The Ultimate Business Makeover

The Ultimate Business Makeover Challenge starts with a one day exclusive retreat!

During this past weekend, I had a few minutes to spend some focused time thinking about my clients and their needs. I recognized that many don’t have a system in place, where they can actually measure their results.

Brainstorming with myself, I was amazed to discover that what I know, they might not know!

I’m determined to make 2012 a year where you can measure results. I’m asking you to follow my directions and I will document your journey. I will write about your progress and include your journey in my online publication – http://entrenomics.wordpress.com

I know I have a model that works, and on the 17th of December, I’m going to share that model.

I’m going to challenge you to put this model in place for a period of 30 days. I guarantee you will be able to measure the results in increased visibility, credibility and ultimately in your profitability!

If you’ve been trying to grow your business by doing what you’ve always done, things that worked in the past, you might be in trouble.

Statistics are showing that this is a new world where you have to be socially savvy to compete.

This isn’t just marketing double talk. It’s absolutely true. And I’m practicing what I preach, as you’ll see over the weeks to come.

My goal is not only to reduce the amount of work currently in your marketing system; it is to increase the results you get from following my strategic process.

In other words, I want you to have more measurable results with a focused effort on your bottom line, and you need to join me. We are going to use what’s called leverage.

It’s the secret to almost any great business success. It’s getting more output with less input. It’s focused, strategic and systematic.

And if you want to learn the system I’m using for 2012, join me on December 17th, at Stone Edge Estate.

There is still time to register!

Stone Edge Estate is an exclusive retreat, far from day to day distractions. The cost of $149.00 is offered as a one time only promo with Smart Betty.

Register Here and create an account, then purchase the deal. Once you have done this, you will receive a voucher in your email that you can present to me.

I’ll send you directions, and a questionnaire to complete prior to the day. Donna Messer 905-337-9578 dmesser@connectuscanada.com

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Real Entrepreneurs are at the Helm of This New Magazine

Real Entrepreneurs are at the Helm of This New Magazine

Donna Messer, a resident of Oakville, and an entrepreneur for over 25 years was the kick off speaker for a new publication, called TorontoEntrepreneurs Magazine. The publication launched on Saturday, May 7^th at theTorontoInternationalCenter where Marc Belaiche, also an entrepreneur and the publisher of the new magazine, coordinated this very successful conference.

Over 2,000 people lined up from 7:00 a.m. to be the first to pick up a complimentary copy of the magazine and to hear first hand what being an entrepreneur really means.

The eager crowd was presented with a diverse line-up of fabulous speakers, each of whom took the crowd on their own very personal journey of entrepreneurship. From Robert Herjavec the “Friendly Dragon” on the Dragons’ Den to Yousuf Khatib and Real Michaud from World Financial Group, the audience learned how they handled the trials and transformations of entrepreneurship. It was a learning experience for everyone and after learning how to build relationships from Donna Messer, everyone was anxious to put into practice what they learned.

The magazine, with Donna Messer as the Managing Editor and kick off speaker proved that entrepreneurship is not only alive and well, it’s thriving!

Prime Minister Stephen Harper declared 2011 “The Year of the Entrepreneur” acknowledging that entrepreneurs are the backbone ofCanada’s economy.  

Recent statistics show that demographics for entrepreneurship is changing; today entrepreneurs are all ages, all cultures and in all areas of expertise.

It appears that TorontoEntrepreneurs Magazine is a publication that is in the right place at the right time, it’s up-beat, positive, current and packed with information that can be immediately used.

Real entrepreneurs are at the helm of this new magazine; to subscribe or send your comments on entrepreneurship editor@TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca  

For a copy of the magazine or to reach Donna Messer, Managing Editor of TorontoEntrepreneurs Magazine – call 905-337-9578. To reach Marc Belaiche, Publisher call 905-566-5627

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International Networking Day – It was a day we won’t soon forget!

 

 

Donna & Joanna with an amazing cake celebrating 30 years of networking!

International Networking Day – February 8^th, 2011

I promised myself that I would write a blog on the events surrounding International Networking Day, and I’ve been so busy responding to emails from all of the wonderful men and women who were at the event, I haven’t had time! Many of you took pictures with me and the Networking Cake – I hope you all enjoyed the day and the cake! Joanna Parris is an old friend and was able to send me the shot I’ve included in this email.

