Bridges to Better Business

"Have a passion for your business and be willing to do whatever it takes to survive." was the strong message delivered by keynote speaker, Peter Dal Bianco of Bianco’s Group of Companies. Dal Bianco was speaking to a capacity crowd of business people during the 4^th Annual Bridges To Better Business, sponsored by the Regional Business Centre, the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Opportunity and Innovation and the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre along with local sponsors the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, The Business Development Bank of Canada and the Learning Initiative. The event was held on October 23, 2002 at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre.

Bridges to Better Business is a unique one-day event, held during Small Business Week, designed to help businesses grow and prosper. Participants had an opportunity to set up displays, make valuable contacts and share innovative ideas with peers from the community. Besides showcasing products and services at the dynamic trade fair and participating in lively roundtable discussions, participants gained valuable information on current business trends including exciting new technologies and viable e-business opportunities.
Ron Dupuis, Deputy Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury, welcomed the group and congratulated the Regional Business Centre and Fednor for helping local entrepreneurs put their innovative ideas to work.

"Our business owners are constantly seeking ways to bridge the gap between experience and inexperience," stated Dupuis. "Events like these recognize that small business is the backbone of our community. I congratulate each and every one of you for having the courage to invest in Sudbury."

The Northern Ontario District Manager of the Business Development Bank of Canada spoke of how "Small Business Week" has grown into a country-wide celebration which is looked forward to during the last week of October each year.

"We’re proud to provide support to people with ideas. This event and this week are a celebration of people who have made their dreams a reality."

Peter Dal Bianco began his speech with a little joke to bring out a very important point to the young entrepreneurs in front of him.

There once was a very religious man who prayed every evening to God. In his prayers he asked to be granted just one wish - that was to win the lottery. Every evening he prayed that he would win the lottery. Years went by and the eventually the man died and went to heaven. When he met God, he looked up and asked, "Lord, I prayed every single day to win the lottery and you didn’t answer my prayers. Why did you ignore me, Lord?"

God looked down and said, "My son, I heard your prayers and so wanted to help you win the lottery as you had asked. But you have to answer me just one question. Why didn’t you ever buy a ticket?"

Peter went on to state that if you want to have success in business, you better be willing to "buy the ticket first". The ticket in this case is being willing to everything you possibly can for yourself.

"Be prepared to work 75 to 80 hours a week in the beginning and don’t expect success to drop into your lap. If you want something, you have to be willing to help yourself," explained Dal Bianco.

He gave a brief history of how he began his long journey in business in 1979 and outlined some of the difficulties and challenges that he encountered. During the presentation he gave the audience some very important tips.