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Also, most other great books on LinkedIn are out of date with the constantly evolving program – this was just published.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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
They say it’s not how you start but how you finish.
The networking secret is actually in the follow up.
So another AFP Congress is closing up You went to sessions, nuggets of wisdom Maybe an afterparty, connections made Had a pace-buddy? Bonded with a crew? Close the deal my friend – my humble suggestions:
1) EMAIL – Every card you picked up. Don’t lose even the lightest connections made. You never know when you’ll need their help or when they can help you!
2) Write a card. Handwritten yes!! The internet has killed civility! Bring it back by picking up a blank card, writing a note about the impact this person had on you, what you learned from them ( speaker at a session, someone you had a great conversation with, someone who taught you something ) and throw in a business card ( yes, even if you already gave them one )
3) Do the social media thing. Notice, this is #3. Yes I’m the LinkedIn enthusiast and I’m telling you DON’T send connection requests to everyone you met – do you go steady before the first date? Spend some time before you write their name in ink in your digital-addressbook. DO follow them on Twitter though! It’s the passive non-intrusive networking tool so follow everyone you met!
4) MAKE a meeting – connect some how. That thing on your desk that makes noise now and then? It’s a phone, call someone in town and if they’re out of town ask them when they’ll be in town. If you met someone who rocked your Congress off – make a meeting happen. Keep the learning going. And lastly – Action! Go over your notes in max 1 hour Triage on Post-It notes: Ideas for you, for others, for 2012 Put them out of sight but in your path when you return I know, lots of digging out to do, it’s year-end after all.
I had an absolute blast being on the Twitter team and am grateful to the Congress team for their welcoming dynamic attitude.
They have an exercise that I adore.
It reminds me how shabby my networking is. A 45 second introduction.Sounds easy right?
My tips for what to include in your 45 seconds: – Who you are, name of your company – What you do, 20 seconds MAX! – What your ideal client referral looks like – What problem you solve, how you can help others- A story of what good business looks like for you – Humour
– Close with repetition of who you are, company name
You changed my life when we first met. You have helped so many, you give so much. I respect you, I want to be with you and now, we can be together. AFP Congress, you had me at hello.
In 2000 I got a job in fundraising but it was my first Congress in 2001 when I knew this would be my career.
Like so many fundraisers, at work, I was a leper, an ambulance chaser the person sent after little old ladies for bequests A necessary evil
And I show up to this huge conference, full of peers it wasn’t just about the learning, but there was much to learn it was about the vendors, information sharing, networking
Here, people knew my worth and value I am a bit of a romantic and I love the changing of the seasons. That first day when I left Congress I walked up University Ave. The sky opened up, and the first snow fell And I was transformed, in a phone booth
I wrote my personal mission statement scribbled it in that booth, it serves me to this day. Since then I went back a few more times learned so much, made so many connections but then, something changed. You see, like event, telephone and direct mail fundraisers I am a specialist, a gift planner
We are served skillfully by the Canadian Association of Gift Planners who embraces charity staff and financial/legal advisors alike So for a number of years I could only be a member of CAGP I got to a few AFP sessions but not many I missed that big picture, the community spirit, the professional diversity and networking big picture I needed to get back So in 2004 I snuck into Congress as a woman! Sorry, no cross-dressing involved – the huge org I worked for let 15+ of us share a registration, we had to hand off the nametag to each other on breaks A wonderful peer named Alexandra, (code name Alex) handed me a nametag in the washroom area and I was back in!!
The glory and pageantry of the awards luncheon! The engaging and dynamic exhibitors! Jaded vets and doe-eyed newbies all networking, solving problems It was like a spa-day for your professional soul Screw chicken soup- Congress is what the doctor really ordered. Since then, the investment of many mentors and my passion for planned giving has allowed me to attend as a speaker a few times. A supporter and at times fan. At times groupie, I’ve crashed the party for the past couple years
To bring new members into the fold to promote Canada’s largest fundraising conference and the wonderful book booth too few people visit
This year, AFP has asked me to participate in a number of ways speaking at sessions and helping with networking programs. My current employer agrees as I do – Canadian philanthropy is better because of AFP we need to cultivate and grow membership and the network so I am again, for the first time in almost seven years A proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals!
Although, I’m no longer a “fundraiser” on paper I am still a charitable gift planner I will always be a fan, a groupie, permission or not, because of my debt to repay
So I won’t be at the whole conference but I’ll be there Monday night to network run a book booth tour and to contribute to the evening dinner dine-around
Wednesday night, I’ll be running my “unofficial” after-party for the wonderful students of Humber and ANY others who wish to join us
But if you are a stranger Maybe you are on the fence let me share – it’s worth it. Every penny, every moment invested
Let’s be honest, the public doesn’t like fundraisers no one likes fundraising who stands up for what we do who believes in the excellence of how we do it? A F P – that’s who
Fraser Green, one of those veteran fundraisers talks about saving your soul in his latest book
Ps. This is not meant to be smart or witty I’m not a fundraising superstar, a leader or big name I’m just some dork who loves what we do, believes it’s awesome THIS is how Congress makes me feel, about us, about our profession and what we do
The usual wakes, family flying into town and funeral ensued. No one can walk away without a bit of reflection.
I was lucky to have my grandmother for a long time. She met my little guy, her great grandson. Lucky him.
