CANADA NEEDS SMALL BUSINESSES

Often the billionaires with the big corporations make the news. However, the little guy or gal that run  a small business employing a few people are the real backbone of the country. Buying into a franchise or starting a small shop or working from home to earn a living, the economy progresses with this hard work. Your hair salon or mechanic shop or the farmer's farm- the list could go on- make the nation strong. Yes worker at a large corporation is needed to keep the work flowing. So next time you go into your bank- thank your teller; your grocery store- thank the cashier; your library- thank the libraian; and always remember all the rest. If you are a hard working Canadian or was one since retirement is your gig, know the daily work and grind of all has made this country strong. Here's to the small business person- in the city, in the country, on the farm or on the sea!!

CANADA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS BUT NOT FOR SALE

Is a sign I would like to put on my front lawn. As I listen and watch business reports and hear of yet another billion dollar offer to buy yet another Canadian company or resource, I always wonder once done will the profits stay in Canada or go to the foreign ownership? Yes, trade between nations keeps economies flowing and workers employed, but are they our Canadian workers? Some of our Free Trade agreements work like with the United States and Mexico. We have expenses here- Health Care! Are these foreign owners taxed so the money goes back to keep Canada afloat? If our resources are profitable, why not keep them Canadian with Canadian owners? Does foreign ownership give those individuals a say in our politics and our health and social services which are in place? We are a democratic country with wonderful human rights. Do I trust other nations are the same? No! Money talks and the one with the biggest wad, often speaks the loudest! Reciprocal trade-yes! Ownership- please think before you sign the dotted line! Canada may be at stake! What do you think? Do you feel there are enough safeguards in place to protect our future? The future of our grandchildren?

RISK TAKING HAPPENS EVERYWHERE

Sometimes the younger generation looks at their parents or other adults in their lives thinking "they are so boring and set in their ways!" Don't take any risks! Bungee jumping is not a big risk taker for me- it is just something I would never do. Does getting married while still in university with no money but student loans count? First four years of my marriage, I was at school. Paid off the loans and proceeded to save for the house. Then when the second child was born, Adolph bought into a business- from two incomes to an income and  a quarter plus the business loan. Two children, house, job and helping in the businesses- risk- you better believe it. The average commuter driving in rush hour traffic takes a risk everyday. Travelling to a foreign country- well it is a risk! To me going into avalanche country is actually life threatening! There are many things I do not want to do. Not because I am afraid, it is just I feel I have taken many risks in my life. Going for a new job is a risk for many people. Dare devil risks are insensitive to the people in your life! Stating your opinion while no one agrees with you is a huge risk. Would you swim across a lake without a spotter in a boat beside you? Risk can come with safety features. Backup plans! Change can occur at any time so it may be necessary to take a risk to keep going. To face the change. To face grief. To face a new diagnosis. Are you a risk taker? Have you had enough risk taking in your life? Do you crave for some stability? Tell me your stories. You can comment!

NETWORKING

In our careers, we all are used to the concept of networking. It builds relationships and hopefully it becomes a win-win situation helping to advance our work status. I find myself lately caring less about my career- probably an age thing and more about helping my children with their new business adventure. Tonight I went to an Open House for a new agency that supplies caregivers that may be a helpful resource for my work but I ended up marketing the new business and trying to determine if there is a link. I find it amusing that I have no difficulty trying to sell Lullaboo Gym- the new business. Then we are told watch out for the Momma Bear. It may be true that no matter how old your children become, Momma is still watching their backs. And Pappa too! Networking for the children has become delightful. Trying to sell me is less inviting. I wonder why that is? Have you had the opportunity to try to help your children? Is it easier to talk about them and their successes than your own? Will we be Momma and Pappa Bears for the rest of our lives?