Carve The Path, Brantford, ON (2025)

01/24/2025

The Benefits of SEO for Small Business

Just because you have a small business, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to SEO. As an SEO expert through my agency Six Stories, I’ve seen many small businesses struggle because they didn’t have their search optimization in order. By utilizing common local SEO strategies and best practices, this type of online optimization can help your business get more visibility through better information and segmentation targeted to your ideal audience. Below are some of the ways that an SEO expert can help you.

seo for small businessConsistent Information Across Platforms
One of the first things many SEOs do when they get a new small business client is make sure all their online platforms are consistent. Then means checking to make sure things like website URL, hours of operation, email address, and phone number are correct. You’d be surprised at how many of your likely competitors don’t have their correct contact information on their online profiles!

Some of the platforms a local SEO review check entails are usually Google Places, Bing Places, Yelp, TripAdvisor (if in service industry), BrightLocal, social media, and other applicable review and business directory sites.

Instant Visibility Boost
By getting your online profiles in order, you are making sure your information is consistent across all online platforms your customers may be searching for your applicable services. This can give you an instant visibility boost, especially if you have online profiles that are tracked often.

Following other SEO best practices for small businesses can also bring about better visibility, often quickly. These can include:

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01/24/2025

5 Ways in Which Business is Like Getting in Shape

Everything I Know About Business I Learned from Getting Fit

Most entrepreneurs talk about how they’ve always been entrepreneurs even as kids, and I am no exception. But while other young entrepreneurs-in-training had paper routes, touted homemade lemonade on hot summer days, and sold candy door-to-door, I made and marketed Creepy Crawlers to the neighbourhood kids.

Even back then, I had my own style of doing things.

Flash forward to adulthood.

Not much has changed, except I now understand the work it takes to actually make money doing what you love.

In a nutshell: It’s not easy.

My career ran the gamut from the day I left college, after earning a Bachelor’s degree in nutrition. I spent seven years working as a recipe development and product development specialist for a food consulting firm.

Through various projects there, I discovered a knack for creating desserts and went on to become a pastry chef, and then a bakery owner.

Ironically, I ended up tossing aside the sugar and flour to become a personal trainer (I was always into fitness even while making chocolate mousse cakes). After 15 years of working in fitness I once again grew restless and rediscovered (I’d always enjoyed it) my love for writing.

I worked as a freelance writer for the past decade, won a couple of awards and again felt an itch to do something else.

It sounds a bit manic, but I thrive on challenge, and once I no longer feel challenged, I move on. Plus, I experienced success in each career, at least by my personal standards.

https://ed.gr/egezs

01/23/2025

Bootstrapping Your Side Business:
On Mindset, Money Management, and Working ON the Business.

What do Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, Pierre Omidyar of eBay, and John Pemberton of Coca-Cola have in common? They bootstrapped their startups from nothing to the juggernauts they are today.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that many successful full-time professionals are hustling to run a side business – all while also supporting a growing family.

While the juggling is undoubtedly something that can be done, it’s not for the faint-hearted. The long, daily commutes, the intricacies of building a business from the ground up, the demands of a job that still pays the bills, and the need to keep up with family life can easily take a toll on anyone who’s not physically, mentally, and emotionally equipped to take the plunge.

Wearing several different hats – and being effective at each one – is already a tough act to pull off, more so when the side business involves just you. But with grit, willpower, and some mindset tweaking, there is a way to get through to the other side.

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01/23/2025

Mindset vs Mechanics in Business

If I told you that I could waive a magic wand and give you the best business mindset or the best business mechanics, which would you choose?

If you chose mindset, you are probably already well on your way to achieving your true business potential.

Mechanics are important, but they can change and you can outsource mechanics. Mindset gets you up in the morning, keeps you focused, and causes people to know, like, and trust you.

The right mindset gives you a solid frame on which to build your business. Mechanics are the finishing touches that make your business more efficient.

The true potential for your business requires mutually-beneficial relationship with five categories of people: Customers, competitors, collaborators, colleagues, and contractors.

These people hold the keys to your long-term business potential. No mechanism or tactic can ensure you have quality relationships with them. Only your mindset can.

Having the right mindset—a growth mindset—will help you make sure each of the people who are vital to your business know, like, and trust you.

Having a growth mindset builds that trust and expands your network, filling it with like-minded and appreciative customers, collaborators, colleagues, and contractors, as well as competitors who respect and cooperate with you in a way that helps both of you grow your businesses.

Having a growth mindset requires you to believe the truth that there is plenty of business and good fortune to go around. Having a growth mindset requires you to believe the truth that money, opportunity, and success are like the flame of a candle: one lit candle has plenty of fire to light an unlimited number of other candles without
diminishing the size of its flame.

https://ed.gr/egezx

01/22/2025

My Business Path
Growing your creative business can be challenging, but also very rewarding. On the My Business Path track, we are here to help you design the creative business that fits with your passions, your values and to help you serve your ideal customer.

https://ed.gr/ee8rl

01/22/2025

Gran Turismo Sport Opportunities for Small Business

Gran Turismo Sport has changed Virtual Reality gaming and given the general public a whole new way to interact with some of the biggest brands in the world. This is no game for kids anymore and the older generation have fallen in love with this racing simulator.
The online championship will inevitably blossom into a serious eSport and you could be a world championship racer in the comfort of your own home.

