In February, 2008, Iron Maiden launched a tour that saw them play 23 shows in 13 countries and travel 70,000 kilometres in a private jet piloted by lead singer Bruce Dickinson.
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A virus you want to catch
Iron Maiden sold 50,000 tickets for a recent concert in Stockholm in 49 minutes, confirmation of its continued brand strength, and perhaps a lesson for entrepreneurs.
Lead singer Bruce Dickinson spoke at the Entrepreneurs Wales 2012 conference, Wales Online writes, suggesting attendees make their businesses "the ultimate virus," or something customers can't live without. He added that adaptation was the path to survival, using his experiences in the music industry as an example. "You have to make music because that gives you the moral authority to play live, but everybody is going to steal it or get it for a fraction of what it was worth. It makes it a little more tedious – the music is free, but the T-shirt now costs you 100 bucks."
The founder of Cardiff Aviation was also critical of civil servants, something entrepreneurs in North America can surely relate to. "These people are supposed to work for us. They should be taking risks on our behalf to make things more efficient."
TalentEgg founder among award winners
Lauren Friese, founder of Toronto-based TalentEgg, received the National Best Business Award following the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) Chairman's Awards on Wednesday. The awards, part of Global Entrepreneurship Week Canada, recognize outstanding achievement in entrepreneurship and leaders who promote and advocate for social and economic growth. Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals were presented to remarkable Canadians, including business mentors, by Brad Duguid, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Innovation. Two other awards were handed out: John Dobson, chairman emeritus of Formula Growth Ltd. and founder of the John Dobson Foundation, received the CYBF Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for helping shape the future of Canadian entrepreneurship. Dr. Alex Bruton, associate professor of the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University and educator-in-residence of the Trico Charitable Foundation, took home the 2012 Entrepreneur Educator Award for his commitment to the promotion of entrepreneurship among students, faculty and the community.
Mixed survey signals
In the lastest Ivey Entrepreneurs Index, two-thirds of entrepreneurs surveyed say they predict the Canadian economy will grow over the next year, a 12-per-cent decline from figures recorded six months ago. More troubling are results suggesting high-growth entrepreneurs are becoming less likely to hire. While 84 per cent of respondents in a spring survey said they planned to add employees, the number now stands at 77 per cent. On the plus side, 90 per cent of entrepreneurs expect revenue growth to continue. The index presents five questions to 350 fellows of the QuantumShift program. Entrepreneurs are asked what they expect will happen in their private companies over the next 12 months.
EVENTS AND KEY DATES
Pop Up for startups
The launch of Startup Canada Blueprints and its plans for 2013 will take place at a Pop Up Press Conference with what the organization is calling "some of the region's most dynamic entrepreneurs." The event takes place Nov. 27 from 12:45 pm to 2 pm, at Toronto's Centre for Social Innovation. Startup Canada is attempting to harness the collective energy of Canadian entrepreneurs and support small-business communities across the country to give them a strong voice.
Edmonton startups unite
Startup Edmonton is hosting Launch Party 3 on Thursday night. "It's not your typical networking or tech event," the event page states. "No formal presentations, no panels. It's all about giving you the opportunity to meet our city's brightest entrepreneurs, creators and developers, demo their products, and celebrate everything that our startup community has to offer." Doors open 7 pm, includes appetizers and cash bar.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
E-commerce lights up
A Deloitte survey predicted that 60 per cent of Canadians will use the Internet for holiday shopping this year. As the countdown begins, columnist Mia Pearson says she can't help but ask, "will this holiday season mark the end of the e-commerce dark age in Canada?" She thinks so. Here's why.
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
How to reduce Interac fees
"I know it's only $5, but all I have is my Interac card. Do you mind if I use that?" a customer asked. Corydon Hardware's Rob Benson smiled outwardly, but winced inwardly in this case study from 2010. He was glad the customer had come to his Winnipeg store, but given the fees he paid every time he swiped a customer's cash card, he found himself wondering: Was there anything he could do to protect the bottom line?
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Sean Stanleigh