Author: Paul Nazareth

Ok, full disclosure: 1. I blogged about this book in 2011, have shared this book with hundreds and have been a BIG fan because this book helped me when I was giving over 100 presentations a year. 2. After pestering the author to ask about tips for fundraisers, we kept in touch and I’m actually IN this book. Don’t worry, if it was terrible…..I would tell you. But, luckily it doesn’t suck. Mark has gone over and above his last book to put together a powerful set of tips for not just sales professionals but those in the business of building relationships to succeed ( fundraisers, I’m talking to you! ). And YES office dwellers this DOES mean you too! Every time I recommend this book I have to remind peers it’s not JUST about influence. It’s about not having the other person shut themselves to what you’re saying before you’ve opened your mouth. Or, as the pro’s call it, non-verbal communication. Mark is a private coach to Fortune 500 CEO’s, world leaders, celebrities and yes even the Prime Minister of Canada. But don’t hold that against him, he’s no Tony Robbins. Reading this book will help you to communicate better and be your most authentic self. Mark writes for his clients, the CEO, “way too busy for this” types. Which is good because you’re probably way to busy right? Wrong, this book is crazy-practical! Each chapter ends with :

1. Theory to practise
2. Just do this now
3. A case study from someone who uses this skill daily

My part of the book is winning tips for fundraisers. Frankly, things Mark taught me to overcome in myself that resulted in proven social-profit success for me. I truly enjoyed the other tips from content experts and feel they add such a new valuable dimension to Mark’s content. There are so many myths busted and misconceptions set right. I love the chapter on how far to stand based on the topic of conversation and relationship between individuals. Inside these pages you’ll find more than just body language, how to speak, walk, shake hands, say hello and goodbye – it will sound artificial but I can’t stress how this will empower you to get to know yourself, and be your best. Three top chapters that end the book make it a must-read for 2013 success: Room set up and how to ensure the best conversations for building relationships and closing a deal. Coaching your team – one failing I find in so many business books is not telling the reader how to translate the knowledge! And lastly, and I can’t stress this enough to authors on networking and business communication, If you’re writing books in 2012 and beyond – it’s a social business world now! Remember to add things like body language for video, Skype and other mobile-communications. And Mark did! So valuable. I have been recommending this book to hundreds of professionals of all ages and stages in their career. If CEO’s and heads of state call on Mark as someone who can help them be their best and most authentic self while still incorporating smart business communication methods – I hope you’ll find value here too. I leave you with some resources. An audio interview with Mark, a video tip from Mark, from my beloved Globe and Mail and below that a bit about the book. Thanks Mark for being so kind to a fan of your work. It is an honour to be a part of this amazing resource and your network, Paul

Note: This is an unofficial, non-AFP event privately hosted by me. I had a professional and LIFE changing experience at my first AFP Congress ( my story link here ) Mid-career I was kept away from AFP as a member and participant. Charity fundraising peers you know the excuses: “we don’t have budget”, “only senior staff get to go” “you just started here, be happy you have a job” – and garbage like that. So I’ve been hosting dinners in the evening around Congress for a few years now, for out of towners, delegates and the rest of us. And make no mistake, respect to AFP, they’ve been nothing but supportive, they want to help fundraisers! That’s why they exist. Congress has changed dates and I wanted to do something this year on Sunday night, for folks in town over the weekend. I’m already hosting a networking event on the Monday night, I wanted to do something different. Across the province my close peers at Good Works were thinking the same thing. Fraser Green has been a great inspiration to me for years, and Leah Eustace and I have been having way too much fun thinking together about better social fundraising for the past couple years…the theme of the conference being collaboration I had an idea to make this event more value – and this senior group of experienced fundraisers have generously accepted to host a series of table clinics to help you actually talk about your challenges and go home with ideas and solutions! For the Fundraising Executives who like me treat Congress as a good time to reflect on career path and self-direction, we’ll be joined by a unique coach for fundraisers, Janice Cunning who will host a table as well! There will be seven tables:

1. Giving your website a makeover
2. Integrated fundraising, using more than one medium
3. What does fundraising in 3D mean?
4. Better Legacy fundraising. Practical planned giving
5. My mail programs are killing me
6. The Evolution of a Fundraising Executive ( with Janice )
7. Networking for cause and career ( guess whose hosting this table)

Once again I’ll be hosting it at the super collaborative Marche in Brookfield Place – where there’s food for all tastes, special needs and budgets. Also paying is easy so folks can come and go as they please, no pressure. I’m super pumped about this – ALL are welcome. Fundraisers in Toronto, AFP Congress delegates and those curious about AFP membership, come and see why it is so powerful for a philanthropic-sector professional to join! We’ll meet between 5:30pm and 6pm. The tables will start discussions at 6pm and keep going officially until 7:30pm but again, I run my events with NO RSVP and no formal programs so you can come and go as needed… so no pressure. Come and leave when you can. If you use LinkedIn feel free to tell me which table you’d like to be at. A BIG thanks to the fine folks at Good Works for saying yes to this crazy idea, and like so many of the wonderful sponsors and speakers at Congress, stepping forward in support. Let’s really collaborate. It’s how good ideas happen! I leave you with a thought about where they come from….  Paul

#AFPCongress is THE biggest/best fundraising conference in Canada. If it was a dude, he’d look like this: It has evolved into a powerful sharing of ideas, thus the aptly named 2012 theme, “collaboration”. But I have a beef with many conferences. You’re running from session to session trying to fit in food and bio-breaks, maybe a conversation here or there.  For many folks,it’s hard to network. So for the past few years I’ve been hosting a dinner the first night so delegates and AFP members in town alike can meet, share ideas and spend some time actually getting to know each other. You can’t collaborate if you don’t know each other and have a basic relationship built, let’s build some! SO! We’re going to meet at 6pm at the registration table at Congress, the Metro Toronto Convention Center North We’ll be dining only steps from the Convention Centre at the only quiet restaurant nearby at 6:45p, Baton Rouge ( 277 Front St & John St., at the foot of the CN Tower )… we’ll be live tweeting if you want to catch up with us, just follow me at @UinvitedU or the hashtag #AFPCongress Out of towners and first timers, we’re especially looking to see you. Young professionals who have no budget to attend Congress, this is how to get a glimpse of the pageantry, the awesomeness and be inspired to fight to get there, like I once did. All are welcome, NO RSVP. Just be there. Also, the great folks at CharityVillage.com have let me know they’ll be giving away a free membership to their new nonprofit professional network at the event! Thanks as always CV, I’m looking forward to hearing how the new platform is helping the sector and those who work in it! Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, my great peer @EmmaLewzey is running another dinner at an Indian restaurant uptown at Banjara ( details here ). So, here are some pre-conference networking tips to get you ready. And, heck, with plenary’s like Don’s Jazz (link) and Tony’s Theatre (below) there will be lots to talk about! See you there, Paul 

As a self-professed “social-business professional” I shouldn’t be surprised, it began with a tweet.

From a top contact of mine, Lisa Taylor. Who is also a recognized leader in business around an emerging trend in personal career evolution; the legacy career ( but that’s another post).

“Paul I know you love Scott Stratten, did you know he’s speaking near your office next week?” – I went nuts. Scott is quickly becoming the professor of social business, his first book “Unmarketing” was a best seller and I’ve personally recommended it to 1000 people. He just published his second book and a Toronto talk was nowhere on his speaking schedule.

But this was a private talk. To a group I wasn’t aware of, even as a weekly Toronto Star reader. I read articles and knew they have great resources for small business but here is a club to help what Statistics Canada tells us is actually 98% of all employer business in Canada: Small Business!

Enter, the Star Business Club

They had Scott in for a talk on social business for their inaugural event this week. What a home run. I heard about the value of this group from the business owners who attended. The case studies in the paper each week, video education, the well resourced private site and I must say as a networking enthusiast myself I could see the result of a club that is curated for quality of member vs. an open group for anyone trying to get rick quick.

