Remote work has transitioned from a niche perk to a standard option. In 2023, about 20% of Canadian workers usually worked from home for most of their hours, marking an increase from 7.1% in 2016 and a peak of around 40% during the first COVID-19 wave. As this trend continues to grow, many are questioning whether working from home is truly better for their health.
While remote work offers flexibility and eliminates commute-related stress, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Finding a healthy balance and establishing a routine are key to ensuring that working from home is beneficial for one’s overall well-being.
The Upside: Control, Balance, and Well-Being
Working from home lets you create a schedule that fits your natural energy levels and personal life, which helps you be more productive and feel better overall. Without the daily commute, you save time and money that you can spend on things that actually matter to you.
The numbers back this up, too—90% of remote workers say they’re just as productive or even more productive than when they worked in an office, and 41% report getting more done in general. It’s a simple equation: less stress, more flexibility, and better results.
The Downside: Isolation, Burnout, and Blurred Boundaries
Remote work can present significant challenges for mental health, particularly for individuals who thrive on in-person interaction with colleagues. A common concern is the sense of isolation and disconnection from others, which, if unaddressed, may lead to more serious issues such as depression or anxiety.
Additionally, working from home often blurs the boundaries between personal and professional spaces. While this arrangement offers convenience, it can also make it difficult to disengage from work responsibilities, potentially resulting in longer working hours due to the absence of a clear separation between “work time” and “personal time. Without a physical office, people may feel expected to be always available, leading to more stress.
In traditional office settings, employees benefit from immediate access to technical support, appropriate equipment, and opportunities for spontaneous collaboration. By contrast, remote workers may experience heightened stress when facing challenges or seeking assistance, as solutions and support are not always readily accessible.
In-Office vs. Remote Work: Evaluating the Healthier Option
While some companies are recalling employees for easier management and daily face time, the question remains: do Canadian minds truly excel with in-person interaction? Among new teleworkers, approximately 80% expressed a preference for working from home at least half the time, with 39% opting for remote work for most or all of their hours, while only 20% wanted a complete return to the office.
However, the support from employers for mental well-being is crucial. Organizations with strong mental health programs show that employees are twice as likely to avoid burning out or experiencing depression, regardless of where they work. This highlights the positive impact of supportive workplace initiatives.
Here are some practical tips to help you protect your mental health while working from home:
Move Every Hour (at least!): Place your printer or files a few steps away, and set a timer to stand, stretch, or walk in place once each hour.
Eat Well—Away from the Desk: Prep balanced meals ahead of time and take a proper lunch break in another room to reset your mind.
Change Work Zones: Switch between your kitchen table, a spare bedroom, or even the porch to boost creativity and break monotony.
Dress for Success: Shower and put on “work clothes” to signal your brain it’s focus time.
Prioritize Routine and Hygiene: Stick to morning rituals—shower, brush your teeth, make your bed—to draw a clear line between home life and work mode.
Stay Hydrated: Keep a refillable water bottle at your desk and aim for about eight cups a day, adjusting for caffeine and exercise.
How MYOB Supports Your Well-Being
As small business owners ourselves, we recognize the specific pressures that others encounter. Our administrative, bookkeeping, and social media services free up your time and mental energy so you can focus on the parts of your business—and life—that matter most. By streamlining your back-office work, we can help you reclaim hours each week for movement, breaks, and real human connection.
Over to You!
Working from home can be a double-edged sword: flexibility and productivity gains on one side, and isolation or burnout on the other. By actively incorporating movement, setting up boundaries, and caring for both your body and mind, you can prioritize your overall health. Are you ready to make remote work truly work for you? Let’s chat!
So, you’ve got a fantastic website for your small business. It’s your digital storefront, your 24/7 salesperson, and often, the first impression potential customers have of you. Because of all this (and more!), small business owners need to understand that taking care of a website requires ongoing attention and care. Just like your car needs oil changes or your office needs a good clean, your website thrives on regular maintenance. Neglecting it can lead to significant costs beyond just minor issues.
