Road to Success with Author Trisha Smith...

Typically most entrepreneurs focus on making a profit but there are other kinds of entrepreneurs that concentrate on creating social capital, they’re called social entrepreneurs. Trisha Smith is one of them. After a life changing experience, she became the author of a book called Holiday in Hell written about her tragic story which was created in the hopes of bringing justice and awareness to amend the Canadian Criminal Code 6(2). Passionate and determined to see justice, here is what she had to say…

Question: What is your book about?

Answer: In a nut-sell the story chronicles about three years of my life. The book begins with a scene on an airplane, I’m returning back home to Canada from a week vacation in Cuba. Most of the passengers are those with whom I have made some acquaintance with at the resort over the week. Among them, the Canadian perpetrator who had just brutally assaulted me almost to death while I was asleep that same day on the last night of the holiday. I’m traumatized and anxious to charge the assault committed against me by the Canadian in Cuba, just as I was promised by the Cuban authorities while they were taking a declaration of the crime. However, to my surprise an additional trauma occurs…an ensuring legal clash when I can’t charge the Canadian perpetrator here in Canada! The Cuban authorities are reluctant to charge the assailant in Cuba as he is not Cuban. At the Pearson Airport, the Canadian police also refuse to arrest him! But why?

So, to whom does a Canadian run to for protection if a crime is committed against them by another Canadian outside the borders of Canada? In my book Holiday in Hell , you will find out that no one and no law could grant me justice to charge this criminal, even though the perpetrator had already previously committed the same crime in Canada!

When there’s no judge in Canada or the Human Rights or a place one can submit such a crime to be examined and charged by the law, there’s no one and no law that will protect you! My story describes how I experienced the victimization of the Canadian justice system in Canada. In a true sense the hard-hitting legal aftermath in my story becomes the real crime!

Question: Can you describe who will/should read your book?

Answer: With my book Holiday in Hell , I intend to reach every Canadian citizen, the young student of the law and the old, the poor and the rich, the religious and non-religious, as Holiday in Hell serves a wake-up call to all Canadians!

Question: What was your main motivation to write your book and what are you hoping to accomplish.

Answer: After I returned from the holiday, one of the injuries I had was internal bleeding from the assault which caused me to write dates and what was occurring. Thinking that if I would die there would be a document and perhaps the perpetrator would be charged. After a few years, my students and friends - writers - artists - those in the public would nudge me, “look Trisha another complicated case” as mine was branded by CITY-TV on 6pm news, “you must write a book”. My life was not getting any better as I had lost much in the way of finances, creative force that I previously had and my family was suffering. One day, while away on an artist journey at the Kawarthas Century Arts, a screen writer encouraged me to write instead of oil paint, for which I had booked myself for to do in that week. At that time I went through a major healing, as only an artist knows that when they are not free within their soul their creative is limited. And limited I was! So I prayed and saw that even though my face has naturally come back to be as before but my inner being could not be free unless…I cry my story. Few years went by and in my associations, editing for publishers and the like, I was asked to have my story printed. I agreed, knowing that it was just the beginning; however God has promised that He’ll make it into completion - whatever that means I still don’t know, except I walk on a path determined.

Question: What is the most important thing you have learnt and what has been your biggest challenge as an author?

Answer: Promoting and networking takes time and is an ongoing process! I am linked on every possible social network such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Digital Journal, Twitter, etc. In time, I won’t be able to continue such a promotion as it is too time consuming! I am a human being with a family, an aging mother, and two great grandsons, whom I wish in the last month to have spent more time with.

Question: How do you use technology and the internet to promote yourself and your writing?

Answer: First of all, on the onset of having the book published, I set up a website. Then, I continued to market the book by publishing it on to as many websites as possible and made sure to optimize it for search engines. Since in many instances it is mostly up to the author’s responsibility to publicize their books, I will embrace every possibility of the Internet to expose my book to as many Canadians, American, and the world as possible. Also, because of Facebook, I have been able to listen to the views of many about law issues in Canada, and talked to people who have been unjustly treated and hopefully I have supported people around the world to heal and to be strong. I also created aFacebook Cause to bring greater awareness to this very important issue.