My favourite part of Scott’s talk was the power of the third circle of engagement: the revenue of social reach.

I also left finally understanding more about how Scott has connected with his tribe worldwide through a VERY unorthodox version of engagement Vs. promotion. It sounds simple but it’s a paradigm shift in how business professionals communicate ( ask me next time you see me ).

In the mean time, BizClub team, you rocked this event:
Thank you for being awesome.
 
You can join the club here, get LinkedIn and follow them on Twitter – but get on board dear network. This isn’t just a club, it’s a group of peers who care about each other’s success.

I leave you with my favourite resource for small biz, see you at the next event!

Paul

I personally found powerful value in Scott’s first book Unmarketing, I’ve recommended it to over 1000 peers, I was really worried about his sophomore effort. But it’s not called “the book of business awesome” for nothing. The other side is titled, “the book of business unawesome” – one a collection of things done right, the other a warning for those who choose to ignore this medium and message. People who love their customers, who work for themselves, who care about better business – love this book. His chapter on the “third circle of influence” is the best one pager on the revenue of reach – an instant addition to my arsenal on why business professionals need to join this wired tribe, NOW. I love that he constantly tackles the inner fears of marketing and business types “people are going to challenge and attack our product!”. Scott shares how brand leaders instantly flip bad reviews and solve customer problems – and in some cases get out in front of them like the new multimillion dollar McDonald’s campaign. In the world of client/donor service I continually argue with peers whose programs are focused on exhausting acquisition when the numbers show time and time again it is loyal customers/donors who hold the most revenue potential. It is time to serve and engage them in this medium and stay out front ahead of those who would steal them away from you. Refocus: Companies/Charities aren’t awesome, people are. Business IS personal, we often say “it’s about relationships” – well if that is correct then it’s the humanization of brands and us as professionals that are going to build and strengthen these relationships. He’s helped me, let him help you. Scott tells a couple stories of revenue business that started with one tweet, but he reminds the sceptic “you don’t build a house with a hammer, twitter is just a tool you use in collaboration with your existing networks. If you sucked without social, it will only amplify how much you suck”. He shares what the ROI will look like and that’s what we need more of instead of just the “how to”. Scott’s 30 tips for speakers is a rant from the cheap seats that will have any avid conference attendee throwing their lanyard in the air screaming “amen brother!!”. It could honestly be published as a mini-book and given to speakers when they are confirmed to speak. Like many business professionals I am sick of “wow, they went viral” stories. We never hear how they built their platform, how long did it take to get viral, what is the revenue and what does life after viral look like? Did the business scale up to succeed or was it just a big blip? Scott dedicates an entire chapter to the gritty details of this, it could be the first time I’ve seen this done so thoroughly, another big gift to the skeptic of social media strategy. Moving to the UnAwesome side…. Scott dedicated this to the naysayers, negatives, sceptics – you will see someone in your work peers in this list. The head of marketing or finance who says “my kids spend all night on the twitter and bookface, I don’t pay staff to spend all day playing farmville.” The best part of the unawesome side is that it speaks to the busy and overworked, it helps them understand the roots of trends instead of ridiculing them for not understanding. Social media isn’t just tied to the web, it’s about the future of mobile web. By 2014 the Internet will be used by more mobile devices than desktop computers. Google already reports that 61 % of users won’t return to a site they couldn’t access quickly, is your site mobile and tablet ready?! Finally someone challenges the overhyped power of the Facebook like. Finally some really smacks down the droning pathetic “show me the ROI of social media” with the real understanding of an HR, marketing professional and business owner (Scott has been all three). Funny enough though, his book, all these detailed case studies, the actual strategy and comfort talking numbers results in Scott once again writing the best business case for social media integration I’ve seen to date. Two for two Mr. Stratten. A special thanks and shout out to the Toronto Star Small Business Club for hosting a private session where I got to hear and meet Scott! I leave you with a couple of great video’s from Scott on ROI and better Social Business, Paul