Why You Really Need Website Maintenance (Beyond the Obvious)
We all know the basics: keep your content fresh, and make sure your contact forms work. But let’s dig a little deeper into what website maintenance actually prevents and why it’s a non-negotiable for your business’s health.
1. The Silent Killer: Website Downtime and Lost Revenue
Imagine your physical store suddenly shutting its doors for hours or even days. That’s what website downtime is like. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a direct hit to your bottom line. Did you know that for small businesses, downtime can cost anywhere from $137 to $427 per minute? That’s not just big businesses losing millions—that’s real money out of your pocket! Regular monitoring is crucial for detecting these issues before they develop into major problems.
2. The Invisible Threat: Security Breaches and Reputation Damage
You might think small businesses fly under the radar for hackers. Think again. Small businesses account for a whopping 43% of all cyberattacks annually, and on average, they lose around $25,000 due to these attacks (Source:ASTRA Security). It’s not just financial, either. A security breach can destroy customer trust and confidence in your business. Over 60% of small businesses fold within 6 months of a breach, and nearly 80% of consumers will stop using a business if their information is compromised (Source:Snellings Walters). Scary, right? Proactive security measures are your best defense.
3. The Slow Slide: User Experience, SEO, and Losing Customers
Have you ever clicked on a link only to be met with an error page? Or did you have to wait forever for a website to load? We all have. This isn’t just annoying; it hurts your business.
Broken links: They’re a red flag to Google and other search engines. A website littered with broken links signals to search engines that your site is neglected, which can negatively affect your SEO rankings and make it harder for new customers to find you.
At MYOB, we believe in taking initiative with our thorough approach to website maintenance. It’s about more than just keeping the lights on; it’s about making sure your website is a strong, secure, and high-performing asset for your business. Here’s a peek behind the curtain at the kinds of tasks we tackle:
Our “Set Up” Tasks (Laying the Foundation):
Constant Monitoring: Our software acts like a diligent security guard, checking your website every 5 minutes. If your site goes offline, even for a moment, our webmaster is immediately notified. This means we can often fix issues before you even know they exist.
Bulletproof Backups: We set up regular, automated backups, with your database backed up daily and all your website files monthly. These copies are stored securely on a separate cloud server, and we also save a monthly copy to a local “Network Attached Storage” unit. This “belt and suspenders” approach ensures you have both local and cloud copies, so no matter what happens, your site’s data is safe.
Fortified Security: If your website doesn’t already have one, we’ll install a robust security plugin to act as your first line of defense against cyber threats.
Monthly Maintenance Essentials: Keeping Your Website Running Smoothly
Updates Galore: We make sure all your plugins and WordPress core are updated. Why is this so important? Updates aren’t just about new features; they patch security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and ensure compatibility with the latest web standards. Over 80% of hacked WordPress sites had outdated plugins or themes. Don’t let your website be one of them!
Broken Link Patrol: We diligently scan for any broken links. This keeps your site user-friendly and helps your SEO.
Deep Security Scans: We run comprehensive security scans of all your website files to catch any lurking malware or suspicious activity.
Accessibility Review: We check your homepage for accessibility issues, helping to ensure your site is usable by everyone.
Database Cleanup: We run your website’s database through a cleaner. Think of it as tidying up your digital storage space; this process enhances the speed and efficiency of your site.
Image Compression Scan: Large, unoptimized images can significantly decrease the speed of your site. We run a scan to make sure all your images are compressed for optimal speed.
Email Delivery Check: We check to confirm that all site-generated emails (like contact form submissions or order confirmations) are being delivered reliably.
Ready to Transform Your Website into a High-Performing Asset?
Your website is a vital part of your small business. Don’t let it become a source of stress or lost opportunities. Just like any other valuable asset, it needs consistent care to thrive. By investing in professional website maintenance, you’re not just fixing problems; you’re preventing them, protecting your reputation, and ensuring your online presence is always working for you.