Wouldn’t say she had a ‘good’ death ( like saying you had a ‘good’ colonoscapy, it is what it is. ) But she had a good life, one I only saw a snapshot of as a grandchild. Things I’m looking forward to learning about: – her middle was Quintera?! – she was a savvy small business owner, when widowed young with 4 kids – she had a lead foot and drove like Nascar?
This is us. She used to insist I looked like local / national weather guy Anwar Knight. Anwar was nice enough to record a Christmas message with me a few years back.
Now, I work in estate and gift planning. I’m also a religious guy. I’m very comfortable around legacies and death and never sugar coat it.
2. Baby boomers!! Get a digital recorder, video or voice and get that life story together, the lessons learned, the fun stuff, the hard stuff, stuff your parents told you – it’s your legacy stupid
3. For pete’s sake – if you have kids, make a Will, if you’ve got aging parents encourage them to pre-plan their funeral/burial instructions. It’s not morbid, it will save you emotional distress and ensure their wishes are carried out
I know. This post is long overdue.
The networking enthusiast not sharing books on connecting.
So here we go! My top seven ( kind of )
My number one, the go-to book is “Work the Pond” because:
– It’s all about the social science of connecting – It‘s the most approachable of all the books
– Canadian culture content (90% networking books are American)
I have personally bought over 50 copies over the years to give away.
2) Business cards to business relationships
– Another Canadian author, more business focused
– Goes back to the basics of business networking – Every business person should own this book
3) Susan RoAne has written a dozen + books, 7 best sellers on the topic of networking. She tackles every subject from the mind to manner to application – I count her as the international champion of connection! Pick one that works for you!
4) Smart Networking – This book is not just great and very strategic (includes how to make a long and short term networking plan ) it’s a quick read.
– If you’re looking for a job pronto, buy this book
– If you work a lot and don’t have time, buy this book
5) I call them the dynamic duo. Keith Ferrazzi’s international best seller “Never Eat Alone” and his confession/apology and solid follow up “Whose got your back” – together they make the best business read on networking that I can actually say was as much enjoyment as it was work. Best read on how to network in social settings and how to create your own networking board!
6) As the flying lizards once said “Money, that’s what I want”. If money’s your bag – rainmaking is your task and this book was like a football playbook. So strategic, so methodical, it was referred to me by a lawyer and I consult it often. (speaking of football I wrote a whole post on a football fan queen of “connecting” , don’t miss it )
7) INTROVERTS. I know you have suffered under the tyranny of “Type A” jerks your whole career. This book will help you survive and maybe…thrive
Now, I’ve personally read over 50 books on networking and the science of connecting, this blog was born out of books like:
These days, I get patted on the head a lot Oh, so cute! Paul likes to use social media like the kids do! Do you post what you had for lunch on twitter paulie?
I don’t mind, I’ve always loved flying under the radar. And there are some damn smart people on twitter, I’d rather have them all to myself.
Now, I don’t like threats but let me share a secret with you. SOCIAL media is for weekend warriors and tweens. I’m into BUSINESS media. It’s about relationships, connecting, dialogue.
I participate to create prosperity and abundance for me, for my network, for you if you’re ready.
Here’s the thing. One day soon, everyone is going to have to get on board. You know that day is coming, so why wait and be the last to learn? All I’m saying is, start lifting light weight! Create a profile, don’t use it. Seriously! In six months, start to try it out. If you start today, you’ll have LOTS of time to play with it. Before it becomes your job.
Lastly, we’re in new territory what if you could get the one twitter handle that describes your entire sector! It’s like cyber-squatting in the early 2000’s!
Get out there, I’m right there with you – treading water and learning.
But from today onward I’ll have to use a big fat ” * ”
You see, I’ve gone from raving fan, to new member of the “Advisory Committee” so when I speak of it I have to “disclose” this connection
BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE – I was a fan first.
Remember when you felt like this about life and your career?
Since I started in fundraising ( as a “planned giving” guy ) over a decade ago I loved my job but there was one challenge I had yet to tackle…
The dreaded conference speaking session. So I tried. And bombed.
Then I was asked to join a team speaking to Humber College students about my beloved CAGP and passion for planned giving – I found my voice.
I also found a program that was more intense, supported and networked than any other I had ever seen. One where the students and faculty shared my passion for this work.
Since then I have been lucky enough to be invited for five years to speak to the class, my covert goal to steal the best. I find the brightest, hungriest who are going to make a powerful contribution to the profession and I support them as much as I can. No secret too that I think the coordinator Ken Wyman is a mensch. Here’s why…
And the people I’ve met, the alumni, the students, the network – frankly it has enriched my life as much as my career
I even teach now at the fantastic Georgian College fundraising program which is national, a different offering than the Humber full time program. Something that would never have happened with out my first opportunity to not just “speak” but “teach”
A special thanks to Rob Peacock who gave me the shot in the arm I needed then and now…a mentor to so many.
Humber wasn’t a player when I started fundraising. But when I was a young up and coming fundraising professional, with no name/fame – just passion, experience and a clear vision of how a young person could make a difference, Humber invested in me. I’ll never forget and will strive to repay that investment, forever.
Can’t wait to meet the class of 2012
Take a quick peek at this video, see just one reason this is such a special program
s 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!!
shouting “Eureka” it was when a lab person said “
I’m also a religious guy.
