#DonorLove : Make time for this

We value our donors

We appreciate our donors

We LOVE our donors?

I have to tell you that in my travels on several sides of the fundraising world, working in charities and serving donors as a advisor – they are NOT feeling the love.

It’s certainly not that charities and fundraisers don’t want to show them love but it’s hard to keep the plates spinning and the shop working and still create magic moments for donors.

As a career fundraiser I know that it’s hard for those who run large conferences because they need to manage hundreds of people and credit worthy curriculum.

But sometimes you need to do something different. The people who have put this together are a crazy bunch - they are creative, passionate, fearless and so many of them are my personal inspiration in work and in life. Also, they have raised a lot of money and are fundraising experts who I have seen create these magic moments for donors and charities. 

Look at the list of speakers, instigators and organizers – many of them are NOT from the city, province or even Canada. This is an AMAZING line up of people in an inspirational non-conferency space. It’s going to be weird, we’re going to interact ( like, physically move about the room ) and going to hear from actual donors.

The word LOVE is overused.

But you’ll leave this event filled with love, for your donors, your work, your life, your profession and you’ll actually have strategy and tools from proven experts to do something about it.

My congrats to the team who has put this together. My only frustration is that it’s in 2016! This is like a big movie trailer with huge stars and a big blockbuster plot and a far away release…

The pain of waiting…well don’t wait too long because if you register TODAY, you’ll pay 1/2 the price! Another pretty considerate idea from the organizers.

Below is how all the people involved in this event make me feel – let them make you feel this way too. Join us in Toronto on May 11 2016 for #DonorLove !

Mothers : Scourge of the Working World?

Did this title anger you? 

It should, but even if it did what are you going to do about it?

Nothing probably.

I work in a sector that is 90%+ women and I haven’t done much. 2015 is the year I’m going to change that.

What's frustrating and fascinating is that even with women in positions of authority in the social sector, mothers are treated as a badly as they are in the rest of the working world.

Like criminals who steal time and resources from the company. I personally know dozens of women fired on maternity leave. Even more who have quit jobs or not returned to work because employers treat mothers like recently patrolled inmates - child care treated like a substance abuse problem shamefully to be dealt with privately and not to interfere with work. Reflecting on just two recent reads where people consider it fine to criticize a working mom and about an employer telling a person to “give up her child”. What?!

In the past I have reached out and helped peers in these times of challenge but more needs to be done and I struggled with how. Networking is my thing, like the little drummer boy it’s the one gift I can give to my network and I’ve learned that when it comes to bigger ideas, only fools try to tackle them alone.

So I'm building a private network for mothers made up of anyone in my network who wants to join, all are welcome. And I'm certainly not the 'male authority' running the show but more the servant of this network here to keep things moving and make connections happen.

Let me make it clear why am I doing this:

1. This is personal. I’m trying to save my own soul and shut up my own complains of “who’s going to do something about this?!”. Not those dolts in HR, not the ‘leaders’ who yap on about it. I’m shutting up and putting some personal skin in the game.
2. I have a mother, a sister, even my own wife has been ill treated in this way. In my wife's case it brings me to madness that because I "love her" that I'm incapable of objectively recommending her professionally. While it's true, I do “love her”, the decision to create an unbreakable life-long union was because of my respect and admiration for her work ethic, personal values and career ambition. Marriage was the ultimate professional endorsement! But I digress.
3. In recognition that women built my personal career. I have had WAY more female mentors, sponsors, teachers than men in my career. Especially when I started a family, professional women in my life helped me immensely. It’s payback time ladies.

A big thanks to the team at CBC Metromorning Toronto for their #2forTO initiative that helped me decide 2015 was the year to do this and I was allowed to ‘start small but just start’. And to Leah Eichler and the Globe and Mail Careers crew whose work has been so helpful to the younger women I serve, coach and support.

So, dear network I'm asking anyone interested to join my private group. And if you're not in my neck of the woods feel free to create your own.

