tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657511328486289412024-03-13T01:49:45.302-05:00Winnipeg Business:Winnipeg Manitoba Business, What Winnipeggers are talking about regarding their city and businessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-21484588108883940132011-03-09T14:14:00.003-06:002011-03-09T14:33:44.642-06:00Winnipeg Jets Roller CoasterHere we go again...they're back! Its a done deal. We'll have a franchise next year. Yes <a href="http://www.winnipeggers.ca">Winnipeggers</a> are resilient thanks to half our lives being buried in snow and the mysterious "windchill" which is actually not the real temperature, but the one which tells us whether we'll be walking to the store or raiding the fridge for scraps of food. <br /><br />Can this really be happening again? Could I have actually fell for it again?<br /><br />I sat and listened to Hustler & Lawless' debut on 1290 sports radio talking about this being the biggest crossroads we've come across in 15 years. But before the show was even done, doubt seemed to be the theme. <br /><br />Yes, we are NHL compatible. Yes, we're likely next in line to get a team should one move. SHOULD ONE MOVE. Hustler said he'd never covered this in the past because it never seemed real, and to report on it would be career suicide, but now its more real than ever. Well Hustler...I hear Rona has a sale on nooses and stubby stools to stand on.<br /><br />Regardless of the efforts of the Goldwater Institute or all the press about how hockey should return to the 'Peg, we're no closer than we were last year at this time when saliva was flowing from the mouths of hungry Jets fans. <br /><br />I'm proposing we put a ban on all local media reporting anything Jets related until the official press conference is ready to be announced. At this time of year, its bad enough dealing with the black cloud that rests over every Winnipegger's head who can't afford to travel somewhere warm to recoup their sanity. We're already one of the most miserable city populations on Earth, we don't need empty promises to raise the water levels above our noses.<br /><br />Any city who thinks you can freeze property taxes for 15 years and progress in infrastructure are too cheap to sustain a franchise anyway. Don't get me wrong, I'd be all over the season ticket band wagon - that is collectively with a large group of friends for a portion of the season's games. None the less, I'd be among the sea of white. However, until this town learns that you need to have the attitude of a big city to support big city ideas, we'll always be the place people move from not to. That is unless of course you were born here, than you always move back after your first rent bill in a bigger town.<br /><br />Anybody got a quarter to keep this merry-go-around spinning? I'm sure 1290 sports or the Free Press will since all this is is a play on our emotions to sell advertising.<br /><br />Shhh...I think I hear the Jets coming.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-55119799870416988272010-12-13T07:20:00.004-06:002010-12-13T07:49:41.325-06:00MB Homecoming Lives Up To TaglineI don't know if it was the billboard in Neepawa or the mad deals on nips at Sals, but according to Travel Manitoba President and CEO Hubert Mesman, MB Homecoming was a success...possibly...well, maybe...could've helped tourism or something...<br /><br />I mean, we all should know by now that all these programs set out by the Economic Developments and Chambers of Winnipeg have no real accountable measures in place, so why would we expect any details on the success of this $2.5 million taxpayer expenditure? That would mean the organizers running these programs may actually lose their firm grip on the handouts from Selinger, and have to go out and find a real job like the rest of us. At least Yes Winnipeg! were able to raise the appropriate dollars from the private sector to pay themselves a salary for the next few years - a much tastier and more respectful nipple to suckle from. <br /><br />Yes, when asked about the project's success in hitting the targets of 50,000 additional visitors & 100,000 additional hotel-room nights this year in Manitoba, Executive Director Kevin Walters proudly exclaimed "it's impossible to tell." <br /><br />Wow! This tourism initiative really lived up to its tagline "You ain't seen nothing yet!" No we haven't, nor will we ever truly know if this brilliance in tourism marketing did anything more than to keep a bunch of government funded cliques with enough money to pay their bills through the 2010 season. <br /><br />When will the madness stop?! When will we quit allowing for these programs to exist without any accountability to results? Shouldn't part of the plan to award the funding be to outline how results will be measured? Isn't this key to any investment of taxpayer dollars? Did no one at the MB Hotel Association think that if family members were inviting other family members to come back to MB for a visit that they may very well stay with the relative that invited them? <br /><br />Thanks MB Homecoming 2010, you truly brought "Spirited Energy" back to Manitoba.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-57761472365434397162010-11-01T08:31:00.004-05:002010-11-01T08:54:39.163-05:00Blue Bombers Build Elliot High Enough to FallAll week the hype in the media was building our curiosity of Joey Elliot. His confidence, almost cocky attitude. His chance to shine in the spotlight as the Bombers look ahead to the next season. The Tom Brady-like potential of a kid who got a shot due to unforeseen circumstances who...just maybe...could be the future of the Blue's most critical position.<br /><br />And what do they do?... Rip the opporunity from him at the end of the game.<br /><br />Anyone who managed to stay awake the whole game against Edmonton witnessed the public castration of Elliot's leadership potential. With less than a minute on the clock left in the game, after choosing to pull 3-points off the board by accepting a penalty, one would think the Bombers were going for the win. Why wouldn't they? They only have spoiler to play and nothing but further fan support to lose. The latter was all they accomplished.<br /><br />Why run the ball on 2nd and 3? Elliot was showing true flashes of leadership and poise when the game was on the line. All year the issue has been the Bombers inability to finish, and here you have a kid who's making throws, looking confident and driving the ball. A true test of his ability. A real moment of excitement for die-hard fans looking to cling to something. Nope...we're gonna run the ball and kick and field goal. What?!<br /><br />Watching this play out was the epitomy of the Bomber season. A bunch of potential wasted. Let Elliot finish the drive! Let him answer the question of "can I finish?" <br /><br />I can't imagine one Bomber fan who doesn't feel like the last breath of hope about the future was exhaled with the decision to run. <br /><br />When you've had the season like the Blue have had, all you can do is hope to find meaning in meaningless games like these last two. After sucking the potential from Elliot like the coaches did; I'd be surprised if anyone shows up to the Stadium to witness the final disappointment of the 2010 Bomber season.