The “Shit _____ Say” videos may be getting old but from time to time there are some really good ones that make the rounds on the internet. This is one of them, made by our favourite foodie Mijune (Follow her on twitter at @FollowMeFoodie). Shot right here in Vancouver, can you recognize a few of the spots?

By: Karra Barron

Most entrepreneurs feel stressed out when they have to twist themselves in different directions in order to run their business. Sharan Sumal, on the other hand, thinks that getting herself into a twist is absolute bliss.

“Yoga is a way of life for me,” says Sharan. “[As a child] yoga helped me deal with my abundance of energy and bring that energy level down without tiring out the body and mind. In fact, I would often feel more focused and refreshed after meditation.”

After working for seven years in the Mental Health and Addictions field, Sharan found herself wanting to change gears but still stay close to the health and healing part of her career. With a baby on the way, she found that opening her own business would give her the freedom to do what she loves and be a full-time mom. Sharan is now the owner of Yoga on the Flow, a mobile yoga studio that specializes in Yoga Therapy.

A practitioner of yoga for over 17 years, Sharan only discovered this unique form of yoga a few years ago at her old job. She would bring her clients to Yoga Therapy classes and began to notice not only physical changes in them, but that they were dealing with their emotions in a more positive way thanks to this therapy. She explains:

“In Therapeutic Yoga, practices are adapted to suit each individual’s specific needs. Poses are modified to each individual’s body and we do this by using props such as blocks, bolsters, straps and chairs. Modifications help to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the pose while significantly reducing the risk of injury.”

Sharan knows that Yoga Therapy is a flourishing industry and hopes to open a studio in a permanent location one day while hiring more Therapeutic Yoga teachers who’ve graduated from Yoga Therapy International. For now, she’s happy to keep her business mobile, coming to her clients whenever they need her or inviting them to one of her two Downtown spaces- one of them being The Network Hub.

“Through [my] business, I get to help people learn how to do the very thing I have enjoyed doing for much of my life.  How many people can say that?  Being able to share a part of my life with others is a real blessing,” adds Sharan.
For anyone looking to relieve stress at the end of the day, Sharan shares her favourite restorative pose.

“I most often call it a ‘transitional’ pose, it helps me to transition from work to home life.  We all need to reset and recharge for home life – try it out! Namaste.”

Wall Hang

 Cues

• At a wall, sit with your left or right side of the body to the wall
• Swing your legs up to the wall and rest your back on your mat – arms are at your sides with the palms facing up
• If your hamstrings are tight, move your buttocks away from the wall until you no longer feel them (your legs should not distract you in this pose)
• Place a blanket over yourself if you are cold
• Use an eye bag (or place a folded face cloth over your eyes) to facilitate relaxation
• Breathe softly, quietly and gently
• Stay in the pose anywhere from 10 – 20 minutes
• When coming out of the pose, first bring your knees to your chest and hug them for a few breaths, then roll over to your side and come up safely

Benefits

• Rests the heart
• Rests tired legs and prevents varicose veins
• Soothes the sympathetic nervous system
• Relieves palpitations, breathlessness, asthma, bronchitis and throat ailments
• Reduces indigestion and nausea

5 years ago, Gordon Skillen started the Institute of Professional Bookkeeping of Canada and grew it into the largest bookkeeping association in Canada. Despite 30 years of industry experience, Gordon was a victim of fraud

It’s the same story you’ve probably heard a number of times. A “professional” who looked and sounded normal, and even had references stating how fantastic he was. Instead of doing his Due Diligence, Gordon believed the information that had been shared with him. Information that, at face value, showed the professional to be nothing less than a saint among men. Glowing references, a professional designation, and membership in respectable and well known organizations.

Unfortunately, this is what snakes in suits look like. They do their best to blend in, trying to look exactly the same as every other professional. It’s not until you look a bit deeper do you learn that the story they’re telling isn’t quite true. The glowing testimonials were fabricated by their friends. The professional association has never heard of them. And the criminal record they neglected to mention is proof that they’ve suckered someone else before. Yet there they were, offering their services to the next victim, and this time it was Gordon Skillen. He fell for it and it nearly ruined his life.