The goals are:

• Connecting mothers returning to the working world with peers to help them with job searches and preparing for them
• To keep in touch with mothers in the year of maternity leave for the purpose of keeping in touch with their industry
• To support mothers in those critical first five years of their child’s life when they are working and balancing child care

We’re going to host some events, do LinkedIn workshops and I’ll be fostering a lot of private meetings. Who knows how much good we’ll do but by God, we’ll do some good.

After all, we value our peers. Heck were losing the brains, ideas and networks of half the population here. Are you with me? (Said in a very Jerry McGuire type voice).

Send me an email, LinkedIn message, tweet that says. “Paul, I’m in”.

Join the #MomNetwork

Paul

*I am not a feminist, I don’t know if this is politically correct or not. I hope it doesn’t come off as paternalistic, patronizing or condescending in any way. I’m a humanist in service of great people I know. I didn’t know what else to do so I said “shut up Paul and do something’'. Hope that makes sense.

My 2015 Networking MVP Awards

Five years ago, networking had such a profound impact on my life I had to express my gratitude over and above a simple ‘thank you’.

The “Golden Crab award” was born in 2011. Since then, I have taken a few days at the start of each year to reflect on who has had the most impact on my life, work, career and thank them publicly. If you feel inclined, here are 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014’s winners.

This year held massive change and challenge for me, almost every single person who has been named on this list helped in some way to push and pull me past my fears and helped me to make the change I knew needed to happen. Not just a job change, but a change in the very way I think and live.

To every person reading this post who is part of my network, if you have not read this post on all you do for me please do. These are the four people who I have to call out for making 2014 my greatest year on earth.

Calling out this first person is kind of awkward, because up until recently, I worked for him. But I’ve known him for almost 15 years, he’s been a teacher and mentor for much of that time and now that I don’t work for him I can go back to being on the executive of his fan club. It’s no surprise to anyone that Malcolm Burrows is first on this list. One of the most emotionally intelligent human beings I know on earth, he taught me the value of imperfection, flexibility and focus. He challenged me and gave me the chance to ride along on the adventure that is his work and impact on Canada’s philanthropic sector. What I admire most is for someone who has accomplished much he retains a sense of curiosity, play and humility that is an inspiration in my work and life.

It sounds so easy to call out the head of my beloved Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Ruth MacKenzie. But she’s on this list first for what she has taught me about being a courageous human being and a leader, secondly for her profound impact on the community that is the fuel for my career and increasingly, weaved into my DNA. I value humility, kindness, wisdom but I also require unequivocal excellence in the people I elect to be on my personal board of directors. What Ruth has done, in service to the volunteers, with strategy and action -  caused me to rethink what I’m doing with my life. And in the middle of a personal crisis this year, we had a talk that reminded me what real heroes are made of. This is a networking award, a leadership award an expression of admiration and gratitude. Ruth, you are a rockstar. I’m grateful to be part of your team and for your partnership, mentorship and unabashed awesomeness. I almost forgot people like you exist until this year.

In 2012 I set a goal that took me two years to achieve. As the leadership guru Napoleon Hill once said – a dream is useless until it’s spoken out loud and then it becomes a goal. I told my dream to Charles O’Neil, that I was becoming an isolated expert and needed to figure out how to get to the east coast of Canada to listen and learn from peers there. Of all the people I asked for help with this goal, Charles was the person to work to make this dream possible. This past fall I got to spend time doing exactly what I needed. Listening, being in dialogue, expanding my network and learning about the culture and climate of philanthropy in a community I really didn’t understand. I have been given the honour of teaching in several roles and I want to ensure my perspective is national and grounded in the real work done by peers in the philanthropic sector. Charles made that possible with such generosity, he reminded me why he recently won the highest award in my profession.