Isn’t it time your website worked as hard as you do? Get in touch to learn more and to talk about your website design and management needs.
Small business owners and independent professionals are always looking for new and creative ways to connect with clients and differentiate their brands in the very competitive market of today. Although QR codes are often thought of in relation to simple connections, their potential is far more extensive. When used properly, they can improve customer relations, expedite procedures, and reveal insightful information.
For example, a small business owner could use QR codes on their products to allow customers to quickly access more product information, reviews, and even exclusive discounts or promotions. Additionally, independent professionals could use QR codes on their business cards to easily direct potential clients to their portfolio or contact information, making networking more efficient and effective. Here are some ways that QR codes can be a powerful strategic tool for your business, extending beyond their typical applications.
Getting Started: Creating Your First QR Code
Creating a QR code is straightforward. You’ll just need to follow a few simple steps to generate and customize one that suits your needs. Popular online QR code generators like QR Code Generator, QRStuff, and Canva’s QR generation tool are free and offer user-friendly interfaces for efficiently creating customized QR codes.
First, choose from various content types such as website URLs, contact details, Wi-Fi credentials, or plain text. Then, add the relevant information to the QR code generator. Many platforms offer customization options to enhance the visual appeal of the QR code and strengthen your brand. For example, you can add your brand’s colours and logo for a personalized touch.
Once you’ve created the QR code, save it as a high-resolution PNG or SVG file to ensure crisp printing on business cards, product packaging, and marketing materials. With your QR codes prepared, you can turn them into effective tools that boost customer engagement and streamline your business processes.
Beyond the Basics: Expanding Your QR Code Horizons
Many businesses default to using QR codes to direct users to generic websites or social media pages. However, when applied creatively, QR codes can serve as dynamic gateways tailored to industry-specific needs.
For Healthcare Professionals
To enhance the patient experience, healthcare professionals can incorporate QR codes in waiting areas or on patient leaflets. These QR codes can be used to welcome patients with an introductory video that reflects the practice’s values, offer secure digital forms for completing pre-visit paperwork, enable a direct connection to the online appointment scheduler for a seamless booking process, and provide informative content on common procedures and preventative measures. This technology can help streamline processes and improve patient satisfaction.
For Legal Professionals
By incorporating QR codes in brochures, business cards, or event displays, legal professionals can elevate client trust and showcase their specialized legal services. Providing downloadable PDFs outlining services and video testimonials from satisfied clients can help build trust and authority. Secure portals for document sharing and an easy sign-up process for newsletters can streamline processes and improve overall client satisfaction.
For Retail and Service Businesses
Adding secure document sharing portals and a simple newsletter sign-up process can help retail and service businesses increase customer trust and authority while streamlining operations and ultimately increasing customer satisfaction.
Additionally, creating interactive brand moments such as embedding QR codes on product packaging for demonstration videos or customer reviews, using window display QR codes for loyalty program enrollments, and placing QR codes on receipts for quick satisfaction surveys can help businesses gather valuable insights and strengthen relationships with their customers.
Best Practices: Design, Clarity, and Strategic Placement
For QR codes to truly work for your business, it’s vital to look beyond mere placement. Focus on these key elements:
Branded Design
Personalize your QR codes by incorporating your brand’s colours, logo, and unique patterns. A visually appealing design can draw attention and boost scanning rates.
Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Use explicit instructions. Instead of a bare code, pair it with prompts like “Scan to Schedule Your Appointment” or “Unlock Exclusive Offers Now.”
Mobile-Friendly Content
Ensure that all linked content is optimized for mobile viewing. Fast loading times and responsive design are essential to support user engagement.
Thoughtful Placement
Reflect on where and how the code is used. While effective on product packaging or printed materials, consider the user environment to maximize interaction—QR codes on fast-moving objects may not be as effective.
