passion, guidance and the education to get your business off the ground and thriving!
execuserv plus inc.
1700+ new entrepreneurial businesses
growing Southern Alberta communities since 1999
FREE SELF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM via Virtual /in-person Hybrid training that will get you started on the right foot in your business
You have an idea, we help make it a reality!
Are you tired of the regular/ traditional way of work?
Do you want to build something different, to change how things are done and to be your own boss?
We have the resources, skills and guidance to get you there with our amazing presenters and FREE (to eligible participants) 26 week self employment program. You will walk away with a certificate provided by the province of Alberta.
How to Apply
If you know this is for you, jump to our pre application process and get started!
Heather will reach out to you shortly to discuss the next steps.
Past Graduates
Our students are busy building their local communities with opportunities and supporting the places they love.
We are so proud of what they are doing and want to show them off!
Program Details
Are you interested in hearing more about what our program includes.
This has all the details. From start dates, testimonials and what to expect.
"I knew after 8 years of working in the trades, I wanted to start my own business. But how to go about that seemed like an overwhelming task. I wasn’t interested in spending all sorts of time going to college to take business, and it seemed impractical. I had a family to support so I didn’t have time to mess around. I wasn’t sure what do to until a friend in the trades referred me to the execuserv self-employment program.
Perfect fit! A fast tracked program with instructors who had actually started their own businesses! I found the Business Planning part extremely helpful in deciding what I needed to charge customers to create a realistic, profitable business. execuserv was a key component in setting me up for success, and I highly recommend their program to anyone wanting to start their own business!"
Shaun
Hawk Eye Heating & AC
"execuserv helped me turn my passion into reality and allowed me to create a vision for my business. I knew how to do what I do thanks to the university of Lethbridge but I learned how to run a business from execuserv. You don't need to be an expert in it but you do have to start somewhere. execuserv will help you learn about marketing, sales, customer service, building a business plan and so much more. "
David Lanz
Accrual Accounting
"If you want to be successful in starting and running your own business, LOOK NO FURTHER…The Self Employment Training Program, delivered by execuserv plus inc is absolutely amazing. All the information is presented by some of the best instructors I have ever come across. If you have the drive and are willing to listen, then this program is for you!!"
Trevor Little
TL Developments
"execuserv was a tremendous blessing in my life when I was at a crossroads.
I knew I wouldn't return to nursing or journalism, and that I didn't want to work for anyone else, or any company again. After some searching within, I decided I wanted to open my own flower shop. I had years of experience in the industry in between other career choices, and I knew I could find success in the general day-to-day decisions and designing, but I didn't have a business background. I searched online for business courses, and the execuserv program showed up. After researching it, and being solid in my decision I was on a new path.
The foundation in business execuserv provided, I still use today. Facilitators in every aspect of a business taught the key basics in each area, and while general in some ways, were business specific in others. There was always an opportunity to ask questions, in and out of the classroom, which extends beyond the life of the program. Classmates were kind and helpful with ideas, and there was a general camaraderie among everyone. It was an experience I look back fondly on, not only for the lessons learned, but the general caring to see success and the tools to help in the decision-making process.
Seven-and-a-half years ago, after completing the program at execuserv I bought Flowers on 9th, and it was the best career decision in my life, although all the other decisions led to here. The flower shop has a solid foundation from the things I learned at execuserv, as I have grown it along the way on that foundation. And....Gillian comes in often and we get to catch up. The support I received will always be valuable in my business ventures.
Sharon Ulrich
Flowers on 9th
"execuserv was a great stepping stone into the entrepreneurial world. The tools and knowledge that was in the course allowed us to start a business and successfully run it over the past four year!"
Luisa + Stevie
Bliss Beauty Bar
"The execuserv plus program gave me a solid foundation to start my business. I felt much more comfortable armed with the knowledge I gained moving forward, in what can be a confusing/terrifying time in an entrepreneur’s journey. I always felt well supported by the staff, eager to answer any questions that came up. I highly recommend this path to anyone who is starting a business and venturing out on their own.