So, does this provide an opportunity for an eco-system of small businesses? Yes, is the simple answer.

A deep, rich VR experience
The reviews of the game speak for themselves. This is a totally immersive driving simulator that goes well beyond a game. When you slip on the VR headset then you become a part of the action at the Nurburgring, Willow Springs Parkway and other iconic tracks.
You also get the sound, speed and real driving dynamics of a LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and serious racing cars from around the world.

Suddenly, a button-based controller pulls you out of the fantasy. It just isn’t good enough. You need a steering wheel, racing seat and pedals to truly make the most of this new world.
That’s where Thrustmaster comes in, with a range of steering wheel and pedal sets to suit every budget. The range-topping T-GT was created for Gran Turismo Sport, it’s officially licensed and it’s an absolute beast.

The T-GT is built around T-DFB technology that gives increased feedback through the steering column and leather-wrapped wheel. You’ll feel every nuance of the track surface as you go wheel-to-wheel with your rival to the apex. That takes you deeper into the game, which makes you a better racer.

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01/22/2025

What is Your Why?

Do your eyes pop open in the morning as you enthusiastically spring from bed or do you lay there wishing you could turn over and just forget the day ahead?

If the latter, you may be missing your “why.” Without your why you cannot succeed because you will forget your purpose and burn out. You need to know why you are doing what you do?

You can have long-term “whys” and short-term “whys.” Is your why to provide for your family? Be able to buy special gifts for your loved ones this Christmas season? To give back to your community? To grow yourself as a person?

There are so many reasons behind what we do. You can have more than one why but you need to hone in on what is at the heart of everything. What is most important to you personally.

https://ed.gr/egez3

01/21/2025

10 Effective Strategies for Creative Professionals to Market Their Freelance Business Profitably

As a creative professional, running a successful freelance business requires more than just honing your craft. Effectively marketing your skills and services is essential to attract clients and ensure a steady stream of profitable projects. In this article, we will explore ten actionable strategies to help creative professionals market their freelance businesses in the most profitable way.

Define Your Creative Freelance Business Niche

Specialization is vital for freelance creative professionals. To truly excel in your field, it’s important to identify your strengths and passions and focus on a specific niche. By becoming an expert in that area, you can easily target the right audience and highlight your unique value proposition alongside relevant content. Specialization is the key to standing out in a competitive market and establishing yourself as a trusted authority. Embrace your expertise, let it guide you towards success, and remember that the more specialized you are, the greater impact you will have. Take the time to delve deep into your niche, harness your knowledge and skills, and differentiate yourself from the competition.

https://carvethepath.com/my-business-path/marketing/market-freelance-business-profitably/?utm_source=CTP&utm_medium=FB&utm_campaign=CTP-FB-BP-marketing&utm_term=10-effective-strategies-for-creatives-to-market-freelance-business-profitably

01/21/2025

Rich Dad Poor Book Review

Robert Kiyosaki, Author of Rich Dad Poor Dad
Image Source: The Rich Dad Company : http://ed.gr/egez6

Getting Your
Finances Together
It’s hard not to hear about the book Rich Dad Poor Dad when talking about popular finance books. Even though it’s been around for awhile, there’s a good reason why it’s still considered required reading. Robert Kiyosaki doesn’t just teach you personal finance fundamentals, he provides a way for readers to shift their thinking about money altogether.

A Quick Overview of the Book
Written as a parable, where the narrator has two fathers and compares how his actual father didn’t do well compared to his rich dad. The poor dad is like those who are caught up in the rat race, trapped in a cycle of needing more but not being able to achieve their dreams of accumulating wealth. The rich dad, however, represents the wealthy who has learned personal finance knowledge (like accounting and generating assets) and used it to their advantage. They aren’t caught in the vicious cycle like the poor dad is.

https://ed.gr/egez7

01/20/2025

Small Business Marketing: A Guide for Creative Professionals

Embrace the infinite possibilities that await your creative small business in the world of marketing. Discover innovative approaches that will invigorate your brand and captivate your target audience. Enhance your visibility, maximize your reach, and unleash your creative prowess through strategic branding, compelling storytelling, and engaging social media campaigns. Let us guide you on this transformative journey towards success.

