Spanning the sectors linked but not chained. Appropriately, current President and C.E.O of United Way of Halifax Region Catherine Woodman and I start our interview chatting about Linked In. She has recently started exploring its possibilities, thanks to a tech-based “lunch and learn” spearheaded by some of the younger staff at United Way, and she [...]
[one_half] Nora Powell + Graham MacDonnell Name of company: Béo Spa Positions: Nora: Owner and master Aesthetician, Graham: Owner and master Hairstylist In business since: May 2009 I’d describe this business: As a successfully growing spa that creates a friendly and relaxed experience for our clients. Smartest thing we’ve done: Opening our own business! Dumbest [...]
In our anniversary edition, Mingle profiled realtor and developer Don Gardiner. Don was in the process of launching Gardiner Atlantic Consulting Group Inc., a new division of the very established Gardiner Group of Companies, and working with clients he couldn’t name at that time. The cat is now out of the bag, as they say. [...]
Unite your clients with your business. If there is one thing that business should be built on it’s the idea that people, and more importantly the relationship that you hold with those people, are the keys to creating and maintaining success. No matter what model your business platform is built on, customers are what will [...]
As we face a global energy crisis, many are looking for sustainable alternatives. From wind to solar to hydro, there is an array of possible sustainable energy resources that could replace traditional pollutants. Many European countries have adopted wind turbines as their sustainable solution. If you take a drive through rural France, you’re sure to [...]
The tools of effective communication are basic. Here’s a communication skills checklist for a quick refresher: Eye contact: The next time you are at an event, have a look around the room. How many people are actually looking at the person they are talking with? The expression “shifty eyed” came about for a reason. When [...]
The Mingle list of essentials. Don’t leave home without them. Cell phone – pick your poison. Iphone, Blackberry, Android… it has to work for you. If you’re on the road a lot, make sure you have a GPS app; but remember, GPS are great in cities, but less reliable in rural areas. Don’t get caught [...]
Making it work. I used to head an HR department in an IT help desk facility. Help-desk facilities have notoriously high turnover. Turnover is disruptive to staff, has high training costs, fosters low productivity, drives recruitment costs and whittles away the bottom line; however, our turnover was only 17.5%! How did we do it? By [...]
[one_half] PHIL HOLMANS Name of company: World Tea House Position: Owner Partners: None In business since: 2010 I’d describe this business: We specialize in organic fair trade loose leaf teas from around the world. We sell retail as well as serve them freshly brewed. We make tea fun and exciting with our signature tea fusions: [...]
Apps for everyone The world of apps is an infinitely shifting landscape of boundaries being remapped daily. Staying on top of what’s what could keep you awake and twiddling your thumbs around the clock. In a very unscientific poll of friends, here are a few gems that rated highly: Communication tools: Facebook and Twitter go [...]