Question: Do you have any advice to give to someone who is looking to become an author?

Answer: Yes, the writing process is wonderful when one is passionately telling or creating their stories. It is a worthy business as writers explain the world around them, stories make history! The discipline is the hardest, as I like to be on the run, but once I sit down and write, I feel I am in my home. So write, write, and write, then ask friends to read your prose. As you hear someone else read your words, you’ll know. I continue to write, writing is one of my expressions - vocal - and this time not visual - as an artist, with the hope that in the future I will have printed words, embraced by my art.

Question: How do you define Success?

Answer: Of whom I am and whose life I touch, in a positive way. ‘To be or not to be’ true to myself! As an artist, I cannot be otherwise but true to myself! For truth sets me free to live a life full of passion, and dignity for humanity!

Question: Fast-forward five years…what do you see?

Answer: I see myself busy in the artistic world - painting oils..., teaching, spending wonderful time with my family, having a life in the arts, fundraising, equipping young ones for a life ahead. And at the end of the day, no more work toward amending the Canadian Criminal Code 6(2). I see myself watching my story on the large screen and raise my hand to God and say, ‘Thank you God for giving me your power to do that which you commanded me to do - to write the truth about the need to amend the law and to say, ‘A Canadian can charge another Canadian of a crime committed against them, abroad! In my private life, I desire to have peace, to walk hand in hand with my sweetheart and keep on loving!

Whatever action by the Minister of Canada, The Minister of Justice, and the Canadian Justice System will take place in regards to the amending The Canadian Criminal Code 6(2), I am already freed of that - why the assault occurred that night in 1999, and why I had to be the one to cry out so loudly for justice! I do pray now that other Canadians can have a law protecting them while they travel, set up global businesses, and live for seasons, abroad!

My book, Holiday in Hell , is a continuation of my legacy for Canada as I began working for the United Nations in Ottawa for the Conference on Habitat in my early twenties. At that time, I was responsible for the EXHIBITION of our Canadian Youth’s voice through the Arts, ‘HOW DO YOU SEE CANADA IN THE FUTURE.’ Since then, my life has made a full circle, and I am back at the door of Mackenzie Street in Ottawa, but this time pleading with the Canadian government to make this world a better place for their citizens now and generations to come!

Note: Please encourage Trisha and show your support by joining her Facebook Cause Amend the Canadian Criminal Code 6(2)

Canadian Criminal Code 6(2) Reference Department of Justice Canada:

Offences outside Canada

(2) Subject to this Act or any other Act of Parliament, no person shall be convicted or discharged under section 730 of an offence committed outside Canada.

Website Holiday in Hell

Trisha Smith on Facebook

Trisha Smith Facebook Page

Trisha Smith on Twitter

Holiday in Hell is available at Amazon and Chapters

Photograph taken by Keyhan

Road to Success with Sylvain Joannette...

I first met Sylvain Joannette on Facebook a few months ago. Unlike most of my friends on my social networks, I’ve actually had the pleasure of meeting him in person. Although he’s been on Facebook for less than a year, his reputation is fast spreading as the guy who’s always laughing. Currently enjoying life with his wife Nathalie and kids in Saint-Eustache (Quebec), Sylvain will soon be able to offer his services to clients across the globe as version 2 of The Orion Project will be offered in several different languages.

Sylvain Joannette has two official businesses: Les Productions Numériques Artes and Artes Media and has been in business for over 15 years. Amongst many ongoing ventures, Sylvain has two very important projects underway. Virtual-Hall (which he is Partner in development), is a virtual commercial center where consumers, professionals and merchants will be able to connect and do business together in a secure and fun environment. His other project is the newest version of The Orion Project which will offer many different options and upgrades for his current and future clients.

Here is what Sylvain had to say…

Question: When did you start your business?

Answer: I have been self employed in various different businesses since 1995. My current business has been in existence since 2008.

Question: What motivated you to start your business?