When I talk about having a personal board, I often talk about the need for a spot for someone younger than you who often will ‘scare you forward’ by their sheer awesomeness. Some people are annoyed by a younger person out pacing them and challenging their personal best – I’m inspired by it. Rory Green was that person for me in 2014. I was in Canada’s national newspaper the Globe & Mail earlier this year confessing that I’m a ‘wanna be Millennial’ because of their skill, drive, values and how they manifest them very early in a career. It was Rory’s story I was telling. Overcoming challenges, and like me at a younger career moment, the haters. Rory collaborated on numerous networking events and ideas, gave so generously and connected like a networking boss. She pushed herself in speaking roles, social media strategy and career. Many young professionals in social-profit consider Rory a rockstar. She is and I’m so proud and grateful to know her.

Earlier this year I called all the previous Golden Crabs together for a dinner. And each of them continue to play a pivotal role in my work and life, they are my MVP’s of networking after all. Alan, Ann, Kate, Promod, Clare, Christina, Leah, John, Brock, Lisa, Emma, Nizam, David and Shannon – thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me and our shared network.

Shout outs this year go to:

• Maeve Strathy and all the young professionals who have given me the chance to be their personal board and part of the most exciting moments in their careers
• Heather Jewell and Jason Shim for creating “Pints Not Profits” a networking group for technical professionals in the social-profit community
• Elizabeth Rejman and Janice Cunning for constantly collaborating and allowing me to be part of their professional evolution and being such a strong part of mine.
• Jaime, Heidi, Peter and the Tangerine network. For leading by example, teaching by doing and reminding the world that social business is real and there’s huge value in it
• Lina Duque for her kind feature on me in the Globe & Mail and her course at Ryerson University as well as teachers like Don Tapscott and the ever-awesome Terry O’Reilly and CBC Radio for producing the greatest brain food in Canada
• Anthony and Vivian at Mancave Barbershop for helping me change how I thought of me before I could change how the world did. And Tom Mihalik Jr. for being my style guide and generously speaking again to help guys suit up and restart their own self image. 
• The teams at Gift Planning in Canada, Hilborn Fundrasing eNews, AFP eWire, the Globe and Mail Giving Guide, Charity Executive TV and CharityVillage for allowing me to write and be part of their education and service to the sector
• The hundreds of people who have come with me on the road and netwalked in 2014!

I can’t say it enough dear network – I kind of don’t exist without you.

You are how I succeed and achieve my life mission to help others do the same. Thank you for all you do, who you are and letting me be part of it!

My best wishes to you for great success in 2015 and as always please remember that I’m at your service – let me know how I can help you get to where you want to be in 2016.

With great gratitude, Paul

 

Thank you dear network

I’m not one for resolutions.

Each year around the new year I make some time to reflect, a personal strategy retreat. Usually alone and I check in on how I’m feeling about work, life, love and if I am where I want to be. What profoundly overwhelmed me this year more than most was what you, dear network, did for me.

You reached out, you pitched in, you pushed your way in sometimes when I was feeling negative and needed help. My goodness you are a powerful bunch of world-changers and I am deeply grateful, for each and every one of you.

This is the time of year I sit down, read through all my contacts (it takes a couple of hours), reflect on how they’ve helped me and name my personal networking MVP’s but in a digital age it’s hard to personally write to 3000 LinkedIn connections and 5500 Twitter followers but I want to say, just once as we start this year …

They say ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ well it certainly takes a network to build a life, achieve personal success and to have the impact one wants to have on the world.

I kind of don’t exist without you.

Thank you for everyone who collaborated on projects and events, who kept me informed about ideas and activity I should be involved in. Who advocated for me around speaking engagements and writing opportunities and especially those who pushed me to evolve to what has been the most powerful job change of my life ( did you know that I changed jobs? ).

As usual, let me remind you. That I am here for you, that I am in your corner and am your advocate and servant in all things dear network.

Thank you to those who let me in, let me help. That too is a gift.

So if you have an idea you need to say out loud, or physically mastermind with people in a room, if you have a networking idea or presentation to give, some personal board members to turn over or yes a body to move ( I have access to Zipcar vans eh )….

I’M AT YOUR SERVICE

People call me stuff like “networking king” or “social media guru” these things make me ill, not in a humblebrag way - I’m outright not these things. I’m a connector to the real experts, a collaborator and amplifier of your awesomeness and as much as it looks like I’m leading on some things, my utmost desire is to serve in all things.

