Digital transformation. What is it and why should you care?

By Emma Da Silva, VP of Marketing and Operations, Small, Medium and Corporate at Microsoft Canada

Digital transformation. Whether you work in the private or public sector, these two words should mean a lot to you. As the Canadian economy rapidly digitizes, the organizations that best keep up with the fast and furious pace of technological change will outperform those who don’t.

“Canadian small businesses who adopt the latest IT outperform their peers. They increase their annual revenue 15% faster and create jobs almost twice as fast as their slower peers.” – Boston Consulting

Who has the time to talk tech?

With so many technology trends coming and going, it’s hard for Canadian small business owners to know where to invest. Few people outside of the technology industry have the time to keep up with the dizzying amount of innovations in technology.

A familiar story

At least that’s what I hear when I sit down with the women and men running small businesses. I hear owners say things like: “We’re just so busy trying to keep the lights on. We don’t have time to keep up with the latest technology. Plus, we don’t really have the money to invest in new software or hardware. What we have works, so why change it?”

If that sentiment feels about right, I’d like to try to help cut through the static. We’ll start by talking about digital transformation today, and then in future pieces, I’ll get into the practical details of how to retool your organization for the new economy.

Digital transformation, defined

For growing businesses, digital transformation translates into new applications of innovative technology that help businesses realize all kinds of meaningful benefits. Digital transformation can help create opportunities (often globally); boost productivity; spark collaboration; enhance internal communication; deepen relationships; cut costs while driving revenue and profit.

Canadian digital transformation stories

Need some inspiration? OK! Let’s share just a few short stories of Canadian businesses and agencies who digitally transformed how they operate using the cloud:

• Kids labels creators Mabel’s Labels (a company founded by four moms that was recently acquired by Toronto-based CCL Industries) modernized their IT—empowering their team led by women to work from anywhere and reduce their IT costs from $21,000 to $7,000 per year.
•  Interior design firm Bennett Design (also founded and owned by a woman) leveraged cloud services to empower their design team to create , collaborate, save & share files with confidence.
• Diply.com a leading social entertainment publisher start-up got rid of the high costs, headaches & worries of managing servers. They now deliver a secure, smooth and reliable user experience to 1 billion+ web visitors per year.

For Microsoft case studies please check out Microsoft Customer Success Stories.

What about you?

Let’s get you started on your digital journey! In my next piece, I plan to offer readers eight ways to digitally transform your organization. In the meantime, check out the What I Wish I Knew ebook. In it, successful entrepreneurs share real-world advice based on running their businesses from the ground up!

Community Round-Up

Many members of the AWE community share useful and interesting things online, and we like to draw your attention to these posts from time to time on the blog. Enjoy!

• Flatter:Me Belts Founder, Claire Theaker-Brown recently re-branded her company to Unbelts. Check out their re-brand video here.
• Stacy Nehring, Tara Persson and the UTV Canada team are expanding their business into new markets with a new website launching very soon. Stay tuned!
• The Alberta Podcast Network, powered by ATB successfully launched in September. Congratulations to Karen Unland on this great accomplishment.
• Shannon Lenstra, President of Kon-strux Developments was recently awarded with an International Design and Architecture Award with Design Et Al for best Lighting Scheme.
• Ashley Janssen, PeerSpark™ alumnus was recently awarded with an Avenue Magazine Top 40 Under 40 Award. Congratulations!

Do you have exciting things happening in your business that you would like us to feature? Be sure to share them with us on social media or send us a note to external.relations@awebusiness.com. 

Everything You Wanted to Know about Co-Working!

You may have heard about co-working spaces lately. But what are they?

Co-working spaces are places that for a monthly membership fees, members can
drop-in and work. For some, it’s an affordable alternative to renting office space to work, meet clients and have meetings. For others, it’s a social space, to meet entrepreneurs like them, learn, network, gain clients or suppliers, and brainstorm ideas. This can make it a great option for entrepreneurs who are currently working out of their home.

Some co-working spaces (like NABI Commons in St. Albert) bring in business experts (such as AWE) to help their members grow their business. Often, they have business amenities, like phone line and access to office equipment. They are frequently modelled in a modern open working environment.

Interested? Try out NABI for a $10 drop in fee or a $125 membership fee per month. Or check out the other co-working spaces in Edmonton!

Co-Working Organizations in Edmonton

• NABI
• Homestead
• InterChange (Mosaic)
• Startup Edmonton
• Unit B
• UBRN Cowork
• Timbre Workshop
• Tec Innovation District

Co-Working Organizations in Calgary

• Assembly Coworking Space
• NoTra Loft Workspace
• The Commons
• The Collective 12|12
• Work Nicer Coworking

Fall Greetings from Marcela Mandeville: Back to Reality, Back to Business.