<br /><br />You have the right to come up with a new slogan next year and hope "the Blue Revolution" all forget.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-56754074859112844242010-08-26T09:26:00.002-05:002010-08-26T10:06:55.369-05:00Winnipeg Kick Heard Round the WorldThank you Mayor Sam Katz for kicking Winnipeg into the global spotlight, courtesy of one child's face. <br /><br />Over the last week, there has been more press and internet activity centred on Winnipeg than any efforts ever made by the very lame "Winnipeg Incredibly Cool" website by Destination Winnipeg who are now Economic Development Winnipeg; the "Selling Winnipeg to the World" initiative which is now "Yes Winnipeg" and the "Winnipeg Inland Port" project which is now "<a href="http://www.winnipeginlandport.ca">CentrePort Canada</a>".<br /><br />Millions of <a href="http://www.winnipeggers.ca">Winnipeggers</a>' tax dollars continue to poor into these efforts to put Winnipeg on the map, driving interest for businesses and people to relocate to our city, without any reportable results. Meanwhile, our Mayor kicks one kid in the face - at no cost other than a few scared parents and a bag of ice to slow the swelling - and suddenly all eyes are on the 'Peg. <br /><br />What's my point? My point is results. The viral nature of information flow provides the ability to capture an audience - though often brief - it gives you those rare moments to educate and excite people about something. I'm not suggesting we have Sam randomly kick kids in the face each week and post it on YouTube, what I'm suggesting is that there are ways these entities that are responsible for marketing Winnipeg to the world can use the viral flow of information to keep eyes on Winnipeg. <br /><br />Now, I'm not saying I have the answer to what this may be. I do know it needs to be consistent, and it needs to have a target audience in mind. Its not putting up a video called "Does Winnipeg Really Exist?" and cutting and pasting a bunch of movie and tv mentions of Winnipeg to show that this some how makes us relevant. I still shake my head at that one.<br /><br />A perfect example of the lack of vision this city has in how we market ourselves is in a recent conversation I had with the women now responsible for social media at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. She openly admitted to me she's never really used any social media platforms, and out of the blue one day, was given this role for the Chamber. This is the same group that started "Selling Winnipeg To The World" - an initiative that, when it started, didn't even have an internet strategy. Now, they hand over the job of social media to a person that seemed more scared than excited about it.<br /><br />If it wasn't for Sam's misguided foot and a couple of lap dancing teachers, I don't think Winnipeg would have made news beyond Brandon over this last year. That's right...let's just keep pouring millions into giving people jobs to market the city without any consequence for failure. I'm sure there's plenty more Government nipples to go around.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-90913803365177826952010-08-05T08:09:00.003-05:002010-08-05T08:41:23.180-05:00Widening Inkster & Widening CostsOkay...I'm all for the development of Winnipeg's inland port. I feel our geographic location is a fit; our successful Manitoba manufacturing and aerospace companies will benefit; and the potential for new business development and job creation is immense. What I'm not sure of is what has truly been accomplished to this point other than a tremendous level of spending of taxpayers money?<br /><br />A trip to Mexico and tour of the Southern U.S. resulted in squat. I mean what impact are Diane Gray and her team making on these trips if, when reported on, they can't even spell her name right? <a href="http://www.prlog.org/10825638-centreport-canada-seeks-to-be-the-center-of-north-american-trade.html">click here</a> Didn't she leave a business card?<br /><br />Have they secured the land in Rosser yet? No. Without this, how will they secure tenants? Maybe they should spend less money touring the world, and more time working out relations with the rest of Manitoba.<br /><br />Does anyone in Winnipeg even know anything about this project? No. I know this for a fact as I'm out meeting with companies all the time. Majority of people just think this whole project is the airport expansion. I'm sure that's why Michael Rodyniuk left. He probably got tired of explaining that the two projects are completely separate from one another.<br /><br />Now I see that all the talk is around being Canada's first foreign trade zone. I'd say this is a pretty big deal. Why isn't the CentrePort Canada team shouting this to the heavens? They make a small mention on their website and that's it! <br /><br />My point is there needs to be more education and marketing locally in order for <a href="http://www.winnipeggers.ca">Winnipeggers</a> & Manitobans to talk less about noise pollution and tax spending and more about the potential for provincial prosperity. <br /><br />With the millions of dollars already spent, when will we see some real business deals closed and the potential for return on investment? Yes Winnipeg! I sure hope so...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-41763468550172726492010-04-23T09:54:00.002-05:002010-04-23T10:41:49.630-05:00CentrePort Canada A Little Late on a Business PlanI just read that CentrePort Canada, Winnipeg's Inland Port, is going to be releasing their first official business plan. <br /><br />Is it just me or does this seem a little late?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-17931805180023210542010-04-08T09:07:00.003-05:002010-04-08T09:18:53.430-05:00Winnipeg Slips as Desired Place to MoveWell I thought we were selling Winnipeg to the world, but according to U-Haul, we should be focusing on Canadians first. <br /><br />U-Haul International, Inc. just released the results of their annual 2009 U-Haul National Migration Trend Report titled "The 2009 Top 25 Canadian Destination Cities." According to moving data reflective of nationwide statistics for calendar year 2009, Winnipeg fell from 11th in 2008 to 14th in 2009 for destinations in Canada where Canadians want to move. <br /><br />Toronto, at no surprise except to everyone in the Prairies, was ranked No. 1 for the eighth year in a row, while Calgary came in at second for the sixth year in a row. Montreal took third and moved up from No. 4, with Edmonton dropping to fourth place from No. 3. Ottawa, Vancouver, London, Hamilton, Surrey and Mississauga rounded out the top 10.<br /><br />I supposed the people at the Wpg Chamber of Commerce will need to read the economic development plans for London, Hamilton and Missassuaga as the information they "borrowed" from Halifax doesn't seem to be working.<br /><br />Nobobdy blames people for moving away from Winnipeg, but the nice thing about us Winnipeggers is we're always happy to welcome their return, as many do. Now just to attract those that aren't ex-Pats?... <br /><br />I wonder if Missassauga just has more Spirited Energy?