Month: December 2011

This will be the most complex networking event I’ve ever run
the post personal, it’s about pain
the most uncomfortable, I am not allowed to wear a suit
the most fun, it’s about positivity
the most yummy – it’s an optional potluck!

This year I hosted a going away party for a long time fundraising peer. Invited a few guests and I ended up making dinner for 26. It was exhilarating to have so many positive people in my network meet and FOCUS on real relationship building.

We say that phrase a lot.

Relationship building.

In a sector where turnover is 18 months and being fired out of the blue – is common and kept quiet. Where we can be at conferences attended by hundreds and still not be able to spend 10 minutes really connecting.

Where the top five answers to how are you are:
– Busy
– Crazy
– Going all out, don’t know when or how to stop
– Surviving
– All of the above

Fraser Green, a long time peer and speaker did something about it. He wrote a book to help us heal our organizations and start on ourselves.

This retreat is about YOU
There will be NO drum circle
We will NOT sing kumbaya
We WILL have fun

It’s on a farm, we’ll meet, talk, connect
share a meal
spend some time

Then, spend some time on the farm and you’re encouraged to think.

About 2011
About 2012
About your career, life and future

I love this farm.
The University of Toronto gave me my career and life. I’ve been going to this farm to think, before every major life decision and change. First job, marriage, dream job, baby etc.. it’s just 45mins from the CN Tower.

Join me on Saturday January 7 at 9am ( ish ), done by early afternoon.
Closed invitation list – 1st LinkedIn connections known peers preferred
Fundraisers are the focus, charity/ forprofit peers VERY welcome
ALL invites are negotiable – as my twitter handles says….

Cost: $10 (UofT fee to visit farm) if you’re bringing food, $15 if not.

Let me know if you’re interested….

I exist to help my network make life and career intentionally awesome. Let’s challenge some issues, set some goals so we can achieve them together – no more balancing on edge to survive – let’s thrive in 2012!!

To quote the existential video below

“What do you want to do with your life?”

paul

A little while back I was speaking with an architect I highly respect and I asked him “why did you put such an odd winding path in that location”?

He answered that it was an old architect trick, open the building and wait for the people who use it to wear a path in the grass. It will be the most convenient path between two points of importance the architect may never understand….but it is critical to them – and so he waits -and makes a formal path there later.

I believe – that people vote with their feet.
Here on the interwebs people vote with clicks

So, hoping it’s of value to you, this is what you told me were the most valuable reads of 2011:

LinkedIn Tips

I don’t want your resume

Who’s got your back? The secret partner

Young NonProfit Canada – A new community

Business Cards

Social Media Breakfast – Secrets of LinkedIn

2010 Golden Crab Awards

Some folks don’t know I also have a business book blog
because not everyone can follow my Amazon book list on LinkedIn

Here are the top five reviews readers chose in 2011

The New Leader’s 100 Day Action Plan

UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging

LinkedIn Log – The greatest resource on LinkedIn yet!

Top 7 must read books on Networking

Books dealing with bosses and trouble at work

As we head into 2012 I hope to continue to be of value,
thanks for investing your time with me and remember, when I say
“I’m at your service“

I mean it.

So get in touch and keep in touch.

Paul

Great Canadian jazzman Oscar Peterson once said

“It’s the group sound that’s important, even when you’re playing a solo. You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That’s jazz.”

I feel the same way about networking, but I am really enjoying getting back into and learning more about jazz.

A big part of that education is a great Canadian radio station, Jazz FM 91

At this time of year they have a 24 hour music stream of Holiday Music made possible by the kind folks at Magnotta.

So I made a promise on twitter, just wanted to share that the promise had been kept. I visited my local store today and made my Christmas purchases at Magnotta in gratitude for their generous gift that I’ve been enjoying all season.

Now, just to share, they say that because they sell direct their costs are lower to consumers – as a consumer, I have to say they aren’t kidding! Not just regular wine but some of Canada’s best Icewine at impressive prices.

Ever shopped at Magnotta? Check out their holiday newsletter – maybe pay them a visit. If you do, I’d love a comment on the page…

A great adperson once said ” I know half my advertising dollars make me money, problem is, I don’t know which half” – Well Magnotta team, please know that you have a new customer and promoter because of this sponsorship – thank you.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and new year! Paul

Like you’ll get when you visit a store…here’s a taste of Magnotta!

Magnotta Winery by mgongea

Seven months ago I changed jobs and moved from a charity in uptown Toronto.. to the dreaded for profit world on Bay St. in the financial district

Fascinatingly enough, hundreds in my network didn’t see the change.

So here I am on Bay St. and those in my established team who don’t know each other have run out of time.

As a charity there was chance we might work together, as a business professional I will be turning to them, referring business to them and as my best contacts you all should know each other – that’s what I owe you.

So! What better way to start the year off right than to meet and introduce you to each other.
What better place than my new den of vice – business book heaven!!

