Thinking About Canada and Canadians

Thoughts on November 11:

While watching the CBC broadcast from Ottawa, I was impressed by the participation and inclusion of  embassies from around the world, from America to Zimbabwe.  I wondered if the War Memorial would run out of space for the wreaths deposited.

For some reason this was the biggest observation of November 11 across Canada.  Perhaps the recent involvement in Afghanistan contributed to the national outpouring of thanks and appreciation of those who put their lives on the line.

I was further impressed by the gracious treatment of the Governer General's grandaughters in the reception line, as though Canada's inclusion had rubbed off on our visitors.

Hurricane Sandy and the subsequent storm caused such problems with the utilities, Canadian Municipalities dispatched their own crews and equipment to the US east coast to assist in bringing order and service to stricken municipalities.  They no sooner got things up and running from Sandy, when the nor'easter hit, and Canadian crews had to rescue the US crews because they couldn't deal with the snow, and restore operation, again!

Remembered the words of an American grateful for Canadian crews in the US because of the storms: "Who would have thought it would take the Canucks to know what to do and arrive equipped to bail us out."

Capable, inclusive and accepting.  In his acceptance speech, Obama said that in this term of office, he would work so Americans have more of these qualities.  On November 11 we exhibited the qualities of graciousnous and we were gentle.

Do you think we get something very important 'right' and could be considered world leaders in emotional quotient?

Finding Your Clients

It's an absolutely wonderful day today with a blue sky, sunshine and warm despite a sharp gusty wind.  I have just returned from my annual foray to feed my soul with local art in the Fergus Elora Studio Tour. 

I marvelled at just how well one of the artists has done since taking that leap of faith to create her own business, successfully grow it and be in demand.  She has managed to find her ideal clients and discover and fill their needs, making a good living from it.  There is a lesson here for all entrepreneurs.

"How do I sell my stuff?" is one of the usual questions. 

It doesn't matter what you are selling - art or heavy scientific equipment, the quest is the same.  You have to identify your ideal client, define their needs, determine how you can fill those needs (solve their problem) and go and find them so you can connect with them.  Communication has to be in the language of the customer, and you have to remember WIFM (What's in it for me?  Me being the customer).

What's in Art for me?  Tons - too much to define here - it feeds my soul, it makes me feel good and gives me the energy to help my clients!