I first want to thank Jennifer Beale and the team that made the event possible. Next I want to thank Dr. Ivan Misner for taking the time to create International Networking Week.  To Christel and Cindy – your presentation was terrific and really showed the audience how different we can be. Are we fast or slow, task or people oriented? It was an easy way for all of us to learn to respect our differences and to recognize we all need each others strengths.

I know I can’t mention everyone who was at the event, but I really would like to! I saw so many old friends – you all know who you are, please keep in touch.  I made plenty of new friends, and to all of you – please keep in touch.

Networking is not just showing up and exchanging business cards, it’s really about finding your common ground with each person you meet. It’s establishing a rapport that truly makes each of you want to stay in touch. The networking process is simple – first build rapport, then exchange relevant and timely information, only then can you offer to help to each other.  Make sure that the help you offer, is a gift that can be measured. 

Today, I would like to offer you my gift – it is some of the resources I share that are relevant, timely and measurable!

Numbers 1 and 3 will be of interest to anyone who wants to sit on a government board. Number 2 is for anyone who doesn’t know what they want when it comes to a board position. Number 4 is for anyone in transition. Number 5 is a great way to keep in touch.  Number 6 is for anyone who needs a mentor or wants to become an entrepreneur!

1. Public Appointments Secretariat - A list of current and future opening on boards – http://www.pas.gov.on.ca  Recommend that you contact your MPP and inform them that you are interested in or have become a member of any specific board.
2. Boardmatch – A good site for anyone looking for a board position – http://www.boardmatch.org Susan Dunne – Altruvest – 416-597-2293 sdunne@altruvest.org
3. Governor in Council – Appointments – http://bit.ly/g1P4nX Contact Federal MP and advise of your interest.
4. Lee Koren – Senior Recruiter – specializes in resumes, mock interview, cover letters – 905-338-5520 http://bselected.wordpress.com/
5. SendOutCards - for a gift account walk through with Rebecca Follows. – http://sendoutcards.com/89806 or call 905-617-2778
6. ConnectUs Career & Business Café – A mentoring program for executives in transition, entrepreneurs and those seeking to become self employed  http://www.connectuscanada.com/power_networking.html

Watch for my next blog – it will be all about an exciting new magazine launching in the spring and a conference that you will all want to attend!  Circle May 7^th, 2011 on your calendar!

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North Middlesex -They say it takes a village to raise a child

North Middlesex -They say it takes a village to raise a child

They say it takes a village to raise a child, the problem is, that there aren’t many villages left in Ontario………….

I had the privilege to travel to North Middlesex, a small community about an hour outside London. I travelled by train and was picked up at the station by two “villagers”. Their role was to show me what North Middlesex has to offer tourists. They took me on a tour of a number of small villages where residents still help to raise the children.

In a few brief hours, I was able to enjoy a home cooked meal and meet with local government officials. I had the chance to stop and admire charming village shops, where the proprietors took the time to share a little of their history with me.

I stopped, shopped and fell in love with a community called North Middlesex.

I was quick to learn that this quaint and welcoming community not only loves their kids, they love to volunteer, and they do this on a regular basis for all of the local events that occur each year.

2010 was a sesquicentennial year for North Middlesex, and to celebrate their 150 birthday everyone got involved. I was asked to come to the community and to help keep that spirit and excitement alive.

I was invited to facilitate an evening event where everyone enjoyed “Beef on a Bun” supplied by the local legion. The hall was full of community-minded people, all whom were there to see what I could suggest that would bring more visitors to their charming villages.

I began the evening by asking if there were any service clubs in attendance, and there were. I asked if there were any municipal government officials in the room, and there were. And I asked if there was anyone in the room who hadn’t been actively involved in the celebrations around the 150 birthday and there were NONE!

This was a room full of volunteers, dedicated men and women who want to see visitors flocking to their events in the coming months.

I met Quilters and their spouses – and I quickly found out that there is a group of Dutch Quilters coming to North Middlesex this spring. The Quilts of the Netherlands will be in Ailsa Craig from May 23 – 28^th, 2011. I suggested that using Social Media would help raise awareness and bring lots of interested visitors. I’m pleased that they have a website that I can direct you to! www.ailsacraigquiltfestival.org Quilting is almost a lost art – there will be over 120 quilts in the exhibit. I’m making a point of returning to North Middlesex in May to see some of those quilts!

