Small business advice - Hamilton, ON

Tues. Sept. 12th: GOOD MORNING HAMILTON - Staybridge Suites 8:00 a.m.

Tues. Sept. 26th: MAYOR’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS -Sponsored by Union Gas and Via Rail.

July Hamilton Chamber of Commerce events

Tues. July 11th: GOOD MORNING HAMILTON - 7:45 p.m. Forever Young Experience Tanning

Sat. July 22nd: FIRST ANNUAL LOBSTER & JAZZ FEST - 6:00 p.m. Chamber Club.

Thurs. July 29th: BUSINESS AFTER BUSINESS - Staybridge Suites Hotel at Holiday Inn. 5:30 p.m.

Tues. Aug. 29th: BUSINESS AFTER BUSINESS -Hamilton Port Authority & The Niagara Business Link - 5:00 p.m. Dockside, Hamilton Harbour Queen.

I recently came across an article on what people most dislike ( OK hate ) about web sites.
The article is at infoworld.

Many companies are losing potential customers because their web sites are annoying or distracting. People don’t have much patience when they are busy and looking / browsing on the Web, according to Theresa Cunnington, senior usability consultant with services firm iFocus.

“It doesn’t matter how cool a Web site looks, if users find it impractical they will head to your competitor’s site, which is only a click away,” Cunnington said.

Flash animations are an obvious example of what users hate in a Web site; the “skip intro” button is the most used button on the Internet.

“Users hate flash because it’s a barrier to the site.”

I agree with this point totally, animations and motion video can distract and dilute your message.

Cunnington said Web sites are constantly torn between form and function and as technology changes, new variants on old issues stand out, and new problems emerge.
Head of Comunet’s Web site design, Damien Coyle believes design is crucial for an effective Web site.
“You need to represent your corporate image, which should reflect company ideals,” Coyle said.
“Not everyone is going to access your site so you need only address the target audience.”

The top five Web site quirks that users hate the most, according to iFocus are:
1. Invasive advertising: Cunnington says users widely despise ads that cover content, ads that flash wildly and ads that chew broadband.
2. Re-inventing the wheel: people do not want to have to learn how to use a site before they can browse it, Cunnington said.
3. ‘Leap of faith’ links: that means disclosing information on content and file size.
4. Attention-deficit Web sites: “Users have a special hatred of flashing icons and banners, because they draw the eye away from what is important and hinder their progress,” Cunnington said.
5. Too long of a page: “A common mistake in Web design is to just [convert] a brochure to the Web. But the Web is its own medium, and communication has to change to reach users. Users are known to read 25 percent slower on the screen than on paper, read fewer words and don’t like long pages which require scrolling down,” she said.

Another problem is when an Internet surfer misses key information on the web page. “We are now seeing right-column blindness, where users do not see information and links down the right hand side of the screen. This occurs because the right hand column has become known for advertising,” Cunnington said.

June 2006 Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Events

Wed. June 7th
HAMILTON HR HERO AWARD LUNCHEON - 11:45 a.m. The Chamber Club

Mon. June 19th
ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S GOLF TOURNAMENT - Knollwood Golf Club

Thurs. June 22nd
BUSINESS AFTER BUSINESS - 5:30 p.m. Ontario Jobs Now.

Sat. July 22nd
FIRST ANNUAL LOBSTER & JAZZ FEST - 6:00 p.m. Chamber Club.

June Business After Hours Networking events
Member cost : $0.00 [GST inc]
Non-member cost : $0.00 [GST inc]
Come out to our next Business After Hours at Brant United Way & Kelly Services
at 30 Brant Ave from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday June 20th, 2006

May 2006 Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Events

Thurs. May 9th
GOOD MORNING HAMILTON - HAMILTON CONVENTION CENTRE - 7:45 a.m.