To ensure he would never have to feel the embarrassment and shame of being a victim, Gordon sought a third party verification system to investigate future business relationships. He was looking for an easy to understand verification system to identify people and businesses; a verified level of trust and transparency. He couldn’t find it, so he created iHonest.com, allowing professionals to prove their honesty and demonstrate a commitment to transparency.

“…there were 90,932 actual incidents of fraud in Canada in 2008.”
- Statistics on Fraud in Canada - Parliament of Canada

“According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, 95 per cent of people who are scammed never report it.”
- Canadian fraud cases rose in 2010 - CBC News

“…the poll of 802 firms estimated employees cheated their employers out of a collective $3.2-billion in 2010, the study’s author reckons the true figure is much larger.”
- Canadian small businesses lost $3.2-billion to workplace fraud last year, study finds - Financial Post

“More than half of the businesses in Canada…had been the victim of fraud in the past year.” “…a quarter of the businesses said their losses exceeded $500,000 and a significant portion of those crimes were committed by someone working for the company.”
- Helping prevent businesses from falling victim to fraud - The Guardian

“In 2010 there were 126,655 calls made to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center.”
- Annual Statistical Report 2010 - Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Criminal Intelligence Analytical Unit

For more on iHonest check out their website http://www.ihonest.com/ 

Latest Reach Magazine produced feature for Vancouver View Magazine. Feature on  Nanon de Gaspe Beaubien-Mattrick was written by Karra Barron and pictures were taken by Cindy Wu.  Check it out in the latest issue of Vancouver View Magazine.

Vancouver is a great place to live. Some even argue that is one of the greatest places to live. While we proudly call Vancouver our abode, there are some serious issues stemming in our great city. One of them is the poverty that many kids face on a daily basis. Every day in our city, there are children that go to school without food in their tummies and warm clothes on their backs. When they return home, more often than we would like to admit, there are instances of abusive and inadequate parenting.

Enter British Columbian schools. Out of sheer need, schools have become much more than educational centres. They are an arm of the welfare system, providing food, clean clothes, and most importantly, an ear to listen and the heart to show that others care. The Vancouver Sun Kids Fund is a charity that has been around for over thirty years. This year, they have launched the Adopt-A-School program where 24 schools have come forth and identified themselves as a school in need. All of this was the result of a story written in the paper, about a frusterated teacher who faced critical needs with limited resources. The needs of these kids are real and immediate.

The good news is that businesses, people and even other schools in more affluent areas are stepping in to help. TELUS was first to come on board as the first corporate sponsor. For every Facebook Like, they are offerring $1 to the charity, which will be matched, dollar for the dollar by the fund. One Like, $2 for hungry kids. As the most outstanding philanthropic corporation in the world, this was no surprise. Then there was Future Shop who surprised a local school with computers so that they can continue their after-school study group. Not to mention Frogbox, who responded to a tweet, and provided free boxes to collect jackets at a Shad concert over the weekend. These are only a few examples of genorosity our city has. Here’s how you can help:

1. Like Vancouver Sun Kids Fund on Facebook. 1 Like = $4 due to the support of the fund, TELUS and other donors. https://www.facebook.com/VanSunKidsFund

2. Text SUNKIDS to 20222 to donate $5 to the fund

3. Complete the donation form at https://vancouverfoundation.ca/vansunkids/donateonline.asp.

4. PHONE: To pay by credit card, call 604-605-2426.

5. NEW ITEMS: Our Adopt-a-School project not only collects money, it is a conduit so readers can immediately donate goods such as coats, shoes and gloves directly to schools and students who need them most. For information on how to donate new items, email adoptaschool@vancouversun.com or call Adopt-a-School coordinator Kathy Anderson at 604-605-2654.

