businesses tap into new markets, streamline their operations, and adapt to thrive in an evolving world of online commerce. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/how-can-i-increase-my-business-profitability-8-ideas-to-explore-to-elevate-your-profits monthly 0.5 2024-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/cc877152-4266-4509-9bca-c03381b4037e/pexels-anna-nekrashevich-6802049_%281%29.jpg Blog - How can I Increase my Business Profitability? 8 Ideas to Explore to Elevate Your Profits! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/7e420655-9688-442b-911f-48132212598d/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4350202.jpg Blog - How can I Increase my Business Profitability? 8 Ideas to Explore to Elevate Your Profits! - 2. Customer Retention: Implement excellent customer service practices to encourage repeat purchases and increase customer lifetime value. Focus on your customer’s experience. Enhance your website’s user experience, make the customers’ checkout experience seamless. Design your website so that your customers can use their tablets and phones to order from your business. Regularly communicate with your service customers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/b952c547-0481-489e-96cf-2badffa35c5d/Picture1.png Blog - How can I Increase my Business Profitability? 8 Ideas to Explore to Elevate Your Profits! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/512a1368-e0d8-4890-84bc-85a646fc5fe5/pexels-karolina-grabowska-4464482.jpg Blog - How can I Increase my Business Profitability? 8 Ideas to Explore to Elevate Your Profits! - 5. Use Technology to Reduce your Operational Costs: Every day we learn about a new opportunity to leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks and lower overhead costs. Time to look at implementing these technologies. Look deep – each industry has its own set of technological opportunities but not all will be a good fit for your organization. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/value monthly 0.5 2024-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/a7dbb9c4-f6e1-47cd-b04c-814784ff6c9c/pexels-kevin-malik-9016994.jpg Blog - Why does your customer want to buy from YOU? - Value In the cacophony of marketing jargon, the essence lies in this single word. Let’s say value a thousand times! A customer’s decision to make a purchase is all about the value the customer sees in your product or service. You know this to be true because value also moves your decisions to buy! Customers gravitate towards your business because you offer them something beyond the mere exchange of money for goods or services – you provide value in exchange for their purchase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/7388b307-d45b-492e-9132-904c43d68bfa/pexels-tim-douglas-6567285.jpg Blog - Why does your customer want to buy from YOU? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/breaking-barriers-how-one-ecommerce-venture-achieved-success monthly 0.5 2024-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/e32bc65b-859b-4bab-a9a9-e791182af138/Mike_cropped.jpg Blog - Breaking Barriers: How One Ecommerce Venture Achieved Success In the 1980s, Mike Armstrong found himself drawn to the world of Powerlifting, a sport that not only allowed him to showcase his own strength but also fostered a tight-knit community of like-minded athletes. Over time, he immersed himself in various roles within the sport, from competing to officiating and even holding leadership positions in both the Alberta Powerlifting Union and the Canadian Powerlifting Union. However, it was a serendipitous encounter with a significant gap in the international exercise equipment supply chain that truly fused his passion for powerlifting with his professional endeavors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/074efbb7-cd07-415b-9cca-8d7af715f2ff/Showroom.fpg.jpg Blog - Breaking Barriers: How One Ecommerce Venture Achieved Success - Growth & Successes In the evolution of StrongArm, the company has outgrown its humble beginnings in Mike's garage. Today, it boasts its own warehouse and a dedicated team member to ensure Canadian powerlifters are well-supplied. Mike attributes this growth to a fundamental philosophy: finding products that resonate with consumers while striking a balance between affordability and quality. The success of StrongArm is evident in its remarkable sales figures, with monthly revenues skyrocketing from $40,000 to over $200,000, fueled in part by the surge in home gym equipment purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborations with partners have further bolstered the brand's presence, while sponsorship of numerous events allows StrongArm to engage with its community and extend invitations to explore its offerings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/a23d7a9a-a650-4797-bf3d-b4507b9c2cda/Kate_and_Andy_cropped.jpg Blog - Breaking Barriers: How One Ecommerce Venture Achieved Success One such collaboration is with Kate and Andy Bramley of Resolute Strength Wear, “Working with Kate and Andy has been a success as well. We’ve partnered our inventory and story.” The three partnered early on in Resolute’s entrepreneurial journey when Mike began stocking their merchandise on the StrongArm Site. Kate offers some insight into this alliance, reflecting on how their working relationship has grown. “Along the way we started selling equipment catered towards Strongman competitions - things like logs and some specialized items.” She shares. “Thanks to Mike selling them through his site it created more interest and more eyes on the products.