• Do you believe that you can increase your value to your company and your executive team by upgrading your CFO skills?  Then have a read of the following article. It can be used by those of you who are keen to elevate your game to be a CFO as a guide to reflect on areas that you would like to focus on to upgrade your skills. It can also provide you with some info, at a summary level, on talking [...]

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    The advent of the digital age has given emphasis and greater relevance to some media over others. This change is simply evolution in its natural form, something that all businesses need to embrace if they are to remain relevant. For example, while print is declining in importance, it is highly unlikely that it will ever die.  It will however evolve to end up in its rightful place just as some of[...]

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    Mastermind Solutions, a Toronto based management consulting organization that focuses on business growth through strategy, marketing, finance and organizational design and Corporate Renaissance Group (CRGroup), a leading provider of business software and performance management solutions, today announced a strategic alliance to bring a full suite of complementary services to the mid-market business[...]

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    Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) is not just coming. It is here, effective July 1, 2014 and we all need to take note. Why? Because it has the potential to disrupt your everyday activities and change what you need to do when communicating with customers, clients and prospects. Understand the Anti-spam Legislation The first thing you should do is read the CASL legislation. Secondly, ask [...]

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    Just Imagine. Business growth starts with your imagination Imagine elevating your business to a level that was previously unimaginable. Yes, it is possible, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. As you confront the advent of the new year there are a number of important things you should do to improve the odds of an improved outcome next year.  Start by: Developing a budget for the [...]

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    Going on vacation this December? If you're heading out of town and maybe even out of country, I bet you have done the following things: Agreed on the timing with your family Decided on a destination (and booked the hotel if applicable) Decided how you are going to get there and booked your mode if travel (if necessary) Booked a rental car (if needed) Checked that your passport is still valid[...]

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    Owners, executives and management today are faced with a dramatically different and changing environment, one that they have never faced in the history of their businesses. The new and ever evolving (and lightning fast) digital space, combined with rapidly evolving demographics has dramatically changed forever the playing field upon which we enter ever morning of our business lives.  Why?  [...]

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    The concept of a part-time executive is becoming much more common. As a business growth strategy many mid-sized businesses realize that they function successfully with the resource of a part-time executive, without the need to engage a full-time employee in every role. Depending on the need, part-time executives can be engaged for short-term assignments or on a permanent basis, much like an [...]

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    You don't have to kill a tree or shut down the office for a week to create a successful strategic plan. In fact, you can create a successful plan for your business in just one day. It doesn't have to be an overwhelming or a monumental task. It doesn’t have to be perfect or fancy. Just designate some of your key people in your organization and plan a day to develop your strategy. However you will[...]

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    Many mid-sized businesses that are focused on their business growth strategy are constrained by the resources available for the accounting and finance function. These owners or CEOs often ask me about this dilemma. Here are the ten essentials that I believe must be in every business for the Accounting function to support a dynamic, growing business: Establish formal, written credit & [...]

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