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SuccessAbilities Virtual Learning. Real World.™

Canadian Society for Social Development - E-News Winter 2014

Message from the Executive Director IN THIS ISSUE

Challenge • Determination • Support Accomplishment • Grounding During early December I had a lifetransforming experience. It had been snowing, and because I no longer own a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, I had wisely purchased a set of tire chains, or cables to be precise. I was in a forested location down a long and narrow dirt road with two or three moderate inclines, and I knew I would have difficulty getting out should the weather worsen. However with my cables, I felt well prepared. Sure enough, on the day of departure it snowed. Or slushed to be more precise: plenty of deep, slippery, wet snow coated the road. Assuredly, I opened my tire chain case and quickly scanned the instructions. I then wrapped my tires with confidence. Ten metres out, I heard and felt my tires slip. I was going nowhere. I walked back to find my chains lying in the snow where I had been parked. The second attempt saw me scanning the instructions a little more closely. This time I included the necessary cinch cables to tightly secure the chains around my tires. I drove another fifty metres and then heard clunking sounds from the vicinity of my tires. I checked and disappointed, I saw the chains were loose and clearly improperly attached.

Message from the Executive Director .................. 1 BA Program Update .............. 2 BA Research Update .............. 2 I wisely backed the car up to a nice level spot and got off to a good run. Finally I sped up the road, spinning and sliding a bit, and then barrelled onto the main road.

IBDE Program Update ........... 3

Recalling the salesman’s warning that cables are not meant for driving on pavement, I pulled to the side of the road and set my hazard lights. I struggled and strained with one tire while a mini-van drove past. Then a man in a jeep stopped and asked if I wanted help. I quickly accepted his offer and after ten or so minutes, he managed to remove my chains. He also recovered my cell phone from the snow bank, commenting that it was good my phone was bright green.

CSSD Career Journeys ........... 5

Then the helpful man asked, “Do you still work at the hospital?” I answered, “No,” and he asked if I remembered him? I said, “Yes, ’Dave,’ from laundry!” Then as quickly as it all had started he gave me a hearty hug, said, “Love ya,” and drove off.

The value of this experience for me lies in not taking “no” for an answer and persevering against the odds. I enjoyed solving a “real world” problem that More determined than ever, I scrutinized the instructions required a physical, hands-on solution. The pain intently. For a fleeting moment I considered returning and discomfort, the idea of accepting assistance as to my friends’ house to ask for help. But doing so was offered, and the reward in learning a new skill made this even more out of the question now, because I was on the most grounding experience I have had in months. a mission. I was not going to fail, and I was not going to rely on others for help. I believe I can describe CSSD as a collection of people who don’t take no for an answer. This includes our Several more attempts to secure the chains properly staff, program participants, and volunteers. Everyone in place had me kneeling in the snow, reaching around involved rises to a challenge, tackles it head on, and the tires, struggling, grunting, and occasionally feels the reward of accomplishment while accepting swearing as wet snow fell from the tree branches above. help when needed. CSSD is a fantastic place to be. Hair wet, my fingers frozen and bleeding, and several fingernails broken, I was now sweating under my Read, share, and enjoy this issue of SuccessAbilities. down-filled winter coat. The stories within are similar to mine and speak of the theme of perseverance, support, and accomplishment. Believing the chains were now in place, I set out in the car once again only to slip and slide immediately. I would like to thank our staff and volunteer writers, and Exiting the car I saw the chains were disordered and all those agreeing to be featured in this newsletter, for loose, and even partially trapped under one of the tires. your hard work and participation. And, welcome to all new and returning Business Abilities participants, and Frustrated but still determined, I set my mind on to the current IBDE Web Essentials class. It is wonderful surmounting the odds and scrutinized the instructions to have you with us. and drawings one last time. Stressing and straining with the cables, I managed to finally place and secure All the best for 2014! them around the tires. This time I knew I had it. It was Anne-Marie Edgar the step of securing the hook into the eye behind the Executive Director tires themselves that I had been missing. CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

CSSD Happenings ................... 5

Using Compassion and Your Business in 60 Seconds ......... 6 New Brain Living ..................... 7 Google+ Hangouts ................. 8 Client Spotlight: Patrick Jarvis .............................. 9 Faces of CSSD ......................... 10 CSSD Announcements ........11 Client ShowcaseWebsites and Blogs .............. 12 ContactPoint.ca ..................... 13 Rise Asset Development .... 14 Neil Squire Society ............... 15 Ask the Expert: Email as an Effective Tool .....................16 CSSD Events Calendar ......... 17 Sponsors and Contact Information ............ 18

We love receiving your contributions! Send your ideas, questions, submissions, success stories, comments, best practices, etc., by April 15, 2014, to:

[email protected] Phone: 1-888-9-ASPIRE (1-888-927-7473 Ext. 3) Mail to: PO Box 278 Nelson BC V1L 5P9 Page 1

Web Essentials and Web Advanced

BUSINESS PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Business Abilities

Is a home office right for you? by Doulas Tardif Team Leader

With virtual offices being set up around the world, working from home is no longer a thing of the past. There are many good reasons people choose to work from home. Let’s consider some of them: • Less travel – One of the main advantages of working from home is that you are not required to be at another location five days a week. This is a real advantage, particularly if you have mobility issues. • Lower expenses – Not having to pay for daily transportation, lunches, and other services is advantageous. You can also work in comfortable, casual clothing, potentially saving on wardrobe costs; and wearing more comfortable clothing could even increase your productivity.

business and are working from home, you are going to have to find your friends in other places, something that most adults find difficult. There are a lot of people who simply can’t stand being alone all day. For them working from home is probably not a good idea.

Another obstacle may be unexpected visits from neighbours, and although they are well meaning, they will take you away from your business.

• “I’ll do it later” syndrome – Since there is no pressure to start work at a certain time or dress a certain way, it is very easy to delay the start of work. Productivity can seriously decrease under such circumstances if great self-discipline is not maintained.

