HOW DOES YOUR COMPANY THRIVE IN UNCERTAINTY?
Calgary entrepreneurs share how they keep moving forward
“We embrace uncertainty through knowledge sharing and collaboration. The members of our co-working space are primarily professional engineers, geologists and business people who have chosen to face the uncertainty of the energy sector with a spirit of co-operation and entrepreneurship. When the future is uncertain, it is helpful to surround yourself with positive support from peers and mentors when navigating a new path.” Ron Bettin, co-founder of ReSourceYYC, resourceyyc.org
“While I am an e-commerce company, the majority of my clients are in Calgary. While continuing my outreach to both current and new local customers, I am also marketing to potential customers across North America. When times are tough, it’s even more important to build trust with my customers and mark myself as not only an expert in the field, but also as a peer and mentor.” Alayne Lebsack, proprietor of Apostyle Boutique, apostyleboutique.com
“Uncertainty causes innovation at my company. We do not give in or just ride it out hoping for the best. Instead, we use it to diversify and develop ways to continue to grow the business. It fuels us to brainstorm together and think outside the box. I love the challenge of uncertainty that is a regular part of being an entrepreneur, so when times are tough we actively seek out solutions and ways to evolve so that we can continue to thrive.” Megan Armstrong, founder of Dogma Training and Pet Services, dogmatraining.com
“The Bob Dylan ballad, The Times They Are A-Changin’, reminds us that when the waters start rising, we need to swim or we’ll sink like a stone. Uncertainty is the only thing certain about our business. In agriculture, uncertainty about crop prices, yields, quality and costs are daily reminders that we need to mitigate risk. Uncertainty keeps us keen and focused on opportunity.” Laura Bechard, business coach at ProVision Coaching Network, provisioncoaching.ca
“It starts with attitude. Attitude either creates or hinders the opportunities in any business. Having the right attitude drives a business forward by identifying where opportunity exists. Functionally, it fosters innovation that differentiates businesses, adds value and strives to achieve successful adaptation to market forces. Attitude also creates the environment needed to build the strong relationships and services that meet the needs of all stakeholders. Creating strong relationships and quality service bolsters an economic resiliency that allows a company to thrive regardless of overall trends.” Kyle McLeod, executive coach and managing director at Coach to Excel, coachtoexcel.com
“Increase your company’s presence on social media. It takes time, but is free otherwise and is the 21st century version of word of mouth.” Lara Murphy, co-founder of Ryan Murphy Construction, ryanmurphyconstruction.com
“Uncertainty is the only place we can thrive in an ever rapidly changing world. The three c’s killing innovation and destroying community are certainty, comfort and convenience. Begin resisting all three and watch your best rise up.” Bob McInnis, provocateur, makeityourproblem.com
“A sign in our training room reads, ‘This company chooses not to participate in any economic downturns.’ Our clients get a version, too. This doesn’t mean we take a Pollyanna attitude that ‘everything’s gonna be fine.’ We accept the brutal reality of our situation (then) create a plan to make our way through the time of uncertainty. We have fanatical discipline to execute that plan.” Hamish Knox, president of Sandler Training, hamish.sandler.com
“We thrive by being agile in the market. We adapt our services to the changing needs of our clients so we can ride out the downturn together and thrive together. It is also important to branch out into new markets and constantly evaluate the return on investment of our offerings to ensure their profitability and sustainability.” Amanda Schewaga, owner of The Marketing Girl Inc., themarketinggirl.com