One tweet. Just one. On a Wednesday night : “Dear Twitter network, my office is having a book sale for @UnitedWayTO – Anyone wanting to donate books, DM I’ll pick them up.” Within 24 hours, I had three offers and had to stop taking books for fear I couldn’t deliver them to the department taking them or fit them in my Zipcar! Within one week, three people had given me almost 300 books. If I had taken all offers, I would have had more than 1000 books. From one random, undirected tweet. Imagine if there had been real intent or strategy behind that ask? For the converted, hey you know the power of social media for philanthropy and social business. Let’s remind the naysayers, it’s time to dip your toe in the water! Create an account, learn the lingo read Unmarketing on why organizations need to invest and for the business set Scott’s new “Book of Business Awesome” will help with that nagging ROI itch too. On that note, it’s not a big deal to anyone but me, but I crossed 2000 followers on Twitter this week – A humble thanks to all of you who read, respond and engage. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your network! And to those three people, I thank you – and the United Way of Toronto thanks you too! I leave you with a little video note from them… Paul

When I share my personal career path, people often say to me “wow, that’s amazing planning” – now, in the rear view mirror of hindsight, hubris and ego make it look like a strategic straight line. Make no mistake it was a white knuckle zig-zag of a ride but by sharing some of my tips, I hope to save you some bumps in the road. Most people don’t even think about their next job until it’s brutally clear they need to start looking, most start looking and networking only when they have lost a job. I often say that looking for a job when you need one is like looking for a date the morning of Feb 14 or looking for someone to kiss at 11:59pm on New Year’s eve: Oh you’ll find someone, but they will be what you can get, not what you need or deserve. I refuse to live life with lowered expectations. And so years ago, I sought out mentors. There are many formal mentoring programs in professional associations. Young people are often told “get a mentor” in University or College. The problem is, those associations are all “pay-to-play” membership based ( which most often young professionals have NO access to) and having just one mentor is putting all your eggs in one basket. Plus I think that the noble sage version of mentorship is outdated – who has the time for 2 hour boozy lunch meetings listening to some wise leadership type pontificate? I was delighted to find that the folks at Harvard Business agree. Like any corporate or social-profit business/charity: You need a personal board of directors. Here are some personal tips from me on my unorthodox board: The Dynamic Sector Leader : This leader pulls you up. In my 12 year career in charities working in bequest and legacy giving, Ken Ramsay has been a mentor of incredible help and inspiration. He has worked in faith-based organizations like myself and has carved a powerfully successful career and gained wisdom along the way. He is at the top of his game and has challenged me to think bigger at every stage of my career. Taking a career risk is so much less scary when the voice of wisdom and experience is whispering “jump, you can do it”. This board member is one you learn from, listen to and watch. Contact with them is infrequent as they are often very very busy. A meeting once a year is a good goal to shoot for. I would recommend choosing someone who is never satisfied with their own status, so they won’t let you get comfy with yours. The Next Generation : I am privileged to have formed a relationship in my sector of fundraising to teach at Georgian and lead/lecture with Humber College. They have allowed me to create an army of hard working, passionate young professionals. Frankie Chow is just one of them. These leaders push you forward. They teach you new technologies you may not understand, because as natives to it they live it.  They keep you on your toes, keep you humble because they will call BS on you if it escapes your lips, keep your heart pure and your gratitude level high as walking with them through the challenges of coming up in the world reminds you what you have and what to be grateful for. Frankly, they also scare you a little bit. Seeing them in the rear-view mirror, keeps you running faster forward. Sector experts. Also known as fellow nerds. People who are just a little ahead of you, not twenty years but five or ten. They are cerebral and things you enjoy “thinking” and “doing” they obsess like you and together you can nerd it up without fear of alienating peers. You can’t meet often but they make great twitter peers and conference buddies – smart people who share what they are learning with you. Ann is mine, for every 5 hours I’ve spent thinking about something, she has spent 5 days and has done it for 5 years. Non-Sector experts. People who do NOT do what you do. For me this is the many successful business entrepreneurs in my network. As a fundraiser I believe we are closer to entrepreneurs than we are cubicle dwellers in business. We have so much to learn from them, spending time with people outside your sector brings fresh new ideas to your world. For me, this was the twitteratti who taught me the power of this medium. The Fixers. These are the expert problem solvers. Often these are consultants with many years business experience who make a living creating clarity. I’m lucky to have on my board Alan Kay who literally is an expert in something called “Solutions Focus”. Studying and learning from him changed my entire life. I often refer him to my network to save organizations from themselves. This position often changes depending on what stage you are in your career, building, leading, creating, consulting. The Disruptors. These people challenge the status quo. They will often challenge YOUR status quo. I know dozens of peers right now who have good jobs, flexible work environments but they know it’s time for change. But those golden handcuffs are too comfy. I was in this place, I had a nice easy five year plan. Meeting in a Starbucks one Tuesday afternoon Promod ripped up my plan asking questions about what I wanted in my business life. Sharing his wisdom and story, woke me up from my complacency. Watching and learning from him since always keeps me fired up, and on my toes. Last but never least, the running-partner. These people support but challenge you by being you, maybe better. They can be younger or older but someone you have regular access to and who you keep in touch with often. They push and pull you in micro-ways and coach you from inside the moment as a peer. They are your sounding board and unlike the other directors they are a little more invested in your success. In my life Christina Attard does the same legacy work I do but her activity blogging, in digital communication, in legacy giving keeps me motivated and sometimes annoys me into bucking up by simply outperforming me at my own strengths. Now, this board will probably never meet. They will probably not know they are “on the board” but they should always feel your gratitude and you should fight hard to be of value to them in their business life. I even created a personal award to say thank you to mine. So where to start? I leave you with two fabulous resources on this topic: A detailed blog-series on how to set up your board and a brilliant minute-and-a-half coaching video below. Continued success in all you do, Paul

