Turning Mistakes Into Opportunities

and many more established businesses who pivoted and adjusted business plans to fit a new economic climate. I received more phone calls and texts from members in 2022 than ever before asking for connections with members in certain industries, recommendations for local experts, and general advice on ways to build relationships with other local business leaders.

If you’ve never been to a Business After Hours event (or if it’s been a while,) consider coming to the next one; I’ve always said that we’re blessed in the City of Brantford, the County of Brant, and Six Nations to have a business community full of folks who want to see each other succeed and who will go out of their way to assist in any way they can.

Now that we have the first couple of months of 2023 under our belts, it’s a time when a lot of us review whether we’ve kept our promises from the new year; finally get some use out of that gym membership, turn your two nightly glasses of pinot into one (okay, one and a half…) or to finally figure out what died in your garage to cause that awful smell.

But we can use a new year and new beginnings to reflect on the past year to celebrate wins and reflect on the things we’ve done right. What personal benchmarks did you meet? What new strategies worked in both your personal and professional lives? What lessons did you learn from your failures to make 2023 an even smoother ride?

As Homer Simpson once said, “Trying is the first step towards failure.” While he was using the line to talk Marge out of becoming a real estate agent – stay off the West Side – that piece of advice is one we should all take to heart. Don’t be afraid to try new things, get a little outside your comfort zone, and shake up some parts of your business you think could be improved.

We saw so many new Brantford-Brant businesses open and thrive in 2022,

It’s fitting that we’re using this issue to announce our 2023 Business Excellence Awards finalists, because each and every one of those incredible organizations will tell you that they didn’t get where they are today without making mistakes and connecting with other local businesses for advice.

Leverage your membership to connect with the local business community to help reflect and learn as a group. Let your fellow members in on the mistakes you’ve made and the lessons you’ve learned and I promise you’ll pick up some tips along the way that can help 2023 be your best year yet.