The Lions Club was another service club in attendance and they shared a little bit about themselves. I learned that they have donated over $50,000 locally. I am a foster mom with Dog Guides of Canada, and I know that the Lions Club is an active sponsor for this worthy charity,  what I didn’t know was how extensive their youth programs are. I’m glad to see they’ve got a website! http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ailsacraig/index.php This is another opportunity for me and social media to share stories about the Lions Club in North Middlesex!

I found out that the Optimist Club was also represented and I asked that they share their creed with everyone in the room – I share it with you today.

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

***

If you want to know more about North Middlesex, they have a Cardboard Boat Race, where entire families pitch in to build the winning boat! They have Turtle Races, where one of the turtles was called “Sir Loin” – a noble entry and obviously a winner! 

I’ve promised I’d interview some of the business owners and help them reach you through social media.

I’m going back to North Middlesex, and when I do, I’m going to offer a training program to anyone who wants to put North Middlesex on the map for tourists everywhere!

I’m looking to reconnect with the merchants, the residents, the local government and the service clubs to help raise awareness for this wonderful community. When they say it takes a village to raise a child, I’ve found some of those villages, and you just have to visit them and see for yourself!

North Middlesex, Proud Heritage, Bright Futures and it’s all because they areWorking Together!  www.northmiddlesex.on.ca

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Volunteer Work Can Open Career Doors

The article below appeared in the Toronto Star on January 18th, 2011. It was written by Tracy Hanes and when she called me, she asked me about “Changing Priorities”. I immediately thought of how volunteering has become one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to finding that perfect career.

Tolu and I have been together as Mentor and Protegee, and as friends for the past 3 years.  I’m proud of her accomplishments and I know that without the relationship we built, the doors to her perfect career would not have opened. 

I encourage everyone to consider volunteering and to use a systematic process to determine where the best fit may be.  

Thanks Tracy for the great article!  Thanks Tolu and Lee Koren for the agreeing to share your insight and experience with Tracy.

Thanks to all of the people who participated in the Leads, Needs and Good Deeds event!  I’m going to host another one soon!

 

Volunteer Work Can Open Career Doors

                                                                                  

Tracy Hanes Special to the Star

 ”When you learn it’s about what you can do for others, they return the good deed.” Tolulope Olutunfese, food scientist and recent immigrant                       

             “People forgot how good it feels to give back. They are so used to dipping into their pockets.” Donna Messer, Networking Expert.

When Tolulope Olutunfese, her husband and young daughter arrived in Burlington from Nigeria in October 2007, she was optimistic about a better life. But even though she held a bachelor’s degree in food science and had work experience in that field, her job search proved futile.

“It was tough to find work and it was overwhelming,” she recalls.

Through the Mentoring Partnership, a program of the Toronto Immigrant Employment Council delivered by Sheridan College, she was assigned a mentor. She was paired with Donna Messer, a well-known networking expert and president of Connect Us Canada, an Oakville-based company.

Messer is on the board of the Women in Food Industry Management Association (WFIM) and arranged for Olutunfese to volunteer there. About the same time, Olutunfese accepted a job “out of desperation” working in the refrigerated area of a meat processing company. The working environment wasn’t ideal for her and she wasn’t using her full knowledge and skills.

“I’d sent out my resume to a lot of places but I didn’t understand the barriers,” she says. “I was qualified but had no Canadian work experience. When I met Donna, she introduced me to people in the field that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.”

Messer taught her to change her priorities: instead of focusing on her own needs and what others could do for her, Messer urged her to see what she could do for others.

“When you learn it’s about what you can do for others, they return the good deed. In volunteering with WIFM, I got to know people well, they got to know me and became willing to provide references,” she says. “No matter where you are from or from what culture, you really do have some things in common.”

Her confidence soared as she realized she had something to offer.

Through her new contacts, Olutunfese landed a job working in research and product development for Fruition, a company that supplies fruit fillings to Tim Hortons and other companies.