Answer: I’m always in search of new challenges. Working has an employee didn’t satisfy me and didn’t challenge me enough. Having a lot of expertise in my field, I wanted to share my knowledge with people and wanted to be able to help them achieve their own goals. Also, in 2004, my wife Nathalie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). To be able to provide her with the help she needed, I knew that the best and most flexible solution would be to work from home.

Question: What is your main service/product or expertise?

Answer: My specialty is to create personalized online software for entrepreneurs and businesses. Most of the time, already made software is created with a general concept in mind and includes basic tools to satisfy the masses. This is why I created The Orion Project, a customized professional web Content Management System (CMS).

Orion has for the most part all of the tools you will find in any CMS package such as blogs, newsletter generator, page creator, etc. The difference is that you can also order additional tools that are totally particular to your company. As an example, if you need a tool related specifically to the Real Estate industry, we will take the time to discuss your precise needs, develop it and make it available through The Orion Project. The software can be adapted in any way you wish. This means that you don't have to use multiple software to accomplish your goals…everything is available in one single place and only have one company to contact for support or service. Having been in the multimedia field for more than 20 years, we can also develop any custom graphics base on your specifications.

Question: Who is your target market?

Answer: Any kind of small, medium and large businesses who are looking to maximize their online visibility with customized tools.

Question: What is the one thing you wish you would have known when you first started out?

Answer: WOW…a lot of things :-) but the main one would be that you have to be really careful with people you partner up with. Most of the time, they don’t have the same vision has yours and it creates conflicts and can end up in disaster. This is one of the most important things I’ve learned.

Question: How do you define success?

Answer: Being recognized has a professional company who can deliver what consumers want and need. This is what we’re trying to accomplish with our software “The Orion Project”.

Question: How do you use technology and the internet for your business?

Answer: The Internet is our main line of work. Today, almost anything can be done with the internet. Most of the time, our clients have great ideas, but they don’t know how to realize it. Technology gives us the ability to take those ideas and make them become reality.

Question: What has been your biggest hurdle?

Answer: These days, our main challenge is to convince people (especially in Canada) to use their credit cards securely on the web to make their purchases. This is why we want to expose our software all around the globe. We’re also trying to educate people on how to use the web safely and feel comfortable with online transactions.

Question: What is your main source for new clients?

Answer: Networking, word of mouth and references, visibility on the internet and all the social networks such as Facebook.

Question: Fast forward five years…what do you see?

Answer: The Orion Project will be one of the most recommended software to manage content on the web. :-)

• Visit Sylvain’s websites Artes Media : http://www.artesmedia.ca and Project Orion : http://www.orioncms.ca
• Find Sylvain Joannette on Facebook
• You can register as a consumer and/or business at Virtual-Hall and 5% of every business registration will go toward the enormous cost of Nathalie Roy's operation to cure her from her disease.
• Learn more about Venous Multiple Sclerosis

NEW: Join us every Friday for the Everyday Entrepreneur Series where I will be featuring Entrepreneurs from various industries and will chat about their business and their road to success.

Picture http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Is your business going through an identity crisis?

Remember when you were fourteen and struggling to figure out who you were. You were confused, tried different things, experimented with different looks all in search of your identity. As a business owner, can you relate to those same feelings of searching for your identity? Knowing who you are is essential in running a successful business. If you want people to believe in you and your product, you have to believe in yourself first and know who your brand identity is.

You also have to understand the needs and wants of your customers and prospects. By looking at your business in the perspective of your customers and in an objective manner, it will be easier to define and build your brand.

To help you find your identity, start by putting it down on paper and ask yourself some questions:

• What do you want to accomplish with your business
• What services or products do you offer
• What is your niche market
• Who is your audience
• How do you want people to perceive you and/or your company
• What makes you different than all the others in your niche market
• What do you want others to know and say about your products or services
• What is your message
• Describe your business in one sentence

Like when you were going through puberty, there might be an evolution of your brand’s identity as you grow and progress in your business. There’s nothing wrong with adding layers but if you are prepared and did your homework from the start, the growth process will be a lot easier and confusion will be avoided.

