Business Moments

A quick note before we go further:
While this conversation is rooted in hospitality, the message applies beyond. If you’re a manager, owner, or leader in any sector, simply swap out the word “hospitality” for your own.

You’ve heard the phrase.

You’ve hired the right people. You’ve invested in training. You’ve got systems in place.

Ever feel like your organization is stuck in a loop, continuously hiring leaders who just don't seem to fit? You're not alone. Too many businesses repeat this costly mistake, not because they don't want to hire great leaders, but because the hiring process itself is fundamentally flawed.

Service-based businesses often hit a wall when it comes to growth.

In hospitality and customer service, the little things aren't little at all, they are the foundation upon which every successful business is built.

Businesses across Nova Scotia’s South Shore and beyond are feeling the pinch, fewer job applicants, higher turnover, and teams that just aren’t sticking around. But here’s the truth: employees don’t leave jobs; they leave bad leadership.

If you’ve ever been short-staffed on a busy shift, you know the value of having reliable, knowledgeable employees on your team. Here’s the thing, there’s an incredible talent pool out there that too many businesses overlook: senior workers.

For many frontline workers, the struggle for fair scheduling isn’t just about getting enough hours, it’s about stability, respect, and the ability to maintain a work life harmony.

No matter how great your company culture is, some of the people you hire will eventually move on. Career changes, new opportunities, or even personal circumstances will lead employees to resign.

I’ve come to understand a fundamental truth: tourism is not just about travelers; it’s about the entire community. Whether you work in a hotel, run a café, operate a gas station, or balance the books as an accountant, the success of tourism impacts us all.

When faced with a decision about spending money, it’s so easy to focus on the cost. Whether it’s a $100 fee to join your local chamber of commerce, $1,000 to bring in an outside expert, or $10,000 to overhaul your business culture, the question often boils down to, “Can I afford this?”

Imagine you’re starting a new job. The first day comes with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Will you feel welcomed? Will you know what’s expected? Will this be a place where you can thrive? For employees, these early days are pivotal, and for businesses, they’re make or break moments.

I’ve come to understand a fundamental truth: tourism is not just about travellers; it’s about the entire community. Whether you work in a hotel, run a café, operate a gas station, or balance the books as an accountant, the success of tourism impacts us all.

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Take a walk down the bread aisle in any grocery store. What do you see? Dozens of brands offering the same basic product, white bread. Yet each brand tells its own story. Some promise nostalgia with "just like grandma made" packaging. Others cater to health-conscious buyers with organic, non-GMO labels. Some boast unbeatable value. They’re all selling the same type of bread, but their success lies in one key difference: they know how to stand out.

What if we focus on employee retention and training as the foundation for business success?

In the world of business, there’s a universal truth: people make the difference. Whether you're running a boutique hotel, a cozy café, or a corporate office, the quality of your employees can make or break your success.

Performance reviews have their place, but let’s be honest - they aren’t the magic wand for building an engaged, high-performing team. Sure, they provide structure, benchmarks, and a chance to evaluate progress, but if you’re only talking to your team about their performance once or twice a year, you’re missing the mark.

Keeping your team motivated during the quiet winter months

Why Business Excellence Awards matter to our community

Welcome to Coffee Talk, your weekly dose of inspiration, practical tips, and fresh ideas for thriving in the fast-paced service industry world. Whether you’re running a bustling boutique or café, managing a hotel or a hardware store, leading a team of dedicated professionals or climbing the ranks, this column is here to spark conversations that move the needle for your business.

Creating experiences that guests remember - and return for - is simpler than we might think. The Peak-End rule reveals that people recall the most intense moment (the "peak") and the final interaction (the "end") over the entire experience.

In today’s world, one of the most powerful influences on a potential customer isn’t necessarily the quality of your product or service - it’s what others say about it.

It’s the time of year on the South Shore where businesses face a familiar challenge: What happens when the busiest season winds down? Some choose to close their doors until the next season, others stay open, navigating quieter months with creativity and determination.

Why micro-moments can transform your workplace
Many of us say “It’s the little things that count” when we’re talking about relationships