How have you turned business challenges into opportunities?
Entrepreneurs share how they make obstacles work for them
“Remaining flexible and willing to problem solve through challenges is paramount. Transportation was a challenge for our clients, so we jumped on the opportunity and now provide a driving service. Clients were asking for exercise therapy and companion care in the community, we now offer those services also. Challenges are learning experiences in disguise.” — Keltie Brisson, co-owner of Rehab and Retreat — rehabandretreat.com
“My business is all about facing many complex challenges and turning them into opportunities. Opportunities for my clients to learn, grow, heal and make choices that are best for them. Business challenges become an opportunity for creating solutions, stepping outside of the box and being innovative.” — Linda Crockett, founder and CEO of Alberta Bullying Research, Resources and Recovery Centre Inc. — abrc.ca
“When things got tough, we sponsored an event to cheer up our colleagues called ‘Turn Up the Heat! YEG.’ A hundred business owners enjoyed inspiring and practical tips on surviving an economic downturn as well as networking opportunities, fabulous food, live music and comedy. This jump-started our business, and we are now out of the red. I think it’s all about turning fear into positive action and including others in the journey. Together we are better.” — Marie Gervais, CEO of Shift Management Inc. — shiftworkplace.com
“Current challenges in Alberta’s oil sector have resulted in some retrenchment of traditional sources of capital from conventional real estate lenders for good quality real estate projects. Atrium MIC is an interim, non-bank real estate lender, and as a result of this challenge, we have taken the opportunity to fill the lending gap. By doing so, we have formed new relationships with established real estate entrepreneurs and developers that we expect to foster for the long term.” — Ryan McDonald, assistant vice-presidentnat Atrium MIC — atriummic.com “It is important to remember that every challenge is an opportunity, and that is why entrepreneurs exist. Entrepreneurs solve problems and monetize them. There is a process I use called the Grow Method (goal, reality, options, will do). State the goal clearly, identify the reality, brainstorm the options and then lastly identify what you will do.” — Laurie McNaughton, business trainer and speaker at ActionCOACH — actioncoach.com
“Challenges are always a great opportunity to think outside the box and look at your business in a different light. Evolving as you grow is an important aspect to business, and challenges have been a good guide to showing us where we can improve.” — Erin Mooney, co-founder of Made Urban — madeurban.com
“Challenges are opportunities for greatness. By evaluating the specific challenge and seeing how it manifested, you can take a step back, regroup and refocus on a new game plan. It’s evolution! Challenges allow us to keep evolving our companies and keep our offerings current and relevant.” — Crystal Puim, owner of Crystal.Puim. Photography — crystalphotos.ca
“I have seen in my firm and with clients the importance of a positive attitude. It prevents wasting efforts on being angry, and instead facilitates improvement. I use challenges as an opportunity to take note of the personality traits of people who are instrumental in overcoming adversity. I use this knowledge to surround myself with staff that have these traits, and try to embody these traits myself to lead others in a positive direction.” — Josh Spurrell, president of Spurrell & Associates Chartered Accountant — spurrell.ca