So how can I help you in 2015?

Be in touch, seriously, reach out. By email, via LinkedIn or yes, Twitter.

Do it today.

After all, I have almost everything I desire in this world and YOU are the reason I have it. I’d love to do the same for you.

Have a great 2015, see you soon dear network.

Paul

Grab your pitchforks. It’s time for a good old mob!

It’s funny how negativity accumulates

It creeps in, piles up, grows like a weed inside you, around you silently until you realize it’s become part of how you think – that’s not a good thing and you know it.

I’m not one for resolutions but recently my favourite personal board member, the CBC metromorning crew in Toronto put forth a challenge to the city. Two for Toronto

Can you do two small things, to add some positivity to the world around you? Tiny things like starting a bird box library in your neighbourhood or partnering with a local organization like the parks movement. Listen to Matt and the team talk with some idea folks here.

I love being part of something positive, simple, fun – so I’m in!

My second idea is a more quiet and private/personal one. It’s about the value of Mothers, read more here. But first I’ve decided it’s time to go on the attack.

Grab your pitchforks, torches, wallet and business cards we’re going to attack and loot a local Toronto business!

How is this helping Toronto and how is this positive you ask? Well that negativity I was talking about creeped into my emotional vocabulary last year just near the end. And a good old fashioned positive explosion is just what the doctor ordered to wash it out.

How does this relate to “attacking” a business? Oh we’re going to mob it all right – a “Carrot Mob” is what it’s called. Something the ever-awesome Terry O’Reilly, Canada’s adman in Chief, another CBC host shared at the recent Walrus Talks on Philanthropy. Its not a boycott, it’s a BUYcott!

Now the idea (see here) was pretty hippie and involves all sorts of complicated agreements with the company that the profits will be used for sustainable investment or food security blah blah, I’m keeping it simple.

Tuesday February 10th at 6pm, we’ll gather after work, do a bit of “netwalking” in the Annex and go to the brand new Bulk Barn to get healthy or unhealthy snacks, but to welcome this great store to the area. Then we’ll go nearby for some food and more networking. For details and to RSVP click here.

I love this, hope you do too dear network. See you there!

And Matt, Jill and the whole Metromorning crew, thanks to you for the idea and fostering some friggin positivity in this city. We can all use a little more.

If you don’t follow CBC Metromorning or other CBC idea-people on Twitter I’ve made these lists so click on their names above and follow to keep learning from them and participating in great ideas like this!

And if you’re looking for a great read to combat negativity in 2015 read Amy Morin’s wonderful : 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.

Best of the new year to you, and a challenge – what two tiny things can you do to make your world a better place?

Please share in the comments or on Twitter using #2forTO

As always, thanks for reading,

Paul Nazareth

Welcome new Twitter Followers!

Thank you for investing your time on Twitter with me!

I wanted to say a personal thanks and to be up front about what you’ll find in your feed from me and what I hope to do for you as a follower.

For the past decade my interest in social media has not been social, I am obsessed with the future of digital business. You’ll see lots of content on how and why business and social are working together.

My career for the past 15 years has been in fundraising – I now work for a national Canadian charity that serves hundreds of advisors (law, finance & accounting), thousands of charities and millions of donors called CanadaHelps. So you’ll find trends in finance, philanthropy and fundraising strategy with insights crossing the country on a regular basis allows me to observe.

I live to serve passionate professionals, it’s my personal mission in life. Networking is the very air that I breath. So you’ll see lots of content on connecting for better business and a better life.

Lastly, I’m an addicted reader. Business books mostly, biographies and other material that keeps me learning and giving me the tools to help others find their way to personal success. I have a business book blog that I post from here.

WARNING!! I feel I should inform you of the following!