As you all know, on Thursday November 24th 2011 – 6:30pm, Reach Magazine, VancityBuzz, Yellow Hat Mediaand new partner Blenz Coffee, will once again present The Buzz Entrepreneur Event at the Xi Shi Lounge in the Shangri-La Hotel.

Putting this event together would be impossible without our sponsors. We would like to thank the following sponsors, for their contribution to making this November 2011 – Buzz Event the best one yet.

1 -Blenz Coffee

2 – Xi Shi Lounge

When we first set the date for The Buzz Event we weren’t anticipating such a busy date for November 24th. Especially in the creative or innovation space! Who were we kidding? Vancouver is a great city for creative professionals and here are 4 events to check out. Too bad I can’t be in four places at once!

The Buzz Event

We are proud to be hosting our 6th Buzz Event on November 24th, 2011. Thanks to great support and a healthy demand, we have been successful in selling out! Visit Networking in Vancouver to win our last few tickets! Learn more about our event here. 

“Our city is brimming with remarkable entrepreneurs who are reshaping the competitive business industry and paving the way for new and innovative advances,” says Dammy Og, Buzz Event Founder. “The Buzz Event brings together leading thinkers on a platform that promotes idea sharing, mentorship, and networking. As a fellow entrepreneur, Buzz has been truly rewarding to build and grow so far.”

Lean Startup 101

Lean Startup Vancouver, Ideahack, and UBC Entrepreneur Society presents Lean Startup 101. This night is all about plugging students into the lean startup movement and the local tech community in Vancouver. We want you to start something, so we are connecting you to people who can help you make it happen. Learn more.

Pecha Kucha

PechaKucha Night began in Tokyo in 2003 as an event for young designers to share their work, but has since grown into a global event held in 447 cities around the world. As PechaKucha Night spread geographically, it also expanded in focus and now gathers local creatives from across many fields to share their passions in a unique, concise format: each presenter shows 20 images for 20 seconds each. In Vancouver, PechaKucha Night is a fun and informal hour and a half of culture, ideas, creativity, passion and opinions. It’s a place to share your thoughts, gather as a creative community and have a good time.  Doors for this event are at 6:30. Learn more. Buy Tickets.

Startup Drinks

Startup Drinks is a casual gathering at the end of each month for anyone who’s interested in startups. We meet at a bar in downtown Vancouver and we chat about all things #startups…projects, funding, challenges, and people in the scene. Learn more about Startup Drinks on Meetup.

Make It Fair

Make It is devoted to creating positive opportunities for artists, crafters, designers & musicians. On the flip side, Make It is a shopping event that gives enlightened shoppers the opportunity to buy unique, ethically made goods from top artisans from all over Canada. The vibe at the show is funky, hip and modern very different from you traditional granny craft show!(not that there is anything wrong with that) Music is performed by up-and-coming local musicians and there are always tasty treats to be enjoyed. Make It is about appreciating creativity, connecting entrepreneurs, and giving conscious shoppers an alternative to the mall. Learn more on their website.

VIRTUALLY POSSIBLE: How to Monetize Online Platforms & Boost ROI

November 15, 2011 from 4:30-7:30pm | Register Online

Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver – 791 West Georgia St.

 Dig deeper and discover new online strategies for your product or service-based business.

Engage in a lively conversation about the tools and strategies available to optimize your web strategy and increase ROI.

 Panelists include:

• Nancy Mudford | Owner - Spa Boutique & Le Petit Spa
• Jonathan Becker | SEO Manager & Internet Marketing Strategist - Cymax | Instructor & Advisory Board Member – Simon Fraser University
• Elena Verlee | Founder – Cross Border Communications & PR in Your Pajamas
• Katrina Carroll-Foster | Co-Founder - Hoseanna
• Gordon Ogden | Principal - GOHO Internet Marketing

 Format:

• Panel Discussion followed by Q&A Session, moderated by Cybele Negris (Webnames.ca Inc. & FWE Board Member)
• Small break-out sessions with each of the panelists
• Networking and cocktail reception

Discuss the tough questions with entrepreneurs and business influencers in a small group environment.

