Our clients are always teaching us about game-changing behaviours. During the first quarter of 2016, I focused on the disciplines of some businesses and how this helps them to grow and achieve more than their competitors. I recognized that most of the top companies possess effective and highly functioning professional teams with the right skills,…
Project Management Professionals (PMPs) were once commonly sought out for niche fields such as ICT and construction, but many businesses are beginning to utilize project management and product management standards to help run their business more efficiently. The benefits of utilizing standardized and centralized processes for managing projects goes beyond efficiency gains. Some small businesses,…
As Canadian small businesses begin operations for the 2016 calendar year, many will begin implementing new strategies that adapt to changing market conditions. The low value of the Canadian dollar will continue to influence Canadian export growth, with new opportunities opening globally. Ensuring that your business can adapt to these changes will provide immediate and…
2015 showed Canadian business owners and executives that uncertainty is the new ‘normal’ for operating a firm. With major shakeups in the Canadian economy, federal government, and international business factors, nothing can be taken for granted, and businesses must be willing to go beyond expectations to stay alive. Having reported major trends affecting business during…
Last week I wrote Part 1 of Downsizing: How to Optimize your Living Space, which explained trends in increasing living space per person. This trend was inconsistent with a reducing household headcount and flat-line house building costs, creating an excess in living space not seen in other countries. The solution to this issue, unfortunately, is…
We may not realize it because it has become a cultural and societal norm, but Canadians have become amongst the least living space-efficient people on earth over the past few decades. Due to market demand, it’s difficult if not impossible for Canadians to find new homes to live in which are space and cost-effective. The…
In Canada, home ownership is widely seen as a key part of a long-term personal investment strategy. The 2011 National Household Survey (NHS) conducted by Statistics Canada reveals that 69% of households own their own homes (including both mortgaged homes and fully paid off). Unfortunately, home purchase is not necessarily a strong investment or a…
The City of Toronto is one of Canada’s mega-hotbeds of economic activity and is home to some of the nation’s most driven, successful companies. Both large and small, businesses within Toronto are constantly looking for ways to improve their operations to become more efficient, innovative, and grow into the future. To assist with these business…
The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) is a not-for profit association which seeks to advance the pharmaceutical industry through education and providing members with forums to exchange ideas and practical experience. Maintaining their educational goal, the ISPE will be holding an Educational & Product Symposium on September 21 and 22 in Ottawa, Ontario. As…
As Mentor Works’ resident Fresh Prince of Frugality, I am constantly thinking about how I can reduce my living expenses to increase my flexibility to save, invest, and plan for the future. I often hear people discussing whether or not renting makes financial sense. Owning your own property has several major benefits, and renting can…