• 90% of my tweets are scheduled, sure I interact but I work a lot so I almost never live tweet except from events or talks. Consider me your resource on digital business, smart philanthropy and personal success – ask me a question though, I’ll always be there.
• This is 98% a professional account, there will be no pictures of my kids, instagrammed lunch or music concerts. The 2% is my own personal insights on movies, mens’s style and political stuff.
• I’m interested in your personal success, so from time to time I’m going to get all up in your business and ask how I can help. This is why I’m here, it’s what I live for, to lift up great people.

Thanks again for the follow, remember I am here to help. So ask questions, ask for introductions, challenge me on my position on anything.

This is the world’s largest networking event and I just asked you “so who are you and why are you on this earth?” – I look forward to your response.

Paul Nazareth

Enjoy this quick video on Twitter for business!

Twitter for Business

Philanthroinsight with the Walrus and Sonnet LAbbe

This post is for those in the club.

Not VIP`s, the opposite, the servants of good. The people who live inside the moving parts of fundraising, philanthropy, charity, non-profit, social-profit – the people that are open to discussion beyond golf, moustaches, ice-buckets and chocolate almonds. Who are tired of hearing about the usual conversations on this topic. Donors, fundraisers, volunteers, boards, lawyers, accountants all the people who make it happen and see inside the sausage factory that is often expressed as neat, clean, feel-good, dimple-faced philanthropy.

As usual the folks at the Walrus Magazine and Foundation take their talks further, behind the curtain on a subject. This fall they chose philanthropy.

What a unique line up of speakers that assembled the body parts of giving ( the heart), funding ( the legs), doing (the hands), investing (the head) and marketing (the mouth). Read more in this review of the evening – this is a reflection on one talk.

She’s a poet, a writer, a thinker but she’s also a spy into this profession and way of life. I met Sonnet L’Abbe now a decade ago working in a university advancement office as a writer. She has worked for causes in healthcare, community, in civic engagement using her command of head, heart and all that lies between as an asset to fundraising teams – this makes her an insider. It`s a dangerous magic but as a poet she gets to say things that none of us, not the donors, the fundraisers, the institutions can say.

And she did. Watch it by clicking here.

I personally made sure a few dozen in my network were in attendance and after the performance they all said ‘how does she know our hopes, fears, dreams, anger, even our words!?”. She reached into us, and showed us our own guts. It can be uncomfortable for some, I loved it. Every word.

So as 2014 comes to a close and we all reflect on what we do, what we’ve done, where we are going. What better medium to help in that reflection than poetry?

What happens when the heart and head start working together in the world of philanthropy?

Powerful things, I`ve seen it.

Thanks to the Walrus team, this is why I subscribe and give to you. Because you create conversations like this.

And to Sonnet, I have said it before, I’ll say it again, besides what Gord and his Tragic friends think, I think poets are a gift to humanity.

Certainly a gift in my life.

And I’m grateful just to know her.

If you haven’t already, click here to watch that insightful poetry on philanthropy – would love your thoughts in the comment section below!

Thanks for reading,

Paul

Why Interstellar is worth seeing

I’ve got some issues, some problems vexing me. And I’ve been stuck.

I also happen to be a GenX’er and we communicate through movies..

Tonight against the advice of the critics and some very smart people I went to watch the movie Interstellar.

It’s been called this generation’s 2001 A Space Odyssey and I can certainly see the parallel. Not because either movie was scientifically correct – no – because they helped us dream.

The critics and scientists like the people who hold us back in our lives are people of today. They do their dreaming while they are asleep.

But there are so many in my network, who dream while they are awake.

They are the artists of the possible. The people Seth Godin writes about when he busts the myth that we shouldn’t fly too close to the sun.

The people of the present are the ones who told us flight wasn’t possible, diseases couldn’t be cured, genomes couldn’t be mapped. Their DNA is coded with the words like “can’t, won’t, No”.

You the people of the future ( this is certainly not limited to the young by the way ) are coded with words like “maybe, what if, why not”.

So, my problems won’t be solved overnight, the hardest problems aren’t.

But let me call out some people who I hope to encourage forward, who I hope I can be of service to before I leave this world.

