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Another fantastic event by Stephen Thomas
for Young Non-Profit professionals

Ironic that it was held at a bar called “Proof”.
Although the bar alludes to Vodka, this event to me is proof that someone out there is willing to invest in young talent at a time when the sector is grinding them up like sausage meat. Took guts to make networking the main event. And damn it worked!
But I digest….

Thoughts from a night of high impact networking…

Several people commented that I cheated
and brought my own nametag
If you ever see me, I NEVER wear lanyards.
They are networking death
Always turned the wrong way,
they direct your attention down to the stomach
And I gots enough problems going on around there,
why direct your attention to the scene of the crime?!
BTW: Here’s where to wear it….

No, we all have those “work” magnetic nametags now.
So….just take that one and slip it in the nametag!
Also, an idea discussed on Twitter by my social media mentors:
Leah, Kimberley and Claire – write your handle on all nametags!

More brilliance? Check out the five tips they sent out the day before:

1. Bring a stack of business cards, you just never know
2. Download the attendee list here
3. Like us on facebook, if you haven’t already. (Facebook sucks, follow them on LinkedIn)
4. Are you on twitter? Use the hashtag #YNPcanada to find other YNP’ers
5. Got a smartphone? Download these 2 free apps: Bump & RedLaser

Take note AFP and CAGP conference committee’s.
1,2 and 4 should be a “must” before all professional gatherings. Period.

Lastly, I set up about 15 coffee meetings for later..
but a word of comment…
Can we retire the phrase “pick your brain”
Leave that to the zombies.

In the mean time, congrats ST team.

Another slam dunk.

Went to the Humber College portfolio viewing tonight

In a wicked-dynamic space created by ING.
Centre for Social Innovation
meets Jamba Juice with bank machines
Seriously, check it out HERE and in the Globe n’Mail

Some solid networking done but my favourite part
was watching Ken Wyman work the room for his students
This is a guy who has seen success,
has done his bit for King, Queen & country
advocates, works hard, he hustles for those in his care.

He goes beyond educator, to shepherd
A bodhisattva of sorts, here to help others find their voice
Something the great Steven Covey stresses in the 8th habit

There is no patron saint for fundraisers, a big beef of mine
and sure Ken’s not dead yet, far from it
but I’m going to start gathering my papers
to make a case-for-support ( pardon the pun )

AFP honoured him, he is well known in the community
Fundraising, young professionals, we all owe this guy a debt of gratitude
He raises the bar on humanity, humility and professional excellence

Sure he’s not as ripped as his enviro-peer David

But Whatta man……

This is a little embarassing
Yes, I love ………….musicals.
( don’t you judge me!)

Yesterday I was speaking at a conference aptly named “Passion for Philanthropy”

My session was a short version of my human mission statement: “Passion for people, networking for cause and career”.

As you know I’m going through a bit of a metamorphosis right now….
As BOTH Peter Parker and Seth Brundle once said:
“Something is happening to me”

I gave a session that was unfettered by the baggage I’ve carried for years working in non-profit. It was exhilarating.

And I have no idea what the future holds but my joy yesterday was made so much more powerful by people who continue to impact me. As usual…I’ll name names:

Scott Fortnum embodies passionate professionalism with joy and an open heart

Tania Little an expert fundraiser and social media guide where few exist right now

Deborah LeGrove breaks down the ingredients of excellence in a sector that shows little value for it

Fraser Green continues to push us to FEEL the power of philanthropy ( and our own humanity ) in the middle of a heartless paper driven sector

and I wouldn’t be at Georgian if not for the mentorship and support of Linda Clemow and Kim Goggins

At one point I said something that years ago would have got me fired….
A rant but important point about blackberry’s….and got spontaneous applause?

On my drive home and now on my drive up to my fortress of solitude,
UofT’s Hart House Farm,
where I go to reflect between every job change for the past 15 years

I’m listening to the soundtrack for “Wicked”
These two characters embody the personal war I’m fighting.

The “good witch” , the world of charity, seemingly knoble but often dysfunctional and unkind

The “bad witch” of for-profit who is easy to hate but whose intentions are often pure…

I’m off to think and reflect, something busy people never do. I haven’t for years.
Wise mentors push me to stop and think often. I am so grateful to these and the dozens of other peers who lead and teach me

My question to you is, who are your teachers?
Your personal board of directors?
Have you told them what they do for you? Is it time for a board meeting, turnover?