The Enduring Benefits of QR Codes
QR codes are far from a fleeting trend. Around the globe, countries like the United States, India, France, and the United Kingdom are ramping up their usage, reflecting a shift toward digital, interactive customer engagement. This international momentum reinforces QR codes as a long-term asset in any strategic marketing arsenal.
In Canada, adoption has skyrocketed from about 5,500 codes in use in 2021 to an astonishing 20,000 by mid-2023, alongside 1.7 million scans in 2022. These figures illustrate how consumers are embracing smarter, contactless technology, making QR codes a timely tool to capture an engaged audience.
QR Codes on Business Cards: Transforming Static Contact Points
Enhance your traditional business card by incorporating a QR code.
The Advantage
A QR code instantly converts a static card into an interactive experience. Whether it directs someone to your online portfolio, professional networking profile, or contact details, it maximizes the small space available.
Important Considerations
Always include traditional contact information alongside the QR code for those who prefer conventional methods.
Ensure the code is printed at a scannable size (ideally at least 1×1 inch).
Evaluate the QR code’s functionality across devices to avoid any scanning issues.
Over to You: Embrace the Future of Customer Engagement
QR codes stand as a versatile, strategic tool for today’s business leaders. By integrating them thoughtfully into your marketing and operational strategies, you can enhance client engagement, boost efficiency, and capture actionable data. Whether you’re in healthcare, legal, or retail, transforming a simple QR code into an interactive asset paves the way for richer client experiences.
If you’re ready to maximize the potential of QR codes or need expert advice on how to incorporate them into your digital strategy, MYOB is here to help. We assist small business owners and solo professionals in a variety of industries with managing their social media accounts and better communicating with their target audience online. Contact us today to learn more and get started.
Running a small business is a whirlwind, isn’t it? You’re juggling everything from inventory to customer service. However, one aspect of running a small business that often gets overlooked is social media crisis management. Social media has become this incredible tool to connect with your audience and grow your brand. But what happens when online interactions become negative? What if a negative comment goes viral, or a customer complaint escalates publicly? That’s where social media crisis management comes in, it’s something every small business owner needs to think about… even if you think “it won’t happen to me.”
We often see big brands in the news for social media blunders, but the truth is, small businesses are just as vulnerable, and sometimes even more so. A single misstep online can have a significant impact on your reputation and your bottom line. A recent study showed that 94% of consumers say a bad review has convinced them to avoid a business. That’s a significant chunk of potential business you could lose!
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, I get it, it’s important. But what can I do? I don’t have a huge PR team.” And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about. Most articles on this topic will tell you to have a plan and watch your channels (which is good advice!), but let’s dig a little deeper into some things you might not have considered.
Understanding Social Media Crisis Management Strategies for Small Businesses
One crucial aspect that is often underestimated in social media crisis management for small businesses is the need for clear internal communication. When a potential crisis hits, do your employees know who to talk to? Do they understand the company’s stance on the issue? Having a clear internal protocol is essential. Imagine a customer posting a scathing review. If your sales team, your customer service reps, and your social media manager aren’t on the same page about how to respond (or even if they should respond immediately), it can lead to confusion and a mishandled situation. Name an individual or small team to manage crisis communications and ensure everyone else knows to direct inquiries to them.
Another underappreciated element is the human touch. In the heat of a social media storm, it’s easy to get defensive or rely solely on pre-approved statements. But remember, your audience is made up of individuals. Acknowledge their concerns, empathize with their frustration, and show that you’re genuinely listening. A personalized response, even if it’s just acknowledging their comment and saying you’re looking into the matter, can go a long way in de-escalating a situation. According to Invesp’s recent statistics and trends infographic, 71% of consumers who have had a positive experience with a brand on social media are likely to recommend the brand to their friends and family. Turning a negative into a positive is possible!
Preparing Your Small Business for Social Media Crises
So, how can you prepare for the unexpected? Here are a few tips tailored for small businesses:
Find Potential Trigger Points: Think about what could realistically go wrong in your business. Could it be a product issue, a service problem, or an employee sharing a controversial opinion, even on their personal social media? Brainstorming these scenarios will help you prepare potential responses and identify who needs to be involved.