"
Christian Nelson
Sinking Ship
"Though we had thought about opening our own salon for quite some time, we were unfamiliar with some of the practical steps involved in making our dreams a reality.
Through execuserv’s self-employment program, we were provided information on marketing, public speaking, insurance, legal aspects, accounting, leadership and more. Upon completing the course, with business plan in hand, we had gained a better understanding of the research and practical information required to follow through on our vision"
Madison & Aubrey
Salon Olivine
"When you are thinking of starting a business, it can be daunting. There are so many things to consider. You have so many questions and may not know where to begin.
If you are thinking about or are planning to start your own business, then execuserv is the place you want to begin! They will take you through the many things you need to know and the challenges you will face starting your own business. Intense? Yes. Hard work? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely!
Even after 9 years in business we stay in touch with the ladies at execuserv and the other professionals we met there. All of these people are still there to lend a hand if we need them. Sometimes, we even just drop round to say hello. We consider them a part of our business family.
While at execuserv you will meet a variety of professionals who are there to guide you and educate you on the road to building your dream.
If you are thinking of starting your own business, execuserv is the place you want to begin!!!!
Keith & Sheena Poch
Twig & Owl Tree Care
Past Graduates
With over thirty years of experience, Gillian is a successful businesswoman in every way. She displays professionalism at all times, and unselfishly gives back to the community. She has sat on many boards including the Board of Directors for the Chamber, YWCA, the U of L Faculty of Management Advisory Board, 5th on 5th Youth Advisory council, as the Chair of the Lethbridge Community Futures and was one of the founding members of the Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge and so many more!
The one who started it all!
Gillian NISH
Read more
Judy Stolk-Ingram
Judy is passionate about career development and for many years has enjoyed the privilege of supporting youth and adults to create their own unique pathways. She recognizes that entrepreneurship is one such unique pathway and appreciates the ingenuity, courage and dedication on the part of those who pursue this path.
The True Colors workshop helps new entrepreneurs to identify strengths and communicate more effectively with others, including customers, vendors, and funders. Be prepared to start this comprehensive training program by laughing and learning about yourself and those around you.
Our colour specialist!
D’Arcy Kavanagh
D’Arcy has been a facilitator for the Self-employment program since 2016. He trains participants in Customer Service and his presentation style includes impressions of famous actors. He has spent four decades working in journalism, starting as a reporter, moving into being an editor, teaching journalism at Lethbridge College and toiling as a freelance writer with markets in Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia.
He’s still writing but now he has produced five mystery novels featuring an ex-pro cyclist who lives and works in Europe. All the books are set in areas that D’Arcy has travelled extensively. “Working as a freelancer for more than 25 years and running WOWTours has provided me a ton of experience about the trials, tribulations and triumphs that go with being an entrepreneur,” he says. “I love sharing that experience and knowledge in the classroom, especially when I see others learning from it.” D’Arcy also plays semi-professionally as a Celtic musician. “Everything I do work-wise is about connecting to people which is the essence of entrepreneurship.”
Customer Service Specialist
Kevin Pack
Kevin Pack has been an accountant since the late seventies. He’s worked for real estate firms, retail jewelry businesses and manufacturers. He was in public practice for ten years in Northern Alberta prior to signing on with the Federal Government, CRA, formerly Revenue Canada. In his twenty-seven years with CRA he spent twenty in Client Services and an additional seven in GST Audit.
Part of Client Services duties was answering questions both in person and on the toll-free line. Additionally, Kevin answered queries in writing by responding with ruling and interpretation letters. Kevin most enjoyed the outreach part of his job, facilitating seminars and workshops for realtors, lawyers, accountants and the general public on subjects such as GST both for new business and real property, Income Tax and payroll.
Kevin had a working relationship with many tax professionals from here in Lethbridge to as far away as Niagara Falls Ontario. Kevin has been instrumental in the “in-house” training program for CRA auditors in Lethbridge, Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton.
Finally, Kevin was responsible for coordinating the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for over 15 years.