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/3767ac6b-3553-4987-a52c-be6c8d6c7ad8/Warehouse.jpg Blog - Breaking Barriers: How One Ecommerce Venture Achieved Success - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/its-tax-season-the-advantages-of-partnering-with-an-accountant-a-lifeline-for-canadian-ecommerce-entrepreneurs monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ca39d69c-c81a-46e7-9c52-c7b6a79f0463/Navigate+Tax+Season+with+Confidence+with+Guildstreet%27s+Canadian+Expertise Blog - It's Tax Season! The Advantages of Partnering with an Accountant - a Lifeline for Canadian Ecommerce Entrepreneurs. Canadian ecommerce entrepreneurs navigate a digital market terrain as diverse and complex as our country itself. Amidst the exhilarating highs of success and the daunting challenges of competition, financial management is the critical core of sustainable growth. There are so many advantages to partnering with a Business Accountant – tapping into our financial expertise, business planning and strategy, planning your pricing strategy, optimizing cost savings, risk management – and tax compliance – are a few. But now it’s tax season and deadlines are coming up fast. What do you do? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/27632423-1574-4b7d-bf25-d85c6a1de97e/pexels-rdne-stock-project-7413891.jpg Blog - It's Tax Season! The Advantages of Partnering with an Accountant - a Lifeline for Canadian Ecommerce Entrepreneurs. - This is where the tale of partnership with an accountant begins—a narrative of empowerment, efficiency, and entrepreneurial triumph. LOL! Exaggeration aside, working with an accountant really can bring you peace of mind and deepen your knowledge of every aspect of your business. And when you are deeply familiar with your business, working with an accountant also gives you the gift of time to see and deal with financial obstacles before they derail your company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/4b88c3b5-7ba5-4245-818f-b435f118b882/pexels-maitree-rimthong-1602726_%281%29.jpg Blog - It's Tax Season! The Advantages of Partnering with an Accountant - a Lifeline for Canadian Ecommerce Entrepreneurs. - Do you know when and how to file and report your GST/HST/PST? Have you captured all your business mileage, and do you know which trips are allowable deductions and which are not? Are you sure that you’ve recorded every deduction that you can take? Are you sure that all of the costs you’ve recorded in your business are allowable tax deductions? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/9ccd513f-cdc2-413c-b35a-5e797e55adc8/pexels-karolina-grabowska-7681192.jpg Blog - It's Tax Season! The Advantages of Partnering with an Accountant - a Lifeline for Canadian Ecommerce Entrepreneurs. Guildstreet supports Canadian entrepreneurs embarking on their ecommerce journey. We have a deep understanding of the nuances of online business and the taxes your business generates. Guildstreet offers tailored accounting solutions that empower entrepreneurs to thrive. From basic accounting to CFO services, from tax compliance to financial analysis and reporting, our team of experts ensures that your entrepreneurial progress is always one step ahead of the curve. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/practice-perfect monthly 0.5 2024-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/d3733015-0c97-4675-a447-62e5db21d154/deliberate+practice+that+makes+it+perfect Blog - It’s Deliberate Practice that Makes it Perfect (Profitable!) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/60e9a998-8403-4885-84a5-ca93bc65fb91/pexels-malidate-van-784633.jpg Blog - It’s Deliberate Practice that Makes it Perfect (Profitable!) The key to deliberate practice is focusing your learning on each small lesson, until you are truly skilled in each. For example, a chef who is learning the art of patisserie must master baking many types of cakes and pastries, learning how to make beautiful coulis, pastry creams, icings and ganache before they can finally learn the art of designing and assembling their delectable creations. So perhaps our pastry chef isn’t wonderful at creating shortbread - this would be the chef’s opportunity to apply deliberate practice and focus on learning to bake all types of shortbread, practicing to perfection before moving on to the next step, which could be learning how to make ganache. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/213a80e9-0b59-4fa1-bcc2-24331e4a68be/pexels-philip-boakye-3428498.jpg Blog - It’s Deliberate Practice that Makes it Perfect (Profitable!) - the guitar as an example. When you pick up a guitar for the first time, your first task won’t be to write a song. First, you’ll focus on the guitar itself. What is the head, neck, fret, body, output and why does each part matter? Next, you’ll learn how to hold the guitar, then you’ll start looking at the strings and what notes they represent and how to understand whether they’re in tune or not. Then you will start exploring what the guitar can do – perhaps going to YouTube and experimenting with a song. That song may even sound passable after you’ve put in a few hours. You’ll walk away with one song under your belt but still missing the fundamentals that you need to learn and play the next song. This is what deliberate practice is about. As you consciously and deliberately practice, you break down what you want to learn into fundamentals of music, fingering, keys and playing techniques, building skill upon skill and learning the pleasure of being a musician. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/6fcce1ab-5bdc-4d2a-8c25-4a5be44033e6/pexels-julia-larson-6456153.jpg Blog - It’s Deliberate Practice that Makes it Perfect (Profitable!) - how does this apply to you as an entrepreneur? It’s true that unless you own a guitar shop the example above may not apply directly to your business, but the concept remains true. Understanding and building on the fundamentals is crucial to any task that you take on. Trying to jump ahead will only take up more of your time in the long run, and as an entrepreneur you know that you’re already on the clock 24/7 with no time available to waste. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/choose-joy monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/68abbe2c-8e08-4042-852c-55428036a16b/DSC_4256+%282%29.jpg Blog - Choose Joy Finding her joy has always been Amanda Delos Reyes' mission. When she found herself feeling restless in a typical 9-5 it pushed her to lean into a creative side hustle, but pursuing her passions wasn’t destined to be a part time endeavor. Coming from an oil and gas background, Amanda has truly spread her wings since the pandemic, embarking on an entrepreneurial journey that has allowed her to find her joy full time. Her passion for purposeful design and bespoke branding isn’t just a “side hustle” - it’s a way of life! https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/elevating-e-commerce-customer-service-to-new-heights monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1706146713656-0AGCWN9U4G6B2F0VX9CN/pexels-yan-krukau-8867258.jpg Blog - Elevating E-commerce Customer Service to New Heights Customer service is the linchpin that connects business strategies and brand image with your customers. As the demand for seamless service continues to rise, how can digital platforms ensure that customer service is still a top priority? The importance of customer service to the success of your business cannot be overstated. Making your customers feel special nurtures a loyal customer base and generates positive word-of-mouth. And we all know that there is nothing better than positive word-of-mouth to fuel market expansion. With 80% of sales attributed to existing customers, keeping them becomes crucial. Customer service plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer lifetime value - a metric that gauges the long-term revenue potential of each buyer. Customer satisfaction shapes marketing strategies and influences brand communication, affecting every stage of the customer journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/85ee280f-2a1c-47c7-a423-7a8b2f415137/pexels-mikhail-nilov-6969738_%281%29.jpg Blog - Elevating E-commerce Customer Service to New Heights - A Personal Touch: Infuse a human element into your customers’ experience buying from your business; this can be as simple as signing correspondence with the representative's name. And from delivering packages with a smile to approachable chat support, make your customers feel extra special buying your brand. - Ease of Access: Make it convenient and easy for your customers to access your customer service portals on their preferred channels. - Knowledge: Ensure that your customer service representatives are properly trained and empowered with product knowledge and the ability to provide real solutions. - Expectation Setting: Did a cargo vessel stuck in the Suez Canal disrupt your supply chain? Proactive communication about supply chain issues, coupled with diligent problem resolution can save customer relationships. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/business-plans monthly 0.5 2024-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/8d5b5e58-8400-4ad2-abf2-48bccade7ccf/pexels-alphatradezone-5831347.jpg Blog - Why you need a business plan (and why it doesn't have to be complicated) - The Summary The summary starts with a snapshot of the purpose of your business. This is the part of the business plan that your reader will go to first - and even if they do not read the rest of the plan they should come away with a clear view of what your business is about. Talk about the major features that will help you stand out—tire rotation in 30 minutes or less, house cleaning by drone, or maybe a Christmas tree decorating service. Include your value proposition - the statement outlining the benefit of your product or service to your customer. Keep the summary simple and brief. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/8e6df9a3-f689-42cf-8bc7-7c3026a065a5/pexels-cottonbro-studio-5971249.jpg Blog - Why you need a business plan (and why it doesn't have to be complicated) - Your Target Market Who is your customer? What makes your business stand out? How does your business differ from your competitors? There is typically a lot of room in most marketplaces for businesses that differentiate themselves. However - you do need to know who else is in your marketplace. Research other companies so that you can find ways to make yourself stand out. The target market section is a good place to talk about your unique features or service offerings, and how your business will be placed in your market in relation to your competitors. Then include a sentence about how you are going to reach your target market. Are you selling on Amazon? How are you advertising to reach your customers? If your business is brick and mortar, do you have a good location? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/af7a4bad-d889-4082-9bc7-3b0e285397db/pexels-aline-nadai-1887792.jpg Blog - Why you need a business plan (and why it doesn't have to be complicated) - Your Product or Service Offering This section is where you’ll go into more detail about what you’re going to do. If you’re going to be using drones to clean people’s houses, describe how that will work. Explore why customers would be interested in this type of service, and how you are different from other companies in the same industry. This is also a good place to describe potential challenges or risks involved with your idea, and how you’ll manage them. Will you need office space, a warehouse, equipment or company vehicles? Include those details here. The Money A clearly laid out plan of how you will make money is the most important section. It’s important for you to know what costs are required to get your business off the ground, and any financing or loans you’ll require. You absolutely need a cash flow projectionthat estimates how much you’ll earn each year for the next five years, and that subtracts projected expenses during that time, as well as a practical plan to pay your suppliers and your taxes on time. Estimate low on your income and high on your expenses to ensure you have enough cash flow at all times during your business year. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/benefits-of-failure monthly 0.5 2024-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/b831a61c-e8af-4c6d-8cd2-489a343a2f92/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560142.jpg Blog - The Many Benefits of Failure - failure isn’t a bad word; IT’S OPPORTUNITY Yes, mistakes will be made along your business path, but any mistake, any “failure,” results in growth. Reframe the experience - typically somewhere in any mistake a business opportunity is buried. Yes, absolutely any mistake. everyone faces A hiccup at some point For example, your marketing campaign may yield unexpected results. But then … the data you collected during the campaign is a goldmine. Dig that data for those valuable insights about customer behaviour, preferences, and engagement patterns. Here is your opportunity to change the quality of your business offerings. Another example: A restaurant facing a set-back can transform the hiccup into a franchise opportunity. Brand, recipes, and operational knowledge can all be packaged into a franchise model. And that allows entrepreneurs in different locations to capitalize on an established brand and take advantage of a proven business model. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/d355ba49-bca8-4dd7-82ed-9129a2ccbe47/pexels-shvets-production-7176036.jpg Blog - The Many Benefits of Failure - ACKNOWLEDGE the mistake and build trust If the issue is a mistake, well, mistakes do happen and sometimes even when we have the best of intentions, we fall flat. One of the most important things we can do is own up and take action to set things straight. This is incredibly important if the mistake happened in public or if it affected a customer. Authenticity and honesty are appreciated by customers. Wouldn’t you rather engage with a company that owns up to a fault and goes out of their way to set it right? So would your customers. ask for help No one can be expert at everything. Bring in the pros when they’re needed. Chances are someone within your network can help you out, or they can refer you to someone who may have the answer. And perhaps think about using the mistake as an opportunity to expand your network. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1600277476288-V7FW8CGKLGUBZ9SIEUEL/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3760778.jpg Blog - The Many Benefits of Failure - Identify where change is needed Take the time to analyze what happened and what part of your process ultimately led to the mistake. This will prevent you from repeating the same mistake in the future and set you up for success. Did you know that Guildstreet offers business mentoring services? We love questions and we love working with you through mistakes and challenges because we believe that “failure” feeds business improvements. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/productive-year monthly 0.5 2024-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/75f0a659-29db-440e-beaa-cb754284993f/pexels-yan-krukau-7793193.jpg Blog - Unlocking Success: Your Proven Blueprint to Crush Your To-Do List in the New Year! - To-Do Lists This first tip is simple and surprisingly effective. When I get to the office, I take a few minutes to organize my day and update my to-do list. Starting with my three most important tasks. Adding three quick and easy tasks at the top of the list that I can check off right away is essential to me - there’s nothing more satisfying than crossing off an item on my list! Your Calendar is Your Friend Working around already scheduled meetings, I block time in my calendar to accomplish my To-Do items. Add upcoming deadlines, then create reminders for everything. I break down the tasks into chunks, setting an hour for task A, an hour for task B, time for lunch and so on. Keep it simple and let your technology work for you. I designate a couple of times a day to check emails and make phone calls. And most importantly, I allow time to talk to the Guildstreet team and our clients. Timelines Timelines Timelines Starting a new project can be daunting. Planning out project milestones into bite-sized tasks and charting each task with a specific deadline saves me hours and keeps me organized. And seeing progress along the project Gantt chart is empowering and cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/a8da4555-7c5a-4012-9130-f15aaac5fbea/pexels-cottonbro-studio-7439134.jpg Blog - Unlocking Success: Your Proven Blueprint to Crush Your To-Do List in the New Year! - Delegate No matter how productive I am, how efficient I can be, I know that it’s important to delegate. The Guildstreet team are amazing and we each have their own set of skills that complement each other. I bet your team is equally complementary. And hiring contracted service companies is super helpful. Entrepreneurs need accountants and marketers to help them be efficient. Project Management Apps AND AI Technology is on our side! Apps such as Asana and Trello are helpful tools. They allow me to assign timelines and specific tasks to team members and will send reminder emails as deadlines approach, making it easier for me to stay on plan. Both platforms have free options and are easy to use. AI! There are now so many AI applications that can speed up all sorts of mundane tasks and enhance everything that we do. I block time in my calendar to experiment with AI and learn. Stay tuned! Clear your Workspace This is important. According to Psychology Today, “...researchers at Princeton University found that clutter can actually make it more difficult to focus on a particular task. A clear workspace clears my mind and allows me to focus. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/inventory-why-is-that-account-number-customer-number-sku-number-so-important monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1702572984938-JQJC8R7VIQ3DP4J8XWQH/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6169668.jpg Blog - INVENTORY! Why is that Account Number, Customer Number, SKU Number So Important? When was the last time you had a great time interacting with a relational database? LOL! Yes, inventory is the hard stuff of ecommerce and e-commerce entrepreneurs typically have to learn about managing your inventory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/779eb267-729e-4377-89c6-df95e20145ca/Inventory-Report.png Blog - INVENTORY! Why is that Account Number, Customer Number, SKU Number So Important? https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/harmonizing-e-commerce-profits-a-symphony-of-pricing-inventory-management-and-logistics-mastery monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ad38642b-35c8-40a5-8651-32a5caf29705/pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich-6214476.jpg Blog - Harmonizing E-Commerce Profits: A Symphony of Pricing, Inventory Management, and Logistics Mastery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/melissa-zimmerman monthly 0.5 2023-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/ebc9aa8a-2465-4820-a9b4-c9b23c94db8d/385390730_339585555295532_1540984998960517989_n.jpg Blog - Mastering Chaos Coordination - A Virtual Assistant Success Story From legal assistant to virtual assistant “I began my adult professional life as a legal assistant to a sole practitioner specialising in real estate, corporate, and estate law.” “I worked in law for almost 4 years before my first son was born then I took some time "off" to raise children. It wasn't long before I started my own photography business although I just can't shy away from a packed schedule! Soon, we welcomed our second child