However, you do have to keep in mind that there are also disadvantages to working from home. A lot of people jump into this without really thinking about the downside. • Home alone – The main disadvantage of working from home is that you will be working alone. For some people this would fall into the advantages category, but most people consider solitary work to be a negative. For a lot of people, one of the best things about working is the chance for social interaction. If you have a job or

If you decide to work or run a business from home, you will need three essential things: 1. A sign on the front door that lets everyone know your business hours. This will discourage impromptu visits. Family members will understand when you can and cannot be disturbed and you will help set boundaries for everyone.

• Fixed expenses may be shared – Some expenses are lowered since they can be shared by the home as well as the office. Sharing telephone, stationery, and other such overhead expenses can cut costs if you are working from home. • Flexibility – There is a lot of flexibility that comes with working from home. You can set your own schedule and accommodate other tasks that need to be completed.

“. . .a sticky note on the screen that reads, ‘I feel Terrific’ will go a long way to changing your mood.”

• Motivation – Another big disadvantage of working at home is staying motivated to do the work. There is no one to remind you to get down to business, so you will have to do this yourself. As much as we all hate having someone nag at us, the reality is that most of us need it. If you are not careful, it is all too easy to put off doing your work. It is critical if you are going to work from home to motivate and discipline yourself to complete your work. • Personal life interference – Personal chores can mount and become extremely difficult to avoid when you are at home. The tasks can be overwhelming. Tasks that would otherwise take only fifteen minutes can end up taking up a lot more time.

2. A TO DO list of the things you will accomplish today. Balance the list with personal items as well. We all need breaks from time to time. 3. A quote or aphorism that will keep you focused on doing business. For example, if depression is a problem, a sticky note on the screen that reads, “I feel Terrific” will go a long way to changing your mood. A lot of people want to work from home. Be sure to consider both the positives and the negatives before deciding if working from home is right for you. If you or someone you know could benefit from the BA program and wants to start learning, visit www.businessabilities.ca for details and to apply today!

BA REsearch update Brooke has now completed the second and final wave of her research into the quality of the Business Abilities program and the needs of Business Abilities clientele. This January 21, 2014, we will presenting our research results at Cannexus14, Canada’s national career development conference and hosting a discussion about best practices and lessons learned in serving people with disabilities in an online coaching environment. If you are in the Ottawa area, please be sure to contact us, as we would love to connect with you during the conference. We are also exhibiting at Cannexus14, so come find us! CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

(Jacqueline) Brooke Straith, M.A. (Educational and Developmental Psychology),

Educational Research Consultant Page 2

WEB Technologies and DESIGN


IBDE Program Update by Mary Alton Service Coordinator

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has come to an end. I hope that you had a good opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. At the start of a new year, many people take the opportunity to reflect upon the year that has passed. Was it a good year? Did you accomplish the goals you set for yourself? Are there things you would like to have done differently? You can always take the steps necessary to improve your life, health, well-being, finances, and working environment throughout the year, but the start of a new year seems to be the most popular time for goal setting. Take a moment and consider what you would like to accomplish during 2014.

This is our 9th consecutive year offering the Selkirk College accredited IBDE program. The creativity and talent we are seeing with this year’s IBDE Web Essentials participants is highly impressive! We saw 31 students from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick successfully enrol in the 2013-2014 IBDE Web Essentials program, which commenced on November 4, 2013. The chart below shows the distribution of students from across Canada.

“This is our 9th consecutive year offering the Selkirk College accredited IBDE program.” CSSD, as an organization that offers educational training to individuals with many different backgrounds, skills, interests, and talents, has the unique opportunity to see how people can transform their lives by deciding to “go back to school.” From year to year I meet many remarkable people in IBDE. I am always inspired by our clients’ courage, passion, and determination. Clients who face health ailments, physical challenges, and unpredictable life circumstances are finding there are less and less opportunities for them to thrive in the “traditional” workforce, and the prospect of finding employment can seem bleak. Clients have shared many inspiring stories with me, stories of perseverance during the toughest times in their lives and moments of triumph where there once seemed little reason for hope.

“Clients may arrive at CSSD feeling discouraged when it seems so few opportunities are open to them, but this can also act as the catalyst for setting out on a new career path.”

Students have already completed five of the nine courses offered in the IBDE Web Essentials certificate program including Orientation to IBDE, Introduction to the Internet, Site Theory and Design, Introduction to Photoshop CS6, and Advanced Photoshop CS6. During the months of January and February, students will complete XHTML/HTML5 Programming, Dreamweaver CS6 ~ Site Development, and Website Marketing and Maintenance. The final course, Instructordirected Work Project (Final Project), will commence in March when students will develop their very own e-commerce enabled website using their own custom-built templates.

Clients may arrive at CSSD feeling discouraged when it seems so few opportunities are open to them, but this can also act as the catalyst for setting out on a new career path.

Following this, many students will continue with their studies by participating in the IBDE Web Advanced program running from June to September 2014. They will learn PHP and MySQL dynamic database design and web marketing through SEOSearch Engine Optimization and Blogging with WordPress.

CSSD and Selkirk College have been jointly delivering IBDE’s online programs since 2005. I feel very privileged to see so many clients complete our programs with a renewed sense of hope for what their future can hold.

Throughout the courses offered in IBDE, students are encouraged to continuously practice their skills and expand their knowledge so they can best prepare themselves for the ever-changing demands in information technology. continued on page 4

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CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

WEB Technologies and DESIGN

IBDE Program Update


– continued from page 3

Online learning is a very rewarding experience, but it is not without its challenges. To get the most out of the IBDE program, there are a few considerations I would like to offer students. Consider that you likely chose IBDE because: 1. You are comfortable with self-directed learning.

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Take notes during the virtual classroom sessions held throughout the program and review the recordings when needed. The instructors offer some valuable tips and information that can be of use to you.

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Summarize what you’ve learned “in your own words” after you have completed a chapter, lesson, or unit. This will be beneficial when you review your notes at a later time.

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Dedicate time throughout the week to review your notes, course resources, and other learning materials.

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Note any terms or concepts you don’t understand, and follow up with the course instructor and/or peers to get help.

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Reward yourself for your accomplishments. Don’t hesitate to treat yourself for a job well done.

