Archive for category Small Business
Running a Small Business in Two Countries
Posted by Mike Haworth in Small Business on May 1st, 2009
West Seneca, NY – May 1st, 2009
I quite often get asked “Why would you open an office in Western, NY”. To many Canadians in Southern ON, having an office in Hamilton, ON and in West Seneca, NY seems like a strange combination. People seem to think that I should have opened a second office in Toronto or London, Ontario.
I think folks are surprised more by the complexity of operating a small business in two countries and their lack of understanding of the Western, NY market place as the main reason I get asked this question.
Yes, there are many legal and immigration issues to deal with when you want to be “International” but as long as you properly research the requirements and follow the rules then the border can be somewhat seamless. The larger issues are hiring local employees, learning the differences in the markets and building a business. Opening a second office for a services company is almost like starting a business from scratch. It can definitely be a challenge and not for the faint of heart, but when successful it brings a real sense of accomplishment. A key ia to have good systems and management procedures in place so you can manage from afar.
It is funny how a river can create such a cultural difference. Though there are many cultural business similarities between Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, NY, the river between these two cities seems to create many differences. It is these difference that seems to lead to a lack of understanding. Many people in Southern Ontario have the perception that the Buffalo area is a declining area with nightly fires and gun shots on the East Side. While the east side does have issues and the population is not what is was in the 1970’s Buffalo is still a dynamic city and an exciting place to do business.
Mike Haworth, President of Binatech System Solutions can be reached at: mike.haworth@binatech.com
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Peer Groups In Business – A New Era?
Posted by Mike Haworth in Small Business on April 29th, 2009
A change is taking place in the field of Information Technology and how owners of IT Companies learn to manage their business.
For many years, organizations such as the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) has existed which has allowed Presidents’ of companies, younger then 45 and with sales greater then $8 million annually to learn from like minded individuals. Organization like Young Presidents’ have brought together executives, from many different industries to share their success and failures.
Organizations such as YPO are fine for larger companies, but what about smaller organizations or organizations that wish to learn from other companies in the same industry. Such cooperation in one particular industry is very unusual since most company owners are loath to share their successes with their competitors.
So what is happening in the IT Industry where 200 plus companies meet on a regular basis, share their business strategies and financials and discuss their marketing plans freely?
I have discussed this concept with many business friends from industries outside of IT and they are literally in shock when I tell them that I meet once per quarter with other business owners from the exact same industry as me and we bare all about our business.
HTG (www.htgmembers.com) is a group for owners of IT companies of any age and company size. You are not required to employ 50 people and have $8 million in revenue. The only requirement to joining is a committment to executing on your plans and sharing your business experiences and methodologies with other members. A guiding principal of HTG is giving unconditionally and wanting to help your fellow company owner.
Not a believer?
Sounds unreal?
Perhaps, but the approach is revolutionary and is changing the lives of many IT business owners
Michael Haworth
President
Binatech System Solutions Inc (Hamilton, ON and Buffalo, NY)