Thurs. May 11th
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS - The Chamber’s Sales Leads Generating Club - 7:30 a.m. - The Chamber Club - More info: JO-ANN (email: j.orth@hamiltonchamber.on.ca)

Thurs. May 25th
BUSINESS AFTER BUSINESS - 5:30 p.m. - The Coach House - Dundurn Castle

Wed. June 7th
HAMILTON HR HERO AWARD LUNCHEON - 11:45 a.m. The Chamber Club

Mon. June 19th
ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S GOLF TOURNAMENT - Knollwood Golf Club EAR AWARDS

To register for any of these events email: p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca

In the year 2005, Canadian online sales had a record fourth straight year of double-digit growth according to Statistics Canada.

Online sales recorded a huge growth rate in 2005 but e-commerce was just over one per cent of total operating revenues for private firms.

Statistics Canada reports that combined online sales in the private and public sectors increased 38.4 per cent to $39.2 billion. Online sales by private firms increased 37.2 per cent to $36.3 billion, while those by the public sector increased 55.4 per cent to $2.9 billion.

There is a long way to go yet for web - based selling, but it is growing at a faster rate then retail sales.

This was the fourth straight year that the overall value of e-commerce sales in Canada increased by 38 per cent or more - six times the rise in overall retail sales in Canada in 2005.

The strong growth rate for online sales is contrasted to the slow adoption of basic information and communication technologies: In 2005, 82 per cent of all private firms used the Internet, unchanged from the previous year, and about 38 per cent had websites, up from 37 per cent.

Stats Canada says this seems to indicate that these basic technologies have reached at least a temporary saturation point in the Canadian market, much like the use of personal computers did a couple of years earlier.

We will probably see continued strong growth in online sales, as it will continue to outpace retail sales (brick and mortar companies)

Based on article I first read at Canada.com

When I started my new business, “Office Activate” several years ago, I researched heavily on how to build a better business plan and how to get free advice. The best places for in-house face-to-face advice that I could find were right here in our own community.

You are able to view resources and in most cases receive a free professional review of your business plan at these locations. You should first contact them and arrange a time to drop off your business plan and then they will review it with you in person the following week or so. Do not leave your original business plan as they will mark it up.

These resource centres can also help direct you to networking opportunities in the area. Computers are on-site to assist you with researching and starting your own business.

Top 3 free business advice agencies in Hamilton and Brantford, ON.

Hamilton Small Business Enterprise Centre

Address:
2 King Street West,
Jackson Square
Hamilton, ON L8P 1A1
Phone: (905) 540-6400
Fax: (905) 540-6411
Hours: 9:00am - 4:30 pm

They were willing to take a look at your website and give 3rd party feedback. They gave a map and directions on how to register a business, and how to register for G.S.T.

Ontario Business Connects services available at this location

• Immediate Business Name Registration
• Business Name Renewal electronic application (MBL in the mail within 2 weeks)
• Retail Sales Tax Vendor Permit electronic application (RST)
• Employer Health Tax electronic application (EHT)
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board electronic application (WSIB)

Clients can also do an immediate Business Name search at the workstation.

Brantford Brant Business Resource Centre

Address:
1 Market Square
Suite 201
Brantford, ON N3T 6C8
Phone: (519) 756-4269
Fax: (519) 756-6449

Accessibility: Accessible to persons with disabilities.

Workstation hours: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Ontario Business Connects services available at this location:

• Immediate Business Name Registration
• Business Name Renewal electronic application (MBL in the mail within 2 weeks)
• Retail Sales Tax Vendor Permit electronic application (RST)
• Employer Health Tax electronic application (EHT)
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board electronic application (WSIB)

Clients can also do an immediate Business Name search at the workstation.

Enterprise Brant

Address:
330 West Street, Unit 10
Brantford, ON N3R 7V5
Phone: (519) 752-4636
Fax: (519) 759-0098

Workstation hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Call to confirm operating hours during the holiday season.