2. You have the genuine desire to enhance your knowledge and technology skills. 3. You are generally motivated to learn from within by receiving internal rewards, not out of obligation. 4. You realize that mastering these new skills will help you achieve your goals.

The more effort and focus you put into the program, the greater success you will achieve. Tips for Academic Success: •

Be in a positive, relaxed state of mind when you approach your studies. It will not benefit you if you try and learn when you are feeling anxious, tired, or overworked.

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Develop a schedule and timetable for studying. You will be learning independently and there is little room for procrastination. If you develop a routine, you will have a better chance of balancing all of your responsibilities. Schedule your study time when you can be most productive.

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Consider your personal surroundings and choose a time of day when you are able to fully focus and concentrate on your studies, away from distractions.

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Stay connected with the instructors and staff at IBDE on a frequent basis—weekly, or even daily when required. Good communication is important to your success in the program.

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Vary your study activities where possible. IBDE course materials are delivered in a variety of methods including text-based information, articles, and video tutorials. Take advantage of mixing things up when you can.

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Organization is essential. Develop a good process for saving and storing all notes, course work, and assignments on your computer so you can easily find what you need. Don’t forget to back up your files to an external source (outside of your computer) on a regular basis.


At times you may feel overwhelmed, or perhaps even a bit discouraged. The staff at IBDE understands how demanding full-time studies can be. Please know that we are here to help and support you throughout the program as much as possible. We, too, are rooting for your success in IBDE! If you are considering learning web technology as a part of your 2014 goals, visit the IBDE website for further details about our online training programs, schedule, course curriculum, and to complete the online application! IBDE accepts applications from candidates interested in the Web Essentials and Web Advanced programs year-round. CSSD also extends an invitation to local employment services offices and community-based organizations that may have clients interested in participating in IBDE, to contact us directly for further information about the IBDE programs. With the new year’s arrival, I feel a renewed sense of excitement for what the coming year will offer at the CSSD. I wish you all a prosperous 2014! If you or someone you know could benefit from the IBDE program and wants to start learning, visit www.ibde.ca for details and to apply today!

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CSSD happenings Recent Events – CSSD Virtual Christmas Party As per tradition, the staff members at CSSD come together for our annual Christmas party. We get together in the Blackboard virtual classroom and exchange Christmas stories, plans, jokes, and videos. This year several funny videos were shared and lots of laughs were had. From all of us at CSSD we wish everyone all the best for 2014!

CSSD Career Journeys - featuring Cameron Miner of Newmarket, Ontario

IBDE Graduate has Big News Hey all, I have had a really good week. Here is some good news: After notifying a job coordinator of my completion of IBDE’s program, I received a job posting via e-mail Tuesday. I contacted the company Wednesday, and landed an informal interview the same day. I had a 15 minute meeting with the head of the company in the afternoon, and started 8am the next day for a work trial. I finished a simple project for the company my second day, today, and made some good progress on a second project. At the end of the day today, I found out I will be able to officially start on Monday Nov 4th. Looks like finishing school in a highly popular field was a great choice.

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The project I finished was building a new site for the small company. My boss is happy with it, but I think it could still use some work. Check it out at www.hi-tronic.ca. Also check back later for a new company logo. Any ideas, or thoughts on the site or old logo would be appreciated. I wanted to thank all of you for your guidance and support throughout the past year. Completing a college program, after failing to finish my University Education, was a great accomplishment for me. You have all been a really big help. Have a good one. -------------------Thanks, Cameron NOTE: This email is reprinted by permission from Cameron Miner of Newmarket, Ontario, IBDE Web Essentials and Web Advanced graduate, 2013. Thank you very much Cameron for sharing your experience, and congratulations from CSSD. You impressed us all with your dedication and hard work!


Alice Schoffer - Arrowsmith Consulting Using Compassion: Transform the Way You Do Business Imagine what life would be like if all businesses practiced compassion. Imagine if the people who served us actually cared about our problems. These people would try to be understanding towards us when we seemed to be struggling or not at our best.

“By using compassion, you can transform your relationships with others for the better.” We can’t always know what is happening in other people’s lives. They may be feeling confused, stressed, or overloaded, or may be having difficulty at home. Someone could be treating them poorly, or there could be a whole set of other reasons for their behaviour.

Compassion means practicing understanding, especially in situations when it is easy to be reactive or judgmental. By using compassion, you can transform your relationships with others for the better.

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Getting to know people – It is easier to be compassionate with others if you REALLY know them. Get to know your customers and those around you.

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Opening up – How much do others know about you? Compassion is a two-way street, so open up and allow others to know you too.

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Be compassionate to yourself – Remember, be patient, kind, and forgiving to yourself as well.

Your mission this day is to be compassionate by: •

•

Being selfless – Offer to help other people and be sincere and under standing. If you see someone stressed and rushed, find a way to brighten their day. Being gracious – Be patient, tolerant, and forgiving. Don’t assume you know what is influencing someone’s behavior. Give others the benefit of the doubt and just be kind.

Even if you are having a bad day, by consciously striving to be compassionate toward others, you will not only make their experience more positive, you will turn your day around for the better.

Your Business in 60 Seconds An essential skill for any entrepreneur is the ability to summarize clearly and succinctly what your business does and what sets it apart from the competition. Remember, you only have a short time to persuade sales prospects, future partners, bankers, or investors to do business with you. That is why it is wise to prepare an “elevator pitch,” so named because it should be short enough to be delivered during an elevator ride. Here are a few simple rules to guide you in preparing a compelling 60-second story about your business. Keep it simple, clear, and concise: In a few bold sentences, summarize your product or service. Stand out from the crowd: State what differentiates you from the competition. Think of an “only statement” such as, “We are the only business in the city/country/ world that does X.” Put yourself in your listeners’ shoes: Keep the needs of your audience in mind. What are they looking for? What problems CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

do they need solved? How can you meet their needs? Adapt your speech: Fine tune your presentation depending on whether you are talking to a banker, an investor, a potential customer, or a future partner.