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-68437494990489198912010-03-22T09:16:00.002-05:002010-03-22T09:33:12.072-05:00Winnipeg Education - From the strap to medsMy wife is a teacher, and a lot of our friends are teachers or in education. Many of my evenings are spent hearing about our education system. Its not all bad, but there is definite concern. From the lack of accountability to the growing population of children entering the system who have either grown up in broken homes or foster care, what I often hear is that the system is moving more toward day care than it is teaching.<br /><br />One topic that comes up constantly is the number of children being prescribed medication for behavioural issues. ADD to autism, violence to lethargy; all seem to be remedied by one quick trip to the doctor's office. It was only recently that I realized how much of my wife's day is spent just issuing meds to the kids. <br /><br />In my Dad's day, if you acted up or if you weren't doing what you were supposed to, the principal gave you the strap. There are countless stories my Dad told me of him or his siblings or his friends getting a lashing from administration. <br /><br />Am I saying we should go back to the strap? No. Am I saying that meds don't work? No. Am I saying I have the answer? No. What I am saying or asking is, how many of you know just how many meds are being prescribed to children these days? Do you know the process? Is it your kids? What is the long-term implication? <br /><br />I have no answers, but I have questions. If you have questions, make sure you ask them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-57320255526346278852010-03-05T07:47:00.002-06:002010-03-05T07:56:33.318-06:00Winnipeg Jets Rumour UpdateSo the propaganda continues. Was Bettman really in the city and spotted at a Moose game? We all know how bad Chipman wants the Jets under his roof. We don't know how much Dave Thomson wants it...but if he does, we know he's got the cash.<br /><br />Here's what I heard as of 11pm last night: <br /><br />The Atlanta Thrashers will be relocated and we have our Jets back. The Moose will be moving to Saskatoon as they've been battling for a professional hockey team for years. The Winnipeg Jets will hit the ice in September of this year.<br /><br />Did you hear it here first? I guess we'll find out soon...or will we?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-14638946880711026822010-02-22T08:32:00.003-06:002010-02-22T08:52:53.967-06:00Yellow Pages' Continues To Move Away From PrintIt was just recently announced that Yellow Pages Group have purchased two online properties to expand their online advertising products; Clear Sky Media Inc., owner of RedFlagDeals.com, PriceCanada.com and Scarlett Lounge and; acquired an ownership interest in 411 Local Search Corp. This is further proof that management at YPG are preparing for the eventual demise of their printed directory. <br /><br />The Yellow Pages Group have been scrambling over the last year to battle against the plummeting advertising sales traditionally captured in their printed directories. Realizing the book is more a door stop than a reference guide, they've had no choice but to quickly develop an online strategy to remain relevant in the age of new media.<br /><br />The actions of YPG are clearly reactive based on the shift in dollars from print to online. Business owners must move with caution in trusting the expertise of YPG when it comes to selling services online. In fact, they may be out and out lying to companies in their recent approach.<br /><br />I've spoke with quite a number of businesses over the last two months, identifying a major confusion in the marketplace when it comes to the relationship between the Yellow Pages Group and Google. These business owners are being told by YPG sales reps that they have a "partnership" with Google. This is far from the truth.<br /><br />YPG have made a "strategic agreement" with Google to resell their AdWords program. This is not a partnership, and should not be communicated as such. Any person can open their own AdWords account and manage this auction for keywords. Yellow Pages, because they have always focused on local markets, have chosen to take on this management for their clients as part of a package when selling ads in their printed directories. In my mind, this is just smoke & mirrors for YPG to come across as providing more than they are. I know for a fact that in my local market, it was only this year that the sales reps for YPG were trained on how to manage AdWords programs to add it to their selling mix. A 2-day course doesn't produce experts in the field of online marketing.<br /><br />What happens in the future with YPG is still up in the air. They are very new to online marketing. My message to business owners is invest your money elsewhere in other media this year. Allow YPG some time to get their direction clear and some experience under their belt.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-21056627672015792472010-02-04T07:47:00.002-06:002010-02-04T08:55:51.409-06:00Have Your Read the Business Plan for Destination Winnipeg?I have a friend that works over at Destination Winnipeg. We got to talking about the mandate of the organization, and its relation to many of the development projects going on in Winnipeg. I was unclear on whether Destination Winnipeg is focused more on economic and business development or tourism. Therefore I thought I'd go through the website to get a better understanding. <br /><br />It was clear to me after reading through areas of their website that they are in fact responsible for both. Quite a task for an organization that receives very little funding support from both levels of government in Manitoba. Naturally, I was curious how they would plan to execute two very different mandates? So...I went to read their business plan from 2007 - 2009. What did I find?<br /><br />What I found was exactly the same information that I found on the website. There was no measurable plan of action. Simply regurgitation of who they are, what they do, what they don't do, and who they work with and won't work with. There is no execution strategy anywhere in the document. Allow me to share some examples:<br /><br />In the "Strategies & Actions" section, they list the following:<br /><br />- Increase “earned media” to help increase awareness of the city in external<br />markets through publicity on positive developments and city attractions<br /><br />How will they do this? Its mentioned no where. Is it PR's? I sure hope its not through their promotional videos. Though very well produced, most of them have barely cracked the century mark in viewers.<br /><br />- Attract group travel to Winnipeg through targeted packages to our primary<br />regional market. New focus is on youth and women group markets that offer<br />growth opportunities.<br /><br />What are the primary regional markets? What is a targeted package? How will you communicate/advertise to these markets? What media will be used? How will you know if its successful?<br /><br />The list goes on.<br /><br />I challenge anyone reading this blog to go to Destination Winnipeg's website; read the business plan, and then please respond to let me know if I'm just going crazy and can't comprehend what I'm reading, or if in fact the business plan is simply stating what they do as opposed to how they will actually do it.