Learn from leading business representatives.

Connect and network at the reception featuring local wine and fantastic food.

REGISTER TODAY!

Ticket Prices:

FWE members - $49 +HST

Non-members - $79 +HST

The Roundtable Bundle - $228 +HST (save $50) – includes a (1) ticket to the Roundtable event & a 1-year FWE membership – to take advantage of this opportunity & for more details - click here

*includes wine and appetizers*

Space is limited.

SPONSORED BY

By: Karra Barron

It’s no secret that real estate in Vancouver is soaring to increasingly unattainable heights, but what many consumers might not realize is that most housing prices are inflated for your realtor’s benefit. This is to ensure that he or she receives a substantial commission from the deal- regardless of how much or how little work they may have put into selling or buying your home.

“The reality is that many real estate agents are overpaid,” says Barry Allen, co-founder of real estate startup, Click Realty. “94% of consumers start their real estate search online. They are information hungry and in fact, they do most of the legwork required in figuring out which home they want to buy or how they’re going to go about selling their homes. By the time a real estate agent gets involved, the consumer has done most of their job and yet, they’re the ones that reap the financial benefits.”

It’s for this reason that Barry, along with co-founders Fiona and Victor Therrien, started Click Realty. They call it a digital real estate company because it provides consumers with the online tools and information they need to sell or buy their home themselves, such as access to live updates on the Multiple Listings System. This ability comes from recent changes to the Canada Competition Act, which gives Canadians the ability to choose and pay for the services they want from a real estate agent, thus saving them more money.

To access these exclusive tools, consumers simply sign up on Click Realty’s website and create an account. “When we were selling our home a few years ago, we were frustrated with the lack of transparency in the real estate system,” explains Fiona. “With Click Realty, consumers can access the same tools realtors use, which leads to quicker and more efficient sales. We then give them back half the commission fee on the sale or purchase of their home.”

This commission is transferred to Click Realty users in the form of a rebate for 50% of the fee that would normally go into a realtors’ pocket. Their specialized technology eliminates the need for massive advertising and promotional expenses associated with a traditional company, thus allowing them to pass on the savings to their clients.

“We know that consumers are smart and we want to empower them throughout the real estate process. Whatever they need from us, whether it’s just access to information or the full spectrum of real estate services, we’re here to help them and share all the benefits of working together,” adds Victor.

Click Realty plans to continue growing and sharing their unique business model with the rest of Canada. They also hope to continue growing their affiliate partnerships to include everything from financing to moving services.

“The bottom line is that you need to be armed with the best information to make a good decision. The more educated the consumer is, the better the whole [real estate] system will be for everyone,” says Fiona.

Its been an exciting year over here at Reach Magazine. Our partnership with Vancouver View Magazine has been wonderful, and our entrepreneur event – The Buzz Event – is slowly becoming an important Vancouver event.

A few of you might know the company Paragon Ideas, but if you don’t, Paragon Ideas is the parent company of Reach Magazine. I registered the business Paragon Ideas when i decided to form a magazine, and since then, a lot of good things have happened.

We have been successful in showcasing entrepreneurs through our magazine – Reach Magazine – and our entrepreneurial event – The Buzz Event. Though not advertised, we have also successfully worked on different traditional and social media marketing projects with numerous clients in Vancouver. We are very grateful for all the support everyone has shown us, and we are excited to announce that Paragon Ideas has merged with Yellow Hat Media.

With this merger, the Buzz Group – Reach, Yellow Hat Media, and Vancity Buzz – will be stronger, and it is important to note that we will still be offering the same services, managing the same events, and working with the same clients that we worked with before.

With that said: Yellow Hat Media  is a full service Design, Technology and Marketing Solutions Agency.  As part of a new team, and new start up, I am excited to join forces with the likes of Andrew Kumar, Kirsty Tsang and co. We hope that you will keep supporting all our future endeavours.

Thank you

Dammy Og.