“Don’t forget that your business website is the primary gateway to your product or service.” Be ready to answer tough questions: You won’t impress everyone with your presentation right away. Some people may take more convincing. Assess the weak points in your presentation and identify any potential objection your audience may raise. This will help ensure you have the right answers at hand. Once you have prepared your pitch, practice in front of family members or friends. Seek their feedback and adjust your approach as necessary. Then test your pitch on someone who is unfamiliar with your business. They should be able to immediately understand what you do and want to hear more.

It is also important to ensure key messages about your business are consistent across all communication channels, including online tools. Don’t forget that your business website is the primary gateway to your product or service. So think “elevator pitch” when designing it. Visitors should understand within seconds your business’ value proposition (your “only statement”) and how to reach you.

Alice Schoffer is a graduate of the Business Abilities program and knows that a holistic approach to business is essential when living with a disability. She has been the sole proprietor of Arrowsmith Consulting of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, BC, for the past five years. Alice has been delivering workshops online for CSSD for nearly five years and enjoys being able to connect with participants who are following in her path of becoming self-employed. You can reach Alice by email at [email protected].

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New brain living - jean oostrom Magnification - The Place Where the Brain Has Had Enough - The Injured Brain Rant This article combines three topics: “magnification,” the “place where the brain has had enough,” and “the injured brain rant.” During 16 years of recovery I wanted someone to explain to me what was happening in my brain, so I could design a personal recovery path for me and the people around me.

“It seems that after a brain injury the brain magnifies everything.” It seems that after a brain injury the brain magnifies everything. This magnification of senses leads most brain injured people to a place where nothing makes sense. It seems that “all sounds, smells, and other senses” outside of the brain are travelling “a million miles an hour,” while “all sounds, smells, and other senses” inside the brain” are travelling in “slow motion.” The “space in between” these extreme “sensory perceptions’ is the “brain damage”!!!!! The “space in between” the fast information and the slow information is also the place where the brain is trying to process information the way it did before the brain injury. When it can’t. . .then the damaged part of the brain decides that it cannot process any more information, not because the brain it is not capable but because of the brain damage!!!

“When ‘the brain has had enough,’ it feels like the ‘damaged part of the brain’ is in charge.” When “the brain has had enough,” it feels like the “damaged part of the brain” is in charge. During this time the brain injured person realizes that this is a place where nothing makes sense. There may be physical pain involved, and almost always there is a strong emotional reaction. For the brain injured person these emotional reactions can happen very quickly and without any warning especially early in recovery. These strong emotional reactions can also become the focus of recovery. If the people around the brain injured person choose to “focus on the person” during these times instead of “reacting to the emotional responses,” it can make the difference in how recovery progresses. The journey “to the place where the brain has had enough” is very different than actually “being at the place where the brain has had enough.” Page 7

Some facts about the place where the brain has had enough:

So now some answers and insights into the injured brain rant.

Fact 1: Somewhere, sometime the damaged part of the brain will have enough, and it will happen without any warning.

The people around the brain injured person might think that the brain injured person has some type of control over the “injured brain rant.” Early in recovery this may be true; however, over time, with the help of brain plasticity, brain injured people may learn not to react to the injured brain rant.

Fact 2: There will be some type of emotional reaction. . .guaranteed. Fact 3: The emotional reaction will probably happen in a place where it will be inappropriate to express extreme emotions. Yes!!!!! I have cried at Walmart. The brain injured person may choose not to react and hold in all those emotions until they are in a safe place. Once the emotions are expressed the body and brain are exhausted and sleeping becomes part of the healing process. So, now the emotions have been released, sleep has restored the body and the brain, and the rebuilding of a sense of normal for yourself and the people who care for you begins. The brain injured person and the people who care for the brain injured person may start to “live on the edge” because: sometime, somewhere the whole process is going to happen again.

“The brain injured rant is a ‘place’ where people with brain injuries. . .won’t stop talking until all has been said.” Now for the third part of the recovery piece: The injured brain rant! What is the injured brain rant? The injured brain rant is a “place” where people with brain injuries get something in their brain, and they won’t stop talking until it has all been said. It is like the information is on a teleprompter, and somebody has said that you cannot stop reading until all the information is read, and you have to do it now, and you have to do it fast, and you have no choice. For the brain injured person the place where the rant starts, especially early in recovery, happens so suddenly and with so much power that they don’t have time to even “think the thought” to not buy into the “teleprompter.”

The people who care for people with brain injuries can hold the key to “how long the injured brain rant will last” and how often it happens. During my recovery while experiencing the “injured brain rant” I have always wanted the same thing. Even today if I allow myself to buy into the “injured brain rant,” I still want the people around me to do the same thing that I wanted 16 years ago. It has never changed. This is an important piece of the puzzle. The people who care for the brain injured person may be able to change the outcome of the “injured brain rant” by asking your brain injured person what they want “YOU” to do during the rant. The brain injured person knows what they need during the “injured brain rant.” For the people around the brain injured person, it could be a “call to action” that could make a difference in recovery. To the Brain Injured Person: Never give up on your recovery! To the People Who Care for the Brain Injured Person: You may hold the key to helping the brain injured person by understanding the “magnification process,” understanding “the place where the brain has had enough,” and knowing what the brain injured person needs during the “injured brain rant.”

Jean Oostrom - The Voice for the Brain Injured Person Email: [email protected] New Brain Living Book: www.newbrain living.com Facebook: New Brain Living Twitter: @newbrainliving

The brain injured person does not know why the rant keeps happening, and when people with brain injuries try to explain what is happening to other people, there are no answers. CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

Google+ Hangouts

with Ché Cruikshank http://www.kleche.com/blog A friend in the Web industry mentioned a GOOGLE+ service, and I think this is worth sharing with you. Google+ Hangouts is a new, free, all-in-one communication tool. A cross between Skype and Facebook, Hangouts provides a central place for one-on-one and group conversations across computers, Apple and Android devices, and tablets. Hangouts’ features include:

Some additional features of Hangouts, highlighted on the Google website include: •

Hangouts stay in sync across devices so that you can start or continue them anywhere.

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See past conversations, including shared photos and your video call history.

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Make voice calls to contacts from your computer.

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Livestream events and record conversations to playback later using Hangouts On Air.

