From the outside looking in, being an Entrepreneur looks like fun.  If you play your cards right owning your own business can afford you few extra luxuries such as flexible schedule, extended holidays, extra tax write offs and the freedom to be your own boss.  However, the glamorous life of an Entrepreneur is more of a smoke and mirrors act than anything else – no matter what happens the buck stops at you (the business owning, Entrpreneur).  What will you do when business slows down or you have staff leave or whatever bad thing may happen, how fun is it now to own a business??  No matter how stressful it may seem, you will survive in some way shape or form.

Have you ever seen the movie “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”?  I love this movie because the underlying theme of the movie is about believing in yourself, making magic happen within your own life, and creating limitless possibilities and opportunities for yourself.  Yes, it’s a children’s movie; however, I found the message more powerful and I was wonderfully entertained by the making the impossible, possible.

Don’t give up on your dream.  You don’t stop believing.  You learn to live by such as quotes as,”Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm” ~ Winston Churchill.  Or other bits of inspirations such as, “When owning your own business, it’s inevitable that you will fall. The trick is to learn how to fall gracefully then quickly get back up.” ~ I read something similar to that quote somewhere a long time ago.  Don’t give up.  Dig deep.  Keep going.  Your own Wonder Emporium awaits for you around the corner.

Things are a’changin’!  Saskatchewan is a’changin’!  Do you see it?  Can you feel it?

Little Saskatchewan is moving into a competitive global market.  The world is quite curious about this little place we call home. Investors salivate at the opportunity to make money in our “untouched” market and resources.  Opportunities have always been plentiful but now the outside interest in Saskatchewan is forcing us to get our “A” game on!  If you snooze, you’ll lose!  Have you ever heard the comment, “A new millionaire is made everyday in Alberta”?  This was very true (especially a few years ago); however, if you didn’t get into the game early enough, you spent the rest of your working life chasing the millionaire dream – so close yet so far away.  Well, if you’re brave enough to get into the game now, you’ll reap the rewards of “living the dream” – in Saskatchewan of course

How do you know that business climate is changing?  Take note of the following: Big Box stores are moving into Saskatchewan. Obviously they see value in Saskatchewan or they wouldn’t be here!  It’s not cheap to operate a large retail outlet – rent alone can be more than $25,000 month.  Add the expense of staff, benefits, operating costs, and let’s not forget product/inventory.  How do these big guys make a go of it?  Well, first of all, they get their “A” game on.  They plan; they organize; they work ON the business, not in the business; they execute a clear and objective marketing plan!  When Big Box Stores come into a market, they’re here to play for keeps – competitive pricing, lots of inventory, possible financing options and more marketing than you can shake a stick at!  They WANT YOUR MONEY!!! And they will find you one way or another – print, radio, tv, facebook, twitter, flyers, etc.  In Saskatchewan, we gladly support our local businesses but with aggressive marketing strategies, we may accidently forget about our local guys and give into the temptation of competitive pricing and financing options.

As well, we have to recognize that a lot of people will be retiring within the next five years.  Who will replace these people?  New management means new direction, new vision, new everything.  How will we handle all this change?  Where are we going? How are we going to get there?  What’s going on….I’m beginning to feel dizzy!  Stop.  Breathe.  Focus.  Get your “A” game on!

How do you plan to survive this quickly changing market?  Ask yourself…”Are you here for a long time or a good time?”  If you plan to be here for a long time, what are you going to do to make your mark?  How are you going to tell the world about your business?  Do you have goals? if so, how to do you plan to accomplish them?  Game on like Donkey Kong!  It’s GO time!!!

I’ll see you at the finish line!  Last one there is a rotten egg

Here we are now into the second month of 2010.  Are you in the same position as most others are right now, and have not yet created your marketing plan for the year?  We all start off a new year making great resolutions on how we are going ‘to be better at this’ and ‘to be more of this’ and and and… it’s ok you are not alone.
 
Keep your goals and strategies for the year simplistic and realistic and you will watch as your business grows.   As long as you don’t forget that marketing is the key success to the growth of any company. 
 
Marketing methods Mondovi is focusing on for 2010…
* Print – Mondovi has several print publications; SPACES Saskatoon and SPACES Regina – each focusing on all spaces in and around your home, Haylo… the aura of greatness – a Saskatchewan arts and culture magazine featuring the 12 creative industries, and custom publications including the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Directory
* Social Media
 - Twitter - follow us out on Twitter to hear our daily rants and raves; @MondoviPub and @SusanZwarych
 - Facebook – we have our Facebook Page – Mondovi Publishing to keep our clients and fans up to date with what’s going on with the Mondovi Crew
 - LinkedIn – staying connected with business contacts and reaching out and making great new contacts
* Billboard Advertisements & Digital Media Boards – capturing people’s attention in 30 seconds or less
* Mini E-zines – Mondovi produces two monthly mini e-zines; SPACIOUS Saskatoon and SPACIOUS Regina – each focusing on local home builders showhomes (with amazing photography taken by Pete)
* Website – we are in the processing of revamping our website to make it more user-friendly and to allow for more online digital media – www.mondovi.ca
 
Do you have any other suggestions on great ways Mondovi can market itself in 2010???

Spacious – Saskatoon Jan10

Yes, it’s true, all the cool kids live in Saskatchewan!

Here are a few that are worth mentioning…

Curtis Olson – he built the Shift House in Saskatoon.  The house is located at on Ave F, South.  Check it out on line at www.theshifthome.com  The house is an open loft style.  ”Less is more” is his approach when building.  His personal house is an amazing combination of practicality and coolness.  His living room serves two purposes: 1. it’s a living room 2. it has a stage in corner which is used for House Concerts.

Karl Miller – Karl has been the visionary behind such developments like The King George, The Lux (on Broadway) and many others.  If you get a chance to go through his projects, you’ll be pleasantly surprised of the architectural designs and details.  Karl loves what he does!  As Saskatoon continues to grow into itself, I look forward to Karl’s future ideas and projects.

Tammy Thorson-Manchur – Here’s a little spit fire that is full of surprises.  She is ridiculously talented and dreams big.  One of her current projects is a development outside of Saskatoon called “Pheasant Meadows”.  It’s a unique acreage development that has a community concept which includes a common park/playground, an actual Pheasant sanctuary (it’s protected wetlands), as well as many other thoughtful details.  Nothing holds Tammy back – she can weld, reupholster furniture, paint, build cabinets, design interior space(s), and, and, and.  She’s full of energy and dynamic ideas!

Brian Storey – well you just have to meet Brian to understand what make’s him brilliant and successful.  There is only one Brian Storey.  He’s responsible for the success of Pelican Media.

Tourism Saskatoon and the Event Facilities – here’s a huge group of people that work together to keep the residents of Saskatchewan entertained.  There’s no shortage of events, festivals and entertainment for all of us to enjoy.  It’s nice that they work very hard to bring us variety and they cover the spectrum of entertainment options.

Obviously this list is very small; however, I will continue to add people as time goes on.

Spacious-Saskatoon Dec09