b'SME BUSINESS SUCCESSIf youre not building an efficient busi- Delorme cites the example of the appar- 4 LEVERAGE ness, those customers might mean youreently contradictory notion of how hisDIGITAL TOOLSjust working harder for potentially eventobacco company leverages modernIf a business does not set itself up to less money if your margins arent there,technology to more closely followleverage all the digital tools now avail-stresses Pestun. The reality is we need toIndigenous customs. Of course, thereable and prepare itself for those that be looking at the internal performance ofare very strict, age-old protocols aboutarent even known yetconsider how our company and how our revenues arehow ceremonial and medicinal tobaccoquickly AI has leapt to the forefront as built, to understand our pricing strate- is handled, with the women handlinga toolit is wasting valuable time and gies (so that we) understand our levels ofand preparing the medicines, puttingopening itself up to potential setbacks profit and profitability as entrepreneurs.the right intentionality into the tobaccoin the future. Automation frees up If we make the mistake of thinking thatwhen theyre handling it, being in a posi- human resources to be used more effec-if we just bring in more customers, salestive state of mind, and implementing thetively while also reducing the risk of will increase and well have a strongerSeven Sacred Teachings.human error. company, we could actually be solvingThe challenge, according to Delorme, isPestun cites the simple example of the wrong problem.3 LEVERAGE how to ensure that, in this day and age,online bookkeeping software versus people put those sacred traditions firstthat shoebox method of just throwing TECHNOLOGY to take care of themselves and their fami- everything in and giving it all to your Embracing and investing in innova- lies, ahead of their natural desire or needaccountant at the end of the year. The tion is a must for future-proofing SMEto make money.pandemic, she says, provided stark companies, keeping them dynamic andevidence of how important it is for small competitive, and freeing up the timeIts a very difficult thing to ask someonebusinesses to embrace digital technol-and energy required to consider newto do, Delorme explains, so part ofogies: (Businesses) had to pivot very what weve been doing is imple- quickly, and those that couldnt embrace ideas and approaches. This doesnt meanmenting automation into our manufac- a digital world were left behind. jumping on every new and shiny piece ofturing process so that we are limiting tech but thoughtfully integrating appro- the handling of the tobacco with humanWere interested in leveraging tech-priate technologies that can propel thehands. Thats just one example of hownology that can take over simple, stan-business forward.contemporary business practices, ordard or administrative tasks so that manufacturing processes, are actuallywe have more time to invest in higher Colby Delorme boils it down to this:[implemented] in an innovative way,levelandcreativework,andplan-Look to technology and new innova- helping to maintain cultural protocolsning, adds Janelle Desrosiers. Were tions to address what your businessand traditional practices. also fans of the four-day work week, so or your team needs in order to practi- whats even better is that time is given cally deliver your product and service,As a bonus, embracing technology alsoback to our team members in reduced even if it seems like its not a traditionalhelps to foster an internal culture thatoverall workload.approach to doing it or the way that itsencourages and welcomes creativity and always been done. new ideas.The power of AI alone as a tool for future-proofing business is only mini-mally understood at this point, but its potential is vast. Pestun underscores AIs We believe economic wellbeingability to help us monitor our changing Helping our clients is key to Mino Pimatisiwin customer needs, keep us informed about what products are selling Group Pension & BenefitsGroup Benefits Administration Property & Casualty InsuranceHuman Resources Consulting Services Learning & Development Talent Acquisition Services Truth and Reconciliation for BusinessTIPI-IMI Insurance PartnersLive the Good LifeNational Head Office: Suite 100 - 1075 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R4G 0R8Saskatoon Office: 160 - 217 Joseph Okemasis Dr., Saksatoon, SK S7N 3A8The Pas Office: 314 Edwards Avenue, The Pas, MB, R9A 1K6TF: 1 (855) 266-TIPI (8474)104A CCAB PUBLICATIONSpring 2024'