Get notifications just once. Once you see an alert, you won’t see duplicates on your computer or Android devices.

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Share photos, and easily view collections of shared photos from each of your Hangouts.

Set snooze notifications at times when you would prefer not to be disturbed by alerts.

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Choose from hundreds of emoji (emoticons).

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See when any of your contacts are together in Hangouts, when they are typing, and whether they have viewed any message you have sent them.

Similar to Facebook, you can post ideas, photos, and videos on Google+, and connect with others doing the same. You can follow the postings of your favourite celebrities and join Communities that match your passions.

You can also have video calls with up to 10 people (a free Skype account only supports one-on-one video calls), and message people even when they are not connected.

For hangout system requirements and more information, view: http://www.martinshervington.com/google-hangouts

Ché Cruikshank lives in Victoria, BC, and is a graduate of the IBDE Web Essentials and IBDE Web Advanced programs. Ché has worked previously as a senior computer engineer, and now maintains an interesting blog at: http://www.kleche.com/blog. CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

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Client Spotlight Patrick Jarvis— Following his dreams of drums and drumming from his own very personal journey. It all began when Patrick was working in a lumber mill during the mid-1990s. Patrick experienced a repetitive stress injury to his mid-spine as a result of lifting and twisting while holding a heavy load. This injury caused him severe pain, and he began self-medicating with alcohol. As his alcohol use increased Patrick began to withdraw from society and started living in isolation in a one-room cabin. Over time he became increasingly unconcerned about how he looked. One day he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and was struck by his haggard appearance. He says, “I looked really old. I looked ancient, like an ‘ancient hermit’.”

Patrick Jarvis is a drum maker from the historic town of Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, and owner of www. ancienthermitdrums.com. His handcarved, traditional African drums are true works of art, each one an original handcrafted piece. As he carefully selects a solid, roughhewn block of Nova Scotia hardwood, Patrick forms a vision of the drum he will eventually create. Depending on the particular sound he is after, Patrick selects a species of wood—choosing beech, hard maple, or oak for a higher pitch or a softer wood such as pine or poplar for a lower bass sound. He then painstakingly hand carves the block of hardwood into a rough approximation of the final size and shape of the drum in a process that can take up to two weeks. As he carves out the final design, Patrick relies on what he calls “spiritual guidance” to bring the drum to its final shape. Once the carving is complete, Patrick stretches a piece of hide over the drum and laces it into position with strong, colourful cords. Patrick is often asked why he calls his business Ancient Hermit Drums. He begins by explaining how the name emerged Page 9

On the morning of September 28, 2004, after nearly a decade of alcohol abuse, Patrick woke up and realized the urge to drink was gone. That same day he was invited to his first drum circle, an event that introduced Patrick not only to drumming but to his new life.

“One thing just led to another. . .” With no money to buy a drum but equipped with skills as a woodcarver, Patrick recalls how he carved his first drum for the drum circle. “One thing just led to another,” he says, and it wasn’t long before he realized he wanted to earn his living by carving drums. In the spring of 2005 Patrick found Digby Disabilities Partnership who connected him with Business Abilities. Patrick describes how the Business Abilities program showed him how to keep proper records and manage his time in addition to the very necessary steps of writing a business plan, locating suppliers, and marketing his product. For Patrick, the idea of returning to his previous life living in isolation as an alcoholic was unthinkable. In August 2006 he officially opened Ancient Hermit

Drums—a name he chose as a reminder of the life he never wanted to return to. Now at age 50, Patrick has been sober for five years. Today he divides his time between building his drums and selling them. He also performs at schools where he talks about the history of drums and teaches drumming techniques with a particular focus on traditional African rhythms. Interestingly, Patrick has found that at-risk teens dealing with addiction issues are powerfully influenced by his drumming. He recalls proudly how one school even purchased a drum from him so they could expand their therapy program to include drumming.

“As I was finding myself I was finding that I could do it. I was learning to live while at the same time living to learn.” Patrick has come a long way from his isolated life in that one-room cabin. He describes his journey with this inspirational reflection: “As I was finding myself I was finding that I could do it. I was learning to live while at the same time living to learn.” Today Patrick’s drums not only offer the gift of beauty to those who purchase them, but they also give the gift of healing through drumming to those who need it most.

Update - January 2014 Patrick Jarvis has dedicated his life’s work to sharing the history and culture of African drums and drumming with others. Identifying himself as primarily of African (the Malinke tribe of West Africa) and First Nations (Mi’qmak) descent, Patrick is careful to share his knowledge in a culturally sensitive way. Thanks to his work, people in western Nova Scotia now have a greater awareness of African drums and drumming. continued on page 10 CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

Client Spotlight Patrick Jarvis— Following his dreams of drums and drumming Patrick embraces multiculturalism through music, and this brings a great sense of reward and once-in-a lifetime experiences. Patrick fondly recalls one experience during a multicultural concert at a First Nations reserve, when a young woman was moved so much by the spirit of his drumming that much unlike her usual self, she began frantically dancing. At another concert a bag piper joined Patrick for an impromptu jam session after the concert had ended. Patrick performs in up to ten concerts per year, most of which are charity fundraisers.

–continued from page 9

Although Patrick still strives for more balance between the artistic and business sides of his life, he continues to find his work highly rewarding. He particularly enjoys working with at-risk youth, visiting alternative schools around western Nova Scotia and using drums as a vehicle to talk with youth about addictions and life issues, and to help them feel more centered.

Patrick still harvests the trees for his drums and collects his materials locally. Some of his drums are now made from coffee and pasta cans, or black ABS piping washed ashore from fish farms. When Patrick walks along the beach, he will often see an object and wonder, “What if that could be a drum?” On average, Patrick sells 14 to 15 drums per year with the vast majority going to Canadian buyers. School boards and spiritual groups are his main customers, but his most interesting sale was to a member of the U.S. Secret Service.

Working with classes ranging in size from 16 to 60 individuals, Patrick has achieved an excellent success rate. Patrick’s success comes from allowing participants to work hands on with the drums and by ensuring his workshops are always fun. Since his last interview with CSSD, Patrick has married Joanna, a storyteller who also drums with him and provides creative inspiration. As Patrick says, “Drums touch souls,” and it is precisely this knowledge that continues to drive Patrick in his life’s work and journey.