She is still involved with WIFM (she recently wrote an article on food allergies for members) and says volunteering opened doors that wouldn’t have otherwise. “Volunteering gives an opportunity for people to know about you and then they become willing to go out on a limb for you.”

The key to success for individuals, companies and organizations is to shift their thinking from “me” to “we” says Messer.

She was invited to speak to a law firm in Toronto that raises $800,000 per year for the United Way about how to make their canvassing more successful. Instead of leaving a pledge form on people’s desks, Messer suggested canvassers get to know a bit about their intended donors.

“For instance, in one cubicle was a photo of a girl and a dog. I’d leave a dog biscuit with the form,” she says. “Another cubicle had a photo of a girl in a ballet costume. I found out that another employee could get tickets to the ballet and suggested they give them to that person. Making people feel important doesn’t cost anything.”

She is a board member of United Way of Oakville, which is facing fundraising challenges, like many non-profit organizations these days.

Messer organized a Leads, Needs and Good Deeds networking workshop that brought together 150 of her contacts (including individuals and representatives from businesses and associations) to exchange leads, offer help to others and share good deeds.

Attendees brought items or services to raffle and, in return, made several new connections. All proceeds went to United Way of Oakville.

“The most important thing is that people forgot how good it feels to give back. They are so used to dipping into their pockets,” says Messer. “People want it to come from within, not just from their pocketbooks.”

Lee Koren, who attended the event, met Messer after she was downsized from her Toronto recruiting job.

“I had networks of people I knew and businesses I worked with, but Donna really opened my eyes about networking. Networking’s not just the people you know, but people you don’t know. It’s not ‘what can you do for me’, but ‘what can I do for you’.”

Koren started volunteering her time to help people in transition, using her knowledge about what hiring managers are usually looking for.

At the same time, she started her own recruiting company, Selection Strategy, and has started writing blogs for others (she also works part-time as a recruiter for Ian Martin Recruitment Services).

“I am not only helping so many people, I am helping myself as well,” Koren says. “I keep networking and making connections. It takes years of connections to build your business.”

Messer says transitions between jobs can be scary but they also offer huge opportunities to learn new things and get involved.  “It’s important to think laterally, and always think in terms of we, not me.

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What is Does a “Sense of Community” Mean Today?

What is Does a “Sense of Community” Mean Today?

Think about it a little. When you got off work as a young adult, you would probably go home, call some friends and get together to enjoy a cup of tea, a movie, a game of scrabble or to just talk. You all lived in the same community, so getting together was simple.

What’s happening to this generation?

They get home and instead of calling friends, they type in their user name and pass code and log on to Facebook. Is our sense of community, that face to face connection being lost? 

The argument that the community is dying is a common one. Older generations see pot luck suppers, church groups and community centers as their community. Today’s young people are saying their communities are still very much alive and well; they’re simply changing.

People gathering is still around, what’s changing is the format in which today’s generation does it. They no longer get together physically and talk about their day. Today, everyone logs on and says, ‘Hey, what’s happening?’”

As a sign of just how imbedded social networking has become; Mark Zuckerberg has recently been named “Time’s Person of the Year”. http://bit.ly/hrkDLn

Zuckerberg is the founder of Facebook and succeeded in ushering in this new way to connect to community; this new way stretches far beyond a conventional, physical location, today’s community has taken new heights, it’s now on a digital and global scale.

Despite concerns, experts say this new community is actually a fairly healthy and beneficial alternative. A study done at Carnegie Mellon University found that greater social networking site activity is associated with increased social capital and reduced loneliness. Today, a strong Facebook network is a predictor of social well-being in the real world.

People still need community, it’s just that the perception has changed; today it’s online, where people can jump in and out of networks. But statistics show there are still a lot of benefits to those networks.

How can those of us from past generations learn from and utilize this new community?

Face-to-face communication involves commonly understood facial expressions and tones, but when the same conversations are put online, they’re stripped of those personal touches, causing communication breakdowns. The computer has no expression.

We have to adapt to this “new neighborhood”. We can learn to better express ourselves; using emoticons, symbols representing expressions and feelings. Local colleges are developing web rules called netiquette to reduce online communication mishaps. We might want to enroll!

As we exist online more and more, we will develop more skills to be able to communicate how we want to communicate. It’s really relationship building 101 for the on line community.