I leave you with a song about how I feel at this very moment. Thanks for reading!

Big change in my career right now
An identity shift

Yesterday I was a medium sized fish in a small pond
Today I’m like a booger floating in the ocean

But it goes deeper that that
– ironically I’ve been speaking about this shift publicly for years

When a non-profit professional moves over to for-profit they call it “turning to the dark side”. I remember when a great peer of mine moved. It was tragic to watch them being treated differently

I always found this attitude incredibly ignorant.
So I shared this opinion and warned peers the risk they were taking — that annoying and maybe insulting a valuable network contact whose influence has just tripled
may be the wrong move.

So I just made that move.
As you can see at my “coming out party” last night
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to poke fun…

But both I and you, dear network,
have a few months.

Come fall 2011.
I’ll stop making the jokes.
When you say it, I won’t be mean or embarrass you.
I’ll probably smile, but come nightfall,
There will be one less trusted peer in my network

This is not a threat

I am always working to test the best in my network
to offer my opportunity and resources to propel you further, faster
But as always, I demand an attitude of abundance, kindness and humility
(and you should demand it from me, always)

We’ve got a battle to fight, some heavy lifting to do.
And as a wise-guy said, “do or do not“….

May the force….be with us both!

I have always found the term
“The Hidden Job Market” confusing

As a networking enthusiast I strongly believe the worst time to look for a job is when you need one and the best time to network is when you are least in need ( more on that later )

Those that know me will know that I’m going to change jobs very soon
A major life change for me.
I’m not changing sectors, still in philanthropy
But I am switching perspectives

In considering a place I never thought I’d find myself
I stumbled onto a curious sight this week in an upscale parking garage
(looking for my Zipcar) where condos average $1 million

Look at these photo’s below…
An office (family photo’s and all) in the middle of a parking garage!
I asked the attendant, this person is there 9-5 every day!
Would you imagine yourself here 5 years ago? 5 years from now?
I was told it’s a very good salary, free parking downtown, private and peaceful
…….you want to talk about a “hidden job”?!

Marketing advisor Promod Sharma posted a great article from Forbes on LinkedIn
citing the brilliant concept of a “Reputation Economy” created by Web 2.0 and Social Media

Networking has never been more important for your career
Looking at online postings and applying through HR just won’t cut it.

Hope those in my network and beyond can join me at the Annex Live on May 3 ( 5 – 7pm ) for a quick celebration of my job move after work
No RSVP, no pressure, no cost, just your time.

If you can’t come, please, let me be of help to achieve your goals.
If you set them, I’m here to help…and am at your service.

Many books claim to be able to change your life.
How about one that simply proves to you….

That you’re NOT crazy.

Is this you?:
Problem solver in your office?
Creativity bothering those above you?
Awesome after work to not upset others?
Feel like a freak because you ask questions?
Coworkers think you’re stupid for working so hard?
Want every ounce of effort to = progress?

This book is going to make you feel like someone actually understands you. Like you were adopted and didn’t know it and now here, are your real parents

Seth Godin,
one of the world’s best agitators,
Explains how our three brains
( lizard, mammal and post-mammal)
can hold us back, or empower
(what is the lizard brain?)

Our entire ‘system’ of school, study and work is based on a broken model of success. It shouldn’t take good old Lucy to show us how the assembly line makes no sense

Those running the show have no idea how to get results in a 2.0 world

But you knew that didn’t you?

This book will give you some great ideas on what you can do about it in your life. Today.

I gather linchpins in my network, we met up in 2010 with great results
I seek them and together we are shipping results for ourselves and others.

A big thanks to Promod Sharma who introduced me to this book at a critical time.
Since then it has helped me understand what I need to do to change my own damn life.

I know you are frustrated, this book will help.

So get ready to find your power and fight mediocrity
As for you mediocrity I have just one prediction for your future…

Average is dead. Long live the Linchpin

Everyone knows the answer to the question.
“what is the meaning of life” ( 42, duh )
But what is the QUESTION!? Elusive.