<br /><br />On a side note, you can now book your hotel rooms through their website. I'm sure the hotels - who Destination Winnipeg is supposed to be helping fill vacancies for - are quite happy to now have to pay them a percentage if a room is booked through the DW site. Hmmm...let's help the hotels by cutting their margins. Brilliant.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-75681794606636794312010-01-29T08:54:00.003-06:002010-01-29T09:11:09.042-06:00Winnipeg Free Press Has It In For KatzCall me naive Winnipeg, but isn't a newspaper supposed to provide an unbiased opinion to its readers on what's happening in both their local communities and to global events? If this is believed as truth, than how is it that every headline, picture and story that includes Mayor Sam Katz is either questioning his integrity, showing him to look conniving or leaning the reader to vote against him? <br /><br />Today's front page of the Winnipeg Free Press was a prime example to the hate on they have for our Mayor. "Katz vulnerable?" is the headline, showing a picture of Sam that looks like it was taken after giving blood...tired and weak.<br /><br />For anyone who's had the pleasure of actually talking with Sam one to one, as opposed to forming opinions based on his portrayal in the Free Press, you'll know the passion he has for this City and for Winnipeggers. For anyone who reads the Winnipeg Free Press on a regular basis, you'll know that they'll publish whatever sells advertising as they continue to diminish in content and revenue.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-26255695011748133512010-01-20T08:19:00.002-06:002010-01-20T09:02:13.731-06:00CentrePort Team Return to WinnipegThe team of 30 delegates representing the proposed CentrePort Canada project have returned to Winnipeg from their five-day tour of inland ports in Mexico and the U.S. The big question on the minds of many Winnipeg business people, "So what?"<br /><br />I don't mean to be cynical, but I just can't help myself. When asked about the purpose of the trip, Diane Gray was reported as saying, "We have a large network of stakeholders that all want to see CentrePort succeed. There is no better way to impress on them what we can be in the future than for all of them to see first-hand what success stories look like." Hmmm.... Is it just me, or would you not hope that the team heading the development of Winnipeg's inland port would already have visited an inland port some time in the past? Maybe even conducted some business with these ports once before? Minus Barry Rempel, CEO of the WAA, my guess is the other 29 have not.<br /><br />Before leaving, Chris Lorenc was quoted as saying, "the trip signals to the rest of the world that CentrePort is open for business," but is it? Do Mexico and the U.S. represent the world? My guess is that beyond the hands they shook during this inland port vacation, that no one else really knows about it. Even right here in Winnipeg, you ask the average person what CentrePort Canada is and most confuse it with the Airport expansion. The CentrePort team better hurry up and paint a bus to run up and down Portage Ave. to educate the market. We all know this seems to be the lead marketing initiative for most major events happening in the 'Peg.<br /><br />I've had the pleasure of talking with a lot of Winnipeg business leaders regarding Winnipeg's inland port. The confidence in this project from most I speak with is equal to an impotent man starring in his first porno movie. Semi at best.<br /><br />I do agree with what Dave Angus said upon his return, regarding the importance of creating a greater awareness to the project. I'm really curious what the strategy will be to accomplish this.<br /><br />I want nothing more than this to succeed and to wipe the memory of Winnport clean from the minds of all whom it disappointed, both locally and abroad. It's our turn Winnipeg! Let's get this right... we have to. This city and its people deserve it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-70718770015344653262010-01-08T08:21:00.006-06:002010-01-08T09:11:56.803-06:00Is SEO the fastest growing market in Winnipeg?Search engine optimization or SEO is quickly becoming common speak among business owners in Winnipeg when looking at where to allocate their precious dollars for marketing. For those who've heard the term, but still do not fully understand the process, here is a simple explanation. <br /><br />SEO is the process of placing a company's website top of the search engines such as Google or Yahoo, for keywords that a consumer would type in when looking for a product or service. In the past, the Yellow Pages provided consumers a quick reference point when locating a business categorized by their industry/service. Now, over 85% of people just Google what they need and normally choose among the top few websites that first appear on the search page to fill their need.<br /><br />Since its the job of an SEO company to position their clients in a place of high visibility, you'd naturally assume that an SEO company that is any good would accomplish the same for their own website. Therefore, I typed in "seo Winnipeg" to see who came up as the leader. I found <a href="http://www.freshtraffic.ca">Fresh Traffic Group</a> and decided to call them to talk with someone there about this growing industry in Winnipeg's business community.<br /><br />President Jerry Booth was gracious enough to take time out of his day to answer a few questions.<br /><br />Me: "Can you give me a sense of the competition in your industry?"<br /><br />Booth: "When I chose to open shop in Canada, I chose Winnipeg based on a business partner I had worked with for the past 5 years that lives just outside the city. When we launched there were about 3 other companies that offered SEO services... today there are over 190."<br /><br />Me: "Wow! How has this effected your business?"<br /><br />Booth: "Its created a serious watered-down effect. The market in Winnipeg are quite confused as a whole on what true SEO work looks like. Its not just a matter of putting a few titles and tags in the code of your website or writing blogs and tweeting. Most the companies in this city have limited experience performing true SEO, and are simply capitalizing on the knowledge gap of the average business owner. In fact, a major ad agency in the city openly admitted to me they don't know what they are doing, and when I asked why they offer the service, they said they're in it for the money."<br /><br />Me: "That seems a little scary."<br /><br />Booth: "It is. In fact, I've sat down with almost every major ad agency in this city offering our assistance in SEO. We are not a traditional marketing company, so often we will partner with agencies to manage the SEO portion of their client's marketing mix. There was tremendous interest in each meeting I attended; however, all that's materialized since is a new tab on these agencies websites now offering SEO to their clients. Whether they can deliver is another matter."<br /><br />Me: "Is the growth in this industry a threat to your success?"