Website: www.enterprisebrant.com

Ontario Business Connects services available at this location:

• Immediate Business Name Registration
• Business Name Renewal electronic application (MBL in the mail within 2 weeks)
• Retail Sales Tax Vendor Permit electronic application (RST)
• Employer Health Tax electronic application (EHT)
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board electronic application (WSIB)

Clients can also do an immediate Business Name search at the workstation.

Enterprise Brant provides financial and consulting services to local businesses with a goal of creating and maintaining jobs in Brantford Ontarioand the County of Brant.

Enterprise Brant’s services include:

• Loans for Business
• Business Plans
• Community Development and Strategic Planning
• Business Consulting
• Entrepreneurial Workshops
• Self Employment Benefits Program

Enterprise Brant administers a loan portfolio to assist new or existing small business with start-up, expansion or stabilization plans. Repayable, flexible financing of up to $125,000 is available. To apply you will need a business plan.

Enterprise Brant has loaned over $10.8 million in Brant to over 475 local businesses.

Resources for Registering a Small Business In Ontario

Sole Propietorship or General Partnership:

Cost $60.00 Registration + $8.00 per Name Search
On-line at Ontario Business Connects
In person at - Small Business Enterprise Centre in Jackson Square OR
Ellen Fairclough Builiding 119 King St. W. 1st or 15th Floor
For any questions with regard to registering a Sole Proprietorship of Partnership you can contact: Ontario Business Connects at 1 800 565-1921.

* Enhanced Business Name Search
* Business Name Registrations/Renewal

Corporation Registration:

Provincial Incorporation
Ontario Land Registry Office
119 King St. W. 4th Floor Hamilton (905) 521-756
Fee of $360. (Minister of Finance)
For more information please visit: www.cbs.gov.on.ca

Federal Incorporation
Industry Canada Corporations Directorate
(613) 941-9042
$200 when submitted on-line or $250 for all other means.
NUANS Report is $20 +gst. at http://strategis.ic.gc.ca
For more information please visit: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/engdoc/main.html/

Business Plan Resources:
Interactive Business Planner
B-Plan Section Help: BizPlanIt’s
Examples of Business Plans

Sources of Funding/Grants
Financing Info Guide - Financing Info-Guide
Funding:
Business Development Bank of Canada
Royal Bank
Grants/Government Programs:
Strategis -

To learn more about Muncipal Licensing Requirements for specific business types in Hamilton.
Visit the Building & Licensing Department for more information.

The Hamilton Public Libaray “Find-it Guides” for business startup for more information has: books, magazines or other resources for starting your business.

Search Engine Market Share for February 2006
This article shows data from the United States ( Year over Year )

NEW YORK - Google’s market share has risen 6 percentage points in the U.S. search market based on total queries. It is pulling ahead of Yahoo and Microsoft’s MSN, according to data released Tuesday March 28 2006 according to Reuters.

United States Search Engine market share summary for February 2006
Google = 42.3 percent
Yahoo = 27.6 percent
MSN = 13.5 percent

Google’s market share went from 36.3 up to 42.3 percent in February a year earlier, according to data provided by ComScore.

Yahoo’s market share went from 31.1 down to 27.6 percent from a year erlier.

MSN’s market share went fell from 16.3 down to 13.5 percent from last year.

Ask.com was the only other search engine to gain market share - from 5.3 up to 6 percent from a year earlier.

Google, had an 11 percent increase in total search queries for the month and this shows a healthy sector.

“We expect Google’s increased market share in search queries, and better monetization of queries to lead to increased share of ad dollars relative to its competitors” in the first half of 2006, Merrill Lynch analysts Justin Post and Lauren Rich Fine wrote Tuesday.

Merrill Lynch said Google also stood to gain in the coming months as its main competitors “struggle” to improve the technology and experience surrounding their search engines.

Google revenue rose 20 % in the third quarter of 2005, even though the number of searches on it’s site were down during that quarter.

March 24 Hamilton Chamber BUDGET BREAKFAST

brought to you by..

