Tell Us What You Think, Really.

Next week, the City of Airdrie's first-ever Business Satisfaction Survey will arrive in your in-box (that is, if you are a licensed, Airdrie-based business). We at Airdrie Economic Development couldn't be more excited. Each day we work hard to learn more about our business community to help it grow and thrive. This isn't an easy task... and it's one we don't take lightly. This survey will collect the benchmark data we want, and need, to help build programs that will ultimately support Airdrie businesses.

And, the timing couldn't be better. With the tremendous business growth we've seen in Airdrie, this is an opportune time to get the pulse of the business community and ensure we continue to offer a good environment for businesses to grow and thrive.

But, we don't have to wait for the official survey results to come to start talking about the Airdrie business environment. Let's start the discussion now...

What do YOU think about doing business in Airdrie? (Really, we want to know.)

-Sara

Getting Organized for 2011

Immediately following Christmas, retail stores send out flyers advertising specials on products to help with home organization – storage bins, shelves, hooks and hangers, you get the idea.

Amidst this home-organization frenzy, I wondered what businesses might be thinking of doing to start the new year in a more organized and productive manner.  Here’s what I came up with:

1. Update (or create!) your Business Plan – The new year is a great time to take a look at this all-important document. For help, check out The Business Link.
2. Focus on Productivity – Productivity Alberta exists to help businesses get more bang for their buck. Their site includes a Productivity Assessment Tool.
3. Tackle Your Taxes – There’ s no time like the present to get organized for tax time. Need help? The Airdrie Business Directory offers a list of local accountants and book keepers.
4. Do a Marketing Make Over – Start the year fresh by modernizing your marketing strategy. Entreprenuer.com offers great articles and ideas.
5. Make the Most of Memberships – Don’t forget to renew your professional association memberships. Pencil in 2011 meetings and events now to ensure you set the time aside and get the most value from your participation. If you want to get involved locally, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is a good place to start.

We’d love to hear your ideas on business organization ideas for the New Year.  Post a comment below!
Sara