All knowing tax guru
Jason Bacon
Jason’s first entrepreneurial experience was in the fifth grade when he and a friend collected tadpoles from the hills around Peace River and took them to school to sell to classmates. Then the principal found out and shut it down, giving him his first experience with regulation.
After moving to Lethbridge he attended the University and obtained a Bachelor of Management with a major in Finance.
Since then his professional career in the finance industry has been focused on the support of entrepreneurs. From lending and risk management to advising and educating. From there he started his own business, Sunstone Strategic, which guides entrepreneurs forward in their business. This is done by focusing on entrepreneur mindset.
In addition to this, Jason is the author of “Entrepreneur-ish: Inspirations and lessons in entrepreneurship from vikings, pirates and samurai.” A book which pulls inspiration from history to help individuals become better entrepreneurs.
More about Jason …. https://www.sunstonestrategic.com/
Our in house coach
Morley has been presenting the Business Plan and Cash Flow component for many years at execuserv plus. With over thirty-five years of helping entrepreneurs Morley loves working with people who have stepped out of their comfort zone and have chosen to become entrepreneurs. Over the years Morley has experienced all the good things about being an entrepreneur and has also
experienced the bad things. He can identify with and relate to what’s going on with startup entrepreneurs as they struggle to make their businesses viable.
Morley is a graduate of Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge.
He complimented his education by going through the training for accreditation as a Small Business Advisor. He had to accomplish over 400 hours of business counselling and to learn how to facilitate 105 business competencies. The program was recognized in fifteen countries.
Morley has facilitated many courses at the college and university level. For many years he worked in high-risk business financing and helped hundreds of entrepreneurs open their doors. Much of Morley’s business experience has been as an entrepreneur. His first business was an Advertising Agency and over the years he went from a consultant approach to being a facilitator. More information can be found at http://www.sunvikthor.ca
The man with the plan
Morley Belle
Jody Woodroffe
Jody is the Bookkeeping Supervisor at Insight LLP. She is a certified QuickBooks Online Pro-Advisor. She takes charge of training both new staff members and business owners. She found her passion for all things numbers and accounting through her education at Lethbridge College and subsequent years in the industry. There is nothing more fun than solving a puzzle, whether it be putting together a jigsaw or finally getting those accounts to balance. She is excited to get down to all things QuickBooks with you!
Numbers is the game
Tyson has a diverse range of legal experience, with a focus on residential and commercial real estate, general corporate/commercial business law, financing, and estate planning. He is particularly excited to lead the residential real estate team, where he enjoys helping our clients navigate the process of buying and selling property. Tyson is committed to going above and beyond to meet his clients needs.
In addition to his legal work, Tyson is fluent in Spanish, having previously lived in Argentina for a couple of years as a volunteer missionary. He enjoys spending time with his family, staying active through sports and activities including basketball, hockey, golf, and snowboarding. Tyson also enjoys giving back to his community and church through volunteering. Currently, Tyson coaches soccer and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for both the Lethbridge Sport Council and the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association.
Our passionate lawyer consultant!
Tyson Kwasney
Lynda has been a facilitator for the Self-employment program since its inception, and finds great satisfaction in helping the participants start their businesses. For the program, she trains participants in marketing research, branding, sales, company name creation and developing a networking statement.
Her business is WOW Communications & Training Corp. and specializes in Brand Development, Marketing Strategy and Sales techniques. She started the business in 1994 and provides help through face-to-face meetings, online meetings, published books and business webinars.
She has worked with mom and pop businesses and companies with over $10 million in gross sales. She has written two business books: Be the Unicorn – it starts with your brand!© and Sales Suck… now what?© .
She is also a part-owner with her husband in a Travel Consulting business called WOW Tours International. Since 2,000 these services have been offered through face-to-face meetings, “Bucket List Webinars” and online meetings.
She is currently working on a humorous travel book for women called ABroad Escapes©.
The unicorn of the bunch
Lynda Kavanagh
Dawn Leite
Dawn developed a passion for the arts early in life, studying clarinet in her hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, at a young age. She earned her degree in Music Education at the University of Lethbridge in 2004, and upon graduating, taught music for three years. Following her teaching career, Dawn worked in senior management positions with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge between 2007 and 2020.
