It's Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Unlock the secrets to business success and gain valuable insights from local industry leaders. Join us as we delve into the strategies, triumphs, and lessons learned of thriving companies, empowering entrepreneurs to elevate their businesses to new heights.

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
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In this episode, Jill Kelly, owner of Red Bicycle Communications, takes us through her career journey, from her early days at a top advertising agency in Halifax to founding her own marketing firm in Lloydminster in 2014. Jill shares insights into how the marketing landscape has evolved, emphasizing the importance of building a strong brand identity, maintaining consistent messaging, and utilizing digital tools like social media and Google My Business. She underscores the value of SEO, a user-friendly website, and a solid online presence to help local businesses stand out. Jill also discusses the need for regular website updates, authentic branding, and a well-defined strategy to engage clients and boost business visibility.

Jill and host Sharon explore the essential elements of a strong brand, such as differentiation and emotional connection with customers. Jill explains how market research and brand strategy can help businesses navigate today’s competitive environment and highlights the significance of collaborating within the marketing industry and building community ties. She shares examples of how Red Bicycle has fostered partnerships with other marketing professionals to provide comprehensive support to clients. In closing, Jill offers actionable insights for businesses looking to enhance their brand strategy.

About Jill Kelly

Jill Kelly is the brand strategist and owner of Red Bicycle, a creative marketing agency based in Lloydminster. Jill is a hometown girl, born and raised. While she has lived across Canada, she always finds her way back home. After obtaining her Bachelor of Management and Bachelor of Arts simultaneously through the University of Lethbridge, Jill started her career at a top advertising agency in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she fell in love with advertising, marketing, and design.

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Jill returned to her hometown of Lloydminster in 2013 and soon opened Red Bicycle Communications, where she works with various local and provincial businesses and non-profits to build a better and stronger brand. You'll often find her giving back to the community, studying for her Masters in Marketing, or spending time at the lake with her family and friends when she's not at the office.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Wordpress.com
• Wix
• Dreamweaver
• Adobe XD
• Google My Business

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
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Contact Jill Kelly | Red Bicycle: 

• Website: redbicycle.com
• LinkedIn: JillKelly
  
  

Host Sharon DeKoning and Matt Peck, Director of Innovation at Startup Lloydminster, discuss how artificial intelligence can support small businesses and startups. Matt highlights the practical uses of AI, from creating social media strategies and writing business plans to providing mentorship. He shares insights on leveraging tools like ChatGPT for generating emails, targeting social media audiences, and developing marketing plans. 

Sharon asks questions that most business owners are asking about AI, and how it can help them. Matt answers by highlighting tools, including Microsoft Co-Pilot and Amazely.com. Matt’s message is clear: AI is a valuable resource, and he encourages businesses to explore its potential through free workshops and personalized consultations offered by his team.

Listeners will also learn about Matt’s efforts in building a tech ecosystem in Alberta, covering a broad region to support innovation-focused businesses from concept to funding readiness. His advice for business owners is to start with accessible tools like ChatGPT and gradually integrate AI to streamline operations and enhance decision-making. For those interested in getting started with AI, Matt’s organizations provide resources and hands-on support to help businesses at any stage make the most of these evolving technologies.

About Matt Peck

Matt Peck is the Director of Innovation at Startup Lloydminster and leads the East Central Regional Innovation Network (RIN). In his role with Startup Lloydminster, Matt is dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed by providing tailored support to address their unique challenges. Startup Lloydminster, funded by the City of Lloydminster, is committed to empowering local startups and small business owners as they navigate the complexities of business growth.

In addition to his work with Startup Lloydminster, Matt manages the East Central Regional Innovation Network, a program funded by Alberta Innovates, the research branch of the Alberta government. The RIN program is designed to foster innovation and support tech-driven startups across Alberta. Matt's responsibilities extend across a broad region from Lloydminster to surrounding communities such as Wainwright, Provost, Vermilion, Saint Paul, and Bonnyville. His work focuses on supporting tech and innovation-focused businesses, helping them develop from initial ideas to stages where they may qualify for Alberta Innovates' non-dilutive funding. 

