Be the best you can be!
For those of you who were able to attend the recent Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Prosperity Northwest event, I will presume you share with me a great enthusiasm about being in business in Northwestern Ontario where we are poised on the threshold of so much opportunity. Kudos to the Chamber for drawing such enlightening speakers who highlighted the emerging and exciting happenings in their respective sectors. HealthCare, mining, forestry, energy, transportation and the First Nation economy all exude exciting expectations. Our challenge, and perhaps even our obligation, is to strategically position our businesses to profitably participate in what’s coming our way!
While the event was certainly well attended, I was surprised that more Thunder Bay businesses weren’t there. What a perfect opportunity to economically connect with others in the business community and perhaps discover a game-changing “opportunity”. I did observe numerous individuals interacting with business acquaintances new and old with cards and follow-up invites enthusiastically exchanged! But what about those who chose to remain home in their comfortable lair that day, complacent in the belief that their business doesn’t need to explore for new opportunities? Is this the attitude that will propel our economy into the future?
Also conspicuously absent were First Nation businesses and their representatives. While Wasaya Group admirably flew their colours, no other First Nation enterprises were there seeking out business strategic connections or potential customers and partners. This is surprising to me as such an event strikes me as the perfect venue to roam about sampling suppliers and /or businesses with which to align. I believe those First Nation entrepreneurs who truly wish to participate in the Northwestern Ontario mainstream economy and develop sustainable businesses and customer relationships need to consider attending such events and not just those organized the by, and for, First Nations.
Northwestern Ontario’s economy has been forced to re-invent itself and, as stakeholders, it is our collective duty to aggressively explore all means to grow our existing businesses and develop new ones. Participating in events like Prosperity Northwest can only enhance such efforts. Promote your business whenever possible and tell others loudly you are “open for business” and “easy to do business with”. Take advantage of every opportunity to be the best you can be as we move into the next economic frontier.
Rick Prior