The Business Executives Organization
And
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

Guest Speaker: Minister Marie Bountrogianni

With

M.P.P.’s Judy Marsales, Ted McMeekin and Jennifer Mossop

Friday, March 24, 2006

7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

$25.00 per person (gst included)

To Register: p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca

Annual market share gains by the big 3 in the Search Engine Wars

Searches made via search engines in the U.S. topped 5 billion in December and the share of search by Google continues to grow according to research released this week by Nielsen//NetRatings.

Nielsen mentioned that just over 5 billion online searches were conducted across approximately 60 search engines in the U.S. in Dec. compared to 3.3 billion in Dec. 2004 - a 55 % year-over-year increase.
The big-three search engines: Google, Yahoo! and MSN performed 81.1% of all searches in December 2005, up slightly from 78.8% in December 2004.

In absolute terms, all of the big three experienced double-digit growth year-over-year in December 2005, however in terms of market share Google was the big winner.

Google Search grew 75 % to nearly 2.5 billion searches.
Yahoo! Search rose 53 % to nearly 1.1 billion searches.
MSN Search increased 20 % to 553 million searches

Google has pulled significantly away from its competitors. The market leader in online search posted a 48.8% share in December 2005 up from a 43.1% share in December 2004. Yahoo! place second with a 21.4% market share down from 21.7% the previous year while MSN dropped to 10.9% down from 14.0% the previous year.

Despite more searches, Nielsen-NetRatings found that the number of people connecting to the Internet in the U.S. rose just three percent to 207 million people. This meant that the average online American performed approximately 25 searches in December 2005 versus about 16 searches in December 2004.

More Internet Statistics

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events starting in March 2006

For more information please visit the website at: www.hamiltonchamber.ca

Wed. Mar. 1st:
CHAMBER’S ‘ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING‘ - Chamber Club - 5:00 p.m.

Tues. Mar. 14th:
GOOD MORNING HAMILTON (the Chamber’s FREE Breakfast Networking Event) - Host: CENTENNIAL COMPUTERS - Location: THE CHAMBER CLUB - 7:45 a.m.

Wed. Mar. 29th:
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - The Chamber’s Premiere Event
Location: Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre - 5:30 p.m.

Tues. April 11st:
Athena Committee “LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON” Chamber Club - 11:30 a.m.

Wed. April 12th:
Small Business Showcase/New Members Reception - 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Fri. April 21st:
2005 ANCASTER ‘ROYAL BANK’ DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR & ANCASTER OLD MILL YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER

Thurs. April 27th:
2005 DUNDAS ‘ROYAL BANK’ DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR & DUNDAS VALLEY COLLISION CENTRE YOUTH VOLUNTEEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER

Thurs. May 4th:
PAY EQUITY BREAKFAST - 7:45 a.m. The Chamber Club

Wed. June 7th:
HAMILTON HR HERO AWARD LUNCHEON - 11:45 a.m. The Chamber Club

Mon. June 19th: ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S GOLF TOURNAMENT - Knollwood Golf Club

Access to Professionals Business Clinics

Our “Access to Professionals” business clinics are presented in partnership with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Simpson Wigle and alrux.com.

Location: Small Business Enterprise Centre, Jackson Square

Accounting (PriceWaterhouseCoopers): Tuesday, February 14th
(1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
Marketing (alrux.com): Wednesday, February 15th
(10:00 pm - 12:15 pm)
Legal (Simpson Wigle LLP): Thursday, February 16th
(1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

Pre-registration is a must.
Fee: $20 for a 45 minute session

For information call the SBEC at 905-540-6400.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Feb. 6 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
Feb. 13 - Marketing Strategies
Feb. 21 - Insurance and Legal Considerations
Feb. 27 - Financial Planning and Recordkeeping
Pre-registration is required, each session is $30.00 or book for all 4 at the Fee of $100.00. Sessions are hosted at the Hamilton Incubator of Technology from 6:15 to 9:00.

