I just read this great article by Tim Sanders.

Asking How’s it going? often gets a negative response – or one that has no meaning.  Tim’s article offers some alternatives, my favorite of which is: What are you working on these days?

Next time you see me, be prepared for me to ask What are you working on this days?  I really want to know!

Interesting presentation this morning by Tony Grady.  Lots of valuable stories shared by a diverse panel of local business owners.

It was time well spent this morning thanks to the Business Advisory Centre at GPAEDC.

Sympatico finance published an article (attached) questioning the effectiveness of e-coupons.  One of the most interesting quotes says “78% purchase deals because they like saving money.  Only 19% use e-coupons because they want to try a new product or service.”

Also, the use of these deeply discounted coupons means “You’ve taught new customers that either you’re a discounter or your prices are too high to begin with.  The people who pay full price are the ones who keep you in business.“

One business owner who had some success with e-coupons in her first year of business says “It’s great if you’re starting out and have a unique service to offer, but I would not want to rely on them.”

Read the full article here.

Congratulations to Jeff Leal, MPP  – Peterborough on your 2011 win.  Now, keep your promises and live up to your commitments.

According to Bruce Philp in the October edition of Canadian Business magazine:

By the end of the first half of 2011, Groupon was reported to have had less cash on hand than it would need to meet its obligation to merchants.

Click here for a pdf of the full Canadian Business article by Bruce Philp.

Please remember to vote on or before Thursday, October 6.

Attended YES’ Friends of the Shelter appreciation night on Wednesday.  The evening included a screening of “Family on the Edge”.  It’s a fantastic documentary that remind me why I am involved with the Shelter.  They do such good work.

The evening was wonderful.  It was a great opportunity to catch up with some people I haven’t seen for a long time and make some new acquaintances.

Please remember to vote on or before Thursday, October 6.

Tuesday, September 27 @ 6:30pm

The debate will feature leaders of the three major political parties: Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty, Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

It will be moderated by Steve Paikin, host of the TVO current affairs program The Agenda.

The debate will have six rounds, with each featuring a head-to-head debate between two of the three party leaders.

In each round, two leaders will debate for six minutes. The third leader will then join the other two for a three-person debate for the subsequent eight minutes.

After the head-to-head debates, each leader will give closing statements.

Violence is an admission that one’s ideas and goals cannot prevail on their own merits.