<br /><br />Booth: "Yes and no. The growth in the market has created a lot more awareness to the Winnipeg business owner on the importance of investing in the visibility of their brand online. The threat is that many that are offering the service are under-delivering and leaving a bad taste in the mouth of Winnipeggers. And, typical of Winnipeg, are trying to compete by offering the lowest price to get the sale. Most will find out you get what you pay for. We are top of search for our services in Winnipeg, and we'll remain there proving we can deliver. In time, as the business owner better understands our service, they'll realize that the SEO company at the top of Google is the one to use...why? Because we've proven our ability in our own position.<br /><br />It was interesting to learn more about this industry. I've been in advertising sales and marketing my entire career, but feel even while still young, I sometimes feel the whole internet thing is quickly passing me by. I know enough to know that I am best to put more time into understanding the power of branding based on a strong internet marketing mix vs. the traditional forms of media that seem to be falling to near extinction.<br /><br />The internet is here to stay. What is your strategy to remain relevant in how you market your business and services as we enter 2010?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-58901607056779373992009-11-20T08:26:00.007-06:002009-11-20T09:39:12.276-06:00CentrePort Canada - The BrandI recently went on to Google to learn more about the CentrePort Canada project. Like any average web user I typed in a search term that I thought would quickly bring me the most releveant information. I typed in "centreport". I thought the first website listed would be for CentrePort Canada, but what I found instead were a host of other CentrePorts around the world. <br /><br />I assumed that CentrePort Canada was unique in its name, considering the magnitude of the project. However, when you type in "centreport" on Google, you'll find that there is Centerport in New Zealand and one also in Fort Worth Texas. There was even a hotel listed in Nice, France that uses the name. Hmm... So then I thought I would try the term "inland port." This unveiled even more websites around the world from an inland port in Mexico to Kansas City's SmartPort to many others. <br /><br />I wonder if CentrePort Canada Inc. realize the competition they have in building their brand on the web? <br /> <br />I'm sure I am not the only person around the globe that is seeking further information about the project. How about taxpayers in Manitoba trying to understand exactly where their money is going? Brands are built and broken on Google, whether you are selling widgets, a tourist destination or an inland port. What opportunities are they missing from interested parties searching for information from around the world?<br /><br />It wasn't until I came to page 23 of Google, for the term "centreport" that I finally came across the official site for Centreport Canada. And page 46 for the term "inland port." I don't know about you, but normally I tend to look at the first page, and maybe....maybe the second page of search. <br /><br />It doesn't take a degree in Marketing to determine that the team heading Winnipeg's inland port project put little value in what the internet can do to build a brand and drive investor interest. Hopefully the recent addition to their team, Riva Harrison, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, will see there is life beyond Brandon.<br /><br />It's your turn Winnipeg.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-27882899476913070132009-11-17T09:31:00.005-06:002009-11-17T10:16:41.173-06:00Winnipeg Real Estate Investments "Pretty Good?"Winnipeg businesses and Winnipeggers should be embarrassed by yesterday's article in the Free Press about our local real estate investment market. The story shed light on the poor job done to date on educating national markets on the opportunities in Winnipeg.<br /><br />MMPI Canada, a tradeshow/seminar management company, have committed to holding a one-day real estate investment forum next April, the first since the company was established in 1992. If you go to their website, you'll see portfolios for many of the major cities in Canada, except Winnipeg or anywhere in Saskatchewan. I'm sure no one will find it hard to believe this company is headquartered out of Toronto, the centre of the world. These seminars are for the purpose of attracting real estate brokers, investors, lenders and property owners from around the country; so why has it taken 18 years to finally get their attention? Haven't we been Selling Winnipeg to the World for some time now?<br /><br />What I found striking in the article was the comment by Ken Yee, senior executive VP at Cushman & Wakefield Brokerage services, about the impact the seminar will have on those attending, "...I think some of them are going to walk away saying, 'Wow that's pretty good." Yep, leave it to Winnipeggers to really get excited about opportunities to grow as a city and province. <br /><br />Also, a question of accountability really comes into play when reading the comment by Don White, chairman of the Winnipeg REALTORS Commercial Division, "The Winnipeg market is under-reported on and misunderstood." Why? Who is accountable for this failure?<br /><br />The other question I have: "where do interested parties go for information on Winnipeg's real estate market?" Should they go to the WCC website, or maybe the "work" section of Destination Winnipeg's site? Hey, how about to the WinnipegREALTORS home site, or the "LivingManitoba.ca" site that is in replacment of the Spirited Energy campaign. Oh... you haven't heard of this? Neither has anyone else. <br /><br />Maybe our market is misunderstood because we fail to provide a unified channel on the internet delivering the value proposition for doing business here. Winnipeg should look at investing in their "virtual real estate," that is investing in positioning the message of Winnipeg in prominent positions on the serach engines. Whether it be a business looking for options of expansion or skilled workers looking for a place to relocate, each turn to the internet for their due diligence. Through consolidation of all these related websites mentioned above, and through investment into <a href="http://www.freshtraffic.ca">search engine position</a>, Winnipeg can build the brand that will sell the world.<br /><br />It's time to strive for more than "pretty good." It's your turn Winnipeg.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-63276575339725113142009-11-05T08:56:00.005-06:002009-11-05T09:45:21.368-06:00Yellow Pages Losses Lead to Attempt at Local SearchThe Yellow Pages Income Fund announced continued losses in the third quarter due to continued drops in revenue from print advertising. This has prompted the company to move outside their expertise and water-down the SEO industry further by offering advertising packages that would do more to target local search.