Do you need help with your business?
Join our team of business entrepreneurs and use our experience to make your business work!

Location: Small Business Enterprise Centre, Jackson Square
Date: Wednesday, February 15th, 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Cost: free (registration required).
To register, go to www.teambiz.ca

Business Advisory Group Session

BAG is a not-for-profit incorporated organization of business persons, senior managers and professionals, working together as volunteers. Since 1984, Business Advisory Group (BAG) and its predecessors have assisted over 700 clients to improve their businesses by helping to achieve:
- Higher Profits
- Increased Sales
- Improved Cash Flow and Financing
- Expansion of Product/Services/Markets
- Business, Marketing and Succession Plans
- Improved Management Control and Reporting

Business Advisory Group (BAG) clients have included contractors, distributors, franchisees, manufacturers, publishers, retailers, service providers, wholesalers and home operated businesses.
We work with both start-up and active businesses.

Date: Every Tuesday morning
Cost: $150 per half day session
Call today for an appointment: 905-381-1999

Mon. Jan. 30th:
HAMILTON DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR & YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER - Reception 5:30 / Dinner 6:30 p.m. - Convention Centre - Keynote Speaker: RON FOXCROFT

Thurs. Feb. 2nd:
CONNECTIONS (the Chamber’s sales leads generating club) - 7:45 a.m. - Chamber Club (more info: JO-ANN: T: 905 - 522 - 1151 ext. 227).

Sat. Feb. 11th:
VALENTINE’S DINNER BUFFET - Chamber club - Reservations: 905 - 527 - 7241

Thurs. Feb. 16th:
MEDIA RELATIONSHIPS THAT WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS - a Chamber ATHENA COMMITTEE presentation - 5 - 7 p.m. - the Chamber Club

Tues. Feb. 21th:
WILL YOUR COMPANY SURVIVE A PANDEMIC? - a Science & Technology Committee presentation - 7:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - the Chamber Club

Thurs. Feb. 23rd:
BUSINESS after BUSINESS - 5:30 p.m. - Host: SOURCE CABLE LTD. - Location: PHILTHY McNASTIES

Wed. Mar. 1st:
CHAMBER’S ‘ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Chamber Club

Tues. Mar. 14th:
GOOD MORNING HAMILTON (the Chamber’s FREE Breakfast Networking Event) - Host: CENTENNIAL COMPUTERS - Location: THE CHAMBER CLUB - 7:45 a.m.

Wed. Mar. 29th:
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - The Chamber’s Premiere Event
Location: Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre - 5:30 p.m.

Fri. April 21st:
2005 ANCASTER ‘ROYAL BANK’ DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR & ANCASTER OLD MILL YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER

Fri. April 28th:
2005 DUNDAS ‘ROYAL BANK’ DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR & DUNDAS VALLEY COLLISION CENTRE YOUTH VOLUNTEEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER

New Canadian research shows that good or bad web site design is noticed in 1/20th of a second

In an article I first noticed from the BBC and then later at techtree, the amount of time it takes to come to a decision about first impressions of a web site is just 1/20th of a second or 50 milleseconds. This means that if people believe a website looks good, then this good and positive quality will spread to other areas such as the web site’s content. Or if the web site looks 2nd class or of bad design, a person may move on before even reading the content.

A study conducted by Canadian researchers, published in the journal “Behaviour & Information Technology,” were pleasantly surprised by their findings.

“My colleagues believed it would be impossible to really see anything in less than 500 milliseconds ” -Gitte Lindgaard, Carleton University

Fast conclusions
The Canadian team showed volunteers glimpses of websites, lasting for only 50 milliseconds.

The volunteers then had to rate the websites in terms of their aesthetic appeal.

The researchers found that the speedily formed conclusions closely matched with opinions of the websites that had been made after much longer periods of examination.

