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The latest news and information for entrepreneurs from across the web universe, brought to you by the Report on Small Business team. Follow us on Twitter @GlobeSmallBiz. Download our app here.
As digital tidal shift continues, personal touch has its place
In the age of the smartphone, where an e-mail, text message or tweet can be sent in a matter of seconds, the handwritten note seems borderline archaic.
But as the tidal shift toward digital continues and Canada Post struggles to keep afloat, a personal note can still make a "a huge difference," says M.P. Mueller, founder of the Door Number 3 ad agency. In this column for The New York Times, she extols the virtues of pen and paper, explaining how one particular cream-coloured envelope containing monogrammed, executive-sized stationery on watermarked paper changed her philosophy about client relations.
Another champion of the personal touch is Douglas Conant, who worked as the CEO of the Campbell Soup Co. for 10 years. During his time there, he wrote 30,000 handwritten thank-you notes, celebrating his staff and their personal contributions. That a boss would take the time to thank employees individually is a 'refreshing rarity,' says Deborah Sweeney in this Three ways handwritten notes impact the workplace.
For insight into the art of the thank-you note, check out this how-to from The Wall Street Journal.
Because it's always 5 o'clock somewhere!
You remember the Magic Bullet. You've seen the original infomercial more times than you care to admit. Under the influence of some narcotic - or simply because you were bored - you may have even purchased one, because the idea of creating a devilled ham sandwich in six seconds seemed so darned appealing at the time.
It's been years since you last saw your beloved Magic Bullet. Long forgotten, it was either tossed or banished to a cupboard, never to be heard from or seen again. It's all very sad.
But cheer up! Mick and the Magic Bullet gang are at it again to sell you their latest and greatest product: the Party Bullet , dubbed the world's first countertop mixologist, features an all-new Yuki blade. Futhermore, they've got a new hilarious commercial featuring the old gang (including Hazel, everyone's favourite 'drunken cigarette hag'). For a wild trip down memory lane, check it out here. Caution: fun and high jinx ahead!
EVENTS AND KEY DATES
Drive your business forward
The Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference, taking place on May 11, is designed to provide entrepreneurs, whether budding or experienced, with the opportunity to expand their professional networks, hear from experienced and successful entrepreneurs with tips and opportunities, and learn what it takes to become successful and stay thriving. For more information, click here.
Accelerate Montreal
On May 23, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and angel investors will gather for a day of innovation, acceleration and collaboration. If you're looking to learn more about how to build a successful tech company at high speed, click here.
Mesh 12
The next Mesh digital conference takes place in Toronto on May 23 and May 24. The two-day event explores how the Web is evolving, the emergence of new and emerging trends, and what's over the digital horizon. For more information on the presentations, interactive discussions, networking, registration and more that will take place, click here.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
Video: Daymak electrifies the common bike ride
The Canadian company hopes to transform urban transportation across the country with its line of electric scooters, bicycles and buggies. In this edition of Inside Jobs, Yeg Baiocchi discusses the success of her company's Shadow Ebike and the bittersweet challenge of keeping up with demand.
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
Turn to your own life to find a business niche
The secret is to think about the things that are either missing or not working ideally.
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Katherine Scarrow