There are several characteristics that appeal to me about entrepeneurs. Some are: ability to make decisions and act upon them, making short and long-range plans, looking out for new opportunties, following through on ideas/plans/projects, and talking with people about your business are some that I think are great qualities. I know some entrepreneurs who have worked very hard, put in long hours and were very committed to their business and have seen success. They are few in numbers and this goes along the stats of how many new businesses succeed ~ 80% of businesses fail.
We have seen, too, that being an entrepreneur takes a lot of hard work and committement and on the downside of that is not making money for several years.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Business Plan
The class blog was to talk about business plans and experiences. Well, I've been working on a preliminary version of a business plan for a few months. Needless to say, everyone around me heard me talking about the business plan.
Writing a business plan is almost all consuming, takes much effort and collaboration to put together, but well worth the effort.
I found that most people don't realize what goes into a business plan and because of that, are not too interested. When I got indepth into what I was doing and the intended results of the business plan, this is the point my audience became more interested.
I have yet to develop a marketing plan and a more indepth financial forecast. This should interesting as well. For now, I need a rest from the business plan.
Writing a business plan is almost all consuming, takes much effort and collaboration to put together, but well worth the effort.
I found that most people don't realize what goes into a business plan and because of that, are not too interested. When I got indepth into what I was doing and the intended results of the business plan, this is the point my audience became more interested.
I have yet to develop a marketing plan and a more indepth financial forecast. This should interesting as well. For now, I need a rest from the business plan.
Monday, November 24, 2008
This is the Ugjit Smagnisg Snow Crab vessel, specially built for Listuguj in 2003. It fished two seasons and was dry-docked, as were other snow crab vessels.
With a new Chief, a new Vision (and new money from DFO) we are developing a systematic approach to "Taking Back our Fisheries" and recommissioning the vessels. Of course this takes time and requires diligence and hard work.
As a part of this process, we needed to develop a Business Plan. The best thing about writing the business plan is the opportunity we've had to re-examine and re-evaluate our entire fishery, explore various options available to us and to begin development of a corporate structure. Indeed it has been a challenging writing assignment, as stated in the text on Business Plans - Chapter 6 but well worth the effort. In addition to the what was mentioned in the opening of this paragraph, the business plan will be guiding our business strategy, evaluate the financing and establish operating goals and develop plans. All very essential components in a business plan.
I'm a planner and I'm really enjoying this opportunity to write a business plan. It has definitely hellped me to develop and hone managerial skills, so important for a successful business.
In addition to the tangible positive results of developing the business plan, this process has helped me better understand the industry and to work in a systematic manner to put into action what has been written down on paper.
Chapter 6 was timely chapter to read, it really coincided with my work.
Monday, November 17, 2008
How to Tame your Market Fears
This is a timely article given the volatility in the markets recently. In Europe, they have officially entered recession. How much longer before North America declares we are in recession? How and what will the new President-elect do to avert recession? Will recession hit us in Canada? What will it mean to my day-to-day living? These are but just a few questions most people ~ at least those following the news will ask.
I, personally, have never fully understood the market, have never followed it and rarely ever read my registered retirement savings plan statement. Well, I've made attempts to try to know it, read up on it and take interest in my plan. It seems the only time I notice it is when I've lost some money! Of course, when we lose money, we never see our Brokers, they only come to visit when we've made money.
So, I thought, I read the article on "How to Tame Your Market Fears" hoping to learn something new. The article had some good advice on how to invest, how to stay positive - even during this market turmoil and more importantly, where to invest.
I like the term: it's a destination not a journey! For sure, as you set your goals, this is what you have to keep your eye on, not on the day-to-day highs and lows (more lows these days). As the article states, it will cause you unnecessary anxiety which may result in knee-jerk reactions such as selling. Selling when it hits a low will more than likely cause you to lose money. As the article reminds us, focus on the big goal!
It's probably weird to some people right now, but i recently bought some Mutual Funds, on the advice of my Bank. This is my slow entry into the world of Markets, i know little, but that's ok. I will learn as I go along, and hopefully, I won't lose (too) much money.
I, personally, have never fully understood the market, have never followed it and rarely ever read my registered retirement savings plan statement. Well, I've made attempts to try to know it, read up on it and take interest in my plan. It seems the only time I notice it is when I've lost some money! Of course, when we lose money, we never see our Brokers, they only come to visit when we've made money.
So, I thought, I read the article on "How to Tame Your Market Fears" hoping to learn something new. The article had some good advice on how to invest, how to stay positive - even during this market turmoil and more importantly, where to invest.
I like the term: it's a destination not a journey! For sure, as you set your goals, this is what you have to keep your eye on, not on the day-to-day highs and lows (more lows these days). As the article states, it will cause you unnecessary anxiety which may result in knee-jerk reactions such as selling. Selling when it hits a low will more than likely cause you to lose money. As the article reminds us, focus on the big goal!
