When I was a high school student many years ago, a classmate visited my home one evening to ask if I would date him. When he smiled at me, I noticed a quantity of leafy greens stuck in his teeth. This detail – a small one, admittedly – suggested three things to me: First, he…
The relationship between training and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation is often understated. With implementations, the understanding usually lies with the consultant as they guide you through the process. There is an inherent learning experience that is happening. The question is, is that all you need to learn the platform? Canadian manufacturers know how critical…
In a time when connectedness is the new norm, more and more teams are opting in to collaborative tools. These systems offer a wide range of benefits, but they all have a common goal — to improve your organization’s effectiveness and productivity. Any business can use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution to systemize, automate,…
Despite the transition to digital means of marketing and communication, exhibiting at trade shows remains a powerful tool and one of the most rewarding forms of marketing when approached with the right strategy. Today, according to statistics compiled by spingo.com, 99% of exhibitors believe that trade show marketing provides unique value that is not provided…
Many of the businesses that Mentor Works meets have at least a general idea of the projects that they would like to complete over the next year or two—these businesses might be planning to attend a few trade shows, further develop software, or implement new production equipment, for example. Despite their careful planning, however, many…
Any recent graduate has experienced the struggle that comes with searching for a new job. It can seem impossible to find an employer willing to take a chance on you. If you need experience to get a job but need a job to get experience, you can be caught in a stressful and discouraging cycle….
While lean production has become a cornerstone of successful supply chain management and a way for businesses to stay flexible and responsive to changing tastes in their markets, the dependence on—and relationship with—suppliers resulting from outsourcing and minimizing stock creates a host of exposures. Successfully navigating and managing the risks presented by a complicated supply…
DISCLAIMER on July 12, 2021: The Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) is no longer in operation and as their website now directs to the general Ontario government’s Business and Economy page. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) – businesses with fewer than 500 employees – represent the overwhelming majority of economic activity in Canada. These businesses…
For some organizations, work events can appear to be an unnecessary expense, best reserved for an annual holiday party and nothing else. However, investing in the development of a fun and social company culture can have major benefits for an organization by fostering improved employee engagement. Engaged employees are four times more likely to stay…
Did you know that the manufacturing sector is the second-largest industry targeted by cyber criminals? Hackers know that manufacturers often use outdated software and do not invest in advanced network security and this makes them a very easy target. A study by Deloitte found that 40% of manufacturing firms have experienced a cyber-attack in the past year…