<br /><br />To give you an idea of how far removed the Yellow Pages are from being Search Marketers, CEO Mark Tellier was reported as saying, "I think we're going to see a trend in the Internet, broadly speaking, to go more local." Going to see? Has Mr. Tellier ever done a search in his local market for anything before?<br /><br />For example, if you type in "Winnipeg SEO Expert" on Google.ca, one of the primary search results you receive are Google Maps results. Duh? These are local search results! Not to mention that Google has been geo-targeting a users IP address since 2005, providing users search results relative to their geographic location.<br /><br />If you are a Winnipeg business, and are still one of dinosaurs that thinks the Yellow Pages are used by your common consumer - WAKE UP! The Yellow Pages are out of their realm moving into this market, and are being driven by their revenue losses. They're old, they're dated. And, members of the Winnipeg agency that is responsible for selling Yellow Pages advertising in the city openly admit the company does not know how to SEO.<br /><br />If you want to be top of the search engines, hire an <a href="http://www.freshtraffic.ca">SEO company</a>, not a print company.<br /><br />It's your turn Winnipeg.<blockquote></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-27992143368689886692009-10-30T09:05:00.009-05:002009-10-30T09:36:41.121-05:00Winnipeg Businesses Confusing MediaWinnipeg businesses seem to be extremely confused in the use of media lately.<br /><br />Yesterday I was driving down Marion Street and saw an ad for the Manitoba division of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. The billboard has some guy on it next to a globe with the words "Dare to Compete.ca" in huge letters. Now the only reason I knew it was the CME was because I have met with the association recently regarding their marketing direction, and am familiar with their new website and branding. However, to the common person driving past this sign, it would be very difficult to determine that it is an ad for CME. Why? Because all text about the CME is in very small print, where the focus is on the website address. <br /><br />Here in lies the confusion.<br /><br />It seems that the majority of businesses in Winnipeg, and other markets in general, are now using their radio, outdoor and print ads to drive people to their websites. This is not a good use of a company's precious marketing dollars.<br /><br />If a company feels the best chance they have to capture new business is to get consumers to their website to learn more about them and their services, than why not invest in the actual form of marketing that specifically serves this purpose - Search Marketing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.freshtraffic.ca">Search marketing or search engine optimization (SEO)</a> is the practice of making a website directly relevant to the terms a company wants their brand associated with. For example, if I sell pool tables in Winnipeg, than I'd want to list high on the search engines when someone types in "pool tables Winnipeg." SEO investment ensures that you are placing your company's website in a position of high visibility to consumers actively in the market for your products and services.<br /><br />The Winnipeg business community are too conditioned to stop using traditional media, even when they see that the best opportunity for them to capture new business is through their website. And I know this because every radio ad you hear now ends with a company's web address; every print and outdoor ad has their website address as a prominent component of the ad.<br /><br />Winnipeggers, stop wasting your money! If you feel you the internet provides your business the greatest opportunity for growth, than invest in an SEO campaign that will push your website into a position of high visibility on the search engines. Use your radio ads to expand your brand through jingles or to highlight sales events. Use your billboards and print to shout the name of your company and something unique about your business, but whatever you do, quit spending copious amounts of money on old media to push new media.<br /><br />It's your turn Winnipeg! Embrace the sales that exists for your brand on page one of Google.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-27496806896322933192009-10-19T14:21:00.005-05:002009-10-19T15:32:41.681-05:00Winnipeg Business Still Trying to Roll A SquareWhen will Winnipeg & Manitoba's so called business leaders learn you cannot role a square? <br /><br />Armed with large federal and provincial budgets, they go about trying to educate the world of our wears. This my friends is not done by painting a bus that travels up and down Portage Avenue, nor having the biggest billboard in the city, nor advertising with all the local radio stations and newspapers. Why? Because no one beyond Brandon will ever see or hear about it. Still we shovel the same crap to the same old companies doing the same old stuff and we wonder why people don't take us seriously or why no one has ever heard of Winnipeg. <br /><br />Times have changed and Winnipeg business you will have to as well. I know some of you have websites now, built by people who have won awards in Manitoba. Awards are great and all, but results are what pay the bills, and an all singing website that no one sees only wins awards not customers. <br /><br />Today 90% of people globally use the internet to find, buy and/or research before any purchase or investment. If you cannot be found, you lose. Its that simple. <br /><br />Stop trying to role a square. The wheel has been invented - it's round and works much better. Okay... maybe all your old pals you usually work with have not got a website yet or they are still trying to fathom how it works, but in the meantime, business generated by the net is passing you by, forcing you to work 10 times as hard to catch up once you wake up to the new world. <br /><br />Don't be embarrassed to say you don't know. Don't be ashamed to use someone who does. And certainly don't be shy to spend all that government, tax payer money where your going to get the best return - with a proven <a href="http://www.freshtraffic.ca">SEO company</a>.<br /><br />The old school cannot have it's own way anymore, they are stopping progress. What for? Personal gain. They choose to agree on nothing until the divi's are worked out to everyone's favour. But what about the people, the city, the province, the tax payers? <br /><br />Winnipeg, it is time to get some BALLS, stand up, be counted and instead of doing what's familar, do what works. <br /><br />It's your turn Winnipeg.