Understanding the Creative Niche Markets

Creative professionals excel in niche markets, adeptly navigating unique challenges and seizing extraordinary opportunities. They skillfully capture life’s fleeting moments through photography. As graphic designers, they shape brands with artistic flair. Animators breathe enchanting life into stories, while writers weave creativity through captivating narratives. Sculptors meticulously sculpt raw materials with masterful precision, while potters craft functional artistry. Creative marketing agencies orchestrate awe-inspiring campaigns. Their specialized expertise demands tailor-made marketing approaches. With vast knowledge and unwavering commitment, these individuals constantly push boundaries, bringing mesmerizing visions to reality and leaving an indelible mark on their respective industries. Their talent and ingenuity contribute to the ever-evolving tapestry of creativity, innovation, and inspiration, solidifying their position as trailblazers in this ever-changing world.

https://carvethepath.com/my-business-path/marketing/small-business-marketing/?utm_source=CTP&utm_medium=FB&utm_campaign=CTP-FB-BP-marketing&utm_term=small-business-marketing-guide-for-creative-professionals

01/20/2025

My Life Path

On the My Life Path track, we focus on self care for you, the , so you can be the best you can be. Taking care of yourself will give you the fuel you need to build the best life for you and your family, while also helping you build the best creative business, that is designed to fit into your ideal lifestyle.

https://ed.gr/ef9yg

01/19/2025

Bootstrapping: 5 Strategies for Business Growth

There are two absolute guarantees when you’re starting a business:
1. It will be difficult.
2. It will cost money.
Getting over the challenges and demand of running a business requires hard work, grit and some luck. The financial support comes from investors, a loan or a bootstrapping strategy.
For freelancers or those trying to make their “side hustle” into a full time gig, bootstrapping presents the most upside. It’s not easy, but the opportunity to grow without debt or initial costs pays off big in a big way. Just ask Will Dean of Tough Mudder or Nick Woodman of GoPro or stock exchange giants like Facebook, Apple and Coca Cola.

Data from ProjectionHub suggests about 34 percent of startups are bootstrapping. If you’re part of that intrepid one-third of business owners, consider these strategies for success.

business

https://ed.gr/ef7l4

01/19/2025

8 Steps to Building Your Personal Brand
and Why You Need to Do It!

Everything I Know About Business I Learned from Getting Fit
personal branding find your thing
Building Your Personal Brand: For years, marketers have worked with companies to build their brand. Cementing a brand message into a consumer’s mind makes sure you’ll get a shot at their business when they need your service. Imagine your air conditioner stops working and it’s 95 degrees outside. You’ll head to your computer and do a search for a repair company. You’ll likely click on the first company you see that has a name or brand you already know.

https://ed.gr/ef9yk

01/18/2025

Finding Your Avatar For Your Products and Services

“If you are selling to everyone you will sell to no one.”
This is one of the most powerful principles that can make the difference between traction and tire spinning in your business. Ask ten first-time entrepreneurs who will buy their product or service and a high percentage of them are so excited that they will scream “anyone!”
“Anyone who wants to improve their life,” will buy my coaching, a new life coach will confidently announce.
“Everyone eats, so the market is limitless!” an organic meat producer will exclaim.
“Whoever needs to lose ten pounds,” a personal trainer will declare.
Five years later, the ones who still think that will either be out of business or struggling without much real progress.
It’s certainly true that everyone could theoretically buy from you, but “theoretically possible” is not a marketing plan. Theoretically possible doesn’t tell you anything about how to effectively market your products or services.

https://ed.gr/ef7l5

01/18/2025

How GT Sport is Bridging Video Gamer to Race Car Driver

If you’ve been around video games for the past two decades, you’ve likely heard of Gran Turismo, Italian for grand touring. GT is a racing video game series developed specifically for Sony Playstation. What makes GT such a unique series is its focus on the extremely realistic representation and performance of racing vehicles, most of which are actually licensed replicas of real-life vehicles.
This best-selling video game franchise on the Sony brand, with about 72.6 million units sold since its debut in 1997, has also led to the GT Academy. This is a driver discovery and development program started back in 2008 by Sony, Nissan Europe, and Polyphony Digital (the development studio behind GT). In essence, this revolutionary and visionary program turns video game racers and GT fans into real-world race car drivers.

Here’s how it works: People qualify for the GT Academy via online qualifiers within the video game. Then, the top qualifiers go on to the national finals of their respective countries. The winners of each country next make the trip to the UK for race camp and the final selection. The overall winner gets put through a thorough driver-development program conceived by Nissan, with the goal to train and license them into professional race car drivers competing in races all across the globe.

https://ed.gr/egl00

01/17/2025

How Embracing Negative Customer Feedback Can Steer Your Business in the Right Direction

I listened to Jordan Harbinger and Jay Baer in episode 491 of the Art of Charm Podcast, talk about negative customer feedback, customer retention and how to approach leveraging it to your advantage. The Art of Charm is an amazing podcast, love it, and is one of my go to podcasts on my commute. There is so much covered that’s beyond just entrepreneurship and the core of it is all about relationships and helping guys become better at every aspect of their life. Anyway it’s just really amazing stuff all the time, definitely worth checking out The Art of Charm podcast, as I very rarely have listened to any Art of Charm podcast episode that hasn’t given me a tremendous amount of value and this one does not disappoint.
Jay Baer and Jordan Harbinger get really into customer feedback and how important it is to get that customer feedback and also, how to approach receiving and leveraging customer feedback. I think that using customer feedback and embracing it is an under-utilized practice. I completely 100% agree that listening to customer feedback, acknowledging customers and answering them in a public environment as well as private environment is critical to brand retention and brand loyalty.

https://ed.gr/ef7l7

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