Did anyone KNOW Canada’s largest business bookstore lives on Bay St?
( how is this a surprise I don’t know, what a dork )

January 4, 2012
5:05pm to 6:30pm
120 Adelaide at York St.
Drop in and out when you can

Bring business cards or I will hurt you

LinkedIn 1st connections only..
Those who work south of Dundas, East of University,
West of Church and North of the Lake are my focus
Exceptions are always on the table, email me if you’d like to attend.
As always I’ll be hosting more open events
but this one is all about the network of profit
( for-profit and social-profit of course )

Cost?
This time there is a price.
The kind folks at Books for Business are hosting usCome ready to buy one book to start your year off right

If you want a recommendation browse my book blog – or email me as I’ve read 300+ titles in this store and would love to share one I think could be of value to you!

Two of my strongest passions, networking and business books together?

Now THIS is the way to start a damn good year.

Join me won’t you?

Ps. If you haven’t heard of Books for BusinessFollow their blog
Tweet ’em
Link in with ’em

PPs. Bay St. isn’t SO bad. Here’s a Toronto video I’m in love with right now. If you look closely at 2:29 you can see me turn on the lights in my new office!

Toronto Tempo from Ryan Emond on Vimeo.

Just in time for the Holidays when foots the world over, are placed in mouths

Funny enough, Gandhi & Mother Teresa were known for their sometimes scathing tirades instead of the peaches and cream platitudes we so often hear… not because they were bad people but their passion often lead them to demand more of others and it didn’t always come off well…

I’m neither of them but I’ve had plenty of challenges communicating my intentions in my working life and beyond..

Swearing at work always confused me.
Don’t get me wrong I love to swear like a sailor on my own time. Great fun. But at work I personally feel we should be able to express ourselves intentionally with professionalism. But it’s hard some times, and I haven’t spent a lot of time managing people. I know it’s a challenge.

The darkest conversation I ever had at work was in 2011, a critical error and miscommunication led me to a blood boiling raised voice confrontation. I hated to be in that position and if not for some basic training I would have just quit my job that day..

Enter this tiny book. Not even 100 pages to read.

I took so many notes I think I may have transcribed the whole book! I WISH I had this book before that day.

This book not only gives you the words but the context for work, home, coaching, conflict

Learn to build trust, motivate and simply get your point across ( or listen to get someone else’s point ) with everyday conversation

A must read for managers and client/donor service professionals

This book is so solid in its’ simplicity you’ll realize you’re doing 80% but just not that last 20% – that’s the magic, the words in this book aren’t a stretch at all!

If you want to do more, get more in 2012 – here’s a quick read to do just that.

Best wishes for a great holiday season! Keep those feet on the ground…

Some ninja tips.. Paul

Anyone who knows me know that networking
is my oxygen and LinkedIn is my lungs

Special thanks to James Howe and the “Social Media Breakfast” Waterloo team for bringing me
out to KW to share my passion for LinkedIn

I promised the presentation ( slideshare) and links to all those who attended. But before I go into those my three thoughts to sum up the entire presentation:

1) In 2012, get your personal profile in order! Optimized for your goal be it job search, career development, general networking or to help others. Here are my tips and the big resource I shared that day

2) Get your company profile taken to the next level. I cited ” Johnnie Walker’s LinkedIn Page ” and campaign as an example of a company page gone right. Get yours in order today

3) Social Media, besides LinkedIn is going to be the way business is done in the next decade. The dirty one seat to the left is “push business marketing” the one way we did business for the past many years. I love this seat on the Toronto subway, it’s the ONLY private seat with no one touching or bothering me – it’s about control. Enter the NEW subway, open, interactive all the way through. This is web 2.0, the NEXT way to communicate. It represents a loss of control but greater opportunity to connect and do business. You have NO choice – start experimenting in this space today, or soon you’ll be left looking for a seat!

So! Links promised:

Books mentioned that help us think HOW to communicate in a Web 2.0 way:
– The Power of Pull
– UnMarketing
– Fascinate
– Enchantment

Books on LinkedIn:
– Best! New LinkeIn log
– Short and snappy, “I’m on LinkedIn, Now What”
– Most instructive, 2011 Update “LinkedIn for dummies”

Social Media Experts in Non-Profit to follow/connect with:
– Agents of Good
– Stephen Thomas – Best LinkedIn company page
– Good Works

Digital Social Media Conference for Non-Profits 2012

Innovative charity example: Small Change Fund
– Kitchener connection
– YouTube channel
– LinkedIn page

LinkedIn instructional video on Groups

Ethically Influencing – Jill Donohue

LinkedIn customizing company: LinkedIn Developers

Book on turnkey sales solutions, “The Best Service is No Service”

Special thanks to the team for uploading the presentation on YouTube! Follow along with the powerpoint – It’s an hour, feel free to skim, even I can’t listen to myself for that long…

Paul Nazareth

Ps. That resource, the LinkedIn log is an amazing way for those who don’t get linkedin to engage it. It’s only $10 online so get it and make 2012 the year get your digital self together!

