GreenTrade Expo 2012 is pleased to present
An entertaining and informative early morning
breakfast presentation on Show Day,   breakf
And a stellar line-up of presenters & speakers
on our complimentary business building
seminar stage…

Imagine trying to run your business when the server’s down, or there's so much spyware on your desktop/laptop it barely runs. Information technology (IT) is growing in importance to your business every day, and, the harsh reality is ‒ when your network’s down, your productivity (and profits) come to a screeching halt.

Chris will discuss how having an efficient IT infrastructure allows you to compete more effectively, makes your employees more efficient, streamlines communications with your team, your partners and your suppliers, and improves interactions with your customers.

At the same time, he acknowledges that keeping up with the accelerating rate of technological change is difficult. And that, while ongoing advances in networks, network security, database systems, and desktop/mobile computing all offer new ways to enhance your IT infrastructure and improve your business processes ‒ knowing, much less choosing the options best-suited for your business can be daunting.

Chris will offer ideas on how to get a handle on your IT expenses, while ensuring your IT system or service providers can never hold you hostage again.  

WARNING – If you’re looking for a ‘feel-good session, or to be coddled or have your traditional marketing validated – then this session isn’t likely for you.

But – if you…
   •  Want to hear the unvarnished truth
   •  Don’t mind being provoked and having your beliefs challenged
   •  Are open to effective, new ways of marketing/promoting
        your business
   •  Want to ratchet-up your marketing – maybe even monopolize
        your marketplace…

Then be sure to get there early for the best seats!

Assuming you market at all – if you’re like most contractors, your marketing isn’t producing anything close to what it could be for you. And if you have a web site… well, it’s not likely doing much for you, either.

But, it just doesn’t have to be like that!

A seasoned marketing consultant to the landscape community, Dave will share the do’s and don’ts of effectively marketing your service-based business. He’ll give you the straight goods on what’s working – and what’s not – in landscape industry marketing, and how you can step yours up – fast.

Presenter…
Dave Harrington – Full Dimension Group Inc

Room – FREE Seminar Room (look for map at the show)

Cost – FREE for show attendees 

This workshop addresses how to make the appropriate adjustments to trucks, equipment, as well as techniques for lifting and shoveling to eliminate…
   •  Back & general body strain
   •  General discomfort
   •  Tendonitis
   •  Other, more serious injuries/issues…

In fact, the focus of the Ministry of Labour’s Safety Blitz this February is to ensure all service industry workers receive adequate training on these Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD), and how to avoid them.

Don’t miss this workshop! – Not just for snow clearing, but for all service-based companies – Learn about MOL’s requirements and how you can reduce, or even eliminate sprains, strains or more serious issues in your company.

Presenters…
Courtesy of Ontario Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
Sheila James – Health & Safety Consultant
Dave Mitchell – Ergonomist 

Room – FREE Seminar Room (look for map at the show)

Cost – FREE for show attendees

So, be sure not to miss this session – where you’ll discover how to turn the tables on those slippery prospects by closing them – up front – before you propose! 

Presenter…
Terry Ledden, Sales AboutFace

Room – FREE Seminar Room (look for map at the show)

Cost – FREE to show attendees

2:30 – 3:30 pm – "How to Become a Social Media Strategist"
Melissa Ray, founder of Yeah Yeah Online explores Social Media and the roll it can play in growing your business…

Let’s face it, social media is dynamically changing the way businesses operate. But as many of you may have already discovered, simply being ‘on’ social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter just isn’t enough – you need a social media strategy.

Melissa’s session is aimed at business owners to the social media world who are looking for tips on creating a social media strategy to will assist in developing their online brand reputation, attracting & communicating with clients in a new way, and exploring new business opportunities.

Note – You won’t need to bring your laptop to this session, but having a reasonable working knowledge of computers will be helpful.

Presenter…
Melissa Ray – founder, Yeah Yeah Online

Room – FREE Seminar Room (look for map at the shop)

Cost – FREE to atendees