This summer Patrick will be holding a full 3-day weekend drum making and playing workshop.

Patrick has visited dozens of schools over the past seven or eight years including nine or ten alternative schools for at-risk youth, and each school has asked him to return to hold more sessions.

To contact Patrick, visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Ancient-Hermit-Drums/25420 1217942790 View Patrick’s videos: https://www. youtube.com/user/Spiritdjembe

We are always looking for contributions from past and present participants about your business ideas, career journeys, triumphs, and challenges. Please send your ideas to: [email protected] (Include a photo if you can.)

faces of cssd - Staff and alumni team up for a common cause For the first time ever, CSSD has deaf or hard of hearing students joining IBDE. Not only does this add welcome diversity to our student population, it brings a new set of technical challenges, which we gladly embrace. Welcome Sarah and Tobie to IBDE! During November volunteers and CSSD staff came together to form our VTV – Virtual Team of Volunteers – on Amara.org to close caption our tutorial videos and enhance the learning experience for Sarah and Tobie. To date we have captioned 73 videos. At CSSD giving often involves sharing one’s time and talent for a good cause. Brigitte, Donna, Kaileen, Lamourah, Marena, and Page 10

Tyler, all IBDE alumnus have been hard at work. Thank you to our amazing volunteers. We appreciate your help and involvement! We would also like to thank Total Training for your collaboration and support! Looking for a new year’s resolution? We have 82 more videos to prepare and need your support. To get involved contact us at [email protected] or 1-888-9-ASPIRE (1-888-927-7473) Ext. 3 today! CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

CSSD Announcements

IBDE Web Advanced Program Learn dynamic database design and website marketing, and become more competitive in today’s market. PHP and MySQL Programming Wordtracker for SEO Blogging for Business

Courses running

June - September 2013 Information and assistance:

1-888-9-A S PIR E 1-888-927-7473 Ext. 2

www.ibde.ca Internet Business Development for Entrepreneurs

Social sites - Connect with CSSD and others Wondering what is happening at CSSD? Want to connect with other like-minded individuals? Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube! Page 11


Client Showcase Client Publications, Blogs, and Websites Delta International’s mission is sourcing and connecting Peruvian food exporters to importers; to provide fresh, processed as well as organic food that are nutritious and healthy on time and in a cost-effective manner, to the North American market. Delta International’s vision is to be one of the leading import agents of quality food at affordable prices with the best service from Latin America to North America. Javier Franco, Ontario http://www.deltainternational.ca/ Healing Hands Healthcare Services is a travel nursing agency that provides healthcare professionals with job placement services in remote locations of Canada. HHHS’s goal is to rectify the current nursing shortage that is currently being experienced in Canada, especially in remote areas populated by senior citizens and Aboriginal Peoples. Monique Bent, Ontario hhhsagency.webs.com Lamourah is an entrepreneur, vegan cook, and environmentalist. She hopes to inspire and bring awareness to anyone curious about being vegan, or provide a place for those of you who already are and would like to share. Lamourah Perron, British Columbia http://everydayveganliving.com/ For a delightful winter read (or all year long for that matter), order a copy of Rita Tee’s Sawdust in my Long Johns through Blurb Books. Rita Tee is a graduate of IBDE Web Essentials and Web Advanced programs and her recent book does not disappoint. Rita Tee, British Columbia http://www.blurb.ca/b/4048666-sawdust-in-my-long-johns Sas Designs Winnipeg and Difinity Dance Studio and Productions. Stephanie Strugar, Manitoba Facebook.com/PerformingArtsInnovation Facebook.com/1Spirit1Love Are you in need of a website? Annie focuses her creative energy on affordable websites for individuals and small businesses. She also posts to her blog weekly, which includes helpful tips on web design resources, SEO, and social media. Annie, Nova Scotia http://www.rainydaywebdesign.com Ann Shea of Saint John, New Brunswick, is a recent graduate of the IBDE Web Essentials and Web Advanced programs earning two college certificates. Her blog, The Cerebral Palsy Spirit, focusses on information about cerebral palsy and exchanging personal stories. Ann Shea, New Brunswick http://cerebralpalsylife.com/ Providing Technology Solutions to individuals and businesses across the globe! Keane Computing Solutions offers Live Assistance, inexpensive web hosting, custom programming, and you don’t even have to be a computer genius! Colin Keane, British Columbia http://kcsontheweb.com/ At Believe Designz, we have years of experience in design and the expertise in creating websites, e-commerce stores, content management systems, email marketing campaigns and many other web-based services. Believe Designz can also assist you with branding assignments, advertising campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO) and online marketing through Social Media Optimization (SMO). Jordan MacKinnon, Ontario http://www.believedesignz.com/home.html

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Explore the NEW ContactPoint! A multi-sector online community for professionals in the career development field Post a job, Find a job: A dedicated Job Board for you with positions in career development across Canada Keep current: Subscribe for FREE to Careering magazine and the CareerWise weekly enewsletter in our Media section Find the resources you need: Whether you work with youth, newcomers or clients with mental health challenges, we have more than 1,500 listings in our Directory Connect with your Community: Through discussion forums, blogs & wikis, build your professional network Keep learning: One-stop shopping for all Events with upcoming conferences, courses, webinars and more to enhance your own career development

Register with contactpoint.ca and begin exploring today! ContactPoint is a program of CERIC funded through a grant by The Counselling Foundation of Canada.

Découvrez le NOUVEAU visage du site d’OrientAction! Le rendez-vous des conseillers branchés Publiez une offre d’emploi ou trouvez-en une : Un babillard d’emploi dédié aux professionnels du développement de carrière Tenez-vous au courant : Abonnez-vous GRATUITEMENT au magazine Careering et au bulletin d’information bimensuel OrientAction en bref, dans la section Médias

Trouvez les ressources dont vous avez besoin : Que vous travailliez avec des jeunes, des nouveaux arrivants ou des clients ayant des problèmes de santé mentale, vous trouverez ce qu’il vous faut parmi plus de 900 ressources dans notre répertoire Créez des liens avec votre communauté : À l’aide des forums de discussion et des blogues, bâtissez votre réseau professionnel Ne cessez jamais d’apprendre : Un répertoire d’événements comprenant les congrès, les cours, les webinaires et les formations à venir, pour votre propre développement de carrière

Inscrivez-vous à orientaction.ca pour explorer notre nouveau site! OrientAction est un projet de partenariat entre le CERIC et la Société GRICS, avec le soutien de The Counselling Foundation of Canada.

