Article written for the Coffee News Newsletter

How to Use LinkedIn to Grow your Small Business

You probably have already set up a LinkedIn Profile.  You connected with some people you have in your network and then, likely, have just left your page laying dormant on the site.  Using LinkedIn to promote yourself and your small business can be very beneficial and even lucrative.   When used properly, LinkedIn can help you gain leads, generate real business, meet others in your industry, and create a forum for collaboration with like-minded business people.

Here are some tips to help you utilize LinkedIn to grow your business:

Complete your personal profile.

Half of the profiles on LinkedIn are no complete.  That means they are not showing up on a LinkedIn search and should someone actually find your profile it will look incomplete as will your products, services and credibility.

It is essential to list your past work experience; include any major projects or successes, and education.  You want to look like the well-rounded, well educated, industry expert that you are!  To show up on more LinkedIn, and even Google, searches try to incorporate a mix of relevant keywords people might search for regarding your industry in your profile.

LinkedIn will automatically generate recommended skills to include when you type in your professional categories.  Use these words as LinkedIn changes them frequently according to what is trending online in that industry and having them in your profile can be beneficial.

Create a Company Page.

Where your professional and personal page can be about your skills and experience, your company page is your opportunity to showcase your products and services.  Include relevant keywords or phrases in your company description to optimize your LinkedIn and other search engine results.

Include as many products or services that you can, make sure the proper contact information is on your page and that it’s well decorated with a professional profile picture and header image.

Make regular posts with your Company Page.

Keep your LinkedIn Company Page alive and active by regularly updating your status.  This is not as time consuming as you think.  You can updated it with what is currently happening in your company or industry, link to interesting articles and use other content to generate more ‘likes’ and followers of your content.

If you get more engagement with your updates, even your 2^nd and 3^rd connections (followers of followers) will start to see it on their networks.

Join in conversations, groups and share ideas!

LinkedIn is full of industry specific groups.  From creative writers to web designers, safety advisors to silk screen producers, HR consultants, book keepers, child care providers and more!  This gives you an opportunity to share ideas and to network with like-minded people.

To find a group access the Groups Directory through the “Network” link on the top of your LinkedIn homepage.  Select “Groups” and you will be brought to a page that will allow you to search for specific group categories.

You can even start your own group and specifically aim it to attract customers.  Being the leader of a group can help you become a leader on LinkedIn within your location in your area of expertise.

Request recommendations from employees and customers.

LinkedIn has a function that allows others to give a recommendation to your Company Page.  Ask your employees and your best customers to take the time to recommend you.  These are like referrals, and word of mouth marketing is still the most effective.

Getting started!

Being active on LinkedIn will help your business expand its network, generate new contacts and leads, improve your credibility and search engine optimization.

Need more help?

LinkedIn offers free training webinars through the help centre.  Click here to learn more!

A blog post I put together for Solution 105

Alberta Reaches All-Time High Electricity Demand Due to Cold Weather

Photo from CTV Edmonton

It has been very cold outside since 2015 arrived last week.  Extreme cold warnings were issued throughout the province and most of us stayed huddled indoors waiting for the wind chills to blow out of town.

This cold winter weather pushed electricity demand in Alberta to a new all-time record on Monday, according to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)  The Edmonton Journal reported on the organization’s findings.

“Average demand for the period from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. was 11,169 megawatts, eclipsing by 0.3 per cent the previous record of 11,139 MW set Dec. 2, 2013.”

Temperatures have slowly been on the rise, reaching a balmy -18 degrees on Tuesday evening.  Mid-week temperatures promise to return to their seasonal highs of -8, however blasting winds will make the outdoor air feel more like -20 degrees Celcius.  On Monday the temperature lows, not including windchill, reached -21.9 C in Edmonton, -20.1 C in Calgary, -31.6 C in Grande Prairie, -25.9 C in Fort McMurray and -21.0 C in Medicine Hat.

The extreme cold temperature warnings remained into effect in the northern communities of Bonnyville, Peace River and Fort McMurray into Monday evening.  More people used electricity to keep warm, factoring into Monday’s high demand peak.

According to a spokesperson for AESO, other factors included Christmas lights, household appliances and more people using electricity in offices and workplaces after the long holiday break.

Edmonton has been rapidly expanding, welcoming an average of 30,000 new residents per year to its city limits.  The expanding energy sector in other areas of the province has seen similar increases.  This swell in the population means a swell in energy use.  The Edmonton Journal article stated that AESO said Alberta was on track for a 3.5 percent increase in electricity demand last year.