I hope this post is of value, I encourage you to follow the professionals linked in this post on twitter at : @TheGlassHammer @CDowdHiggins @JerMonson and the ever-awesome @HarvardBiz

Hello! I wanted to say a special welcome that was longer than 140 characters. Thank you for investing your twitter time with me! By following me, you will find content on:

• Fundraising, philanthropy and charitable giving
• Business, management, strategy and leadership
• Networking, career and personal development
• Local content on Toronto and Canada

You’ll find more about me and my mission statement HERE This is not a social profile. It’s 95% business ( 5% Other ) I exist to help passionate professionals succeed. I am interested in the future of “Social Business” today and tomorrow. I’m joined in this quest by my corporate and social-profit network. I hope you are part of this tribe. Most of all, I’m here to serve and help YOU So please keep in touch, engage and please share your wisdom. It’s something I seek to learn from you. I leave you with some words of wisdom, tweet you soon. Thanks again, Paul Nazareth

  Networking Paulcast click here! 4mins, 45seconds There is SO much noise in our now digital world. Are we just following trends, chasing the reactive work or are we strategically achieving our goals? As much as I like to be creative, my career was built in offices and I work in big institutions…doesn’t mean we have to be devoid of entrepreneurial power, does it? So let’s create OTHER spaces to think about work. And FIND our peaceful places, and go there to disconnect. Links mentioned in the podcast:

• The ODDEST video taking the web by storm: Gangam Style
• Scott Stratten’s Unmarketing
• Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” – TED talk – Book
• LinkedIn’s Hackday
• Why Entrepreneurs inspire me

If you want to take your strategic thinking time to the NEXT level

• Scott Stratten’s new book ( current book tour! )
• The “Start with Why” podcast ( a REAL podcast )
• The classic strategic quadrants from 7 habits