Through initiatives like AI workshops and technology integration strategies, Matt actively contributes to strengthening Alberta's tech ecosystem, ensuring that regional businesses have access to the tools and knowledge needed to advance and succeed in an evolving market.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Alberta Innovates
• Chat GPT
• Gemini
• CoPilot
• Amazely.com 

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
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Contact Matt Peck | Startup Lloydminster: 

• Website: startuplloyd.com
• Linkedin: MattPeck
  
  

Ever wish you could take a day trip to see the amazing attractions in your own backyard? In this episode, Sharon DeKoning talks with Lindsay Heisler, who created a business to do just that! Whisk’d Away with Lindsay is a local travel company that gives participants the opportunity to take a day trip and explore the amazing local businesses and attractions in their local area.

Lindsay shares her inspiration and entrepreneurial journey of building a tour company dedicated to supporting local, independently-owned businesses in Alberta. Lindsay’s tours, each designed for groups of 10-15 people, explore a variety of venues, from coffee shops to wineries, with each tour tailored to showcase the unique charm of Alberta's local businesses. She speaks passionately about the impact of community support, the value of personal connections, and the joy of creating memorable experiences for her clients. Lindsay also discusses the challenges she faces with her non-profit-inspired model, particularly in helping venues understand her mission to drive community engagement.

Lindsay offers inspiring advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passions, taking risks, and staying open to feedback. She underscores the vital role of local businesses in sustaining communities and encourages others to explore entrepreneurial paths that bring people together. For Lindsay, Whisk’d Away is not just a business—it's a mission to uplift and celebrate the local economy, one tour at a time.

About Lindsay Heisler

Lindsay Heisler, an AMA member and local entrepreneur, is committed to uplifting Alberta’s small businesses through her community-centred company, Whisk’d Away with Lindsay. Her boutique tour service offers curated day trips to spotlight local businesses and bring customers directly to their doorsteps.

A former chef at Waterton Lakes National Park's Prince of Wales Hotel, Lindsay began by sharing her favourite local spots on Facebook, sparking interest from friends eager to join her explorations. Inspired by their encouragement, she launched Whisk’d Away with Lindsay in late 2022, hosting over 20 group tours across Alberta, from Wainwright to Stettler and beyond.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• AMA Insider Article: Local Business Owner Supports Local Businesses 

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Lindsay Heisler | Whisk’d Away with Lindsay: 

• Website: WhiskdAwayWithLindsay.com
• Facebook: Whisk’ed Away with Lindsay
• Email: whiskdawaywithlindsay@gmail.com 

In this episode, Sharon DeKoning talks with Aanand Mehta from BNI Alberta North. Their conversation delves into the critical role networking plays in business success. Aanand explains how networking serves as the foundation for building relationships, resources, and referrals. He shares a story of two BNI members whose networking efforts led them to secure major clients for each other, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building over direct selling. 

Anand advises listeners, especially new networkers, to focus on being genuinely interested, following up after meetings, and giving before receiving. He highlights the value of attending both in-person and online events and underscores the global reach of BNI, which helps entrepreneurs connect across 80 countries through its resources and app.

The conversation also touches on key networking strategies, such as being present and mindful, building trust and credibility, and how introverts can excel in networking by taking a more strategic approach. Anand shares tips on how new entrepreneurs can get the most out of networking events and emphasizes that true networking goes beyond social media. He encourages listeners to attend BNI chapters to hone their skills and provides insights into BNI’s global presence, inviting people to connect via LinkedIn or through BNI Alberta’s website for further resources.

About Aanand Mehta

Aanand Mehta is a Co-Executive Director of BNI Alberta North. He was been a member of BNI for 9 years and a part of the regional management team for the past 3 years. He has a passion for working with Albertan entrepreneurs and professionals to build a culture of proactive and reciprocal business relationships. In 2018 he was recognized as Director of the Year and in 2019 was awarded the honour of the Givers Gain Award.

Before his role at BNI, Aanand co-founded Output—a company focused on improving the efficiencies of trades companies through new technology. Aanand is a volunteer with the Christopher Leadership Courses of Canada, instructing classes on effective public speaking & community leadership.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• BNI
• “The Introvert’s Edge” by Matthew Pollard

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Aanand Mehta | BNI Alberta: 

• Website: bnialberta.ca
• LinkedIn: AanandMehta

In this episode, Sharon DeKoning and business coach Jarrod Stanton explore the critical first steps to systemizing a business, focusing on creating clear and impactful vision, mission, and culture statements. Jarrod, who has been coaching businesses since 2006, emphasizes that these foundational elements are essential for guiding a company’s growth and attracting the right team members and customers. Sharon shares her personal experience of overcoming business challenges, crediting Jared’s guidance for helping her align her team with the company’s goals through these statements.

