Small Business Community Network

03/26/2025

Register to attend SBCN Networking Event
April Lupi SBCN Member presenting.

Register to attend:https://www.sbcncanada.org/events/3251

10/18/2024

Are you thinking about changing direction but fear is holding you back?

I was a stay at home mom to four children, it was a full time job, my youngest a new born and my eldest 8 years old.

Once my youngest child was attending primary school in England, at 4 years old I applied for a job at British Telecom, and I was accepted for the position. Before I became a mother I worked as a secretary at an Insurance Brokers in Birmingham, UK.

Unfortunately I could not accept the new job I was offered due to an accident, and I was unable to move forward with that opportunity.

A year later I emigrated with my family to Ontario, Canada and challenges overtook my life once again. Breast cancer the first time, divorce and financial challenges, whilst I was juggling three low paid jobs.

A new relationship, and a second breast cancer diagnosis prompted me to go back to school; which I did not enjoy fully, but I made the most of it.

An opportunity came along purely because I had an idea and whilst still finishing a years course I decided to start my own business as a motivational speaker. Here I am almost 25 years later with two businesses, one of which I am co-founder the other one I am the President.

I shut fear out, I refused to listen to the voices telling me I could not do it. I persevered, I was resilient, and I still am, and I am always open to new opportunities.

If we think we can't do something, at least give it a try, you just never know where that will take you.

I am useless at playing pool but in the photo I am sharing today I find it fun to try; my husband Dave Ockwell-Jenner is excellent at the game. The least I get out of it is a fun time with my amazing soul-mate. I don't mind if I can't win the game, but at least I am practising and get better bit by bit.

Transfer that to anything you want to do in life and shut out the doubts and the fear. I know you can do it!

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10/11/2024

How best to find out how someone built their success? Good question.

I used to attend many networking events before Covid and I would learn so much from the presenters.

There are not as many business networking events out there any more that offer presentations, networking, door prizes, complimentary refreshments, but the Small Business Community Network (SBCN) 2003 till present, is a networking organizations that offers excellent networking opportunities.

Register to attend:https://www.sbcncanada.org/events/3205

Brenda Schrader-Sanders is the presenter

Ian Inglis Door Prize Sponsor

Workhaus SBCN Title sponsor

Dave Ockwell-Jenner and myself are co-founders we are always happy to share our secrets to our success also.

https://www.sbcncanada.org/events/3205

09/24/2024

My daughter Melissa Day is living with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. There is no cure.

Her story can be found via my podcast My daughter Melissa Day is living with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. There is no cure.

Her story can be found via my podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-177-interview-with-dr-lacey-pitre/id77545516?i=1000670471266

To help raise awareness and for people to understand what Stage 4 breast cancer, from the primary breast cancer, is and some facts not myths, I was honoured to be able to interview a wonderful oncologist for my Conversations Video Series. The audio can also be found on my Motivational Moments Podcast.

Medical Oncologist, Dr. Lacey Pitre, FRCP(C) from hashtag , was kind enough to chat with me about the topic of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) also known as Secondary Breast Cancer, or Stage 4 Breast Cancer.

https://hsnfoundation.com/

https://youtu.be/z43LNS-NrEk?si=DMCQ10BTw-PDwjB-

Linda Ockwell-Jenner is joined by Medical Oncologist, Dr. Lacey Pitre, FRCP(C) from Health Sciences North for a deeply personal conversation about Metastatic...

05/16/2024

Why do I tag people when they are in photos with me, or when I take photos of them? I like to share the wealth. That simply means when we tag each other we gain more exposure.

I have gained trusted connections and referrals by being tagged in posts. I love to give back as much as possible. It's not rocket science it's simple.

The quote I have shared says it all "Individually we are one drop, but together we are an ocean." — Ryunosuke Satoro.

When we work together we can do so much more and reach so many more people.

05/05/2024

I am joined by Richard LaTulip, Field CISO of Recorded Future, the leading threat intelligence cloud platform. Richard is a past serving member of the United Stated Secret Service and shares some of this back story in today's engaging conversation. We'll hear how Richard's career in the US Secret Service has enabled him to help companies around the world defend themselves against cyber threats.



https://youtu.be/vFPcC3YGSK4?si=wV-CYF_PLeKgmP6D
https://www.recordedfuture.com/I

05/01/2024

Why do I wear pink most of the time? Great question.

Let me take you back in time to the year 2001. I decided to start my own business Motivational Steps. A leading consulting and personal development company in Ontario, Canada. Through its portfolio of inspirational products and personalized services, Motivational Steps provides companies, organizations and individuals with the tools they need to reach their goals.
The company has enabled its customers to realize their full potential and continues to find new ways to bring increased value to future clients.