If you’re not maximizing your on line presence, you just might be missing out on some great new friends. This new virtual community hasn’t replaced my existing face to face one; it’s simply given me a whole new perspective in the art of effecting networking!  See you on Facebook and LinkedIn!

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The Little Brown Bag – My Gift to you at Christmas

 The Little Brown Bag – My Gift to you at Christmas

This is the story of a little boy and a little brown bag.

 When my grandson was in junior school he came home with a little brown paper bag.

His eyes were shining and he jumping up and down with excitement, he couldn’t wait to share the contents of that little brown bag with me.

My grandson wasn’t a quiet and shy little guy; he was what teachers may have called “disruptive”. If you asked him for words to describe himself – he would come up with words like “troublemaker; uncooperative; noisy and a problem”. Not a very positive group of words for a young boy. 

Where did he get those words? They came from the people in his life. His teachers; the kids who reflected the teacher’s words; and the people he came in contact with day after day. Imagine how he must have felt.

His teacher must have heard about the “negative image” this little guy had of himself and she was determined to try and “right the wrong”.  She gave the kids the chance to do an interactive writing exercise.  

The class was small and she had everyone sit in a circle. She passed each child a small mirror and asked them to look at themselves and say something positive about their reflection. They had to write that word down, then, she asked each child to write another positive word about each of the children sitting in the circle. They were instructed to drop those words into the little brown paper bags that had each child’s name written on it.

At the end of the day, each child picked up their little brown bag with all the words that described them. My grandson raced home that day to share what his school mates had written on those pieces of paper.

He dumped out the contents of the little brown bag and the words swirled around the table………words like “Happy, Smiley, Helpful, Brave and Nice” The words quickly settled on the table for both of us to consider. My grandson looked at me and with a huge smile on his face he said, “They like me Nanny, they don’t see the bad me, they see the good me!

I hugged him and realized that we all have two parts to who we are. And it’s often the negative part that we dwell on. 

It’s been years, but my grandson still has that little brown paper bag with the words tucked carefully inside, and sometimes when he’s down – he dumps it out and remembers that he is liked and he has the good words prove it!

We all need a mirror and a little brown bag occasionally.  During this holiday season, take time to see the good in all of us.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Donna Messer is an author, speaker and trainer. She brings both the mirror and the little brown bags to many of her workshops!  For more information go to www.connectuscanada.com

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A Project Management Institute Event – Where Project Managers Speak Out!

A Project Management Institute Event Where Project Managers Speak Out!

I often ask my audience to provide me with feedback from an event – the words below are from men and women, all of whom are problem solvers. they work as Project Managers in a wide variety of sectors.

I am honoured to be able to share their words with those of you who read my blog. Got a problem? Chances are the PMI has a solution! I recommend you check out the PMI at www.pmi.org for a local Ontario Chapter – http://search.pmi.org/?q=Ontario+

On November 20^th 2010 Donna Messer facilitated a networking session for a group of project managers at a PMI sponsored continuing education event.  Facilitated barely describes what we experienced.  A few volunteers offered their very positive feedback: 

“It’s not what you know, but who you know. This old adage came to life again for me during an enlightening workshop.  Not only her delivery style was entertaining but also deeply reflective on how we should approach people with the purpose of helping and seeking help.  My key takeaway was that networking is not about exchanging presentation cards.  It is truly about finding common ground where everybody interacts and benefits from others’ experiences and knowledge.”

- Salvaldor Segura Ortega, HR Integrated Services Team at IBM

“I liked the excellent style of delivery including audience interaction, humor and meaningful content.  The entire presentation did not bore us and productively engaged the diverse audience. The list of web site resources Donna provided was fabulous. Overall, Donna hit a home run with her message, ’What goes around comes around!’ We need more Donna’ in today’s world.”

-Shyama Sunderaswara, a Toronto based project manager and entrepreneur

“The process described in the class was very simple and it was great that we had the opportunity to practice it, so we know how it works in real-time.  People were able to realize untapped opportunities that had nothing to do with employment and a lot to do with expanding one’s network.”

-Carla Lewis, IT Project Manager at The College of Family Physicians of Canada

“I found Donna to be a very engaging and effective speaker. She has a very good command of the Networking topic. Her process is simple to understand and follow. In a way it is less about networking and more about relationship building which is natural. The outcome is a network of relationships and hopefully support system in case of need.”