For most, Labour Day - the unofficial end of summer – is bitter sweet. It is the last big hoorah of summer, but it also represents “back to reality and back to business.” I personally am excited about what is to come for the rest of 2017. These past few months I have noticed an energy picking up – business in Alberta is buzzing and there is great opportunity for growth. For AWE and our clients, now is the time to seize those opportunities and focus on building for the future, which is why we are launching a new cohort for our PeerSpark™ program in early October.

AWE’s PeerSpark™ program is a peer-focused support system for female business owners who are ready to scale their business. Our interactive program provides the knowledge, skills and tools you need to build and implement business growth strategies and tactics, with the support of like-minded entrepreneurs. We partner with some of Alberta’s top business industry experts including Grant Thornton, BDC and Dentons to provide resources on topics ranging from financing to buy or grow a business, legal considerations, contract development, and tax and audit services, to name a few.

My favourite part of the program, though, is the peer connections. I know how lonely it can be to run a business so having a group of people who understand and support you on both a personal and professional level is invaluable. I have seen over the years how these relationships grow and extend beyond the program. They provide an elevated level of confidence as leaders and an upsurge in drive when it comes to pursuing new ideas and opportunities.

None of us know what the future holds, but I am certain if we work on building it together, great things will be achieved! If you are ready to grow your business and your network, get in touch to see if the PeerSpark™ program is right for you.

How to Master the Art of Follow-Up

Post-Trade Mission Follow-Up
An effective follow-up procedure should be planned in advance before you attend a
trade mission. Follow-up should be frequent, consistent and should focus on building a
business relationship.

(Business Women in International Trade, The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service)

Best Practices for Follow-Up Success:

1. Make Time for Follow-Up

• Don’t procrastinate! Set aside time in your schedule before the trade mission to organize your follow-up plan and put it into action when you return.

2. Organize your contacts

• Intentionally organize your contacts in a way that will fit into your systems and align with your goals.
• Ask the following questions to prioritize your contacts: Is this connection useful? How is this connection useful? Will they help you expand your network? Is this connection a possible sales lead?

3. Establish a follow-up procedure

• Make an effort. Reach out to the connections you felt were the most valuable. Do research to figure out the best method to connect with your contact.
• Be specific. Remind the person you are contacting about when you met and what the outcome of your conversation was. Try to use the same language from your initial conversation during the trade mission for your follow-up.
• Ask for permission. Ask your contact when the best time is for you to contact them and how much of their time you can take. Ask if they require any further documentation for your follow-up, such as your capability statement.
• Be persistent. Create a calendar system that will remind you to follow up with your contact and follow-up! Be sure to meet timeline expectations as promised.
• Ask for a connection. If this isn’t the right contact for you, don’t be afraid to ask for the right person.

4. Set Goals

• Be sure to set both short term and long term goals that you hope to achieve by working with your contact.
• Review your goals. Have you met your goals or are there some goals you would like to reset for the future?

Dr. Linda Miller – Gaining Access to New Markets

Linda established EWI Works in 1991, a company that provides innovative ergonomic services and solutions to businesses locally, nationally, and internationally. She was a finalist for the 2016 AWE Upsurge Award.

In 1991, Linda established EWI Works, a company that provides ergonomic services and solutions to businesses. After 25 years in business, the team had become experts in their field, but Linda realized that gaining access to markets beyond Alberta’s borders would require new approaches through technology to extend the company’s reach. The decision to invest in innovation created a big shift in the business. Linda notes, “we really know our service business and yet, we’re like a start-up in the software realm.”

In 2015, Linda took part in AWE’s PeerSpark™ program. “We were now with a group that could support us in a logical pathway to make these decisions to change a business stream,” she said. “It felt like, to be absolutely honest, a safe place. We were able to actually talk about some of the concerns we had without feeling like somebody was going to judge us.” With AWE’s support, Linda and her team will be able to expand her business into the United States and beyond. To support this expansion, Linda secured a loan through AWE, which helped her business growth immensely. “I didn’t realize all the available financing options,” she said. “I think it’s quite common for female entrepreneurs to self-fund. I would do lots and lots of jobs, save up the money, and then self-fund the next step.” In addition to AWE financing, AWE’s team introduced Linda to other financial resources to support her efforts to build a market for the company’s new technology.

Continuous learning and adapting to new challenges are not new to Linda. She began the business with an Occupational Therapy degree and in order to better understand how products were developed she completed her Master’s in Environmental Design followed by a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Her curiosity and adaptability are two of her biggest strengths as a leader.