Don’t forget that image and brand is great but you must also deliver. If you’re only image and don’t produce, you’re only setting yourself up for disaster and will lose trust and credibility with your customers and prospects.

Are you friends with the bikini girl?

If you are using Facebook as part of your business marketing plan, chances are that you’re looking to grow your network. I’m always amazed to see who some people choose to associate with.

With some of the new features on Facebook, when you become “friend” with someone it will show up in the news feed along with their picture and is public information. Yes guys, when you become “friend” with the bikini girl, I can see it! If you are going to use social media as part of your marketing tactic, first you should probably know who your target market is and figure out what you’re trying to accomplish. Sending out or accepting friend requests left and right, although will add to your network might just get you nowhere if none of your audience is interested in hearing about your product or services. I’m not saying that having 5000 untargeted friends in your network (don't forget the 5000 Facebook friend limit) won’t bring you any business but concentrating your efforts on the right people will be much more efficient. Also, don’t forget that some people will judge you and your business on who you hang out with.

So before accepting friend requests from the bikini girl, take a step back and start developing your strategy.

Picture from Dynamite Imagery at freedigitalphotos.net

Self-Employment; how much are you really making?

According to monster.ca, when calculating your hourly or annual income, it is most likely that you spend up to 30% of your time on administration (tracking time, billing, paper work, bookkeeping, marketing, etc.), so every hour is not a paid hour. Outsourcing can help you achieve your business and personal goals and focus on what you do best...making money. Recognize the warning signs.

1. You are overwhelmed with administrative tasks
2. You don't have time to grow your business effectively
3. You don't have a need for a full time employee
4. You don't have the space or resources for a regular employee
5. You have no time for your family and friends

Can you recognize yourself here...

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Starting a business during tough times

It is harder and harder to find and keep a job these days. Many people are thinking of different ways to make a living. The tough economic times might make people think twice about starting their own business thinking that it would never work. But in every economy, there are opportunities and it might just be a matter of recreating yourself.

Quote: “Failure and its accompanying misery is for the artist his most vital source of creative energy.”

Montgomery Clift

Being self employed has many advantages and provides more flexibility. Although I don’t know many people who claim to be happy in their jobs, it is much easier to find happiness when you can find passion and motivation in your day to day job. Being self-employed gives you the chance to explore and use your own individuality which you might not have the chance to utilize with an employer.

Quote: “Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life”.

Wayne Dyer

Here are some tips on starting a business during tough times from http://www.canadabusiness.ca/

How to start a business during a recession

Do you realize the best time to start your business might be during a recession? For example:

• A lot of large companies are going out of business or cutting out certain business lines, which may create gaps in the marketplace which you can take advantage of.
• The pool of available labour may be bigger, making it easier for you to find qualified, motivated and talented staff.
• Some people are able to use their severance packages from large companies to help finance the start of a new venture.

Small businesses tend to struggle and need to work hard for their profits, no matter what the economic climate. So getting started during a recession may not really be more or less risky than at any other time.
Below are some things you should consider to recession-proof your business.

Recession-proof your business:

1. Write a business plan that would tailor your business opportunity to client "needs", not luxury products or services.
2. Go for products or services that are less expensive.
   Make sure you have enough funds to keep the business going until you become profitable.
3. Offer clients your best price. Do a market study on how much clients would be willing to pay for your products and then make sure they are priced less than those of your competition.
4. Get your business online. Clients often look for "internet-only" bargains or coupons. The internet is open 24-7 and you can use the internet to your advantage by offering incentives for return clients and monthly newsletters about new products and services.
5. Use free or inexpensive marketing techniques, such as social media, networking, client referrals, etc.
6. Share your expenses with another company (e.g. share an administrative assistant or office space or bulk order supplies together) to cut down on your overhead expenses.
7. If you are employed, consider starting your business part-time while continuing to work at your day-job. This may not be possible for all types of businesses, but, in some professions, it can be a good way to test the waters and augment your income.

Source: http://www.canadabusiness.ca/

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