Summary

Arlene Dickinson on her new book All In by Amanda Lang and Kevin O’Leary from the Lang and O’Leary Exchange on CBC on December 17, 2013.  At the start of the interview, Arlene Dickinson zooms in on the mental and emotional skills needed to succeed in business in her new book All In, which is a follow up to her first novel Persuasion that tells of her personal story.  She states that there is very little literature for established small – medium sized business that are struggling to succeed. It is important for future and present entrepreneurs to talk to other people in the business so you can have a better understanding of what it means to be an entrepreneur and what to expect.  Ms. Dickinson believes that her book can help you decide if you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur, that you either have the desire to be an entrepreneur or you don’t! In her book All In, she focuses on the 3 R’s of being an entrepreneur—resilience, roadblocks and rejection. Her message to potential entrepreneurs is that entrepreneurialism takes over your life, it is emotionally and physically hard and that your life and your business are all one thing.

Opinion

In business, you do have to be a very strong person to overcome the roadblocks that do come your way. We agree, that there is very little support for small to medium sized established businesses that are struggling to succeed and that the focus is on the start – up of business. If you are a potential or existing entrepreneur it is always important to get another entrepreneurs perspective on business. Ms. Dickinson’s book, All In, may be a good place to go if you are looking for a place to start as an entrepreneur because it focuses on the 3R’s of being an entrepreneur – resilience, roadblocks and rejection which are definitely key components of being an entrepreneur. Her message to potential entrepreneurs that entrepreneurialism takes over your life, it is emotionally and physically hard and that your life and your business are all one thing is very good advice to anyone considering becoming an entrepreneur because it warns them of the sacrifices and commitment essential to be a successful entrepreneur.

Questions/Feedback

1. After reading our blog of Arlene Dickinson/ Arlene Dickinson Enterprises Ltd would you be interested in reading her books, Persuasion or All In?

2.  Has our blog been helpful in encouraging any of you to consider becoming a future entrepreneur? If yes, please briefly explain how?

References

A. Lang and K. O’Leary. (2012, October 26). Arlene Dickinson on her new book All In. The Lang and O’Leary Exchange, CBC.

Retrieved from: www.cbc.ca/news/.../arlene-dickinson-on-her-new-book-all-in-1.246727...

Photo retrieved from:  www.cbc.ca/news/.../arlene-dickinson-on-her-new-book-all-in-1.246727

Video retrieved from: www.cbc.ca/news/.../arlene-dickinson-on-her-new-book-all-in-1.246727...

Arlene Dickinson on her new book All In
http://www.cbc.ca/1.246727

 

 

 

 

Arlene Dickinson - Profile of a Successful Canadian Entrepreneur. Entry 4

Summary

Arlene Dickinson- Profile of a Successful Canadian Entrepreneur by the Financial Post on February 9, 2014.  Arlene Dickinson came to Canada from South Africa with her family because of her father's hopes of a better future.  She is very passionate about Canada and all that it has to offer.  She credits her success to the teachings of her father as a role model and Canada for being a great country to do business in. She acquired a good understanding of people's need when she bought Venture Communications and understanding people, understanding that business is all about people, that is what the consumer and marketing is all about.  While she does not credit herself for her success, she believes that it was the support and the sacrifices of her family that built her business. The entrepreneur is to bring the vision and leadership into a business and then stand out of the way and allow your associates to do what you asked them to do. Ms. Dickinson advises new entrepreneurs to invest in your vision, to recruit people that have more experience than you in your field, make sure the business people you are dealing with clearly understand your business ideas and that you believe you can make this business a reality!  Marketing is the key to making your business a success and to make sure that you have a solid marketing strategy for your business plan.

 Opinion

 Many successful business people have descended from other countries that have contributed to the economic growth of Canada. Her passion for Canada is understandable and we agree Canada does have a lot to offer. Many of us, can attribute our successes to our parents. From our own experience in the business world, it is very important to understand the needs of the people, for they are the ones who contribute to its success or failure.  Families of entrepreneurs make many sacrifices throughout the journey of a business making its success, especially in the start- up phase.  Businesses that are successful have entrepreneurs who can lead, provide the knowledge and skills, delegate task and the confidence in their employees to do what is necessary to achieve the results that are required. We agree, that in order for your business to succeed you have to hire people who have more knowledge and experience than you do, to make sure your business ideas are clear to other business people and to believe in yourself.  Every business needs a marketing plan and if you do not market your business properly there is no business - it is the door to how people are going to learn about your business.

 

Questions/Feedback

1. What opportunities does Canada have to offer immigrants?
2. What message did you take from this entry?

References

( February 9. 2014)  Arlene Dickinson - Profile of A Successful Entrepreneur. The Canadian Business Journal .
Retrieved from:
http://www.cbj.ca/features/feb_09_features/arlene_dickinson_profile_of_a_successful_canadian

 Photo retrieved from:  www.yrbizseries.ca