Category: Uncategorized

Whose desk isn’t over flowing with “things I should read”

Sector stuff, some stuff you pay for
…you never get to it.

Of the actual publications put out by consultants in the Canadian philanthropic sector a solid stand out is the magazine from the Offord Group
( mind you KCI’s Philanthropic Trends is no slouch )

This issue about Boomers was so well put together and so important for my professional passion, planned giving – I had to flag it for my network as a must read.

Doesn’t hurt that it’s a damn good looking publication, a fun read, a thinking read, one you want to share and talk about.

What makes this issue a must read?

I have been sounding an alarm in presentations I’ve been giving for the past few years. The Boomers are coming and they are going to change philanthropy and the way we fundraise. The issue starts off with a fascinating article on how charities should think about positioning themselves in this change. Doesn’t hurt that it’s from a professor from Queens eMBA.

I won’t hide my bias, that I have great respect for a fundraising leader I worked with at UofT, Avon MacFarlane who is now VP of the Offord Group. She has a strategic mind and I listen to everything she has to say and every word she writes. Period. Her article on the great wealth transfer, is of value to anyone who wants some of it! Tired of this topic? Her perspective is a refreshing one too as she addresses the fizzle that many of us waiting for this big transfer have felt for the past decade.

I’ve had a lot of fun this past year, getting up to speed with social media. All this fun took me a little off the path of why I was learning it. 90% of those who I interact with are Gen X, Y and Millennials but the reason I’m there is business, and if you want to do business with revenue-line results in social media right now… you better be aware of where boomers fit in. The wonderful Robin Fowler reminds us where that is.

Robert Harris, CEO of Altruvest provides some important insight about volunteer engagement that will soon be the new normal. Several of my peers are looking forward to hearing Robert at the February 3 Schulich Nonprofit Board Governance and Leadership conference – I hope he addresses this!

Having a strategic conversation about the demographics and future impact of boomers without talking to Founding President of Environics Michael Adams ( author of Stayin’ Alive, on my ready to read list.. _) is like doing a mustache retrospective and not talking to Tom Selleck or Dom DeLuise. The issue includes a fun and thoughtful Q&A with him.

Now, it would be dishonest of me to claim I love the boomers. Full disclosure, I’m a Gen X’er who at times can have a less than sunny attitude towards them. With their “demographics has nothing to do with it, we’re just that good” attitude. How Boomers donate and tips on working with them by Offord team member Prabha Mattappally had a nice Gen X edge to it. I tip my hat to you Prabha, one X to another.

So get over to the Offord site, I know they’re not 2.0’d out and you have to submit an email address… but looking at their client list – they are all about making big players big money and big results. Their network are big thinkers who are changing the face of Canada and the world. So if you want to think smart in 2012, this is worth the trouble.

Couldn’t be happier to see the recommendation to read CARP’s “Zoomer Magazine“. I’ve been a member on and off since I was 23. Yes, the Canadian Association of Retired People. Why? Because being a demographics nerd that they were going to change the very fabric of Canadian life. Why not ride the wave and have some fun? You can’t beat demographics, why not join them? Not a believer? Check out this full page ad that Moses took out in the G&M. Funny and a little terrifying right?

They’re coming.
Be ready.

Great job Offord team.

I leave you with some words from the Znaimer himself…

Paul

Some people love to travel the world.
I love the road. The drive.

Sure the changing colours of Canada in the fall is inspirational. But for me, there is something healing in that open road. Alone in the dark on a long drive is where I get to reconnect with me.

In a city like Toronto, being a family man, there are people around always. Light always, noise always. In the dark, focused on that white line, belting out odd but loved songs…
start with, quirky , plucky, inspirational , jazzy , cheesy , soulful , ends with
I can’t explain why this means so much to me.

Recently I’ve been having trouble explaining a couple things in my networking travels …

AS USUAL, MY NETWORK FOUND THE PERFECT ANSWERS
Yet another benefit of social media.

Working in charities for the past 11 years, job search in non-profit has been my life. Through Humber and Georgian College Fundraising Programs I interact with a lot of students too. Here is one of the best posts I have ever read on preparing for a social sector ( or any ) job search!