The Canadian team wrote that visual appeal can be assessed within 50 milliseconds, which means that web designers have only 50 milliseconds to create an impact on users.

Under the guidance of Dr Gitte Lindgaard, Carleton University, Ottawa, the team showed volunteers 50 millisecond glimpses of Web sites, and asked them to rate the sites basis their aesthetic appeal. Users were then asked to examine the site carefully, and provide a second rating. The researchers found the 2 ratings closely tallying.

Dr Lindgaard expressed surprise at the results, adding that her colleagues believed it would be impossible to really see anything in less than 500 milliseconds or 1/2 a second.

And just why do first impressions last? According to the researchers, it is due to what psychologists would call the “halo effect”. This translated in common terms means that if people believe a website looks good, then this positive quality will spread to other areas such as the website’s content.

Also as people like to be right, they will carry on using the website that made a good first impression - further confirming that their initial decision was correct.

Lindgaard warned on basis of the study that unless first impressions are favorable, visitors will ship out of websites even before they can get to know what the website has to offer and that is to your competitors advantage.

If you would like a free web site consultation please visit Office Activate web design services.

re: Canadian and U.S Search Engine Marketing spending statistics for 2005.

Search Marketing spending is up 44% from 2004 compared to 2005.

According to a Jan. 9 report released by the Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization (SEMPO) this morning, U.S. and Canadian advertisers spent $5.75 billion on search engine marketing last year. That number is up 44% compared with spending in 2004. The report, �The State of Search Engine Marketing 2005,� also projects that SEM spending in North America will reach $11 billion in 2010.

�This report confirms our belief that Search Engine Marketing has almost single-handedly revived a flagging online advertising marketplace after the stock market crashed in 2000� said Kevin Lee, Chairperson of SEMPO. “As consumers have become increasingly reliant on search engines to navigate the Web, investors have shown a renewed interest in the digital technologies — and in search marketing in particular.”

As usual, pay-per-click advertising led the spending, accounting for 83% of the total spending. Organic search ( searching through the search engines ) , which has not yet become part of the strategy for many large companies, lagged far behind, logging 11% of spending.

The survey also found:

* Google and Yahoo still command the lion�s share of Internet advertising.
* Branding, sales, leads and traffic are the top objectives of paid placement programs.

The report is based on a survey of more than 550 search marketers conducted by Radar Research and Intellisurvey last November and calculated the spend based on payments to search engines, search marketing agencies and in-house search marketing employees.

See other Internet Statistics.

Here is the summary of events for January 2006 for the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

� Tues. Jan. 10th: GOOD MORNING HAMILTON - 8:00 a.m.

This is the first event of the year and it will be held at the MOHAWK 4 ICE CENTRE (Hamilton’s new 4 pad arena) and they encourage us to bring our skates.
The new Ice Centre is part of the MOHAWK SPORTS PARK (corner of Upper Kenilworth & Mohawk Road).
When: Tues. Jan. 10th
Time: 7:45 - 9 a.m.

� Thurs. Jan. 19th: CONNECTIONS - 7:45 a.m. - Chamber Club
� Thurs. Jan 26th: BUSINESS AFTER BUSINESS - 5:30 p.m. - Host: TAYLOR MADE MEMORIES& THE HAMILTON CHAMBER CLUB - Location: Chamber Club
� Mon. Jan. 30th: HAMILTON DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR & YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER - Reception 5:30 / Dinner 6:30 p.m. - Convention Centre - Keynote Speaker: RON FOXCROFT
� Wed. Mar. 1st: CHAMBER’S ‘ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING’ - Chamber Club
� Fri. April 21st: 2005 ANCASTER ‘ROYAL BANK’ DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR & ANCASTER OLD MILL YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER
� Fri. April 28th: 2005 DUNDAS ‘ROYAL BANK’ DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR & DUNDAS VALLEY COLLISION CENTRE YOUTH VOLUNTEEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER

To register for any of these events email: p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca

But normally for Business after Business or Good Morning Hamilton events you can just show up. At least that’s what I do.