Rise Asset Development a Rotman/CAMH initiative supporting business growth & mental health

Rise Asset Development (Rise) provides loans to entrepreneurs with a history of mental health and/or addiction challenges. Rise works with individuals pursuing self-employment who have a viable business plan or small business experience, but are unable to access credit from mainstream financial institutions.

Are you an entrepreneur? Do you know someone who is pursuing self-employment?

(i) Idea stage: Rise recommends that entrepreneurs with a business idea should develop a business plan through a small business development centre. Visit www.riseassetdevelopment.ca to view resources for individuals in Ontario or contact us to find out more. (ii) Start-up or Growth stage: Entrepreneurs who have a viable business plan or small business experience and are considering financing should contact Rise.

Each entrepreneur works with Rise to determine the appropriate financing for their business. The loan amount and term are based on the stage of development, needs and capacity of the business. Rise operates throughout Ontario, with average initial financing ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.

Meet a Rise Entrepreneur: Rise was approached by a photographer serving a small number of clients. He was exploring the production of high-resolution ads which were beyond the capabilities of his current equipment. He was not able to obtain credit from traditional sources and the cost of rentals was prohibitively expensive to his business. He worked with the Rise team and received a lease for $4,000 of camera equipment to be paid back over three years. Insurance was bundled into his payments. The photographer was able to acquire new equipment, meet the needs of his clients and increase his monthly income by attracting new customers. Rise operates with the support of the Rotman School of Management and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). For more information, please visit www.riseassetdevelopment.ca. Eligibility criteria is listed on the website and can be discussed further by contacting our office at 647 232 RISE (7473) or toll free at 1 855 464 RISE (7473). Please direct all email inquiries to [email protected].


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Announcements from Community Partners

Neil Squire Society Offers Online Computer Tutoring to Anyone with a Disability in Canada The Neil Squire Society continues to offer free computer skills tutoring to individuals with physical disabilities who live across Canada. The Neil Squire Society’s Distance Computer Comfort Program provides computer tutoring right in the home of anyone connected to the internet through online learning. Past participants have used the skills learned from the Distance Computer Comfort Program to further their education, find employment, and communicate with distant relatives and friends. Being able to use the computer also allows people to explore the world of the internet and learn about the different resources available. “I had no one to come to my house to help me – now I have the Neil Squire Society!” — Danny, Distance Computer Comfort Participant, Hay River, Northwest Territories. “This program was life changing because I felt so secluded. Computers have opened up my world.” — Diane, Distance Computer Comfort Participant, Guelph, Ontario. “Thought I wouldn’t amount to anything, but after taking this course I knew I had to do something better so I could thrive.” — Patrick, Distance Computer Comfort Participant, Moncton, New Brunswick. “The training opened so many options for me. Traditional classrooms were discouraging, humiliating, stressful, and belittling. Because the Society is aware of my barriers and works with me online, I have developed more confidence and now am a community coordinator.” — Mirjana, Distance Computer Comfort Participant, Summerland, British Columbia. Individuals learn (to name a few):

Benefits of the DCC Program:

• Word processing • E-mail • Office software • Internet, including social networking

• Free • Available across Canada • Self-paced, client-centered learning • Available wherever there is internet access

The Distance Computer Comfort Program is always looking for new participants and/or volunteers. If you are interested in the program, please feel free to contact: Gordon Watt 604.473.9363 Toll Free: 1.877.673.4636 [email protected] For more information about the program please visit our website, www.neilsquire.ca. Page 15


Ask The Expert Business Etiquette: Email as an Effective Tool Today we are constantly barraged with email from the online world, either through Smart Phones --iPhones – Androids, Blackberries, Tablets, Laptops, and Desktops. Email is the key tool today of communication and to those who understand the key objective of this great technology is its simplicity and effectiveness in your start-up business.

deposited in your Nigerian Bank Account.” In addition, send yourself an email to test the setting to see how it looks/appears - be objective. 2. ANSWER WITHIN 24 HOURS As I have said before I always try to respond to email using the 24-hour rule even if it is short, acknowledging receiving it and stating you’ll be back again shortly – remember Inboxes fill up and messages descend lower on the screen and are often lost if not responded to. 3. DON’T USE ALL CAPS All cap text is more difficult to read and is also considered shouting at the reader. It also shows that you have no concept of email.

However as Blair Pascal stated – “I made this (letter) email longer because I have not had the time to make it shorter.” Email as an effective tool: Why? Think about this, it is fast even in remote areas – those with dial up – Is there still dial up? - can still get online. It’s almost free WIFI is now even at Starbucks, McDonalds, and Timmy HO’s. But most people use it very poorly. How do you improve your email effectiveness and make it a powerful networking, schmoozing, and sales weapon for your start-up business? Check out these 10 recommendations below: 1. FIX YOUR SUBJECT LINES AND NAME Always on a response or new subject email make sure you put your name and topic so it doesn’t get spammed out and it is recognizable.—For example: “Follow up to our meeting” “Nice to have met you in Phoenix” or “Great Presentation” vs. all the proverbial headers you see like “Your funds have been

4. QUOTE BACK Select the section of email you’re responding to. Either cut and paste it into your reply email from the original or use a different colour of your font and highlight your reply, if you don’t cut and paste.

“... shorter is better - Five sentences is an ideal length...” 5. KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE As I mentioned at the introduction, shorter is better – Five sentences is an ideal length – don’t attach files unless it is part of a past email, you have permission, or it has been requested from the recipient ahead of time. 6. BLIND CARBON (BCC) EMAIL TO LARGE GROUPS When you have a larger audience to communicate with and want to save time, you can blind copy, in this way it still appears as an individual email and you have not revealed the other intended recipients as well. 7. REDUCE CARBON COPIES (CC) Most people try and use the cc as a lever, but the person either gets the email or he doesn’t – most people’s email boxes are full enough without putting unnecessary copies to others.

