As a small business owner it is very important to get the very best out of your employees; human resources are expensive and you need to see a return on your investment in people every bit as much as making a profit on the goods and services you sell.

Some people looking at this article will be thinking, “Not another article on networking!” Others will be saying, “Bring it on – the more networking tips I can get, the better.” Those in the first group will not have done much networking this past year, and even though they recognize its potential value, they never seem to make time for it, or make it a priority. They will likely have not received any business this last year from networking referrals. The second group will have taken advantage of every networking opportunity they could find, and their business has likely grown because of their expanding network. If you’re in the first group, you really need to read this article, so that you can network more strategically and make the most of your “face time” with potential customers, even if you don’t naturally enjoy it. If you’re in the second group, you’ve probably already jumped to the first tip!

Cormor is a newly established general contractor and construction technology distributor that has a team of construction leaders with experience across North America. They are introducing one of the first large-scale 3D concrete printers to the Canadian market, focusing on environmentally friendly solutions to the residential, commercial, and industrial construction markets through modular and on-site construction

Dianne Bartlett launched her dream business in 2012 following a 7 year stint as a sub-contractor for Home Depot providing in-home window covering sales and consulting and Design Consulting. Dianne operated the business out of her home for 5 years under the name Inside Design, before a growing customer base pushed her into the next step of her entrepreneurial journey: expansion.

Now re-named UpFront Gallery & Home, Dianne offers custom window coverings, custom-made furniture, imported furniture, and an assortment of home décor items. These include lighting, carpets, artwork, candles and holders, accessories and soft furnishings, i.e. cushions, bedding, tablecloths, napkins and placemats.

If you’re looking for a reliable, hardworking landscaping to beautify your home, look no further than Lyman’s Landscaping! A full-service, family owned & operated landscaping company, Lyman’s has over a decade of experience in the industry and takes pride in caring for their clients’ properties as much as they care for their own! This driven and passionate team provides clients in the Belleville, Trenton, Strirling and PEC areas with high quality hardscape construction, lawn & garden maintenance and snow removal solutions.

Barbacoa Boyz, their Caribbean catering business, specializes in Caribbean, Mexican and Canadian fusion food, featuring high quality, fresh ingredients. Jame is a highly skilled chef and has worked in the food industry for 25+ years, mostly in Toronto and the GTA. He and Christina first started Barbacoa Boyz Catering in 2018, working out of their basement catering kitchen in the Durham Region, saving costs and efficiencies throughout the pandemic.

Thanks to Chef Jamie Beeston and his wife Christina, there is a whole new flavour profile and a whole lot of “YUM” being added to the Quinte West area!