A Life Weld Done!

{Cyreks at work}

The following is a guest post from Tess Cyreks of Weld Done from the YRSBiz Blogging Circle . The York Region Small Business Club helps small businesses in York Region connect online and in York Region. Their goal is to provide free or low-cost opportunities for local businesses to connect and engage with each other and ultimately to help small businesses succeed. Visit YRSBiz at www.yrsbiz.ca.

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As a teenager in High School, I took a few shop classes. I was interested in mechanics but the school I went to didn't have much of a variety of classes. It was mostly General Shop. You got mechanics, woodworking, metalworking and some time on the computer for drawings. It was good for me. It helped me learn a variety of different things in one class.

One day we started to learn to Stick Weld (aka Arc Welding or SMAW). I enjoyed it, and actually did the best weld in the class. Everyone was shocked. 

I was one of two females in the class.

(That’s right folks, I am a chick welder. Surprised?)

As the story goes on, I got good grades in my shop classes and I graduated high school not long after I birthed my twin girls. I eventually married their dad and we were together for about 8 years in total.

(Okay, so I’m a chick mom welder. Surprised yet?)

When my girls were about two and a half, I started looking for a part time job. To help with bills, and to break out of being a stay at home mom. I was not satisfied with not bringing in an income. I did not want to be completely dependent on my husband.

After entering the workforce part time in retail, and discussing career opportunities, I decided to go to college. After taking an introductory course in MIG Welding (aka GMAW) I was hooked. I decided to go for some Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) tickets.

(Alright, so I’m a ticketed chick mom welder. How about now?)

I started my business full time in August 2011 and I am still trying to make it work. I don’t have any tips for you today readers, but I hope that you enjoyed my story.

(Well, if a business woman mom welder trades-person didn’t get you. I don’t know what will!)

They call me Cyreks.

For more information you can contact Tess Cyreks

Email: Cyreks@weld-done.ca

Website: www.weld-done.ca

Anything worth doing...

 

{Photo via Susanna}

Have you heard the saying "Not all that glitters is gold" or even "A stitch in time saves nine"? When planning an event, its better to take your time to find what you want and what fits your budget. You don't want to get a venue that exceeds your budget just to compromise many other essential factors down the road. When you mix gems with dirt, it doesn't look as pretty, and if you think people won't notice, you are sadly mistaken. As an event planner I encourage my clients to create a budget and work with the budget, I also try to work with the vendors, not manipulate them to be at a loss. When I plan an event, I want it to be gold, not just glitter like it. And I encourage everyone to apply this principle in all that you do. I'll end by saying that its better to spend your time in creating a dream, than it is to spend time fixing a mess. Which time do you think was well spent?

Stay Fabulous,

The Socialites Manual 

The Art of Networking!

You walk into a room full of people, your stomach starts to churn and you keep asking yourself what you were thinking. There are too many people here, I'm shy, I can't possibly accomplish anything by being here, I'll get lost in the crowd

OR
You walk into a room, its a good size, good amount of people, but it seems like everyone is well acquainted. Everyone seems to know eachother too well, and you start to feel like you'll stand out like a sore thumb, a loner in this intimate setting. Oh boy!

*If you can relate to either of these scenarios, both or some experience similar or inbetween, you are not alone. New to the idea of networking and wondering if it ever get easy? Here are a few tips I have learnt along the way:
- Come prepared, have a couple of thing that you can discuss with people in case you freeze and suddenly you feel like your brain went on a break or something.
- Always remember that when you meet people, its just as important to listen as you feel it is to let them know about you/ your business.
- Be engaged in the conversation. Ask open ended questions and when answering leave room for interjections. Don't just ramble on and on.
- RESPECT
- Smile- its contagious, they might not smile back (most people do) but it helps the conversation.
- Most of all, have fun and be yourself, but ensure professionalism all the same

* If you have any tips you would like to add to this list, please email us at info@thesocialitesmanual.ca

Stay Fabulous,

The Socialites Manual 

Make my income Triple!

{Photo via Plethora}

Here I am sitting in the waiting area of my doctors office

... and all I can think about is what Laura from @DivaGirlFitness said about her income tripling when she said goodbye to her 9-5 job. Now all I can focus on is how the business can grow faster, what I need to do in order for people to know more about us, what marketing tools am I lacking, etc. The good think about following your passion is the sense of fulfillment that comes with it. Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a seminar that the small business enterprise hosted called "A brand called You". I took notes like a kid in school would and you could see the excitement in me. With everything I already know about event planning and entrepreneurship, I'm always eager to hear people speak because you never know what you'll learn and how it can help your business.

*End of thought... time to see my doctor*

Stay Fabulous,

The Socialites Manual 

I'm an entrepreneur, Now what?

I'm sure we have all asked ourselves this question. Not knowing where to begin,because there's so much to be done. I remember when I got the idea to start up a business in event services, I had a lot of questions running through my mind. I started loading up my brain with resources in order to build my expertise. After a while it seemed like all I was doing was educating myself and I remember someone telling me "Just Do It". After letting the idea settle within me, I had to make some decisions:
What type of events do I want to plan?
What was my demographic?
How can I expand the business while staying true to my passion?
So many questions...
I'll end by saying "So far, So good"



Stay Fabulous,
The Socialites Manual 

Be Inspired!

We got inspired to write a blog post today after reading this piece on The Sprinkles cupcake ATM. While watching the video I kept reflecting on these words "You're an entrepreneur if... you see opportunities that others do not" thanks @BizWizKevin (you can follow him on twitter). I tried to imagine how that idea came, the process of wrapping the mind around it, and even accepting the fact that you might be on to something. This is what a lot of entrepreneurs deal with on a daily basis, we have to think outside the box, step out of the norm and create our own trend. This is innovation at its best. Kudos to the team!



Stay Fabulous,
The Socialites Manual 

Stella & Dot Jewelry Trunk Show

 

We are pleased to let you know that Lola will be hosting a Stella & Dot Jewelry Trunk Show at 

Milestones (3900 Highway 7, Vaughan, ON L4L 1A6)

Time: 3pm-5pm

To view their collection please Click Here

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and got to spend it with the ones you love. We just want to wish you all a Happy New Year. 2011 was good, and 2012 will be better. Thank you for the love and support. We have a lot more in stock for you this year and we hope you love it all Xoxo!

Stay Fabulous,

The Socialites Manual