8. INCLUDE A GOOD SIGNATURE A signature is our stamp, so make it personal. Set it up on your email page that automatically inserts on NEW email and on REPLIES – Put in what you’re attending or exhibiting below your signature, i.e., See us at “Blackfoot Farmers market every Saturday Booth 16.” Put your website into all contact info, phone numbers, and email – This is your electronic sign or shingle. “Hang It out.” 9. DON’T FORWARD SOMETHING YOU THINK IS FUNNY Don’t just forward a forward, as chances are the person has seen it already, and you’re just adding to the junk/spam file. If you create it yourself it may be legit – use your judgement. 10. WAIT WHEN YOU HATE Although you should answer emails in 24 hours, there is a case in which you should wait, and that is when you are angry or very testy on your response. For me personally I usually write it all down to get the emotion out of my system, then save it in a draft – read it the next day often with a chuckle then delete it. As a cautionary note, don’t enter the recipient’s email address in case you inadvertently send it by mistake. Credits on article to Guy Kawasaki — “Art of the Start” In today’s busy world when people are pushed for time, be sure to keep these key points in mind when using email communication. Remember, it’s your good reputation on the line. Keep in touch! Jim Loggie; B.Com. CSSD Business Coach If you have any questions, comments, or would like additional information, please contact Coach Jim at [email protected].

Need inspiration? Check out our clients’ success stories and see how people just like you have shared similar challenges and were still successful - just as you can be too! Need Advice? Send your question to Ask the Expert at [email protected] and we will try and answer it in our next edition. CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

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CSSD Events Calendar

Virtual Classroom Schedule January - March 2014

Powered by:

Join us for LIVE INTERACTIVE classroom sessions held on a regular basis, with experts in various fields of business. To register, please sign up for the sessions listed below. These sessions are intended for Business Abilities (BA) participants and anyone considering the BA program for future. Come experience our virtual classroom! - Visit our convenient sign-up page. - Or email [email protected] (phone 1-888-927-7473 Ext. 702) to book with us personally. - Please mention which session(s) you wish to attend.

NEW! Modules 1 and 2: Planning and Basics with BA Coaches – Tuesday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern)

In this workshop we will discuss planning your business workplace, an assessment of your skills, and your reasons for starting the business. We will also cover the topic of your BA Individual Service Plan. We will delve into market research, so that you gain an understanding of the best method to follow. There will be ample time for you to ask questions. For full content description, please refer to Modules 1 and 2 within the Student Area of the BA website.

Sign up now!

NEW! Module 3: Objectives with BA Coaches – Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern)

This workshop will discuss the entire marketing lifecycle. Whether your company is service based or product based, there are aspects of this important module that are directly applicable to you. This workshop will cover all of the marketing considerations. For full content description, please refer to Module 3 within the Student Area of the BA website.

Sign up now!

NEW! Module 4: Structure with BA Coaches – Tuesday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern)

This workshop will explain how you should structure your company. The worksheets will help you assess whether you require a limited company or sole proprietorship. We will also discuss government regulations, insurance requirements, and the process of selecting a business name. For full content description, please refer to Module 4 within the Student Area of the BA website.

Sign up now!

NEW! Module 5: Layout

with BA Coaches –

Tuesday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern)

This workshop will discuss the location of your business. Whether you choose to work from home or a remote site, there are furniture and equipment purchases to consider. Wherever you plan to conduct business, the physical environment must be planned for efficiency. For full content description, please refer to Module 5 within the Student Area of the BA website.

Sign up now! Page 17


CSSD Events Calendar - continued from page 17

NEW! Module 6: Sales with BA Coaches –

CSSD is looking for students ...

Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern)

This workshop will consider all areas of sales. Topics include to whom you will you be selling, your sales scenario (the pitch), overcoming customer objections, and excellent customer service. This promises to be a lively session. For full content description, please refer to Module 6 in the Student Area of the BA website.

•

Who are interested in becoming employed or self-employed

•

Who already have basic computer skills

•

Who may find it difficult to work outside their homes

•

Who find it difficult to attend regular scheduled training programs in their communities

•

Who have the desire to learn and strive for their own independence

Canadian Society for Social Development

Sign up now! Web Essentials and Web Advanced

NEW! Module 7: Financials with BA Coaches and CSSD Executive Director, Anne-Marie Edgar –

Business Abilities

Tuesday, March 4 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern)

This workshop will cover the financial essentials of your business plan and relates to Module 7 within the Student Area of the BA website. This module is very detailed, so it will be important for you to understand the sections that apply to your business. Web Essentials and Web Advanced

Sign up now!

NEW! Module 8: Business Plan Wrap-up with BA Coaches – Tuesday, March 11 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern)

This final workshop in the winter series will address the areas where you require additional information and include some discussion on the production of your business plan. If you have questions, bring them to this session, and the coaches will provide you with in-depth answers. For full content description, please refer to Module 8 in the Student Area of the BA website.

Sign up now! We look foward to seeing you in a VC session soon!

For Business Abilities contact: [email protected] For IBDE inquiries contact: [email protected] For promotional or partnership inquires contact: [email protected]

Special Thanks To CSSD is funded in part by:

If you or someone you know could benefit from our programs, please have them visit us online at: www.cssd-web.org www.businessabilities.ca www.ibde.ca

Sponsors:

SUBSCRIBE »

Working relationship with:

Canadian Society for Social Development PO Box 278 Nelson BC V1L 5P9

CSSD adheres to the Imagine Canada Ethical Code:

Phone: 1-888-9-ASPIRE (1-888-927-7473) www.cssd-web.org

Special thanks to all other organizations not listed here who work closely with and support us. CSSD is funded in part by the government of Canada-Employment and Social Development Canada. “The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.” © Copyright January 2014 CSSD Publication All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CSSD SuccessAbilities - Winter 2014

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