Her visionary approach to growing her business was captured in her selection as a finalist for the 2016 AWE Upsurge Award. “If there’s a new technology or a new way of doing something, I’m not scared to go out and try it.” Linda said. An example of this is seen in Linda’s interest in expanding EWI Works into the United States after twenty-five years inside Alberta’s borders.

“I went on a trade mission with AWE last year to understand the market and how people do business in the U.S.,” she said. “We’re going to want to penetrate into Europe and Australia down the road as well.” The team at AWE has the utmost confidence that Linda and her team at EWI Works will quickly become experts in their new field. 

We're hiring a Business Advisor!

AWE is looking for a Business Advisor with a strong business background, sense of understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that business owners face, a desire to assist women entrepreneurs, and a passion for building community to join our Edmonton team.

The Role

• Helping clients achieve their dreams by providing advice and solutions
• Following up and responding to inquiries
• Planning and facilitating quality learning/training sessions for groups of entrepreneurs
• Promoting AWE programs and services
• Staying informed of relevant programs, services, information, and resources
• Maintaining open lines of communication and collaborating with team members and community partners
• Keeping client information up to date in our CRM
• Completing reporting requirements well and on time

Desired Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Degree in business or related field or equivalent combination of diploma in business with 2 years of experience
• Strong business acumen and understanding of small business and entrepreneurship
• Flexible in the hours you work to meet client needs and willingness to travel
• Continuous learner
• Relationship builder and connector
• Excellent communicator (French language skills are an asset)

A combination of education and experience will be considered.

How to Apply
Send your cover letter and resume to human.resources@awebusiness.com with subject line Advisor by September 12, 2017. Resumes will be reviewed as they are submitted. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.

About Us
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs is an organization dedicated to enabling women to build successful businesses. We provide unique programs and services to women in business through mentoring, advising, financing and skills and network development.
 

You Don't Have to Go It Alone: 5 Reasons Joining a Peer Group Can Be Beneficial for Entrepreneurs

Who do you go to for advice and support? Who do you bounce business ideas off of? Who pushes you to think bigger?

If you don’t have an answer to these questions, maybe it’s time to consider peer mentorship.

Peer mentorship is a way for entrepreneurs to discuss their goals and challenges, and learn from each other. Unlike a traditional relationship between an experienced mentor and a more junior mentee, peer mentorship takes place between people who have similar levels of expertise and similar concerns. Having a peer group of like-minded people provides emotional support and encouragement, while providing access to a variety of ideas and perspectives.

Without a strong network, entrepreneurship can be isolating, and at times lonely. Being surrounded by your peers in a safe and supportive environment can be really valuable to both you and your business.

Here are five benefits to joining a peer mentorship group:

1. You might find out flaws in your strategy. Even if you have a business partner or employees that you can brainstorm with, there is a benefit to gaining an outside opinion. Peer mentors provide a fresh perspective and this allows you to realize potential problems with your strategy and make changes. “Other entrepreneurs have a special insight and mindset that is hard to find. They willtell you what may not work and provide unbiased feedback. They are not your customers and they are not your competitors.  The entrepreneurial group allows you collaborate on ideas,” says Shannon Lenstra, President of Kon-strux Developments Inc., and an alumni of AWE’s peer mentorship program.
2. Create more holistic long-term plans. With a peer mentorship group you receive a higher level of feedback on your business planning, and you get to hear a variety of perspectives. With more people to bounce ideas off of, you are less likely to have gaps in your decision making.
3. They can provide you with the confidence to push forward, and to fail. No entrepreneurial journey is without mistakes. Being surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs can boost your confidence and encourage you to seize opportunities, without being held back by the fear of failure.
4. Build long-term relationships. Unlike a contracted business advisor or consultant, peer groups build community. Many entrepreneurs maintain relationships with those in their peer mentorship group long after the formal program has ended.
5. They don’t just care about your business, they care about you. Running a business can be stressful at times, and other entrepreneurs understand that! A peer group can provide that emotional support and allows you to talk openly with people you can trust.

How do you find the right group for you?

Talk to other entrepreneurs in your network, and ask them if they’re in any groups and what their experience has been like. Inquire with various entrepreneurial service providers in your community and see if they offer a group of their own, or if they can recommend any for your stage of business.

Finding a good fit might take some time and you might have to try a couple groups out before you commit to something. If you’re interested in a peer mentorship program aimed at women entrepreneurs with a strong desire to grow their businesses, be sure to check out our program. Applications for fall intake are currently being accepted.

Already have peer mentors? Share your best tips on finding mentors in the comments!