Thanks to you for investing your time with me!   Paul

*Note, here is an updated 2013 post*  LinkedIn is the Facebook of Business. In August 2012 it crossed 175 million users. I am user 18,717,680 and joined in 2007. Hardly an early adopter. But I’ve read books on it, bumbled my way through the newbie mistakes and business faux-pas. I’m an unabashed fan, promoter and now speaker on how to use it for personal and professional success. LOTS of changes to LinkedIn in 2012, here are my updated tips…click on the bolded links for great articles on each tip!! Don’t forget to download apps for mobile use! 1) It’s NOT a resume. It’s a digital business card + opening conversation. Use the summary section to explain why you are the best at what you do and different than the million other people doing it. Personal branding is the goal! Integrate your networking style. Bold, clever, succinct, reserved – make it your words. For your organization or business a company page is a must in 2012. Anti-resume tip : Under work experience do not focus on your job description and duties – instead focus on accomplishments and skills that apply to your career growth 2) Newbie tip!! Don’t EVER use the standard line “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn”. Change it every time. Let them know where you met, how you know each other and why you want to connect. In 25 words or less. This will get you a 90%+ connection rate. 3) You don’t need to have a killer profile right away. Take your time but start today! Don’t use start when you need a job. I didn’t expand my original profile from just my name and work title for two whole years! Also, you don’t need to upload a picture right away. Remember the picture is 1 inch squared, make it professional (no photos from weddings) but interesting. Not facebook interesting, something that says “I’d be an interesting addition to your team, I’m a professional, hire me”. 4) Growing your connections list is the #1 new user stress. Here’s my personal ratio: 95% people you know, 4% strangers, 1% heroes/mentors you want to learn from. Start with people you already know well, then people you’ve worked with in the past and of course people you know professionally now. What do I mean by heroes? People who lead in your sector, professional heroes or teachers. Remember though, follow your gut: Stranger danger! Ignore invitations from strangers and profile surfers. Connect first to well networked peers to save time looking for names you both know. This is business – always think about the ROI of time spent. 5) If you’re reading this, you’re seeking to understand the keys to the future of social business like me. So if you can, get your organization whether a for-profit company or social-profit charity involved! Turn your team into referral generators for business and staffing.  LinkedIn’s SEO recruitment arm will change recruitment in 2013 – keep your eyes on them. 6) “Groups” and “LinkedIn Answers” are a huge amplifier of time invested. Again, connect to those in the know and join the groups they’re part of. Answer questions in groups your network/clients/donors are most invested in at least once a month. Look at LinkedIn “Answers” in categories that connect to your business and answer questions with useful resources and you’ll become known as a “go to professional”. This will help you make more contacts outside your immediate network but in your sector. It will also help dynamic like-minded people find you. Me personally, I find groups better for sector networking and answers better for referrals 7) Recommendations are important. The magic number is 3 to 5 on a profile. Consider who you have made an impact on and ask them to write one for you – be specific about what business or characteristics you’d like them to highlight. Give them an out if they’re uncomfortable. HR people are looking at LinkedIn first! Tip: Fastest way to get recommendations is consider who has made an impact in your career, connect and write one for them! 8) Have rules. Know who you don’t want to connect you. Set a daily time limit for use. Originally I started at 10mins a week to 30mins a week, to ten mins a day max. This is not Facebook! It is also addictive and can waste your time. As in your business life – follow the revenue line!! Time = money. A simple tool to manage all your social business media. 9) If you’re a book reader, upload what you’re reading ( in the Amazon reading list ) and favourite business books online to help others understand how you think and what you value. Again, it’s about telling the story of your brand/character – Forbes Magazine is awesome at teaching this… 10) Even though it’s no longer on your profile page. Use status update in your “home page” to provide business value, not updates on your life. Connect to a business-focussed Twitter account and you’ll double your audience. In 2012, twitter and LinkedIn broke up, which is a great thing because people didn’t know how to use them to compliment each other. If you want to read a book about the why and how of all social media and social business – Unmarketing is it I leave you with two great resources: LinkedIn’s awesome video series for small business ( applicable to all ) The video below is not just for companies but organizations of ANY kind (charities, I’m speaking to you ). Hope it’s of help and value… Contact me any time, and oh yeah, LinkedIn rules.

A 2012 video from LinkedIn on Company Pages