Intelligent Communities/Regions

by David Stewart

The new, emerging global knowledge economy being built on low-cost, high speed broadband offers every community and region the opportunity to become a center of world economic activity and knowledge sharing.  Schools in rural areas or inner cities can now access the latest ideas, research and information.  Small companies can become global exporters and share skills and knowledge across time zones and national borders. The new technologies, such as smart phones, can provide openings for the disadvantaged and those on the margins of society to more fully participate economically and socially.  And lets not forget about social media that can be used to build local and international relationships, market products and ideas and inform others about happenings around the world.

How We Remember

by Tricia Gilliss, Business Consultant

"Remembrance is the fiber of our freedom", I heard one distinguished Veteran say this Remembrance Day.  As Canadians, taking time to honour the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving for our country is a long-standing tradition that everyone should support.  Taking the time to attend a local service or asking a Veteran to share a story are all simple and meaningful ways to remember.

Hill Business Dinner and Ivey Alumni Event

McNair was pleased to attend the 37th Annual Hill Business Dinner on November 4th, 2010.  We have supported this great event for many years and always look forward to meeting the future leaders of the Saskatchewan Business Community.  The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Rob McEwan, founder and former CEO of Gold Corp and current CEO of US Gold and Lexam Explorations.  His interesting perspectives and unique experiences were entertaining and thought-provoking for all in attendance.

Explaining Social Media

by Tricia Gilliss, Business Consultant

In a world of tweeting, status updates, daily blogs and viral videos, how do traditional businesses stay relevant and spread their message?  The same way Saskatchewan entrepreneurs have built their businesses all over the province; by connecting with friends, family and customers through meaningful conversations.  Social media simply facilitates a conversation on a public platform.  More technically defined, social media is a form of media that involves user participation or user-generated content.  Social media elevates the power of word-of-mouth marketing.  Everyone, through the use of technology, has been given the opportunity to engage with others through the use of images, videos and even 140 characters on online platforms.

A Celebration of Projects that Matter

We at McNair Business Development are very privileged to work on projects that matter to the Province - from modernization of the public sector; to the expansion of private investment; to opportunity development for First Nations communities.  We also recognize the importance of taking time to celebrate Saskatchewan’s success, thank our valued clients and bring together business and government leaders at our Annual Business Celebration.

Message from the President

The way we do business changes as the world around us changes. This results in new ways of doing business, new ways to engage with clients and new ways to create value. Our firm has helped clients over the years improve performance and implement new business models. We are great believers in collaboration and sharing ideas and knowledge with others.

This blog is evidence of our interest in engagement, teamwork, building relationships and our quest for new and better ways to serve our clients and for our clients to serve their customers.

We invite you to be a part of what McNair is about, by checking back often to see our insight into various relevant topics, and to comment with your thoughts on what we have to say.

Doug McNair
President
McNair Business Development Inc.

iPad - A Look at Its’ Place in Business

When Apple revealed the iPad they issued a new product in yet another new device category - one that finds a place along side desktop computers, laptops, netbooks and mobile Smartphone devices.

And in doing so they have changed the playing field and allowed companies to rethink the way we are able to work in an ever changing information driven society.

The iPad really represents a paradigm shift in computing, the first really successful and widely adopted entry into full touch screen based computing. It introduces yet another business tool that companies can consider in an effort to be ever more efficient and productive.

What Harvard and I Think About Business Planning

by John Waller, Business Consultant
 
We recently had a Harvard Business Review (HBR) article circulate around the office titled “How to Write a Great Business Plan”. The article focused less on the nuts and bolts of a business plan and more on the key high level areas aspiring entrepreneurs need to focus on in order to sell people on their idea. The article included great insights into what aspects of a plan typically make or break a business and also described the types of markets and business models investors flock towards. It wasn’t until I completed reading the article that I realized it had been written in 1997, which is great because it hammered home that the fundamentals of great start-ups don’t change that much over time, even as the business world continues to evolve at an ever increasing pace.