Dawn has experience in all areas of arts management, including strategic planning, fundraising, operations, finance, marketing and promotions, programming, special events, board relations, governance and external relations, having worked with several performing arts organizations in a variety of capacities as well as served with many community groups.
Following a career spanning 15 years working in arts management, Dawn leaped into the fascinating world of general insurance. Many skills developed through arts management – educating, advocating, selling, and client relations – transferred seamlessly to the insurance world. Dawn takes pride in the service she provides her clients, many of whom have expressed appreciation of Dawn’s clear, concise, and thorough explanations of the coverages in a policy. Dawn has experience in both personal and commercial lines of insurance, working with many entrepreneurs in various stages of their business cycle.
She lives with her husband Gregg (himself a tuba player in the LSO) and their two four-legged children of the canine variety, Samson and Bella. Still passionate about music, Dawn performs with the Lethbridge Community Gold Band and Polkaholix, and teaches clarinet clinics. Dawn is very excited to be part of the roster of facilitators with execuserv plus inc. and looks forward to working with the many new entrepreneurs in Lethbridge.
Dawn developed a passion for the arts early in life, studying clarinet in her hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, at a young age. She earned her degree in Music Education at the University of Lethbridge in 2004, and upon graduating, taught music for three years. Following her teaching career, Dawn worked in senior management positions with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge between 2007 and 2020.
Dawn has experience in all areas of arts management, including strategic planning, fundraising, operations, finance, marketing and promotions, programming, special events, board relations, governance and external relations, having worked with several performing arts organizations in a variety of capacities as well as served with many community groups.
Dawn takes pride in the service she provides her clients, many of whom have expressed appreciation of Dawn’s clear, concise, and thorough explanations of the coverages in a policy. Dawn has experience in both personal and commercial lines of insurance, working with many entrepreneurs in various stages of their business cycle.
Local supporter and management extraordinaire
Richard Haynes was born and raised in Southern Alberta. He married Andrea in the year 2000 and they have 5 wonderful children who bring so much joy to their lives. They love sharing life’s adventures with them.
For more than a decade Richard has earnestly studied leadership, communication and people development. In 2010 he decided to pursue an MBA in order to develop his own leadership skills and it was through this program he discovered coaching and his aptitude and passion for it. He completed his coaching designation with the International Coach Federation in 2015 and has been coaching since; pursuing it full time since 2018.
Richard’s personal mission statement is to help others achieve their potential in life and to have fulfillment of their dreams, their hopes and aspirations. If there is any concept or principle that will help him do this, he wants to learn it and be involved. Stress management is one of these areas, he loves teaching and helping others develop a plan to manage how they interact with the various forces in the world around them.
Leadership, coaching, stress management
Richard Haynes
Trevor has been in public practice since 2016 and is the newest partner at Insight LLP. After acquiring his CPA designation, he furthered his education and completed the CFP designation allowing him to better help clients in all financial aspects. Starting a business can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It should be an exciting process and Trevor and the Insight team are here to help entrepreneurs through that process.
One of our financial guru's!
Trevor Miller
Tonya Coubray
A lover of all the seasons, being outside (seriously brings an instant smile to my face), mama to one insanely adorable child who will be taller then me faster then I want to admit, fan of great coffee in the morning, wine at night, and always trying to slow down time or at the very least…. get that teleportation machine up and running finally! Phewph, that was a lot for one sentence, can you tell I can talk.
Experiencing new cities + what they have to offer, writing, being creative, making great food, supporting of the arts/ all things local with my little one in tow, are just a few of the things that you can find me doing in my off time.
Over 20 years ago (what?!?!) I received my diploma in Website Design & Ecommerce, old school coder here. Most recently, in the last 3 years I have been working in Social Media Marketing, Advertising and strategy. It is a constantly changing entity that at the moment is a great thing to be utilized by businesses and I LOVE helping small businesses succeed.