and, while photography filled my creative soul, it didn't fill the financial gaps.” https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/empower-your-journey-discover-diane-emond-coaching-and-crush-your-goals monthly 0.5 2023-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/5eaa94d2-9cb7-454c-8574-202a1714f48e/Diane_Feb_Post.jpg Blog - Empower Your Journey Successes Through this a lifelong interest in personal development was born. Currently Diane is a High-Performance and Empowerment Coach who wants to challenge systemic biases in corporate Canada. Today many executives benefit both personally and professionally from coaching and Diane believes that it’s about time this tool left the executive lounge and became accessible to everyone. Challenges Entrepreneurs at all stages face their own set of challenges such as: Being taken seriously Imposter syndrome The stress of running and growing a business Lack of support Work-life balance Luckily trailblazers like Diane have pushed through these obstacles and can show you the path to crush your goals. She uses a holistic approach to achieve this as it focuses on exploring all aspects of our life, beyond just professional, to help strike a balance. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/a-short-take-on-the-psychology-of-marketing monthly 0.5 2023-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/62f5150a-80b6-4c9a-92bd-52a6485a1dad/pexels-cottonbro-studio-4098232.jpg Blog - A short take on the psychology of marketing - There are four main principles and patterns that marketers use in their brand strategy: Scarcity - Otherwise known as ‘get it before it’s gone!’. If a product is in limited supply or otherwise exclusive it becomes more attractive. Ever noticed the clock counting down as you book airline or concert tickets? These big ticket items put the pressure on you to just do it before it’s too late. Reciprocity - If you’re familiar with ‘you scratch my back I scratch yours’ then you are familiar with reciprocity. Here there needs to be some perceived trade off of equally valuable goods and the exchange needs to be immediate. Something as simple as entering your email for a discount code is reciprocity at play. Social proof - If it works for them, it will work for me. This adage is the driving force behind customer reviews and word of mouth. Loss aversion - We fear losing something more than we are averse to spending more. Minimum spends for shipping play on this principle, we feel better knowing we gained additional product that would be lost to shipping costs otherwise. https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/alberta-food-tours monthly 0.5 2023-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1605715968900-VRVN4MABI5EUTOPKUEZ5/pexels-kaboompics-com-5876.jpg Blog - Eat, Engage and Explore Alberta - Successes Alberta Food Tours provides a variety of experiences – self-guided games on their app, small group guided tours and private tours. Through food these tours weave together art, history, and architecture. The depth of this understanding, Karen believes, is the magic behind the experience, and it all starts with people. “I believe a large part of our success comes from the network and community we’ve built over the years,” she shares. “And for me personally, my volunteer work with Slow Food International, and a decade as a food journalist in the community has provided me with the opportunity to get to know so many incredible farmers, chefs, restaurateurs. They know the real story of the history and culture of food in our province and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with guests.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1605716027197-KDTTOU6ECZWVAP5B51DS/pexels-lina-kivaka-1813504.jpg Blog - Eat, Engage and Explore Alberta - Challenges “It was hard to find the right balance point in business that yields profitability,” Karen continues. “My vision was to provide a unique, fairly priced experience that brings value for the chefs, restaurants and of course, the guests. I also wanted to provide my team with a job that paid them fairly, and of course, I needed to pay the bills. It was a challenge that took a few years to work out,” Despite the initial hurdles, Karen is now able to scale up her business and hire others to perform the tasks she doesn’t have the time and resources for. “Hiring Guildstreet gave me a true sense of success and finally, some real financial reporting!” https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/parsons-consulting monthly 0.5 2024-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/cbc6ba8b-d320-4fdc-87b7-079275905552/_0201724.jpg Blog - Facilitating Positive Change - Successes Invest in yourself: “I believe a large part of my success came from my early investment in training. I took all the time I needed to set the foundation — to get the right certifications and knowledge in place so I could be as effective as possible.” For Robin learning didn’t end with her MBA, education has been continuous and always evolving. Another critical element to success? Robin truly loves what she does: “it’s easy to be an evangelist for something you’re passionate about.” Challenges The passion and solid foundation began to pay off as Parsons Dialogue grew, but new challenges arose. Robin found that she wasn’t immune to a common affliction among driven entrepreneurs, she was spreading herself too thin trying to be everything all at once. “I began to see that I was spending too much time struggling with bookkeeping, blogging, and business development. I even tried to do my own taxes!” she laughs. “Now I’ve gotten much better at turning to people who are experts in their field so I can focus on my vision and work.” https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal/first-impressions monthly 0.5 2024-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1603307927385-U3EL9BY7NSQZM3SHU5QR/pexels-oleg-magni-2058146.jpg Blog - The Elevator Pitch: What it is and Why you Need One - Crafting your pitch Now this doesn’t mean that you should wing it; being able to articulate your 20 second pitch means it is easier to inspire people with your why. To create a compelling elevator pitch, start by identifying your core messages. Why does your business do what it does? Why is this important and why should your audience care? Think Simon Sinek and his “start with why” TED Talk. Consider the story that you are trying to tell. Craft a succinct narrative with a hook - something that grabs attention from the beginning. What is the most important sound bite about your business that you want your contact to remember? Include a call to action. You’ve explained who you are, what you do and why it is unique and important. There's one more important step: a call to action. During this stage of the elevator pitch, it’s time to call upon the listener. Some examples of a call to action include passing out your business card to continue the connection, setting up a meeting or asking for their business information. No matter what the call to action is, make sure to end with one so the listener is inspired to continue the conversation. Rehearse! Practice is key to perfecting your elevator pitch. Speak your 20 seconds out loud until it feels natural and authentic. https://www.guildstreet.ca/about daily 0.75 2026-03-13 https://www.guildstreet.ca/contact daily 0.75 2026-03-30 https://www.guildstreet.ca/coworking daily 0.75 2024-09-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/95ce9876-0acb-46b3-ac79-6b548b247457/DSC_6784.jpg Co-Working https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/e33caf82-5e80-47c6-9345-4292170665a8/DSC_6929.jpg Co-Working https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/5f229a99-deee-456a-96e6-99ccbddd14c4/DSC_6798.jpg Co-Working https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/0858e8ad-7d30-4c18-89a7-a8dac6145d4f/DSC_6826.jpg Co-Working https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/7459f124-b963-4635-8e5e-85ddd9cc099e/DSC_6767.jpg Co-Working https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/195d70f8-f7a3-4b55-ab2d-726b21dfb863/DSC_6720.jpg Co-Working https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/cd77dcc1-2d38-40ca-ad2d-093ec83041b4/DSC_6884.jpg Co-Working https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/f9189de2-a1d6-4ec1-af25-cfec115de253/guildstreet-staircase-burns-building-calgary-downtown-office-space-cowork-for-lease.jpg Co-Working - Welcome to the Burns Building A unique, bright character building located next to Arts Commons, City Hall and Olympic Plaza. Located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Macleod Trail and 8th Avenue SE Close to numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes on Stephen Avenue Easy Downtown access via Macleod Trail SE, 1st Street SE, and 9th Avenue SE Ready to be part of the Guild? Contact us to view the space. 403-807-2075. https://www.guildstreet.ca/home daily 1.0 2024-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/e999195c-44ba-4bfd-bb4b-399f23cb34de/guildstreet_web_icons_enterprise.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/da41a70b-fc15-40e5-a666-d54bfd11c228/guildstreet_web_icons_business.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/6db40e45-7aec-49f6-b5d4-333eb4584d56/guildstreet_web_icons_entrepreneur.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/08d0f277-7bd7-4e11-9f81-d70b92bcbfc7/guildstreet-calgary-accountants-co-working-office-space.jpg About Guildstreet Inc. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.guildstreet.ca/services daily 0.75 2026-03-30 https://www.guildstreet.ca/journal-nav daily 0.75 2024-08-14 https://www.guildstreet.ca/resource-shop daily 0.75 2024-05-15 https://www.guildstreet.ca/resource-shop/p/less-tax-on-revenue monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1715815180354-3MYRDZY8D80BHAPTOFA7/guildstreet-pay-less.png Resource Shop - How Can I Pay Less Tax on Business Revenue? https://www.guildstreet.ca/resource-shop/p/questions-for-cfo monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4fbe837ebfe016cfd73936/1715811939825-V1EL4EK7K26TRZ98DUCW/guildstreet-questions-for-cfo.png Resource Shop - 7 Questions to ask your CFO