114 BCBUSINESS JULY/AUGUST 2017
develop strategies to solve a variety of
problems. For a ˜at fee of $2,000, clients
work with its specialists over a single cof-
fee meeting that lasts a few hours. "Your
network is often where you're getting your
rst customers from," notes Belenkie,
a Lower Mainland–based serial entrepre-
neur and former biotechnoložy
CEO.
A good network will also be your rst
and often best source for battle-tested
advice. If you have peers who run similar
companies, they'll know all the challenges
you'll face rst-hand. And when it comes
time to seek paid expertise, they can point
you to experienced advisers who have
demonstrated their worth.
Where to start building your network?
Most business sectors have industry asso-
ciations that promote their interests and
provide networking opportunities. Life-
Sciences BC, for example, supports the
province's biotechnoložy industry. There
are similar organizations for manufac-
turers, food processors, software devel-
opers and all sorts of other industries.
Non-sector-speci c organizations such
as the BC Chamber of Commerce, and
groups like
TEC Canada (formerly known
as The Executive Committee) and the
Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, help
business leaders branch out further.
Re£ine and Design's Wainwright
stayed a˜oat during his rst few years
COFFEE-TALK
Neil Belenkie and
his colleagues offer
targeted business
advice over a
single meeting