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-3625894694574905002009-10-15T10:03:00.002-05:002009-10-15T10:08:10.526-05:00Canada’s first Foreign Trade ZoneThe federal and Manitoba governments recently announced that they would put aside $3.5million to fund the start-up and operational costs of CentrePort Canada in Manitoba – Canada’s first <a href="http://www.foreigntradezone.ca">Foreign Trade Zone</a>. This is big news that has long-term potential for the country, because the port will promote Canada’s competitive advantages, including the National Gateway Strategy. <br /><br />The federal and provincial governments are partnering to create within CentrePort a one-stop shop for transportation, international trade and value-added manufacturing – a pilot project called the Canada-Manitoba CentrePort International Business Development Project. <br /><br />There’s also the new Pan-Western Outreach Program a pilot project aimed at raising awareness in business circles about Canada’s programs and policies supporting international trade, with a focus on marketing foreign trade zone-type programs, such as the ones being coordinated and delivered through CentrePort. <br /><br />As Canada’s first Foreign-Trade Zone, CentrePort will give international companies the option of shipping their out-bound goods to Manitoba, where they can be stored without additional duty costs, before being shipped to consumers in the United States. This is part of an economic agenda to position Canada as an attractive destination for international business investors. <br /><br />CentrePort comprises 8,093 hectares in Winnipeg, anchored by the James A. Richardson International Airport, one of the busiest cargo hubs in the country. The new zone brings together Manitoba’s existing transportation assets, including the airport, three intercontinental rail lines – CN, CP, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe – more than 1,000 for-hire trucking companies, the Port of Churchill and the Emerson border crossing to the U.S. <br /><br />A year ago, CentrePort was created under Manitoba Premier Gary Doer – Canada’s next Ambassador the U.S. – when the provincial legislature unanimously passed the CentrePort Canada Act, creating CentrePort, a private sector-led corporation. <br /><br />Since then, major infrastructure investments have taken place, including $212.5 million for CentrePort Canada Way, a four-lane divided expressway announced by Prime Minister Harper to increase speedy access for moving goods to the U.S. <br /><br />This package of investments and policies – from marketing to infrastructure to funding – is a comprehensive approach that will be required for Canada to compete internationally. It will help bring Canada on par with other countries that have inland ports and gateways that are hubs for export-oriented job creation. <br /><br />In an era when labour and business don’t often agree about trade policy, and political parties fight over infrastructure funding, supporters of CentrePort have spoken with one voice. Stakeholders from the Manitoba Federation of Labour have worked together to bring the inland port to life. The federal Conservatives and provincial New Democrats have collaborated to get shovels in the ground. As a result, CentrePort Canada is off to a good start as a model for integrated trade and transportation policy that could spark new economic development in Canada.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-45438995841457330362009-10-14T08:25:00.010-05:002009-10-14T09:23:14.912-05:00Human Rights Museum's Patrick O'Reilly Just Doing His JobThe Canadian Museum for Human Rights continues to get mixed press, with the latest being an attempt to somewhat villianize Patrick O'Reilly for his recent travel bill in promoting the museum to international markets. Anytime the new museum is mentioned in a group of people, you can pretty much divide the opinions down the middle - those that believe in its future success and those that only see tax dollars being spent. The $28,000 tab reportedly spent by the museum COO shares this same scrutiny.<br /><br />I myself have had the pleasure of meeting Patrick O'Reilly on multiple occasions, and I can tell you first hand the man is all business, fuelled by his passion to make the museum a success both locally and globally. <br /><br />Personally, I'd want the COO of Canada's first national museum outside of Ottawa to be sipping wine and eating cheese at a Bistro in Paris - as I'm sure there are many Winnipeggers who'd rather see him wearing a Jets jersey and eating roadside poutine. If we are to capture the essence of being a world-class facility, than we need to ensure that the people running and representing it are of the same class. <br /><br />The Facebook posts were meant for close friends and family, who'd be less interested in the business he is doing versus the travel experience. Those posts were for their eyes and ears and have misrepresented his efforts. If there is any critisim it is that Mr. O'Reilly should have had better knowledge in keeping those posts from the public. In saying that, the main point is that they were not for the public, and we as the public should only be concerned with the results of his travels. Anyone who travels for business knows that downtime to enjoy the destination comes as a natural consequence and perk.<br /><br />I am very confident that Mr. O'Reilly is using his time abroad wisely, helping to put the museum and Winnipeg on the global map.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-56937257196561791592009-10-05T14:01:00.015-05:002009-10-05T16:59:04.267-05:00Manitoba 1000 - WebidiotzI heard on the radio today the advert for the Manitoba 1000 website, so I went on Google and searched "Manitoba 1000". Guess what website was not on page 1?<br /><br />So I got around to thinking how is this website going to increase sales for Manitoba businesses when it cannot even list itself.... sounds fishy?<br /><br />After a little bit of research I found the possible operator of this website is wanted by all sorts of people in the UK, the courts too, for monies he ripped off them.<br /><br />His old company was called "One Move" here are some of the horror stories:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/News/Story/?storyid=1038&title=OneMove%3A_have_you_been_affected%3F&type=news_features">Neil Patel Story #1</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/News/Story/?storyid=942&title=OneMove_boss_sensationally_resurfaces_in_Canada&type=news_features">Neil Patel Story #2</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://blog.renthusiast.info/2008/08/death-of-onemovecom.html">Neil Patel Story #3</a><br /><br />Now I'm not sure if this is the same guy. and everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but the <a href="http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/News/Story/?storyid=2403&type=news_features"><strong>latest story</strong></a> says he owns "webidiotz" in Winnipeg.<br /><br />If you checkout their address 2157 Henderson Highway, Winnipeg it belongs to a company called Ade & Co. who are Patent Agents. No business name is listed outside for a web design company, but a testimonial from Ade is on the website.... very confusing.<br /><br />So if this guy is the same fast talking I'll make you rich shyster, Beware Manitoba! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Don't</span> be a Web Idiot.<br /><br />Do your homework. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-8979311693480938222009-10-01T09:16:00.006-05:002009-10-01T09:54:33.284-05:00Winnipeg Culture Website a WasteI must commend today's article by Morley Walker in the Free Press regarding the new cultural website promoting Winnipeg's designation as Canada's "cultural capital" for 2010. He nailed it on the head when saying "the trouble with a website...is...if you don't know it exists, you will never stumble upon it."