It takes energy to keep warm in the winter and energy to keep cool in the summer.  We are remembering the peak demand that occurred in July last summer.  Alberta set a new summer demand record at 10, 419.  Read about that in this blog post “Hot Temperatures Result in All-Time High Electricity Demand in Edmonton”

Makes you miss summer, doesn’t it?

A testimonial video produced for RenovationFind.com

Writer/Director:  Amy Hancock

Camera Operator/Producer:   James Cadden

K & J’s Custom Granite are an accredited vendor on RenovationFind.com. They have found the value in attracting qualified customers who are more interested in quality workmanship, exceptional customer service from a reputable company than just the cheapest possible price. They’re not looking for the cheapest company – they’re looking for the best companies.

Increase your business with quality customers by becoming a vendor on www.renovationfind.com. https://www.renovationfind.com/compan…

Written for RentersGuide.ca

Written for RentersGuide.ca

Blog post written for Solution 105

Atco Gas has launched a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) program that is aimed to help building owners reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut operating costs.  The program is aimed for small to medium sized commercial, institutional, government and multi-unit residential buildings and could reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 25, 000 tonnes by 2020.

Building owners that qualify won’t have to pay for the improvements as the utility will install, own and maintain all the new CHP units.  One third of the funding for this project is coming from the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation, which supports projects that reduce emissions and help Alberta adapt to climate change.

How do they work?  CHP units use natural gas to generate heat and electricity at the same time.  With each facility being able to generate electricity on-site, and using waste-heat recovery, they will be able to reduce operating costs by increasing energy efficiency overall.

Wayne Morishita, director of marketing and sales for Atco gas told the Edmonton Journal that they are trying to stimulate the market, create awareness for the program and get more building owners thinking about using CHP.  Once the project gains momentum it is predicted that the cost of these CHP units will come down making it possible for customers to use the technology without additional funding.

“This is a great initiative!” commented Chris Vilcsak, Owner and CEO of Solution 105.  “We are working with two companies that are installing co-generation projects like this, but owning and operating it themselves without joining the Atco project.  In short, this technology makes sense!”

The first two projects under the Atco CHP program are underway at a Red Deer leisure centre and Calgary Seniors Residence.  Atco predicts that the 250,000 square foot centre in Red Deer will save nearly $35,000 per year in energy costs as a result of the project, reducing demand of electricity by about 2 million kWh each year.  The technology is expected to save the seniors condo in Calgary about $28,000 a year reducing the building’s demand on electricity from the grid by at least one million kWh per year.

“It will be interesting to see how many firms want to bring in ATCO to own and operate projects like this versus putting them in themselves.  I like what they’re doing but here is some food for thought:  Maybe we should approach the province to do the same thing but allow the building owner to retain the benefits?” asks Vilcsak.

What do you think?

Read the full article in the Edmonton Journal.

About Solution 105

Solution 105 is an energy management and consulting firm located in Edmonton, Alberta.  They help companies in North America and Asia save money on their energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment by making them responsible stewards of resources.  Getting the best rates on energy and water, they’ll help make sense of the energy industry so business owners can get back to doing what they do best – running their business.

Learn more at www.solution105.com.

Blog post written for Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Return of Pinky the Humpback Whale

The west coast of Vancouver Island is home to an abundance of wildlife. Ucluelet whale watching tours report daily sightings of sea lions, harbour seals, sea otters, eagles, Grey and Humpback whales. The opportunity to observe this wildlife, especially whales, draws people to Ucluelet from all over the country and the world. Seeing a Grey or Humpback whale wave its tail, dive into the water or even breach out of the water is an unforgettable experience.

Both Grey and Humpback whales are migratory, passing by our coast annually on their way to feeding grounds. The nutrient rich waters around Ucluelet and Barkley Sound provide sustenance for these whales and many stop here for the season. There are a few individual whales that stop and stay here for the entire summer, year after year. We call these resident whales.

One of these whales is Pinky the Humpback Whale. Pinky was first spotted in 2006 by Subtidal Adventures, a local whale and wildlife tour company. A Skipper from Subtidal Adventures gave Pinky her name from the pink colour skin on her throat. You can see the pink best when her throat grooves are expanded while the whale is lunge feeding.

Year after year Pinky has been spotted in sound, identifiable by the distinct markings on her tail. Whale watchers and wildlife researchers use the photo identification process to determine reoccurring sightings of individual whales. By photographing unique scarring and markings on their bodies and tails, tail patterns and dorsal fins; and then matching these marking to photos taken in the past, they are able to accurately identify individual whales!  Can you see the markings on Pinky’s tale?

When we first started to see Pinky, we though she was a male. Two years ago she proved us wrong by returning to Ucluelet with a calf. Pinky and her calf were spotted several times, including a particularly entertaining time when the calf was name Jumper. Jumper put on quite a show one afternoon in Toquart Bay, leaping completely out of the water and waving its tail at excited whale watchers.