11 Tips for a Successful NFP Job Search by Rosetta Thurman

This past couple year I have become an avid promoter of social media. For work, career, enriched life and especially job search.
I have never been able to articulate this second topic that is CRITICAL in 2012 for the skilled knowledge economy leader:

7 Reasons Every Job-Seeker Needs to Blog by Mark Shaefer

A big thanks to Annette Penney of Inspire & Aquire. We met through a LinkedIn session I was giving with the great folks at Social Media Breakfast Waterloo – she has given my twitter feed new life since we connected! I urge you to follow her too.

Lastly, now that I’m no longer working for a charity I want to point out to readers and peers that although it may look like I’m patronizing with advice, my goal is only to provide resources to serve.

I am truly at your service in job and anything else my network seeks.

I call my network “the army of the passionate” – is this you? If it is, please engage on twitter or subscribe to this or my book blog – we could use…somebody like you!

I got a lot of response when I announced that I was going to start 2012 with a newtorking retreat and the questions keep coming this week, how’d it go?
Thoughts, learnings?

It was a great group, more than I thought I’d get, top top network contacts – not a slouch amoung them. Three golden crabs too, nice bonus.

When we went around the room thoughts turned to challenges in 2011. Wow. Not betraying anyone’s trust but the lesson is, it is the life stuff not the work stuff, that derails and brings us low. I think it was comforting to know successful folks of all professions struggle with these issues. The greatest of my mentors were all affected most highs and lows – by non-work challenges. So, big lesson here, a book I read a few years ago really hit this home – even success can be toxic. Cause us to lose focus. Pay attention to health, quality of live, loved ones, parents and kids don’t wait until crisis hits to treasure them!
It’s not corny, it’s good business advice!

Business discussion! Wonderful to have former CAGP GTA Chair Colleen Bradley with us. Besides her wonderful work helping charities with Planned Giving she has a passion for helping professionals refocus & rejuvenate ( look for a session on this in 2012 ).

She asked three key questions and a powerful theme.
I challenge YOU to ask yourself these before January is over.

Theme: What about us?
Fundraisers, givers, doers… we do for others.
We don’t ask this question. We just git ‘er done.

Question 1. Personally: What are you grateful for?
Leader, Director and blogger Kimberley Mackenzie wrote
a wonderful post today, that got me off my duff
to make my list – very simple stuff. Powerful. Do it.

Question 2. Professionally: When did I win?
The great Seth Godin, marketing maverick, wrote a post on this today. Write down your professional successes from 2011. Declare your awesomeness, without ego or hubris

In room, alone.
Look at this list and declare.
With an Iron Fist of Fury. I rule.

Question 3: What do I WANT in 2012?
Both personally and professionally, this is not work strategic planning. I mean for you.
A short simple list.
Then, SHARE it with your network.
Give it power by declaring you’ll do it and by asking your network, your personal army
for help in getting there.

Lastly, I mentioned in the last post that the retreat was going to be a potluck. Yikes!

A bit of a loaves and fishes situation.

Let talented people ‘chip in’ and beware!
Generosity is coming.

Does the word bounty come to mind?

A beautiful expression of what happens when a network comes together.

We literally can feed each other. Solve, serve, save.

Needless to day a retreat is in order. At least once a year.
A moment to STOP. No net, twitter, phones etc.. there’s power in this.

What about me? Paul Nazareth?
In 2011, a job change beyond my wildest dreams came knocking
No exaggeration, my network made that possible

In 2012, my biggest simplest goal is to get to the East Coast to do business.
Halifax in particular.

Time to share network…Goals, I want them..
I look forward to LinkedIn updates, tweets and emails

So when problems push back and tell you –
“You can’t do it, there are other priorities, people and things to worry about”
Your answer will be turning to your network and asking…
What are we doing here?

Look out 2012, we’re coming.

Paul

Note: You’ll understand this post better if you read last year’s post when I gave out this award for the first time.

If you read my post last year you’ll know that I chose the crab because it’s a food you can only eat with focus, with people close to you because it’s messy and it’s rare.

These four people have proved themselves my MVP’s of 2011.

Last year was about focus and refinement. They helped me change my world, and it did change with a massive job move that was beyond my wildest dreams – it would NOT have happened with out the GC’s of 2010.