Create a Basic Response Framework: You don’t need a 50-page crisis communication plan, but having a basic framework with key messages for different scenarios can save you valuable time and prevent you from saying the wrong thing in the moment. This framework should include guidelines on tone, who should respond, and when.
Practice Active Listening (Beyond Monitoring): Don’t just passively check your social media. Actively listen to what your customers are saying, both positive and negative. Understand the sentiment around your brand and identify potential issues before they blow up. Tools can help with this, but sometimes simply scrolling through comments and engaging authentically can offer valuable insights.
Develop Empathy Statements: Prepare some general statements to have on hand that demonstrate your understanding and respect for customer emotions. Phrases like “We understand your frustration” or “We’re sorry you had this experience” can be incredibly powerful in diffusing anger.
Know When to Take the Conversation Offline: Not every issue needs to be resolved publicly. If a situation is becoming heated or involves sensitive personal information, offer to take the conversation offline via direct message or phone call.
Over to You
At MYOB, we understand the challenges small business owners face in managing their online presence. Our team specializes in monitoring your social media channels, engaging with your audience, and even scheduling posts. This frees up your time to focus on other critical aspects of your business and be prepared for those unexpected social media emergencies.
Remember, a social media crisis doesn’t mean the end for your brand. With careful preparation, a thoughtful approach, and a genuine commitment to your customers, you can navigate these challenges effectively and even strengthen your reputation in the long run. What steps will you take today to better prepare your small business for a potential social media crisis?
Remember when Black Friday used to be just a distant American shopping frenzy? We’d see the ads, drool over the deals, and then head south of the border to snag those elusive bargains. But times have changed, and so has the Canadian shopping landscape. Now, Black Friday is a major event in Canada, with Canadian retailers across the country offering their own discounts and promotions to keep shoppers north of the border.
The Origins and Evolution of Black Friday: A Brief History
Black Friday began as a major shopping event held the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. In the past, retailers used black ink to mark down sale items, hence the term “Black Friday.” Shoppers often wait in long lines outside stores, sometimes for days, to take full advantage of these once-a-year deals.
On Black Friday, stores open early and customers rush in to buy popular holiday gifts and other must-have items before they are sold out or the prices return to normal. More recently, Black Friday traditions have expanded globally as well as online, with retailers offering significant discounts on a wide variety of products, including clothing, electronics, and even services.
A Canadian Take on Black Friday
Canadian retailers have also begun to recognize the potential for increased sales and have embraced Black Friday with open arms. We’ve adapted the American tradition to suit the Canadian market, offering enticing deals and promotions to keep Canadian shoppers’ dollars within our borders.
In Canada, Black Friday started gaining popularity in the early 2000s, as Canadian retailers began to adopt the American tradition of offering deep discounts and doorbuster deals. It has quickly become one of the biggest shopping days of the year, with Canadians flocking to stores and online retailers to take advantage of the savings.
With the rise of e-commerce, many Canadians now choose to shop online on Black Friday, taking advantage of the convenience and accessibility of online shopping. Despite the changing shopping landscape, one thing remains constant: the thrill of finding a great deal and snagging that must-have item at a discounted price.
Leveraging Social Media for Black Friday Success
Social media is a powerful tool to connect with your target audience and drive sales during Black Friday. In 2023, over a third of shoppers relied on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to discover the best Black Friday deals. This trend highlights the growing importance of social media as a key tool for holiday shopping. Consumers are not only using these platforms to browse sales but also to seek product recommendations, reviews, and influencer endorsements.
By sharing posts about their sales and offerings on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, businesses can create anticipation and excitement around their Black Friday promotions. Engaging with customers through interactive posts, exclusive deals, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks can help build buzz and drive traffic to your online store. Additionally, incorporating testimonials into your social media strategy can help reach a wider audience and increase brand visibility during the busy shopping season.