Let me preface this post by saying, I’m no management smartypants,
no MBA application here, frankly I’m not that smart. I’m just one of the monkeys with a bone trying by God and man to achieve results.

No one is a prophet in his own home.
That’s why of course I read about “Canadian Management Guru” Henry Mintzberg
in a list of Management Experts by McKinsey

Just finished his most recent book.
Which is good because six others came in from the library and this is the only one I can get through. I just can’t get through books that are all text wall to wall.
I’m not one of the sleepless elite.

First pitch and Mintzberg knocked it out of the park.
He proposed the ONE question:
WHEN YOU BECAME A MANAGER, WHAT CHANGED?

I asked several hundred of my business mentors this week.
Not even 10% got a verbal primer, talking to or training.
Not even 2% of my non-profit leaders got anything at all.

Do a little online research and you’ll find most tips on becoming a manager are about how to wear a suit, talk to the boss, navigate politics and get ahead.

This book was of value because of Mintzberg and his multigenerational experience I loved this book because of two little things:

1) He bolds key ideas and phrases to help non-MBA’s get the picture
2) He references about 100 of the top management thinkers of the past 60 years
And yet he remains rooted in the very front line of the bloody battles fought today.
Who can quote from 1916, speak from the book of Drucker and comment on the internet?!

He will call out every problem you face. I won’t tell you he’ll solve it
but you’ll understand the roots of it and ways for you to solve it yourself.

Also the concept of following around 29 business leaders for the day
to actually learn from how they really walk their talk.
Sorry Mr. Mintzberg, he hates the term “leadership”
Which is great because he chose CEO’s, Presidents and for profit Directors
as well as Not for Profit leadership and Government bureaucrats
Ended up in its’ own website, 29 Days of Managing

And here’s the kicker
At the end of the book are four full summaries of these days.
Just gold. I’d summarize more goodies but there’s too many.
Too many notes, golden nuggets.
There are days of reflecting on the ideas he put forth

Best seller, winner of multiple awards if you’re a student of the ACT of managing and not just the title – this is a must read.
I wish there was an audio book though.

I wish that those who promote would actually ask the question: “Are you ready to lead, coach, teach, think, strategize, question, decide and act?”
before bestowing this title. Until then, we’ll always have Henry.

Thanks Report on Business TV for this great interview on the book:

So! The conference is upon us.

CAGP 2011 And I have a lot of favours to repay.

Early in my career when I got into town
I’d wander the first night to eat alone with a newspaper.
Peers accosted me, took me to dinner. Networked, taught me, we had fun.

Now. You’re in MY house, it’s payback time and this time. It’s personal.

So! Networking offer #1.
Tuesday night April 12. I’ll be in the hotel lobby at 6ish.
I have five people already coming out.
Join us and we’ll go for dinner nearby.
Nothing fancy, just peers starting the networking off early.

Email me at paulcnazareth at gmail dot com
or @UinvitedU on Twitter

Networking offer #2.
Saturday morning April 16th.
A few of us will gather in the hotel lobby at 10am
( sleep in for pete’s sake! )
We’ll go for breakfast and I’ll be driving
six people to the airport at noon and six at 2pm.

Seriously, people did this for me in Vancouver, Halifax and Banff.

Have a great conference.

Say hello, I’d love to help you enjoy my town!
I don’t like Toronto, I love it and I’d love to show you why.

Thanks for the chance to meet, listen and learn.

This is not a fetish thing.
But sometimes…I like to get slapped in the face.

When admin piles up on me, when people are debating useless facts and the concept of reality.
When meetings waste my time..
A whack in the head clears things up real well…

The author knows that rainmakers are also road warriors.
I listened to this 2 disc set on the road during an afternoon/evening set of meetings in 4 cities. And boy was it a useful way to spend my drive!

Here’s why it will be worth your time:

First off, I appreciate Jeff ( can I call you Jeff? ) that you included “fundraisers” in the rainmaker category. Clients / donors are interchangeable in this book so no excuses you nonprofit types!

I have been in the business of “client service”, “sales / fund raising” for over a decade. I’d like to think I’m pretty good at prospecting and “the visit”.

So much here I took for granted or never really thought about!