The GC’s of 2011 were chosen again using my handy excel networking tracking sheet (exported from LinkedIn ofcourse) that helps me remember:
– Who collaborated with me to connect the most
– Who is a great tag-team networker in virtual and reality reality?
– Who do I admire for something they created of value to my network
– Who pushed me to do something amazing? And who pushes others too?
– Who acted with vicious integrity, unwavering kindness and consistency?
– Who created a strong brand of their own, taught me how to use it to help others?

These ( in no order ) are my Golden Crabs for 2011.
* There is no physical reward for this award only my undying gratitude, respect, admiration and servitude

John Lepp – It was John who showed me the power of social media in late 2009. His are the words I have used to bring social media into the lives of hundreds this past year… ” you don’t have to talk, you can just listen first”. His is a voice more personal and challenging than I’m comfortable with (like another social media expert un-guru Claire Kerr ) but I know that he, like previous GC Promod is not just a Seth Godin tribe member he LIVES the challenge. He is a business owner, charity supporter, father, foodie – the man is everything I want to be. His authenticity is often mistaken for arrogance, don’t be fooled. He challenges us to embrace our excellence, not apologize for it. Although he doesn’t often leave the shire, he is ever-present in my life and the lives of his tribe. In 2011 I became an Agent of Good and haven’t looked back. Thank you John.

Another team member in my social media journey is Clare McDowall. I feel like I’m confessing to professional online dating but yes, we met because of twitter. To be more accurate we met because of the amazonian superhero Kimberley MacKenzie who held a tweetup to welcome Clare when she landed in Toronto from Glasgow Scotland. Very quickly Clare became one of my social media teachers as she created a consulting firm but was snatched up by a smart charity. Clare was present, active and always up to collaborate but was out front too. She was the prime motivator behind “Be Good Be Social Toronto” which realized a professional dream for me, the first conference session on my business passion – LinkedIn. Like the other GC’s she is one of the hungriest, collaborative people I know.

I would remiss if I didn’t note that John and Clare also showed me the power of a device I hated simply because it came from the wrong side of the digital tracks. The iPad. Seeing Clare in action and John’s advice help me overcome my PC upbringing and dive in to a new world.

The youngest GC is Brock Warner. Another rider in my social media posse his greatest value came from being the ultimate tag-team networker when working a room or conference. He was a big part the creation of one of the most powerful parts of Toronto’s fundraising community in 2011 – YNPCanada. The team at Stephen Thomas leads in a lot of ways, but it was their all out support of young talent through “Young Non-Profit Professionals Canada” that made the earth move. Outside of his work Brock participates, collaborates and supports others in much the same philosophy I do. A champion alumni of the Humber College Fundraising Program, he stepped up his game in 2011 with a Tedx talk. To be part of his network is an exciting privilege, I love that I’m always a little afraid that he’s going to beat me at being me. I love that he’s no swagger, but all game.

Last but certainly not least the lone un-fundraiser, Lisa Taylor. If I was a robot, I would have been manufactured at Lisa’s business. The Challenge Factory , if it got any cooler it would be illegal. Test driving careers? Lisa and I teamed up for a session this past April to help for-profit folks transition into non-profit fundraising. She has remained a serious networking partner and in the last quarter of the year invited me to her local BNI ( Business Networking International ) chapter sparking a minefield of business explosions that rocked December and continue to pay dividends in 2012. When people ask me, “Paul who in your network is a MUST know” in 2012, I will answer. Lisa Taylor.

Shout outs to a few institutions that rose above this year:

– the Hilborn team for having a 2.0 dialogue with your loyal supporters
– PG Growth and GPIC for championing my beloved Gift Planning
– Georgian College for giving me a shot to make a difference
– Humber College for not resting on laurels and inviting me to party
– Hutchison Smith for their new endeavour “Charity Executive“
– Crawford Connect, research in fundraising employment excellence
– Again, Stephen Thomas for creating
– Zipcar for continuing to be my customer service gold standard
– Starbucks Canada for showing the corporate sector how to tweet 2.0

If you are reading this, I hope this post makes you ask who was of most value in your professional life this past year? If you want an intro to these folks, let me know.

I’m grateful for the chance to recognize them publicly and to YOU dear reader for finding some value in this post.

A big thanks to the hundreds in my network who help and fight for me. Know that I’m in your corner, ready to spring into service – just ask, invite, call, tweet, post…

I exist for and because of my network.

Let’s get out there and kick 2012’s ass.

Paul

Crabs, a standing O for you…and a tribute from the fab four…

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!