Find me at https://mountainprairiedesigns.com/
Director of Fun & Interweb Mechanic
Service Panel
The service panel is a group of business advisors, that change from time-to-time, discussing topics relevant to becoming self-employed. Some topics that have been discussed by members of the service panel have been:
Blue Cross
Safety Consulting
Business Networking International
Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses
Chamber of Commerce
RINSA
ATB Entrepreneurial Center
BNI
Our business advisors
5 THINGS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Times are changing, and so should you!
If one thing is true, it's that business is changing. So how do grow a business when things are changing quickly? Adapt and pivot in the ways you need to. So what top 5 things do you need to know to make through the hard part of growing?
1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Your customers are multi-dimensional and so should your thoughts about who they are. You need to thinking about them and the life they live.
2. SOLVE THE UNMET NEEDS
The consumer has unmet needs and you need to be thinking of those before they happen. Don't just fill a current need, but think of the future ones as well. People also want to buy more then just a product, they want to be apart of something bigger!
5 THINGS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Times are changing, and so should you!
3. GET CREATIVE
Don't do things how everyone else is doing them. How can you be different? What can you be using or doing that no one else is doing in that way? We have so much technology at our finger tips, so think about how you can use it in a new way. Get your brain thinking in new ways!
4. CONNECT MEANINGFULLY
Can you simplify the process? Make your customers experience easier but also more enjoyable? If it hard to contact you, get your service or make the purchase... you have lost them.
5. BE WHERE THEY ARE
It may seem like a lot to think about, but people are researching things to buy on social media, Pinterest, google and then finishing it off at home. Where are you showing up with your business? Get your name out there, because a lot of the time it's about being in the right place at the right time.
4 YEARS IN BUSINESS + THRIVING!
How are they doing it?
It is one thing to start a business and another to keep it going and make it successful!
We had the pleasure of asking Luisa and Stevie from Bliss Beauty Bar a few questions to get insight on how they have been able to navigate running a successful business. Here is what they had to say to the following questions.
Q: Looking back, what would you say were some of the biggest challenges you had in the first few years of business?
A: Oh this is a very hard question! I think that being organized with time, money and of course our budget.
Q: What helped you keep going?
A: Looking back at how much we have done And in the brand that we have created, also this being a partnership, I think pushing/ helping each other when one of us feels down.
4 YEARS IN BUSINESS + THRIVING!
HOW ARE THEY DOING IT?
Q: We know the day to day grind can get overwhelming and really zap people of their passion. What kind of things help you to keep your dreams alive and your vision in clear focus?
A: I think that looking at our kids and wanting to show them that, if you have a goal in life and you work hard for it, you can accomplish it!
Q: One way to avoid burnout is setting aside some ME time. What is one thing you have always made time for in every phase of your business?
A: I think this is really hard when you start a business especially because you feel like you should be spending 24/7 taking care of it and you forget about yourself. The best thing is to learn how to say no at times and value yourself as a person.
Q: On a scale of 1-10 how high would you rate being an entrepreneur? Why?
A: I will say seven (7). I think we are going through the phase, where we're valuing ourselves and recognizing what we have built at the moment.
Q: Would you have changed anything?
A: I think you learn from your mistakes about trusting others with our business gaols.
4 YEARS IN BUSINESS + THRIVING!
HOW ARE THEY DOING IT?
Q: How did Covid 19 change your business?
A: Before Covid we were experiencing great growth for our business and expanding. Once Covid hit, it slowed our groth down and we hit a lot of challenges. It was hard for people to see it because people thought we were doing amazing.
Q: Tips for new entrepreneurs?
A: Take time for yourself, especially when you are feeling overwhelmed. Remember what the main goal it is!
Q: Best thing about being an entrepreneur?
A: Achieving the goals we felt were impossible at first.
Q: From your vision of your business to reality, what was something dramatically different?
A: To be honest, being a women in business is hard! You have to fight for it.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I think at this point for our business, it's to see it grow and solidify our identity. And for more personal time and quality time with our loved ones.
Seems simple enough, build it and they will come right? That is just the beginning!
So what do you do next?
First, you need to know who your ideal customer is because EVERYONE is NOT your ideal customer!
