sixredsquares’ Post

Business networking at its best.

Had the privilege of attending the Richmond Hill Board of Trade event yesterday, where I had the pleasure of connecting with Mayor David West over lunch. It’s always energizing to discuss the future of our local business community with such passionate leaders. That’s where outsourcing can truly shine – offering top-tier talent globally at 1/4th the cost while maintaining quality and efficiency. If you’re a business owner looking to drive growth, cut costs, and delegate effectively, let’s talk! #VirtualAssistants #BusinessGrowth #hiresmart #outsourcing

What can I say about Bruce that won't sound like a sterilized "professional respect" post?! Well, let me lean into a more personal perspective. I've known Bruce for a long time. I can't even remember when we met, but I know he's MC'd, facilitated and hosted more conference sessions and events I've attended than I can count. He's always been one of the most skilled, smooth and most at ease in the role, front-of-house personalities I've worked with. ...and that voice is like butter! 😅 He's a real pro. None of these many experiences really speak to why I'm so fond of him, however, that's best captured in a 2 part, more recent story. When I was going through the hiring process for my role at the South Island Prosperity Partnership Bruce was part of the team that I presented to as the last step. As a bit of context, when I walked into the room to do my presentation, I was a bit taken aback by the size of the group, and particularly that Bruce was there. Presenting to a group is never easy, even for someone like me who has done it so many times... and the additional pressure of this being the final step of an interview, for a leadership role, THE leadership role, at an organization and with a team I'd fallen hard for through the (lengthy) hiring process, and realizing that my slide show was on a different computer than the one I came with, and without my slide notes, and now Bruce is there?! Gah! Nerves. The presentation went well - I suppose, I got the job right?! Even though it wasn't a banger by my high standards, it was pretty solid. Phew! I survived the anxiety and I know I usually shine brightest in a free flowing discussion. Time for the post presentation Q&A session. All going well, I'm killing it... and then it comes to Bruce's turn to ask a question. He says, "Explain SIPP to a 6th grade class". Uhhh... errrr... I reframed the question into an answer about tailoring your message to your audience and deked my way through a stilted, if not completely clumsy answer... but I felt good about it and he seemed to accept it as satisfactory. Sidenote, I thought about it all the way home after, and texted him a more thoughtful response about neighbours from all professions and walks of life coming together to build a better neighbourhood together. That felt better. Phew! ...but that's not the story here, just some colour and context. The story here is how he's treated me since I arrived south of the Malahat. ...away from the place and people who have been my home for over 2 decades, where I'm well known and respected for my work, commitment to, and investment into my community and region. It's not easy to uproot your life, personal and professional to take on a new challenge, especially when you don't know who's who in the zoo, and don't have your supporting network of friends, confidants, mentors, or family to fall back on. All the things, places and people you know... (out of characters! Story continues in comments 😉)...

Ever felt like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle? That's me recently, trying to write a LinkedIn posts, I want it to be engaging, possibly humorous, AND definetly informative! As a New Business Team member of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, I've learned so much about business growth, networking, and community impact. But translating all those benefits into a post that makes you chuckle, think, and click 'Like' can sometimes be a challenge! So, here’goes. Engaging: Did you know the Chamber offers events where you can meet like-minded professionals and potential clients? Imagine networking over coffee and leaving with new opportunities! Humorous: Joining the Chamber is like finding the secret level in a video game. Suddenly, you’re in a world with more resources, more connections, and the occasional battle (aka, public speaking at events). But don’t worry, you’ll level up fast! Informative: Membership grants you access to exclusive resources, from insightful webinars to detailed market reports. It’s like having a business cheat code! Whether you're a small business owner or a corporate executive, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce can open doors and elevate your business journey. How do you blend engagement, humor, and information in your posts? Any tips? Let's connect and share our stories! If you would like to find our more about the support the Chamber can offer, your welcoem to contact me on 07540 781491 or r.black@birmingham-chamber.com or visit our website #BusinessGrowth #Networking #GreaterBirminghamChamber #Community #MembershipBenefits