Loved his 40 second tip on how to GET the meeting.
Something that so many sales people are forced to learn on their own.
Learn how to book more meetings.

Shocked me to the core with what seat you should take for a business meeting.
The best seat?! I’ve literally been doing it wrong the whole time.
Learn why you need to take that seat.

Coffee can kill a sales call?!?! Say it ain’t so Jeff!

Finally a great rant on lunch meetings I can share with young professionals I teach.
They need to hear it from a hard nosed sales guy – you are not there to eat lunch!!!
20 tips on how to close more business over food.

This is gold: How to turn objections….into client objectives.
And let them teach you how to sell them.
5 tips on how to turn a flaming car wreck of a meeting around!

I know you expect this to be slimy sales talk but he really nails it with authenticity
….”for rainmakers…Manners matter”.

Do you recognize your client/donor’s “buy” signals?
You will now.

Why breaking the ice can kill your client meeting.
I have been in meetings where small talk derailed the only shot at the sale/gift.

The whole damn book is worth this one item:
How to ROCK and RULE voicemail?! 14 steps, I do 5 at best.
If I do even 2 more it will help me do better for my clients/donors.

Ugh. I listened to a chapter called “park at the back” right after I had parked right in front of the front window. Everything he said, I had JUST done. That was a nice feeling.

I’m with you Jeff. The breakkie meeting beats all.
10 reasons why breakfast will make you more money.

He calls man of his questions the “killer sales questions”
but the final one. Yes, it is the killerest of them all.
I’m damn good at what I do and I never knew how to use this question well.
I’ll know now!

There was a ruthless VP I knew who used to say,
the number one client rep is only number one because of the numbers. Period.
Don’t talk to me about anything else than what you’ve got in hand.
And I really loved that. This book is in this spirit. Do or do not, there is no try.

There are books that are professional development
There are books that help you close better
There are books that make you CASH MONEY.

This book is behind door number 3.

Home run Jeff.

LinkedIn is the Facebook of Business.

In March 2011 it crossed 100 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 social faux-pas. I’m an unabashed fan, promoter and speaker on how to use it for personal success.

I’ve found and created great value here. Seth Godin often says not to hold on to your best value …I’ve been doing that…sorry.

So here now are my 2011 updated LinkedIn tips. (download to print)

Use them in good health, challenge me on them please and if you find them helpful, forward/tweet to someone else!

1) It’s not a resume. It’s a digital business card + opening conversation. Use the opening section to explain why you are the best at what you do and different than the million other people doing it. Match this to your networking style. Bold, clever, succinct, reserved – make it your words. 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. 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’m a professional, hire me”. 4) Growing connections list, ( #1 new user stress): 95% people you know, 5% strangers. 1. People you already know well. 2. People you’ve worked with in the past. 3. People you know professionally. Optional: 4. Take your time with this, people who lead in your sector, professional heroes or teachers. Follow your gut: Stranger danger! Ignore invitations from strangers and profile surfers. For now. Tip: Connect first to well networked peers to save time looking for names you both know. 5) Eventually, take a risk on step four (above). Know who you want to connect to and enlist others to help. Be bold, aim high. International contacts, authors and big thinkers are here to meet others just like you. I have tried and it worked with powerful results. 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 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 help dynamic like-minded people find you. 7) Recommendations are important. Consider who you have made an impact on and ask. When you ask be specific about what business or characteristics you’d like them to highlight for you. Give them an out if they’re uncomfortable. HR people look online for this, have at least three. Tip: Fastest way to get recommendations is consider who has made an impact in your career, connect and do this for them! 8) Have rules. Know who you don’t want to connect you. Set a daily time limit for use. Originally I went from 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. 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. 10) Use the status update line to provide business value, not updates on your life. Connect to a business titled Twitter account and you’ll double your audience. 2011 tip, too much tweeting annoys your connections. If you tweet a lot, don’t connect these accounts. Your network will turn off your updates and ignore you.
Final word: LinkedIn is a wonderful tool but is seeking to monetize you! Don’t do everything the program tells you when you join like uploading all your information or resume. Go at your own pace. Making your address and phone number visible is a no-no.Hope it’s of help and value… Contact me any time, LinkedIn rules.