The following are all the meetings in January for the Burlington Chamber of Commerce.

All Candidates Meeting - 2006

Jan 10
Description:
FEDERAL ELECTION - JANUARY 23rd
Do you know where all the candidates stand on the issues that are important to your business?

This Burlington All Candidates meeting is your chance to ask the candidates about the subjects that matter to you most.
Seating is limited.
You must register and pay in advance.

Details:
Date and Time: Jan 10, 2006
07:15 am - 09:00 am
Location: Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel
3063 South Service Rd.
Burlington, ON
Cost:
Members Only Sign-In
Member ticket: $18.70 + GST = $20.00

Non-Members Only
Future member ticket: $28.04 + GST = $30.00

L&L - Healthy Lifestyle for a Better Business
Description:
As part of our commitment to providing education opportunities to help you grow your business the Chamber is continuing the Lunch & Learn Seminar Series. Take part in all!
Includes lunch.

Limited seating - advance registration only, no refunds for cancellations by Jan. 10.

Details:
Date and Time: Jan 17, 2006
12:00 pm - 01:00 pm
Location: Team Burlington Boardroom
414 Locust St. 2nd floor
Burlington, ON
Cost:

Members Only Sign-In
Member: $15 including GST

Non-Members Only
Future member: $20 including GST

Business after 5 - Hilton Garden Inn

Jan 18
Description:
Visit the new Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Burlington and discover that we have everything - right where you need it!
Details:
Date and Time: Jan 18, 2006
05:00 pm - 07:30 pm
Location: 985 Syscon Rd.
Burlington, ON
Cost:
Member Reservation: Your Business Card at the Door

Cooking Up Business Success - Cajun Style

Jan 25
Cajun Theme Night

Description:
An opportunity to extend your hands-on culinary experience and network over dinner…
The evening includes preparation of bread, appetizer, starter, entree, and dessert.
Afterwards participants will be seated and served dinner
Coffee and tea included - All drinks Cash Bar
Sign up for all!

Limited seating - Advance registration only - No cancellations within one week of event

Details:
Date and Time: Jan 25, 2006
06:00 pm - 09:30 pm
Location:
Paradiso Restaurant
2041 Pine Street
Burlington, ON
Cost:
Members Only Sign-In
Member - Cajun Cooking: $60.00 + GST = $64.20

Business before 9 - Goodlife Fitness Club

Jan 26
Description:
Be a guest of the Goodlife Fitness Club for the first Business Before 9 of 2006! The staff looks forward to seeing everyone there.

Bring your business cards and network up a sweat!

Details:
Date and Time: Jan 26, 2006
07:45 am - 09:00 am
Location:
777 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON
Cost:
Guest: Your business card at the Door

It is a quick and easy temptation to believe someone when they say to you, “for ‘x’ number of dollars, I will auto-submit your website to hundreds of directories and link partners and you will see outstanding web traffic and have increase in sales in no time”.

Do not believe them. Auto submitting for search engine optimization is a bad idea. If many people are doing this, the quality of the links are then eroded. At worst, those who have submitted to too many spammy link exchanges and directories will be penalized by the big search engines like Google and Yahoo.

Submitting your web site to web directories should only be a small part of your overall link building strategy. Do not only believe me, believe the king of Search Engine strategy, Aaron Wall from seobook. The most important links that your website has are high quality, relevant, industry-related links from high ranking web pages / web sites. Spammy link exchanges have hurt many well-intentioned web site owners.

Search engines are getting smarter about spam detection

The search engines, like Google, do not just take into account how many incoming links you have, but also the quality of inbound links and if the links are surrounded by low quality links, that is, spammy / low trust links. Search engines are getting smarter about spam detection and detecting manipulation of search engine results. Search engines can also penalize your site for a time and it would have been far better to have a professional consult before you submit anything.