Business Views

Winter is traditionally a time when things slow down for many Muskoka businesses. While this can cause some financial challenges, it is also an opportunity to spend some time working on strategies for the future, such as finding new ways to grow your business.

One way to accomplish this is to attend one or more of the excellent workshops and seminars offered by local business support organizations. If one of these events features a world renowned expert on a topic of interest to your business, it is something you don’t want to miss.

On Feb. 11, the Muskoka Enterprise Centre will be holding its third annual Bridges to Better Business conference. This year’s conference will feature Michael Hepworth, the StreetSmart Marketer, a renowned marketing consultant, author, business coach and public speaker delivering the keynote address.

As president of StreetSmart Results Corp., Hepworth has worked in Canada and internationally as a consultant and business advisor. His client list includes many Fortune 500 firms. He is one of very few consultants whose work is conducted purely on a percentage of the revenues he generates for his clients.

As keynote speaker, Hepworth will be sharing some practical, common-sense marketing ideas designed to help small business grow profits without breaking the bank. Having started and grown five businesses himself and having written several books as well as columns for the Globe and Mail, Direct Marketing News, and The Journal of Customer Service,  Hepworth brings extensive background and experience to all his public speaking engagements. This is definitely an opportunity for Muskoka entrepreneurs to take advantage of.

This full-day conference will also feature a representative from the Canada-Ontario Business Services Centre, and round table discussions where participants can share ideas and experiences to develop strategies that fit with their businesses.

Bridges to Better Business is a unique learning event, which combines advice from the experts with the shared knowledge and experience of peers. The focus on practical marketing is designed to help business owners overcome some of the difficulties they face in a seasonal economy such as Muskoka.

Finding the hidden potential in your business, such as opportunities in the shoulder season and learning how to market for them is one area that can help increase profits and shorten that winter slowdown that is so hard on many businesses.

Bridges to Better Business will be held at the Rotary Centre for Youth, 131 Wellington Street in Bracebridge. Pre-registration is required, and the $20 fee includes wake-up coffee, snacks, and lunch, in addition to a day packed with learning, networking, and socializing with fellow business owners.

The Muskoka Enterprise Centre serves the whole District of Muskoka.For more information and to register, call the centre at (705) 646-9021, or e-mail info@muskokaenterprisecentre.com.