Sbcn Small Biz Podcast

Regular SBCN Small Biz Podcast guest, Steve Bentley, returns to chat with Linda about the important topic of grappling with the challenges of taking time off work… and the temptation to make it a working holiday. As an entrepreneur or small business owner, do you feel guilty when you take a holiday? 

Regular Podcast guest Steve Bentley returns to chat with Linda Ockwell-Jenner about very important topics for all small business: how to get paid for the work you’ve done, and how to get access to financing. The UK’s Guardian newspaper highlights that government’s efforts to better deal with these (and other) issues with a new Small Business Commissioner. Beyond government, what can we do?

Chris Davis from Polarverse IT joins Linda Ockwell-Jenner to cover the topic of downtime costs and continuity. Polarverse has an online downtime calculator that can help your business make an informed decision. The costs to protect your business data might be much less that you’d think, for peace of mind. 

Linda Ockwell-Jenner and regular SBCN Small Biz Podcast contributor Steve Bentley return to discuss a Huffington Post article which highlights the problem of not having enough time in the day! It’s a common problem facing all small business owners, but how can we find the time? Beware of time suckers and use prioritization as your weapon against them!

Regular guest Steve Bentley returns to discuss an interesting article with Linda Ockwell-Jenner. Why is it so important to express gratitude in your business? The article from US-based Smart Business emphasizes that experiences are what your customers remember. We work hard to get new clients, but the focus isn’t always the same on keeping them… so let’s focus on enhancing the relationship!

Returning guest Steve Bentley joins Linda Ockwell-Jenner on today’s episode of the SBCN Small Biz Podcast. Today’s topic centres on an article published in the Globe and Mail article titled “Young Entrepreneurs and the Myth of Lazy Millennials”. Millennials sometimes suffer from a negative image, but is it justified?

Linda Ockwell-Jenner welcomes returning Podcast guest: Karen Egoff. A recent article in the Harvard Business Review brings up some questions about the value of wellness programs based on the cost. Karen brings some of her experience to the discussion to explore some of the issues in this area. How can wellness programs help the business manage challenges faced by employees?

Linda Ockwell-Jenner welcomes a new guest to the SBCN Small Biz Podcast. Nathan Parsons of Verve Electric joins Linda to chat about the challenges of juggling a busy business life with family time, especially in a new business. The conversation also touches on the importance of engaging a Licensed Electrical Contractor. 

The SBCN Small Biz Podcast welcomes returning guest Steve Bentley. Linda and Steve discuss some of the important points of starting and marketing a new business. The discussion touches on everything from defining your target market to establishing your brand.

Gunther Kramer of Gecko Websites joins Linda Ockwell-Jenner on this episode of the SBCN Small Biz Podcast. This episode covers the MailChimp email marketing platform; why you might need it, what you can do with it and more. It’s also important to make sure your email marketing programs are compliant with the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)—a topic that Gunther covers. Is email marketing and MailChimp right for your business?

Linda Ockwell-Jenner and Steve Bentley continue the discussion on the SBCN Small Biz Podcast. In this episode, Steve and Linda discuss the importance of trust in business relationships. Does asking people for help, help to build trust?

We host a warm welcome back to Chris Davis, who joins Linda Ockwell-Jenner to talk about the dangers of ransomware. One of the biggest cyber threats around, ransomware can have devastating effects on a business. Find out how to combat this and protect you and your critical business data, with a Free eBook: The Business Guide to Ransomware.

Why do you need to be selling your company every day? Linda Ockwell-Jenner returns with Steve Bentley to discuss this interesting concept, recently mentioned in the Globe and Mail. The discussion also touches on succession planning when you may want to move on from the business, and how to understand the value in your business.

Linda Ockwell-Jenner and Steve Bentley return for this latest episode of the SBCN Small Biz Podcast. In this episode the topic is mentoring, both from the point of view of the person being mentored, and the mentor themselves. Mentoring is a great experience for both parties, but can flourish when following some simple tips.

Janet Benedict returns to speak with Linda Ockwell-Jenner, covering Direct Sales. Many still think of direct sales as being the realm of Tupperware, but times have certainly changed with much more diversity and flexibility.

Steve Bentley rejoins Linda Ockwell-Jenner on the SBCN Small Biz Podcast. In this episode Linda and Steve discuss business planning in the short, medium and long term. The conversation also touches on the need to avoid ‘overplanning’ - trying to plan for perfection rather than being pragmatic.

Linda Ockwell-Jenner returns with Janet Benedict once again, and in this episode speak about a Globe and Mail article covering SBCN members Wagepoint. Janet shares some of her background in the corporate world and how she made the transition to the entrepreneurial role in creating her own business. 

Linda Ockwell-Jenner welcomes back a familiar character on the SBCN Small Biz Podcast: Steve Bentley. In this episode Linda and Steve discuss the glass ceiling, changes in leadership and the challenges of examining differences between the genders in the workplace.

Janet Benedict returns with Linda Ockwell-Jenner to discuss how to avoid being a ‘Hobby Business’. Being successful is a lot more than simply hanging up an ‘open’ sign, it takes dedication, passion and hard work. This episode includes some practical ways to get out of the hobby business ‘rut’ and on the journey to business success. 

Linda Ockwell-Jenner returns after a short break, with Karen Egoff. In this episode they discuss mindfulness, relaxation and motivation.