Sharon and Jarrod break down how a vision statement should clearly define where the business is going and inspire both the team and potential customers. They also discuss the importance of a detailed mission statement, which describes how the company plans to achieve its vision. Jared highlights that a well-defined culture statement helps create a positive work environment where employees understand how to act and collaborate. Throughout the conversation, listeners will learn how the need for clarity, alignment, and continuous reinforcement of these statements are essential to maintain focus and drive business success.

About Jarrod Stanton

Jarrod has worked with and directed a team of 12 coaches and trainers, which helped create and implement programs and projects that were completed under budget and on time. The depth of his business knowledge is truly inspiring. He has guided and mentored hundreds of companies to achieve and surpass their goals and, in some cases, increased profits by an astounding 1000%+ in 12 months.

He has worked as a volunteer with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, now Futurprenuer Canada, delivering quality industry guidance to our younger generation of entrepreneurs, giving them the tools and abilities to succeed. He also sits as Co-Chair of the Boxing Day Classic Foundation, an organization devoted to helping victims of Cancer, and other community initiatives.

Jarrod subscribes to the philosophy that a business should give you more life, not take away from it. A successful business is an entity that can function efficiently and profitably without the owner. Large or small, Jarrod’s wealth of information can help your business grow, become more efficient, and ultimately run without you.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The E-Myth - by Michael E. Gerber

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
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Contact Jarrod Stanton | Action Edge Business Coaching: 

• Website: ActionEdgeBusinessCoaching.com
• Facebook: ActionEdgeBusinessCoaching
• Linkedin: JarrodStanton
  
  

In this episode, Sharon chats with Patti Johnston from Core Dynamics as she shares her inspiring journey from dancing on her grandfather's feet to founding a successful dance studio rooted in strong core values. Patti emphasizes the critical role of core values like healthy development, customer care, professional integrity, innovation, and community in shaping a positive business culture. She highlights how aligning staff with these values ensures buy-in, fosters better teamwork, and leads to student success stories. Patti underscores the ripple effect of a strong culture on retention, referrals, and overall satisfaction for both customers and staff.

Patti also delves into practical strategies for defining and implementing core values in a business. From annual team training to creating a safe environment for growth, she stresses the importance of clarity and alignment in maintaining a thriving workplace culture. For businesses seeking to refine their own values and culture, Patti offers her expertise and invites listeners to reach out to discuss personalized training sessions. Tune in to learn how cultivating a strong culture can transform your team and delight your customers.

About Patti Johnston

Patti Johnston is a highly experienced dance educator and Pilates instructor with over 30 years of teaching expertise. She has trained thousands of students, from beginners to professionals, offering classes that build technical skill, resilience, and a passion for dance. A dedicated advocate for holistic training, Patti incorporates the latest advancements in dance education and mind-body awareness to help her students achieve their goals safely and effectively.

As a certified member of the Canadian Dance Teacher Association since 1995, Patti has held various leadership roles, including Alberta Branch President and Exam Coordinator. Her global experience includes performing on cruise ships, leading students to prestigious events, and speaking at industry conferences. Through her work, Patti strives to inspire confidence and self-belief in every student she teaches.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Simon Sinek - Ted Talk
• Simon Sinek - The Golden Circle
• Simon Sinek - Start with Why
• Simon Sinek - Find Your Why
• Simon Sinek - Leaders Eat Last 

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Patti Johnston | Core Dynamics: 

• Website: www.coredynamics.ca
• Instagram: @coredynamics_dance.lloyd
• Facebook: DynamicsCore
• Email: office@coredynamics.ca 

In this episode, Sharon dives into the transformative impact of Community Futures, a nationwide program supporting rural Canadian entrepreneurs since 1989. Her guest, Corinne McGirr—General Manager at Community Futures Lloydminster & Region—explains how the organization goes beyond traditional banking with developmental lending that considers factors like capacity, character, and community impact alongside credit and collateral. 