Client Feature: Tessa Martin

We sat down with Tessa Martin, Owner and Registered Psychologist at Serenity Now Wellness Center in Calgary to learn more about her new location, how she juggles her business and raising a family, and her experience with the PeerSpark™ program. 

Q: Tessa, tell us how you started Serenity Now Wellness Center

In school, I always knew I wanted to have my own private practice. It's a goal for many other Registered Psychologists. When I was finishing my residency, I decided to skip getting a job (since I was used to making no money!) and jump into my own practice as a solo practioner. This was in 2008 right before the downturn of the oil and gas industry. While many businesses were failing, I got busy- really fast! We are the opposite of most markets. When there's a downturn in the economy, there is an increase in the number of people seeking mental health services. 

In 2010 I decided to expand to a new location and bring on other practioners into my business. I knew by expanding I would have more leverage and not have to solely rely on my own income as I continued to grow the business.

In April 2017, we opened our newest location that offers both mind and body wellness and I am very excited about it! We now currently have 14 contractors working for the company.

Q: What would you say has been the most challenging aspect of being an entrepreneur?

A: It is definitely managing and motivating people. This is a completely different skill set! I would have thought as a psychologist that this would have been a natural skill but it is very different doing it as a psychologist and doing it as an employer. I am constantly re-inventing the wheel and finding ways to motivate those within my company to work harder and more effectively.

             The new Serenity Now Wellness Center is located at 1934 9 Ave SE in Calgary, AB.

Q: What's the best part of being an entrepreneur?

A: (laughs) Being an entrepreneur is crazy at times, but one of the best parts is not having a limited income. I feel like if I was in a job, I would feel stuck and not as free. With having my own business I can always take on more clients, innovate and find new streams of income to add to my business.

Q: How do you juggle being a Mom of young children and a business owner?

A: I am always mindful. I make sure that my kids aren't getting the short end of the stick. It's so important to be present as much as possible, however it doesn't always happen. I've been really good at setting clear boundaries for my work and my home life. I make sure that weekends don't include meetings or clients and that I am checking my phone minimally. 

Q: How did you hear about AWE?

A: My Mom and Sister were building a business at the same time I was. They were looking for different resources to help them succeed and that's how I found out about AWE. In the beginning, I started out with $5,000 loan and since then have used every service possible. 

“The ladies in PeerSpark™ are my life line. When I need encouragement the most, I reach out to them for words of wisdom.”

Q: What have been some key takeaways from the PeerSpark™ program?

I joined the program in 2016. I've learned so much from it, but most of all it comes down to being really clear on the business side of things. This includes being more strategic in determining my growth plan. In my education, there wasn't a business component. I would read a book here, and take a webinar there to help learn as much as I could about running a business. PeerSpark™ brought the business knowledge together in a more coherent way. 

Another amazing part about the program is the other women entrepreneurs. The ladies are my lifeline. When I was transitioning into the new space, I was feeling overwhelmed. I sent out an email to the group for words of encouragement and had an influx of emails back. Those positive words kept me going. It's nice to be surrounded by women that actually know what it's like. We are all working towards growing our businesses, not just stay complacent.

Be sure to follow Serenity Now Wellness on Facebook and check out their website www.serenitynowwellness.ca. If you're in the Calgary area, stop by their new space and check it out.

Interested in learning more about the PeerSpark™ program and how it can help your business? Get in touch with us today! 

Mission Accomplished!

Last month, AWE accompanied four Alberta-based, women-led businesses to the WBENC National Conference & Business Fair in Las Vegas. They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but I am too proud of our delegates and what they accomplished not to share!

The BWIT trade mission to Las Vegas offered the chance for women business owners from across Canada, including our Alberta delegation, to explore the opportunities of expanding their businesses into the international supply chains with supplier diversity programs.

To prepare for the conference, we helped our delegates prepare a strong, impactful business pitch and capability statement to connect effectively into this network. On the ground, they had the opportunity to get to know Fortune 500 companies, other Canadian businesses, as well as businesses from China, India, Mexico, and the UK.

Our delegates made the most of this opportunity and initiated new business relationships or learned quickly that their targeted connection was in fact not the right fit for their business and they could pivot their focus elsewhere. Some of the best connections were made through informal conversations with new contacts and resulted in the potential for both sides to expand their business through strategic collaboration.

I was so impressed with this group of business owners who had really done their homework and were laser focused on identifying the right opportunities for them to grow their business. We will continue to work with each of these women to conduct follow up with their targets. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish!

If you’re interested in exploring a new market opportunity in a supported and organized environment, join us on our next Trade Mission, Go for the Greens, in September in Florida.

Happy sunny summer everyone!

Marcela