Those seeking inspiration for how to run a successful company need look no further than the 13th annual PROFIT W100 ranking of Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs.
The women on the ranking come from all corners of Canada; their businesses span all industries and range in size from five to 1,300 employees. What unites them is their fierce drive, deep resourcefulness and razor-sharp business acumen. And they know what it takes to make a difference.
In 2010, the W100 firms generated almost $1.4 billion in revenue. The 49 that export their products or services abroad sold almost $259 million worth to foreign buyers. And they’re big-time employers, providing the equivalent of 9,000 full-time jobs last year. Furthermore, these entrepreneurs know how to expand their empires: over the past three years, their businesses have grown by an average of 156%.
They’ve found success by skillfully adopting the right strategies to make their businesses excel. For instance, this year’s No. 1 entrepreneur, Shannon Rogers, applies relentless innovation to please clients and subdue competitors. No. 25 Sherri Stevens has tempered the recession’s brutal effects on her automotive client base by both diversifying her business and deepening her relationship with existing customers. No. 34 Eveline Charles took customer service to the next level by implementing a standardized system to make every visitor to her salons feel terrific. And No. 58 Jennifer Blakely generated major buzz by using a series of zeitgeist-friendly marketing ploys, including a flash-mob video that has generated almost 35 million YouTube views. Read more from Canadian Business Magazine
Content courtesy of Canadian Business Magazine