It's probably weird to some people right now, but i recently bought some Mutual Funds, on the advice of my Bank. This is my slow entry into the world of Markets, i know little, but that's ok. I will learn as I go along, and hopefully, I won't lose (too) much money.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Aboriginal Woman In Business
We recently made a list of all businesses in Listuguj and we were pleasantly surprised that there was quite a number of women heading these businesses. Some of the businesses include: Grocery Stores, Delivery Service, Bus Transportation, Estetics, and Craft Stores. Additionally, many Listuguj Mi'gmaq Government Departments are headed by women. It's just amazing the incredible role our Mi'gmaq Women have taken in Listuguj! Of course I include myself on that list, along with the other ladies in this course and the Bachelor of Education Program.
The class lecture several weeks ago indicated barriers women face in business and one of them being education. I believe it to be true that generally women have more education than men who are in business. I see this in my community, in the courses, workshops, professional development and meetings have higher participation rates than our male counterparts. Yet the men earn more money, and some women make the same as men, but women are working harder and have more responsibility. Women must prove themselves more than their male counterparts.
One woman, I feel, who has contributed to Listuguj's growth and development is Brenda Gideon-Miller. Mrs. Gideon-Miller was a Band Councillor and Band Manager prior to being elected the first female Chief. As Chief, she initiated the return of traditional pow wows, wabenaki confedercy and no tolerance with alcohol in the workplace, in community gatherings and in public events. She often spoke from the heart, and being a women, got emotional. She was often criticised for this. She worked, and continues to work hard to pursue aboriginal treaty rights, pressing the government and other businesses to adhere to the "duty to consult" and "accomodation". Since these environments are traditionally male-dominated, especially in the negotiating sector, she must face many of the barriers faced by aboriginal women in business. I am proud that she is at the helm of an organization that continually fights for our rights as Aboriginals and she hasn't given up in the face of adversity. She is a true leader and must be commended for her work!
Welugen Brenda!
The class lecture several weeks ago indicated barriers women face in business and one of them being education. I believe it to be true that generally women have more education than men who are in business. I see this in my community, in the courses, workshops, professional development and meetings have higher participation rates than our male counterparts. Yet the men earn more money, and some women make the same as men, but women are working harder and have more responsibility. Women must prove themselves more than their male counterparts.
One woman, I feel, who has contributed to Listuguj's growth and development is Brenda Gideon-Miller. Mrs. Gideon-Miller was a Band Councillor and Band Manager prior to being elected the first female Chief. As Chief, she initiated the return of traditional pow wows, wabenaki confedercy and no tolerance with alcohol in the workplace, in community gatherings and in public events. She often spoke from the heart, and being a women, got emotional. She was often criticised for this. She worked, and continues to work hard to pursue aboriginal treaty rights, pressing the government and other businesses to adhere to the "duty to consult" and "accomodation". Since these environments are traditionally male-dominated, especially in the negotiating sector, she must face many of the barriers faced by aboriginal women in business. I am proud that she is at the helm of an organization that continually fights for our rights as Aboriginals and she hasn't given up in the face of adversity. She is a true leader and must be commended for her work!
Welugen Brenda!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
What does it mean to be Professional?
In my opinion, being professional means having a good work ethic, integrity, competence, high standards and with a good solid educational background. People who are professional can work independently and creativly and make sound judgement decisions. Their work involves mental and administrative work as opposed to manual labor. Thus they produce high quality work.
As students, we strive for the same characteristics, and so young people who are students are becoming professionals early in their careers.
Professionals take their responsibilities seriously and can usually be relied upon to move to the next level of work required without prompting.
As students, we strive for the same characteristics, and so young people who are students are becoming professionals early in their careers.
Professionals take their responsibilities seriously and can usually be relied upon to move to the next level of work required without prompting.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
TCanada's Native Issue a Taboo?
Isn't it? The article examines the notion that Canada's native issue is a taboo, possibily resulting from victimization.
Victimization, you say? Are we victims, have been victims and why do we continue, then, to act like victims. Is it a role we've become accostumed to playing, that we feel more comfortable or are we really still being victimized?
The latter, I believe, continues to occur to a certain extent. I have been witness to situations whereby, as Natives, we have been taken advantage of or exploited. Take for example out tax ememption status. How often have we ben asked to use our status card for exemption of taxes for the benefit of our non-native friends? How often have we seen our Band Councils and/or employees being taken unfair advantage of with services purchased from non-natives? All too often. Is this a result of our "being taken unfar advatange" or our lack of thoroughly checking out creditentials, etc.?
Victimization, you say? Are we victims, have been victims and why do we continue, then, to act like victims. Is it a role we've become accostumed to playing, that we feel more comfortable or are we really still being victimized?
The latter, I believe, continues to occur to a certain extent. I have been witness to situations whereby, as Natives, we have been taken advantage of or exploited. Take for example out tax ememption status. How often have we ben asked to use our status card for exemption of taxes for the benefit of our non-native friends? How often have we seen our Band Councils and/or employees being taken unfair advantage of with services purchased from non-natives? All too often. Is this a result of our "being taken unfar advatange" or our lack of thoroughly checking out creditentials, etc.?
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