Anyone who knows me knows I’m crazy about LinkedIn
Social media is fun but unfocused and messy.
LinkedIn is about real business networking.

A few weeks ago a wonderful peer saw this resource and sent me a note. I was fascinated and ordered a couple to check out. What followed changed my year, and will make my 2012 ( and yours if you choose ) a LinkedIn business success.

I get my hands on this little book, it looks like a passport. You can fill it out over an hour or so, but it makes you think. It guides the reader to create a well rounded profile – ON PAPER!!

Why is this a revolution? All other books just tell you what to do and leave you on your own. That doesn’t work for any business professionals who are not digital natives (coined by Humber educator Ken Wyman) , ie. anyone over 30.

Also, most other great books on LinkedIn are out of date with the constantly evolving program – this was just published.

THIS book, changes the game.

I showed it to one executive who wanted to help their staff get better at LinkedIn, they said “holy crap, this is it” and did a bulk order with 24 hours.

I personally put out a few hundred of my own money and bought a bunch for an education session I was giving on LinkedIn to the supercool folks at Social Media breakfast – and I sold out my few dozen in 5 minutes.

So take heed, I am getting behind this 100% in 2012. You can order it online here but I’ll be doing bulk orders and helping my network get their hands on them, let me know if you want one.

$10 ( total! Tax and shipping) to make your profile better? That’s an easy investment.

As another business executive who saw it and bought it right from my hands said to me “online, I don’t get it, I can’t do it. I don’t have time to figure it out” but holding this hand-sized book “but THIS, this I get. THIS I can do”.

Giddyup network.

Let’s ride into 2012 ready to rock

Paul

Every once in a while you get tired of cookie-cutter everything

This week I was excited to be invited to the Kitchener-Waterloo area to speak about a passion of mine, LinkedIn.

I was staying overnight but speaking to a very cool group called Social Media Breakfast – so I wanted to find a SM enlightened hotel. And I’m cheap and bored with cookie-cutter hotel chains.

Enter the Walper

Right downtown ( I’m so sick of walking across massive parking lots to get to some form of life ) and a Heritage property which so much character it actually inspires creativity!

My stay was perfection for the business traveler, I came in late and every detail was handled in seconds. Such a beautiful room with high ceilings and new design touches too. Free wifi, a 2011 must.

I will admit to being nervous as I’m a bit of a hypochondriac, but phew! Spotless washrooms and everything else..

Two touches I have to mention that I really found valuable:

1. That they have a theme for their philanthropy and they share it well

2. For the business traveler, the concept of a “grab and go” breakfast on my door handle early in the morning so I can eat on the run – BRILLIANT. I can’t go to one more horrible continental breakfast bar. Yogurt, fruit, juice n’ oats.

This is a creative place for people that value inspiration and comfort.

That it was ONE THIRD less than local chains like the Raddison and Holiday Inn didn’t hurt at all.

A tip for network and tweeps – hope it’s of value.

And to the Walper staff?
I tweeted, you responded. Kudos, it’s why I booked.

The handwritten, personalized welcome card on my nightstand with an organic honey-oat bar?
Home run.

Thank you. Paul

A quick read from the master of marketing – Seth Godin
Guaranteed to get you out of funks, blocks, procrastinatory type situations.

“The job isn’t to catch up to status quo it’s to INVENT the status quo”
What a perfect way to start a book like this.

It’s no secret I’m a fan of Seth Godin,
recently I met a marketing guy
who says he’s a guru and has never read Seth
– that’s like the Pope saying
“Jesus who? Nevah hoid of him”
( I may be thinking of Groucho Marx but I digress )

This book exists to in the same way
you carry kitty-litter in your truck during the winter,
when you get stuck, use it for traction.

“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

For established successful professionals, that answer may be, “not in a long time” – When was the last time you scared yourself?

In his chapter the seven imperatives of explosive business success Seth hits home that 99% is common but the one uncommon spark is ‘initiative’ the gumption to just bloody START something.

He builds on his message from his last book “Linchpin” with the question for you to ask yourself, how do you respond when people ask “what do you do here?” – A very Robin Sharma “Lead without title”concept

His basic push to start, do, act is motivating and helpful. The difference between saying at an event “let’s do lunch I’ll send you an email” to “we’re holding our mobile devices with schedules in our hands – let’s book this meeting right now!!”

Isaac Asimov the amazing Sci-fi writer wrote 400 books! It was his drive and commitment to start, go, do, finish…great chapter on this

A helpful chapter on how to make team meetings and accountability meaningful and helpful to productivity – pick this book up if you’d like to boost that.

Another great note on the concept of mistakes and failure – I too am so tired of the culture of succeed or die, so inauthentic – I recently read a quote that said the world’s greatest discoveries weren’t made shouting “Eureka” it was when a lab person said “huh, that’s funny“

For those who want to improve HOW they work I loved his line that “juggling is not just the art of catching, it’s the art of throwing better“
For the business professional,
the time crunched creator
this is a very quick read but a value read.

Pick it up
Poke the box

Paul