            -Hamza Qazi, an IT Project Manager with the Ministry of Health & Long-term Care

“Donna is known as the Queen of Networking, but in reality she is so much more. Her presentation made me reflect on three key phrases, a) we not me, b) not what we do, but who we are, and c) what can I do to help you?  In a room full of project managers, it’s easy to say, “I’m a project manager.” That doesn’t begin to say who we are or help us to make a connection. Donna is a master at identifying the strengths in individuals and in helping us express what we can contribute. As a group, by spending a Saturday morning with Donna, we opened ourselves to opportunities, abundance, and new relationships.”

            -Kathryn Pottruff, Pottruff Consulting Inc.

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Me to We” – That’s the message “Leads, Needs and Good Deeds” brought to the audience!

“Me to We” – That’s the message “Leads, Needs and Good Deeds” brought to the audience!   The message I received loud and clear at the Leads, Needs and Good Deeds event was all about the Power of Relationships. The people in the room were business owners, entrepreneurs, financial experts, healthcare professionals, recruiters, and not for profit organizations, all people willing to share who they knew. I talked briefly about turning the mindset in the room from “Me to We”, and that is exactly what they did!   The networking and relationship building that began with this event MUST continue! The message was inspiring and motivating. People came from everywhere. John Huard, came from Pembroke. He volunteers on the streets of Toronto each year in December – his main objective is to make sure young kids living on the street, get into a safe house, get food, shelter, perhaps reconnect with their parents, or in some cases find work.   The ConnectUs Career and Business Café that was introduced at the event was very busy, Lee Koren, our resident expert was on hand to answer any relevant questions. The Café is an incubator for anyone in career transition or in start up mode with a new business.     There was a buzz in the room, and it was great to watch as everyone in attendance as they tried to meet as many people as possible. Everyone did their best to find “common ground” and I know they will soon turn that first meeting into a relationship that will result in business development. Below is the best way to measure the results of the event.

Maximize Your Leads, Needs and Good Deeds   Mentorship – Find a mentor – find someone who can help you grow simply by spending time with them.    Boards and Volunteering – Consider donating your time to a good cause. By joining one of these groups you can create new bonds and that could help your business or your personal growth.   Alliances/Partners/collaborations – Relationships mean that both sides benefit. Join forces with others and open yourself to new markets and revenue streams.   Networking – This is the single most important and measurable way to grow. Using ConnectUs and our systematic process works! Networking is about developing relationships, it’s being “We centered, not Me focused”. It’s about taking time to learn about others and sharing what you learn.     “We” Team – Don’t own a business? You still need to be part of team! Share your expertise; it’s great to have a 3rd party referral. I invite you to be part of a “Success Team” – this is a ConnectUs driven, mastermind group – where you network with inspiring people, you create a goal and everyone on your team assists, inspires and motivates you to think and reach beyond your comfort zone. Check out the ConnectUs Career & Business Café – it’s both an incubator and an idea factory!   Donna

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Leads, Needs and Good Deeds

Donna Messer invites you to a networking event where proceeds will go to The United Way of Oakville

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m.
at
Otello’s Banquet and Conference Centre

2273 Royal Windsor Dr
Oakville, ON L6J 7X8
(905) 849-6416 (905) 849-6416      

 Donna Messer and ConnectUs have taken the best networking event anywhere to create the next level of training and connecting methodology in the “Art of Effective Networking” where you will meet and interact with everyone in the room.

This is one event you won’t want to miss. You will get qualified “Leads” from everyone in attendance. You will have your “Needs” met by having the opportunity to interact with an entire room packed with people who want to network with measurable results. You will have the chance to practice your “Good Deeds” by supporting the United Way of Oakville.

At this event you can book a table and sell your product or service! You can sponsor a “good deed” and get a minute on the microphone!

Everyone needs to know how to network, and this event is a way to meet, mix and mingle with people who will share resources and contacts. Donna is a Matchmaker – find out who she knows, that might need to know you!

Arrive at 5:00 and do a little “speed networking”. Otello’s is preparing a sumptuous buffet and Liaison College students are providing an incredible array of desserts!