<br /><br />With all the potential that exists from being awarded this designation during a very popular point in the new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">millennium</span>, you'd think more dollars would be allocated to the one tool that can drive qualified traffic and interest to Winnipeg - a highly visible website through effective <a href="http://www.freshtraffic.ca/">search marketing</a>. I find it very disheartening that when the Marketing Director of Destination Winnipeg is questioned on why more dollars were not allocated to the marketing of the site, she openly states that "we're going after low hanging fruit (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ie</span>. Grand Forks, Fargo)...People from Vancouver aren't coming here anyway."<br /><br />Wow... that's optimism! Considering I personally know 3 different groups of friends here in Winnipeg that visited Vancouver this year alone, and that the entire Manitoba Homecoming 2010 event is dependant on travellers from around North America migrating back to Winnipeg, you'd think - at minimum - a more positive spin could have been placed on the limited dollars being allocated to the website.<br /><br />What I can't seem to figure out is what the $60,000 allocated to this project was used for?<br /><br />Considering there are very limited dollars in place to advertise the project (all mailed leaflets I might add) and the website itself on the high side should only be $10,000... where was the rest of the money allocated?<br /><br />My guess is that it was evenly distributed amongst the same companies that continue to survive off the government grant money awarded to these half-ass efforts, making print brochures, charging copious amounts of money for content writing, and laughing all the way to the bank, with little concern for the success of the project other than just plastering up something for show. I'll be curious to see if there is any report in the future from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">DW</span> on the membership levels they gained on the new site. I doubt it.<br /><br />And I quote, "if you don't know it exists, you will never stumble upon it." There's a great big world out there Winnipeg, and those who know how to tap into it know. Hopefully egos will be put aside one day, and the companies that can truly deliver results will be awarded the honorable job of putting Winnipeg on the map.<br /><br />It's your turn Winnipeg.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-39258041539134639532009-09-29T08:16:00.006-05:002009-09-29T08:49:36.184-05:00Another Winnipeg Free Press Cash GrabToday was the release of the Fall issue of Wave <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Magazine</span>, "Winnipeg's Health & Wellness Magazine"; a product of the combined efforts of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the advertising department of the Winnipeg Free Press.<br /><br />What a shock that at a time when people are concerned over the potential harm that could erupt from H1N1 virus, the hungry Free Press ad reps come up with another winning model for revenue. This smells equally as rotten as the much anticipated, but highly disappointing insert they ran called "We Believe in Winnipeg." That piece was supposed to be a pullout insert that each week featured different success stories of Manitoba businesses across various industries. Instead it turned out to be nothing more than a double-page spread make work project for the editorial staff, feeding off the marketing dollars of the businesses highlighted in the articles. <br /><br />The "We Believe in Winnipeg" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">advertorial</span> was suspiciously timed with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">rollout</span> of the "Selling Winnipeg to the World" spearheaded by the team at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce - a time when there was much buzz in the Winnipeg business community over the potential to increase the profile of Winnipeg to the world based on a handful of major projects which included <a href="http://www.winnipeginlandport.ca/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">CentrePort</span> Canada</a>. Only after a large number of Chamber members berated Chamber VP Chuck Davidson at a regular "coffee-break session" with the Chamber, did they finally admit that the "We Believe" weekly edition was born from the ad department at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">WFP</span> rather than the editorial department or the Chamber themselves. My guess is that these same opportunists called the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">WRHA</span> with the same sales pitch to capitalize on the fear of many <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Winnipeggers</span> and Winnipeg business owners.<br /><br />If the purpose of the magazine was simply to educate the public on the "health threat of the day", the Free Press and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">WHRA</span> could have easily accomplished this through a series of monthly or quarterly articles, coupled with a dedicated information page on both websites. However, the ads just look better in a glossy, 8.5" x 11" bi-monthly mag.<br /><br />Its your turn Winnipeg...shake your addiction to print!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165751132848628941.post-75169550270730349842009-09-17T09:31:00.003-05:002009-09-17T09:53:39.523-05:00Winnipeg Inland Port Announces CEOAfter much political posturing within the inner circles of the Winnipeg business community, the announcement was made that Diane Gray - Manitoba's first female Deputy Finance Minister - has been named CEO of <a href="http://www.winnipeginlandport.ca/">CentrePort Canada, Winnipeg's inland port.</a><br /><br />Gray appears to have been the natural fit having been a major conduit in helping the inland port gain legs within all three levels of government and the private sector. The CEO position requires an individual capable of playing in both arenas, and Gray has much experience in handling this fine balance.<br /><br />At this point, CentrePort Canada has been more a concept than an actual project. Much of the delays in moving the project forward to this point have been in finding the right person for the CEO position, and according to Kerry Hawkins, co-chairman of CentrePort Canada, they couldn't have found a more qualified person for the job.<br /><br />"Without a CEO we are pretty much rudderless," says Hawkins. "We've been getting so many inquiries but we had to put them off because we weren't ready." We needed someone who could work with government and the private sector to get the port going, and find overseas markets. She's been there and has been doing all of those things already."<br /><br />Winnipeg's inland port sits on 20,000 acres of land around the Richardson International Airport, and is being touted as a major hub for the manufacturing, distribution and warehousing of goods in North America.<br /><br />For more information on the inland port go to <a href="http://www.winnipeginlandport.ca/">http://www.winnipeginlandport.ca/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0