Humpback whales like Pinky come for the food…and that is why they stay.

“One year she stayed until November 19^th,” shared Brian Congdon of Subtidal Adventures. “Although we don’t see her every trip, she has been in the Barkley Sound area all week and I hope she finds enough food to stay all summer.”

Brian also commented that he expects Pinky will return with another calf in 2015. We can’t wait to see if she does!  Book your Whale Watching Adventure package with Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.

Until next time,

Amy Hancock

All photos courtesy of Brian Congdon

About RenovationFind.com

RenovationFind is a FREE online database to users to find the MOST TRUSTED trades in the home improvement and renovation industry in North America.   Companies on our site are individually screened and only the best-of-the-best vendors are listed on RenovationFind.com. Our stringent screening process eliminates companies who have had extensive legal problems, numerous customer complaints and signs of financial trouble. We hope to provide consumers with home renovation companies who rise above their competitors in quality service, products, workmanship and business practices.

Find blog posts like this one at https://blog.renovationfind.com/

Decking Materials:  Considering Your Options

The arrival of spring brings warm sunshine, longer days and a desire to spend more time outdoors. Canadian homeowners become busy preparing their yards for the season. You’re gardening, landscaping, building patios and decks to create an optimized outdoor living space the entire family can enjoy.

Whether you’re planning on building your deck yourself or hiring a deck builder, there are many options for building materials, structural design and add-ons. With several options for decking materials on the market, homeowners can choose between a natural wood, pressure treated wood, and manufactured composite and plastic decking. There are pros and cons of each option in regards to cost, appearance, durability and maintenance. These are all very important factors to consider when deciding which decking material will suite your needs the best.

Natural Wood Decking (Cedar)

Although tropical hardwoods have become options for decking building materials in Canada, the most popular real-wood decking material is cedar. You’ll love the way cedar decking looks and smells, giving your outdoor living space a rich and natural ambiance. Unlike other woods, cedar doesn’t absorb moisture as quickly providing a flat and straight decking surface that won’t warp and split.

Your cedar decking must be cleaned, sealed or stained in order to keep it from greying in the sun and losing its original colour. It’s a soft wood, so it can get gauges and scrapes easily from your patio furniture or barbeque. Without any maintenance your cedar deck will last about 10 years. It will last over 25 year with yearly maintenance including cleaning, sealing and periodic board replacement to remove any rough areas. Generally, cedar decking costs more than pressure treated lumber and less than composite decking.

Pressure Treated Decking

According to an article in Popular Mechanics, 75 percent of all new decks are covered with pressure-treated decking including the posts, beams, and joists. It is the most economical choice for Canadian home owners seeking a low-maintenance, affordable wood decking option. The chemicals in pressure-treated decking should deter rotting, fungus and bugs. To increase the lifespan of your pressure-treated deck consider giving it an annual clean with a power washer and giving it a coat of wood preserver or stain every few years.

Unfortunately, pressure-treated decking has a bad reputation for swelling, shrinking, splitting and warping. There are varying grades of treated wood and not all of them are equal. Ask about a premium or higher grade pressure-treated product and although you might pay a little more, your lumber will have fewer knots and a straighter grain which prevents warping in the long run.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is the answer for homeowners who want a virtually maintenance-free deck. Most composite decking materials are made from a recycled plastic combined with wood chips or saw dust. This material will stand up in all weather without splitting or warping like pressure-treated or cedar decking. It will never require sanding or staining, and besides naturally fading from the sun, you can have your composite deck looking like new again with the occasional clean with soapy water.

Composite decking is the most expensive option. It comes in several natural colours and you could consider staining it after four to six months if you wanted the change.

Plastic Decking

Another option to consider is plastic decking. Unlike the wood fibres included in composite decking, this product is free of all fillers and is made 100 percent of plastic materials. It will never split or warm, requires no finishing. One downside is that most plastic decking comes in ‘kits’ which limits your options for design. Depending on what you prefer, some homeowners do not like the unnatural look of plastic and would prefer the maintenance trade-off for a more natural looking product. Plastic decking is more expensive than composite decking.

Build your Deck Today!

RenovationFind.com has a directory of accredited deck product suppliers, deck builders and contractors. Find expert advice, quality materials and trusted-service from our list of deck-related vendors like Home Hardware in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

As a RenovationFind member you will get discounts on selected companies in your city. Learn more about membership benefits.

Video Scripting and Production for RiverCity Immigration

Writer/Director:  Amy Hancock

Camera Operator/Video Producer:  James Cadden