While the concerns regarding the potential negative impact of certain high interest loans are legitimate, the debate has failed to consider the context in which high interest loans exist. It is too simple to label a loan "high interest" by looking only at the annualized interest rate. There are many other factors that determine the true cost of borrowing.

Just about everyone I know has designs on or at least daydreams of starting a business, which I think is normal. And yet, while no one ever says, "I want to be a cog in a giant, multinational machine when I grow up," that's usually what happens. I can't give you advice on how to create a successful business, but I can hopefully give you the nudge you need to at least try.

It's never fun to think about everything that could go wrong, but preparing for the worst is a sign of maturity. Fires and floods (and much worse) are a part of life, and we shrug them off at our peril. The good news is that CFIB has created some Basic Emergency Management Guidelines for small businesses.

Most people interested in media, marketing and technology think of smartphones as the device that is putting the PC world to rest. Yes, personal computers are still pervasive, but the growth of smartphones has been exponential and astounding all in one breath.

October 15-19 is Small Business Week in Canada and this really is a very special year for me. This year I've partnered with Scotiabank to help shine a light on the important issues and challenges businesses in Canada face today. I've had a lot of experience on both sides of the business table and I'm really looking forward to getting a conversation started with entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders from across the country.

Stay-at-home mom Mindy McKnight was constantly being stopped by women wanting to know how she created those cute hairstyles for her daughters. In 2009, Mindy's husband suggested she film her hairstyles for girls and she then started sharing them on YouTube. She posted her first video on YouTube on March 17, 2009 and ever since, her life has been a real dream!

BlogHer.com started out as a forum where women could feel involved and included in the world of technology which was predominantly dominated by men. Today, BlogHer.com has grown into the most important community of mostly female bloggers on the Internet. The accomplishments these women have achieved in the last few years is nothing short of mind-blowing. Check out my interview with one of BlogHer.com's co-founders.

June 6th marks a personal milestone for me: It's my company, NKPR's, 10th year anniversary! As we blow out the birthday candles and look forward to the next 10 years, I can't help but pause and take stock. I've learned many things specific to my industry, there are some observations I can share that apply to anybody in any business.

I have two key employees who have been with me for three years, both performing at a C+. I'd love to replace them, but they are both crucial positions and I just don't have the time to search for and train replacements. Should I fire them and suffer trying to find someone better or do I keep jogging along at a C average?

While it's nice to get drunk on the social media Kool-Aid and point fingers at those who have gained exposure and popularity through it (both positive and negative), all of that pales in comparison to the fact that we still don't even really know just how powerful this new media is.