At that time I had no idea how to run a business, I had no money, and I had no connections. I researched in the library, and I eventually worked out that in order for me to be noticed I had to do quite a few things.

For the purpose of this post I will concentrate on why I decided to wear pink and how it became recognized as an integral part of my brand.

For those first few years I concentrated mainly on presenting at events and conferences on the topic of health and wellness. I would share my lived experiences as a two time breast cancer survivor. The pink was to raise awareness about breast cancer.

My first pink blazer was cheap and cheerful. As time went on I decided to put together, slowly, a wardrobe of pink clothes, for when I was the keynote speaker. There was no need to spend a lot of money on my clothes. But as time went on and within 18 months, I was being paid well for my services. That enabled me to purchase clothes that fitted my image and looked very professional at the same time.

If I am out and about anywhere I am easily recognizable and if I am not wearing pink people do ask me why. That's fine I want to be memorable.

But, and let me stress this is very important, my brand is not completely and utterly about the colour pink - think of it as a tag line so to speak. It works for me, but that does not mean everyone who builds a brand has to wear a certain colour.

My message is very important and an integral part of brand. If what comes out of my mouth does not make sense I would not be in business. If my content online did not educate and inspire others, I would not have clients.

I won't go into the whole process of the elements needed to build a professional, memorable and stand out brand in this post. But if you want to contact me for a complimentary call where I can offer some tips and advice please contact me: [email protected]

04/19/2024

Rob Clement, it was awesome to see you at the recent Small Business Community Network (SBCN) monthly networking event.
I will pop over and see you soon at the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, https://www.waterlooregionsmallbusiness.com/

I love the new location SDG IDEA Factory, 2 King Street W, Suite 100, Kitchener.

We have enjoyed a long relationship with you over the years and we are always happy to refer people to your organization, you help so many people.

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04/11/2024

Don't scare people away by being mean about other business owners.

Competition is good. It allows you to showcase your expertise, your loyalty and of course your amazing customer care.

Did you know that many clients prefer all of those three things to be in place before they even consider before doing business with you?

If you feel that you are not getting enough exposure for your business, I love sharing ideas, tips, suggestions through my stories. Let me know how I am doing, or if you want a different topic.

For instance have you ever noticed someone post something similar to this but with a different product or service "My jellybeans taste the nicest because they are multicoloured, not like the plain ones all the competitors sell". How on earth can they make that claim?

Remember the blue dress that many people thought was grey? Everyone's taste in candy is different; the same as everyone sees colours differently.

I will admit I do have a giggle at the people who see no reason to be consistent where networking is concerned. They drift from one event to another never making any trusted connections. Then they claim that each one is better than the other. But they are wasting their time, and money, they are looking for the "easy path" to their success.

That indicates to me that people who are drifting from one business to another are never happy. They are always looking for the "better deal".

This is where your brand eliminates those kinds of clients. Your brand message is understood and you are happily welcoming the clients who know your true value.

The photo I am sharing with this post has quite a wonderful array of wines. The wines are purchased and placed wherever the hotel person responsible for this task decides to put them. People will choose wine by either brand, price, taste, pretty bottle ( that's me) or other reasons.

If I like a certain wine I will be loyal to it, if I don't I won't purchase it again.

Every business has the same challenges whatever we are selling. Staying true to your culture, your brand story, and thinking first and foremost about the clients is the way to go.

I love helping my clients with this topic, it is definitely one of the things that catapulted my success to where it is now.

If you would like a complimentary chat with me why not check out how to contact me? no pressure, I would love to offer some ideas. https://www.lindaockwelljenner.com/contact/

I remember how difficult it was when I started my business 22 years ago. I am always here for you.

05/23/2023

If you are not already a member of the SBCN check out the amazing benefits below.

As you can see it costs less than purchasing a cup of coffee every day for 1 year!

$100/year
$12/month

The advantages of becoming a member of the SBCN as a brand new business are many.

Take the plunge join today!

$100/year: Save over 30% by paying up-front for a year with our Annual Plan. This is the best value for money and ideally suited for professional business owners serious about business networking.

$12/month for the business owner who is still working on their business plan.

05/23/2023

I love this Steve Jobs quote. I want you to think of the Small Business Community Network (SBCN) as part of your team. You have invested your money becoming a member. Investing your time will pay you amazing dividends.

https://www.sbcncanada.org/benefits

There is no extra charge for any of the SBCN Member Benefits!

Why struggle trying to do it all?

Check out the many benefits we offer and take advantage of them.

02/08/2023