Here are a few tips to maximize your social media efforts:
Consistent Posting: Ensuring that you are consistently posting on your social media channels in the days leading up to Black Friday will keep your audience engaged and informed. This could include countdowns to your special promotions, teasers of what will be on sale, and reminders of when the sales will start. With a regular posting schedule, you can stay top of mind for customers and keep them excited for what’s to come.
Platform Selection: Choose platforms that align with your target demographic. For example, Instagram and TikTok are great for visually appealing products targeting younger audiences, while LinkedIn is ideal for professional services and B2B products.
Engaging Content: Create compelling content that resonates with your audience. Use eye-catching visuals, persuasive copy, and interactive elements like polls and quizzes.
Targeted Advertising: Use social media advertising to reach specific demographics and interests by using features like custom audiences and lookalike audiences. By targeting your ads based on demographics, interests, and online behaviours, you can increase the likelihood of conversions.
Over to You!
At MYOB, we can help you create and execute a comprehensive social media strategy, including content creation, ad management, and analytics tracking. From crafting engaging content to running targeted ad campaigns, we’ve got you covered. With our expertise and experience in social media marketing, we can help you drive traffic to your website, increase brand visibility, and ultimately boost your revenue. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on other aspects of your business during the busy holiday season and beyond. Contact us today!
Every year, Canadians come together to celebrate the backbone of our economy: small businesses. Small Business Week—a dedicated time to recognize the countless entrepreneurs who drive our communities—is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and hard work of these unsung heroes.
In Canada, the small business sector is significant, with over 1.2 million small and medium-sized businesses and 749,000 entrepreneurs.
A Brief History of Small Business Week
For 45 years, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has arranged an annual entrepreneurship event called BDC Small Business Week. Over 10,000 entrepreneurs come together annually to network, learn, and celebrate Canada’s doers and visionaries.
This event serves as a platform for small business owners to share their experiences, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights to help grow their businesses. Small Business Week also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and the positive impact they have on our economy. It is a time to celebrate the hard work and dedication of small business owners who play a vital role in driving innovation and creating jobs in communities across the country.
Why Small Business Week Matters
Small businesses play a vital role in Canada’s economic landscape. They create jobs, stimulate local economies, and foster innovation. From mom-and-pop shops to tech startups, small businesses are the engines that drive our communities forward.
Small Business Week is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of these businesses to our economy. It is a time to shine a spotlight on the hard work and dedication of small business owners who often face unique challenges and obstacles in their journey to success. By supporting small businesses, we are not only investing in our local communities but also in the future of our country’s economy. It is important to show our appreciation for the innovation, creativity, and resilience that small businesses contribute, and Small Business Week provides the perfect platform to do so.
How Can We Support Each Other This Week?
Small Business Week is an excellent opportunity for us to come together and show our support for local businesses. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Share posts on social media: Engage with other small business owners by liking, commenting, and sharing their content.
Shop local: We can put small businesses at the forefront of our minds as the holiday season approaches by buying gifts and/or gift certificates for family, employees, and friends.
Give referrals: Recommend local businesses to your friends, family, and colleagues. Online, we can give referrals by tagging small business owners in Facebook groups or connecting through email.
Leave reviews: Take time to share positive experiences about local small businesses online with a Google review or a review on Facebook.
These simple actions will help us support local entrepreneurs and increase awareness of small businesses in our community.
How MYOB Supports Small Businesses
As a small business ourselves, we understand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. We’re committed to supporting our fellow business owners by offering bookkeeping, social media management, and website maintenance and design services. We believe that by building strong relationships with our clients, we can help them achieve their goals and grow their businesses.
Over to You
Small Business Week is a celebration of the incredible contributions that small businesses make to our communities. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern business landscape, it’s more important than ever to support and encourage these vital enterprises.
So, let’s come together to celebrate and show our appreciation for the entrepreneurs who are making a difference in our lives. How will you be supporting small businesses this week?