Closing date extended to 30th July. Don’t miss you and your team's chance to be recognised as Public Sector innovators and leaders. Deadline extension The Ireland eGovernment Awards has had such a great response from people wanting to enter, but who needed the entry deadline extended, that we’ve extended the deadline. Entries will be open until July 30th. All projects welcome Remember that we welcome projects of any size, under 16 comprehensive categories. You may also enter under multiple categories. Entries are free. The online entry form takes minutes to complete. All projects that went live since 2020 will be considered. But hurry. If you want your work, your project, your team in the limelight, be in with a chance of winning an Ireland eGovernment Award 2024. We’ll be announcing our very VIP guest of honour shortly. You’ll be in good company. Aoife O'Reilly Niall O'Dónaill Tom O'Connor Garry Martin Gavin Woods Andrew Bolton Pat Power Sharon Fuller Mark Finlay Damien McCallion Kevin Carragher Leahy Jim Áine O'Connell Emma O' Callaghan Maurice Lawlor Colm Dwyer Matt Gorman Stephen Murphy Muhammad Obaid Kakar Maria McCann Barry Lowry Peter Davitt Louise J. Carolan Lennon John Stobie #awards #digitaltransformation #publicsector #ireland

Attended the Breakfast Briefing Q3 2024 in #chester to listen to the British Chambers of Commerce. Key takeaways include the observation that business confidence remains static, influenced by the uncertainty surrounding new government announcements and the upcoming budget. Notably, 56% of attendees anticipate an increase in their turnover over the next 12 months. #business #ChamberofCommerce West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce #networking #economicoutlook Think Beyond #managementconsultancy

Tonight the Chamber launches its 2025 Business Manifesto at the Annual Dinner, which is being held at Windsor Castle, with guest speaker Jose Antonio Jimenez Lozano, Managing Director AN Paints UK&I at AkzoNobel. This annual publication points to the role of the business community working with the regions institutions such as educators and civic organisations responsible for health and infrastructure and aims to help the cross border and sector working across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon to ensure that the region remains competitive globally. Find out more about Business Alliance membership https://lnkd.in/gricFjZH #thamesvalley #chamberofcommerce #voiceofbusiness

One way for local small businesses to tap into the global market is to adapt to the idea of offshore outsourcing. And if the advantages of offshore outsourcing were to be listed down then here are a few: 1. Contain your CAPEX and OPEX (without compromising on your output). By choosing to outsource your non-core activities at factually 60% reduced payroll cost, that too recurring cost means your balance sheet will be healthy and remain healthy. 2. Win the Margin Game: In competitive environment to survive and thrive a small business needs to deliver best service at the lowest cost to be cost effective for the clients. 3. Time Never Sleeps: Offshore Outsourcing builds you a leverage with the time difference. It means when you come to office, you have things ready on your desk to take forward. You and your team do not have to consume your time in trivial (yet important) activities that eats up most of your time and making one less productive. #FoodForThought If this sounds something worth exploring then reach out to: Shraddha S.: shraddha.sharma@ementalist.co.in Kevin Dsouza: kevin.dsouza@ementalist.co.in +44-203-519-7097

A great article by EchoLive on our Managing Director and Cork Business Association President Aaron Mansworth, as he looks back on the change and growth the CBA has experienced over the past year as well as his optimism about the future of Cork City. Link to the article in the top comment! #CorkBusiness #LeadershipInFocus #TrigonHotels #AaronMansworth #CorkBusinessAssociation

Are You Ready to Stop Playing Small? Enter the Wellingborough & East Northants Chamber of Commerce Awards Let’s cut the fluff: If you’re not putting your business out there, you’re missing a massive opportunity. The Wellingborough & East Northants Chamber of Commerce Awards are more than just a chance to pick up a shiny trophy—they’re your chance to step up, prove your worth, and get some serious recognition for the work you’ve been putting in. I hear too many business owners moan about “not getting the attention they deserve.” Well, here’s your wake-up call—this is how you get it. By entering. By showing up. By competing. It’s not just about winning (though that doesn’t hurt, does it?); it’s about demonstrating to your customers, competitors, and even your team that you’re not content with staying in the shadows. Think about what it says when you put your business forward: 🏆 Visibility: You get eyes on your business that you’ve never had before. 🏆 Credibility: Just being a finalist can be a game-changer for how people perceive your brand. 🏆 Momentum: Win or lose, the PR, the buzz, the networking—it all counts towards growth. So, are you going to take action and showcase the real impact your business is making? Or are you going to sit on the sidelines while others claim the spotlight? And listen—if you’re thinking of not entering because “it’s just not your thing,” that’s your ego talking. Leave that nonsense behind. This is the perfect chance to push your business to the next level. You’ve got nothing to lose—just credibility, connections, and potential clients to gain. The deadline’s looming. Get your entry in and stop playing small. #WellingboroughChamberAwards #BusinessGrowth #Recognition #NoExcuses