We’ll teach you how to network effectively. You’ll gather and utilize the information that flows from these connections and, finally, we’ll help you turn that information into a positive solution! And it will all be done ethically – where everyone wins! Come out and learn how to make the most of your networking opportunities. Everyone will receive a Connector List electronically following the evening event.

More than a single evening of networking, this event includes interactive hands on training – uncovering opportunities beyond the obvious. Leads, Needs and Good Deeds is your chance to measure the results of a systematic networking process while supporting the United Way of Oakville. The cost is nominal only $50.00 per registration and you must pre-register! If you want to purchase a vendor table to sell products or services it’s $150.00. Please go to the bottom of this page to register now! Remember – Pre-registration is essential as space is limited.

Please click here to register now!

Let us show you how to define your networking style, to identify your networking purpose, to uncover techniques to build rapport quickly and easily. Learn the Art of Effective Networking and put it to use the very same night in this fast-paced, dynamic evening!

Where:	Otello’s Banquet And Conference Centre 2273 Royal Windsor Dr Oakville, ON L6J 7X8 (905) 849-6416 (905) 849-6416
When:	Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm A sumptuous buffet dinner is included in the evening
Cost:	$ 50.00 per person – Pay Pal major credit cards accepted $ 150.00 per vendor table – limited number available

For more information on this event please call the ConnectUs Communications Canada office at 905 337 9578      

For directions to Otello’s Banquet & Conference Centre visit the website at http:// www.otellos.com

Please click here to register now!

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Live United! Social Capital is the Key to Success!

Live United! Social Capital is the Key to Success!

As most of you will know, the United Way has launched their campaign and companies across the country are getting on board to help raise the funds necessary to help so many men, women and children who are supported through United Way funding. Using the campaign slogan “Live United” we recognize that we must take the time to get to know each other in order to really maximize the impact we can have on our communities. 

What I didn’t realize until I became a board member for the United Way of Oakville, was just how many different agencies and organizations can come under the “Live United” umbrella. Once I learned, I quickly realized that I could share not only what I knew, but who I knew and where the connections might be – between United Way and myself. 

Today, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of canvassers for the Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP United Way program.  This dynamic group of men and women are truly hoping to make a difference. They asked me to help them to reach out and build a stronger, more effective relationship with their colleagues and to show them just how important their donation to the United Way can be.

Donating to United Way can have a significant impact on the community where they live and work.  I shared a few simple ways to really add value and hopefully dollars to their campaign.

Know who you know. This is social capital and refers to the norms and networks that enable collective action in a community. Increasing evidence shows that social cohesion — social capital — is critical for poverty alleviation and sustainable human and economic development.

Social capital is not just the sum of the institutions, organizations, and individuals that underpin a society – it is the glue that holds them together. My presentation today was introducing the group to some of my ‘social capital”.

Find your Common Ground People like people who are like themselves, they buy from them, sell to them, refer them and they donate to the causes they have in common!

I shared a systematic process that I use whenever I’m building a relationship that needs measurable results.  I call it the RISE Philosophy – Rapport, Information, Solutions, Ethically.

In the case of United Way canvassing, the system begins with finding common ground. We need to build the Rapport where there is a comfortable communication between both parties. Once this has been established – and this could be done by sharing the fact that we both have children, like dogs, enjoy travelling through the mountains – whatever it is, it builds a relationship that can be measured. 

The Information we can then share is about the United Way and how it might impact on something we have identified in our conversation as what we have in common. This could be that we care about children in poverty, youth at risk, violence against women, or those with disabilities – whatever the cause – we can say emphatically that the United Way is there, providing funding for those in need. 

The Solution is that by donating to the United Way, your dollars can be directed towards the specific network within the agencies that looks after what you really care about.

And we know that there is no doubt about Ethics, because United Way is committed to organizational accountability and transparency.  Donors can be specific in where their dollars go. 

I believe the quote from George Bernard Shaw, that I have paraphrased a little, says it all.

 “We all carry a torch that burns brightly for what we care about, it’s our job to pass it on so that the light continues to shine and the good that is United Way reflects on the improved lives of those in need.”  

 A Splendid Torch

Life is no “brief candle” for me, rather, a splendid torch, which I hold just for the moment. I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

                                                                                           George Bernard Shaw edited Donna Messer

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