Get detail orientated here. Give them a name, age, figure out what their life looks like, pain points, hobbies, wants, desires, where they vacation, income, what is important to them, etc. The more detailed the better and you don't just stop at 1, but aim for 3 different customers, with different needs, pain points etc. If you are unsure of how to start this or want a free template to get you started, check out the digital marketer.
Next step is researching your ideal audience (google analytics can help as it collects data from your websites and apps to create reports that provide insights into your business and customers).
YOU HAVE THE IDEA, NOW HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR PEOPLE?
HOW TO FIND YOUR CUSTOMERS?
Research your competition and think of the customers you have so far and what is a commonality with them. How does your product stand out from your competition and how does it meet your ideal customers need or solve their pain point? This will be different for each of your customer avatars that you have created.
Now you get to market to your customers. Get personal, speak to them individually and make sure that you target different customers in different, meaningful ways. This is where you can have a lot of fun bringing your brand to life and making it real. Make sure to speak to people's emotions, if you can't speak to the heart of your customers, then your marketing will fall flat. People want to connect and if you can educate them while entertaining them, you are off to a great start!
Be adaptable! Your customers will change over time, as the world keeps changing. So be ready to pivot and change to their future needs. We want your business to stand the test of time and grow, so we hope this helps get you started!
YOU HAVE THE IDEA, NOW HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR PEOPLE?
HOW TO FIND YOUR CUSTOMERS?
5 THINGS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Times are changing, and so should you!
If one thing is true, it's that business is changing. So how do you grow a business that thrives when things are changing quickly? Adapt and pivot in the ways you need to. So what top 5 things do you need to know to make it through the hard parts of growing?
1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Your customers are multi-dimensional and so should your thoughts about who they are. You need to thinking about them and the life they live.
2. SOLVE THE UNMET NEEDS
The consumer has unmet needs and you need to be thinking of those before they happen. Don't just exist filling a current need, but think of the future ones as well. People also want to buy more then just a product, they want to be apart of something bigger!
3. GET CREATIVE
Don't do things how everyone else is doing them. How can you be different? What can you be using or doing that no one else is doing in that way? We have so much technology at our finger tips, so think about how you can use it in a new way. Get your brain thinking in new ways!
4. CONNECT MEANINGFULLY
Can you simplify the process? Make your customers experience easier but also more enjoyable? If it hard to contact you, get your service or make the purchase... you have lost them.
5. BE WHERE THEY ARE
It may seem like a lot to think about, but people are researching things to buy on social media, Pinterest, google and then finishing it off at home. Where are you showing up with your business? Get your name out there, because a lot of the time it's about being in the right place at the right time.
4 YEARS IN BUSINESS + THRIVING!
HOW ARE THEY DOING IT?
It is one thing to start a business and another to keep it going and make it successful!
We had the pleasure of asking Luisa and Stevie from Bliss Beauty Bar a few questions to get insight on how they have been able to navigate running a successful business. Here is what they had to say to the following questions.
Q: Looking back, what would you say were some of the biggest challenges you had in the first few years of business?
Oh this is a very hard question! I think that being organized with time, money and of course our budget.
Q: What helped you keep going?
Looking back at how much we have done And in the brand that we have created, also this being a partnership, I think pushing/ helping each other when one of us feels down.
Q: We know the day to day grind can get overwhelming and really zap people of their passion. What kind of things help you to keep your dreams alive and your vision in clear focus?
I think that looking at our kids and wanting to show them that, if you have a goal in life and you work hard for it, you can accomplish it!
Q: One way to avoid burnout is setting aside some ME time. What is one thing you have always made time for in every phase of your business?
I think this is really hard when you start a business especially because you feel like you should be spending 24/7 taking care of it and you forget about yourself. The best thing is to learn how to say no at times and value yourself as a person.
Q: On a scale of 1-10 how high would you rate being an entrepreneur? Why?
I will say seven (7). I think we are going through the phase, where we're valuing ourselves and recognizing what we have built at the moment.