Community Futures Lloydminster serves local businesses from inception to expansion, offering vital resources such as the Expert on Demand program for customized expert advice and Digi Futures, an online learning platform. Highlighting inspiring success stories, including a thriving female-led trucking company and a retail store that provides health benefits to employees, Corinne emphasizes the program's unique ability to empower entrepreneurs and foster community growth.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into Community Futures' application process, the importance of a strong business plan and market research, and the organization's collaborative efforts with regional partners like Startup Lloydminster. Corinne encourages entrepreneurs to explore these resources, especially if traditional banks have turned them away, and underscores the value of mentorship, coaching, and ongoing support. This episode is a powerful reminder of the role entrepreneurs play in building stronger, more resilient communities.

About Corinne McGirr

Corinne McGirr is a dedicated advocate for rural entrepreneurs and a key leader at Community Futures Lloydminster. Since 1989, Community Futures has supported small businesses across Canada with tailored guidance, developmental lending, and strategic resources.

Known for her creativity and problem-solving skills, Corinne fosters growth and sustainability by addressing the unique needs of the Lloydminster region and surrounding communities. Through strong partnerships with organizations like Startup Lloydminster, Alberta Innovates, and the East Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network, she ensures businesses at all stages have access to critical support.

Corinne’s expertise in rural entrepreneurship, innovative lending, and community-driven solutions continues to empower business owners to succeed and make a lasting impact.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Startup Lloydminster
• East Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network
• Alberta Innovates 
• BDC
• DigiFutures

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
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Contact Corinne McGirr | Community Futures: 

• Website: lloydminsterandregion.albertacf.com 
• LinkedIn: CorinneMcGirr
  
  

In this inspiring episode, entrepreneur and author Pak Wong shares his remarkable journey from Hong Kong to Canada and the lessons he's learned along the way. Pak tells Sharon his story of arriving at 19, building success on adaptability, integrity, and perseverance. He recounts how community trust and strong relationships helped him launch his first business venture, despite financial hurdles. Throughout his career, he has prioritized mentorship, giving back, and fostering meaningful connections in business.

Pak also discusses key themes from his book, Beyond Adversity, Dawn Awaits, where he emphasizes the power of resilience, mindset, and legacy. He shares practical advice on overcoming business challenges, embracing change, and maintaining a positive outlook. Now in semi-retirement, Pak continues to mentor young entrepreneurs and pursue public speaking to inspire others. Tune in to hear his invaluable insights on success, self-care, and the importance of community.

About Pak Wong

Pak Wong is a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and mentor known for his resilience, adaptability, and commitment to community. Originally from Hong Kong, he immigrated to Canada at 19 and built a successful career in hospitality and business. His entrepreneurial journey includes the acquisition of the Green Head Motel in Provost, a testament to the power of trust, relationships, and perseverance.

As the author of Beyond Adversity, Dawn Awaits, Pak shares insights on overcoming challenges, fostering a positive mindset, and leaving a lasting legacy. Passionate about mentoring, he has been involved with Entrepreneur Canada since 2016, guiding young business leaders toward success. 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Beyond Adversity, Dawn Awaits by Pak Wong

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
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Contact Pak Wong: 

• LinkedIn: Pak Wong
  
  

In this episode, Sharon de Koning shares her insights on the transformative power of building strong relationships in business. Sharon highlights the value of connecting with suppliers, competitors, and the local community to drive business growth and credibility. She offers actionable advice on engaging with community groups like local chapters of BNI, the Chamber of Commerce, and local trade shows. 

Sharon also emphasizes the importance of fostering supplier relationships through clear communication, timely payments, and trust, which can lead to better pricing, faster service, and exclusive product access. Her unique perspective on collaborating with competitors—such as referring clients and co-hosting events—creates a supportive environment that benefits all parties involved.

Sharon’s approach to customer relationships is equally compelling, focusing on genuine connections, understanding their needs, and delivering excellent service. She shares how small actions, like remembering customer preferences, can increase loyalty. Throughout the episode, Sharon encourages listeners to step out of their comfort zones, engage with their communities, and embrace collaboration as a path to sustainable business success. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world examples to inspire your business journey.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• BNI - Business Networking International
• Toastmasters International
• Chamber of Commerce - Lloydminster
• Startup Lloydminster
• Brand Advantage Expo

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

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