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The Oakville BeaV^r, W ednesday January 18, 2006 - 33 OAKVILLE CHAMBER o f COMMERCE Sponsored in p a rt by MINDING YOUR W SBW SS usmess Thinking o f starting your own small business? Perhaps if you are reading this article, you have already done so. For most o f us starting a small business is a big step, and an even larger time com mitment. But, if you plan carefully it can be one o f the most satisfying and person ally rewarding experiences o f your life. Most people start their own small busi ness because, over the years, they have developed certain talents and abilities that have been exploited by others for whom they worked. They would now like to be personally rewarded for their efforts. But, here's the Small Business trap: Operationally, small businesses have to functiorTin the same manner as largef organizations. T hat is, they require the same departmental structure (organi zational chart), as do larger enterprises. The only difference is that you, the owner, must now fill all the roles, at least initially. Many o f these roles you may not be familiar with if your experience is limited to only one or two of these areas. They include (but are not limited to): Strategic Planning Research & Development Accounting Advertising^ Operations & Production And a significant am ount of time must be devoted to each area on a regular basis in order to increase your chances o f suc cess. For some, self-employment means they can choose when they want to work. In reality the actual choice is which 18 of the 24 hours available will it be? Before you go any further ask your OPERATED We are often asked "why should I join the Chamber?" Here are just a few of the reasons: 1. We are the voice of business. The Chamber represents over 1,000 Member businesses. Routinely, municipal, regional and provincial officials seek our advice and comments on issues related to business. We work as an advocate for the business community. Through our affiliation with the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, we have a strong voice in provincial and national affairs. 2. The Chamber provides our Members with quality networking and promotional opportunities. Every month we host events such as Boost Your Business, Good Morning Oakville, and Business After Hours. 3. Education and self-development opportunities are offered to Members through seminars and conferences. Our Boost-Your Business Committee will be hosting their annual Success Conference on April 6. 4. Our Results Panel offers Members free business consultation and advice from a panel of industry experts. 5. The Chamber provides community leadership opportunities for you and your staff. Volunteering to work on or lead a Chamber Committee gives you a chance to develop your skills and make a valuable contribution to the community. 6. The Chamber offers its Members Canadas leading group insurance, plan for small business, 7. A number of significant discounts on services used everyday by businesses are available to Members through the Chamber. This includes significant VISA/Mastercard merchant discounts. The Oakville Chamber of Commerce has a long and proud history of making a positive contribution to the social and economic well being of Oakville, Membership is THE advantage. John Sawyer, Executive Director, Oakville Chamber of Commerce For further information on the advantages of Chamber Membership please contact Lorraine Tonkens. Phone: (905) §45-6613, Fax: (905) 845-6475, Email:info@oakvillechamberxom W ebsite:w w w .oakvillecham ber.C om LU . A A L L Ov C LL LY self these two im portant questions. Am I the kind o f person who can get a business started and make it run effect tively? Do I want to start my own business badly enough to work long hours with no guarantee of financial reward? Still up for it? Ready to accept the sacri fices that g o . along with owning your own business? Then the first step is to write a business plan. N ot the kind o f plan necessary to secure outside funding. (Surprisingly outside funding sources, including banks, don't require that kind o f detail). The kind of plan were talking about is like a road map, a personal plan of action. You wouldn't go on scenic vacation by car without planning it to some degree first! W ould you? Here are some additional first steps: Find out what licenses and/or permits you need to operate. The main^one is to register your business with the province, whether you are operating as a sole pro prietor, partnership, or corporation. You'll also need this to open up your business operating account with your bank. There are many other benefits of doing this as well. O pen up your small business bank account and start develop ing a relationship with a banker who understands the needs of small business. As your business becomes more success ful your banking needs will grow to. Develop strategic alliances with others whose areas o f expertise compliment your own. O ne way to do this is to'join, and become active in, the Chamber and make a plan for yourself to meet success ful small business owners, t{iose who can help you with your own small business. As part of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce's dedication to helping both new and existing small businesses maxi mize their effectiveness and growth, we have scheduled monthly "Results Panel" information sessions in critical areas nec essary for small business success. Experts in the various business disciplines will be on hand to answer your questions and relate key strategies that have been proven effective for them and their clients. These disciplines include; Business Planning Legal, Government, & Taxation Requirements Sales Marketing Advertising Finance These sessions have been well attended, highly successful, and conducted m onth ly over the past two years. This October, as part of the Oakville Chambers com mitment to furnishing its members with timely help in all areas o f their business, and in conjunction with Small Business Week the Chamber has prevailed upon four experts in their respective fields to conduct workshops in the most sought after disciplines Personal Branding Marketing & Advertising Information Technology Sales To register for one, or all, of these sessions please contact the Oakville Chamber o f Commerce at 905-8456613. Finance Sales Marketing A OWNED AND ADVISORY AD VISO R Y P ro v id in g P e rs o n a l A n d C o rp o ra te In c o m e Tax P la n n in g A n d Tax P re p a ra tio n S e rv ic e s To C o m p a n ie s A n d In d iv id u a ls S in c e 1962. cnrmmnn TIRE P ro v id in g Id e a s F o r S a le s G ro w th A n d S o lu tio n s To B u s in e s s P ro b le m s To S m a ll A n d H o m e B a s e d B u s in e s s S in c e 1983. YOUR CAR ^ REPAIRED?? R e e ip m n i O f The W 0 3 , 2004 m s t 2® m P la tin u m A w a rd in B u sin e ss A tfm QakviUe B nav& r R m d m * m tm tie n The C a te g o ry O f o ry nt Q fT tm m k Y m B r n m r ZOOS Selection First m Qtarmnd Awat% in Ute , Of Tax Pm psrattm Sttrvfcm, THE ' Member of j j j 2` .. INCORPORATORS B urlington We will pick you up at home, the office or at the GO-Train. Pick it up... Drop it off... all at your convenience! 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For more Inlorniation Please CaH Us M (m y m -8 7 7 7 Or Visit m COMMITTED TO MAKING VOI R ; BUSINESS A SIOCESS { w w w . t t v e h u s in r ^ r it h is o r v . f d 400 Dundas Street East · 257-TIRE STORE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-9:00pm · Sat. 7:30am-6:00pm · Sun. 10:00am-5:00pm m v .\s \ the mem w COMITIES TO O T W t t f S TOOT the p s i m w itK H im :o n K K a R K S X S ; o m n TTED 10 HEDtUv; III IN C OME VXS3ES I'ILaT YOTRVS