4 YEARS IN BUSINESS + THRIVING!
HOW ARE THEY DOING IT?
Q: Would you have changed anything?
I think you learn from your mistakes about trusting others with our business gaols.
Q: How did Covid 19 change your business?
Before Covid we were experiencing great growth for our business and expanding. Once Covid hit, it slowed our groth down and we hit a lot of challenges. It was hard for people to see it because people thought we were doing amazing.
Q: Tips for new entrepreneurs?
Take time for yourself, especially when you are feeling overwhelmed. Remember what the main goal it is!
Q: Best thing about being an entrepreneur?
Achieving the goals we felt were impossible at first.
Q: From your vision of your business to reality, what was something dramatically different?
To be honest, being a women in business is hard! You have to fight for it.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
I think at this point for our business, it's to see it grow and solidify our identity. And for more personal time and quality time with our loved ones.
Thanks so much Luisa and Stevie for taking the time to answer our questions!
If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting them or experiencing the services they offer, we highly recommend taking some time visiting them and giving your body the care it deserves!
HOW TO FIND YOUR CUSTOMERS?
You have the idea, now how do you find your people?
Seems simple enough, build it and they will come right? That is just the beginning!
So what do you do next?
First, you need to know who your ideal customer is because EVERYONE is NOT your ideal customer!
Get detail orientated here. Give them a name, age, figure out what their life looks like, pain points, hobbies, wants, desires, where they vacation, income, what is important to them, etc. The more detailed the better and you don't just stop at 1, but aim for 3 different customers, with different needs, pain points etc. If you are unsure of how to start this or want a free template to get you started, check out the digital marketer.
Next step is researching your ideal audience (google analytics can help as it collects data from your websites and apps to create reports that provide insights into your business and customers). Research your competition and think of the customers you have so far and what is a commonality with them. How does your product stand out from your competition and how does it meet your ideal customers need or solve their pain point? This will be different for each of your customer avatars that you have created.
Now you get to market to your customers. Get personal, speak to them individually and make sure that you target different customers in different, meaningful ways. This is where you can have a lot of fun bringing your brand to life and making it real. Make sure to speak to people's emotions, if you can't speak to the heart of your customers, then your marketing will fall flat. People want to connect and if you can educate them while entertaining them, you are off to a great start!
Be adaptable! Your customers will change over time, as the world keeps changing. So be ready to pivot and change to their future needs. We want your business to stand the test of time and grow, so we hope this helps get you started!
Dedicated to the stories of the graduates of the execuserv plus inc self-employment training program. The people all around you who you didn't even realize had taken part in this training. This is our chance to listen and learn from them... one entrepreneur at a time.
Albertapreneur Hosted by Jason Bacon
In the first episode of the Albertapreneur Podcast, host Jason Bacon sits down with Gillian Nish, founder of execuserv plus inc. who has graduated more than 1,600 entrepreneurs through the self-employment training program in the past 22 years. A self described "Naive Pioneer".
With guest Gillian Nish
Episode 1: The Naive Pioneer
We sit down with David Lanz, the founder of Accrual Accounting who shares some of his experience and how he thinks of managing his most important resource... time.
With guest David lanz
Episode 2: Time Service Mastery
We chat with Tim Hachkowski, a serial entrepreneur who learns by doing. He's taken the entrepreneur spirit and applied it across a few different businesses and industries, and as he'll tell us... no one really knows what they're doing.
With guest tim hachkowski
Episode 3: No one knows what they are doing
We sit down with Sarah Christensen of Visual Arts to chat about her entrepreneur journey and how she found her flock of fools... oh, and we do it while she gives me a tattoo.
With guest Sarah Christensen
Episode 4: Flock of Fools
Jason sits down with Denise, the founder of "If the Shoe Fits" for a great conversation about finding what makes you unique, and her incredible journey of starting a business.
With guest Denise
Episode 5: The Shoe-nicorn
Richard Haynes is the first graduate we've had on the podcast that is also an instructor. He understands entrepreneurship in a unique way and shares his story about how cause and passion brought him halfway across the country to test the entrepreneurial waters.