• Jason Shim who dreams in digital
• Sonnet L’Abbe who connects people through word
• Kavita Dogra who connects them in deeds
• Matthew Simone who stares up at the sky
• Masha Cemma who stares into our cells
• Neil McCarthy who helps souls take flight

On this networking adventure I have met many travellers who dream while they are awake…I don’t pretend to be smart enough or courageous enough to be one of you – but I’ll damn well be the shoulders you stand on to reach the stars.

Despite critics, scientists and naysayer, I believe you will make it there.

Like Canadian Commander Chris Hadfield through science reached the stars, he touched our hearts with images and music. You are thinking collaboratively, you are the citizens of tomorrow. And you inspire the hell out of me. 

It was a midnight show, and it’s late. I’m off to sleep, to dream.

A quick note to say, thanks for all you do for me dear network.

Vexed, but hopeful.

Paul

#MenStyleTO an evening of style at the Mancave

RSVP for Free Here

Style is fun.

It also can help with career development.

Men are finally starting to realize this.

Toronto just hosted Canada’s first Men’s Fashion Week. It was a roaring success. This coming fall will see the second huge Gentlemen’s Expo at the Metro Convention Centre ( a must attend for the modern gent).

But fancy beards and expensive whiskey aside – what about normal working guys who just want to step up their style a little bit?

For up and coming career climbers – budget is a critical issue and a $5,000 suit isn’t an option. Also, the office isn’t a place to push the style envelope.

Enter #MenStyleTo Tuesday August 26th ! I’m co-hosting with two awesome folks who have helped me immensely. The Man Cave Barbers Lounge is our location and they will speak about modern hair style and hair care.

The fine folks at Toms Place in Toronto have helped me so much over the years. Tom Mihalik Jr. will join us to share tips for this fall and on how to suit up smart for both style and work.

I’ll be closing up the speaking with how style has helped me with my career. You may have heard about my pocket square endeavour – I’ll share why I believe in style as a career catalyst and how you can save money and still look as good as you want.

Space is limited, it’s FREE to attend so please RSVP here and share with others in your network!

Picture from @BlogTO

For those sharing using Twitter, our hashtag is #MenStyleTO and our speakers are @TomsPlaceTO @ManCaveTO and @UinvitedU

Networking while walking

A big thanks to the many people who came out this summer to my two networking while walking ( also known as ‘netwalking’ ) events.

I’ve shared the benefits of this very popular networking style that I’ve adopted myself for the past year or so. Something I do about 3 days a week with individuals for my own personal business networking.

But bringing together a group is something kind of magical – and I think we can all agree the world could use a little more magic these days. A little more positive energy. A little more light in our lives.

And so I reach out, to my network, these days through platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to strangers too, open invite so people come only when they feel they are ready. A networking philosophy of mine. Park of this magic is the fresh faces it adds to our collective networks. Although I’ll add that these aren’t really strangers. Today’s social networking strategy means most people will come out because they are aligned with your business, sector or career philosophy and have decided it’s time to meet in person. I’m finding in fact in several cases my open netwalks are drawing out contacts who don’t have time to meet me one on one but are curious at the idea ( introverts find this structure approachable ). You’ll note there is always one or more Golden Crabs ( my personal networking MVP’s ) at these events. Getting out there is why these people are the best in my network.  

The two I held this summer we just the kind of events I was hoping for. Sure they were fun but I’m viciously clear on what we are doing there, ask anyone who attends we’re not wandering around lost in the woods. No, I have talking topics, workshop exercises, networking training and the goal is clear: revenue for-profit business or more funds raised for social-profit charity.

Business connections have been made, follow up meetings have happened, revenue has been generated, people have been hired from these events, I am deeply honoured to be a part of this. So those who have attended, thank you for investing the time with me and I’m proud you’ve invested time in yourselves.

Maybe you’ve heard I have a new job. Part of this role will be to cross this country serving the charity sector to help raise the bar on social profit. My new team is all about collaboration, innovation and progress – so keep your eyes out for a netwalk in your city soon!

Until then, thanks for reading (see below for some insight from netwalkers)

Paul

A mentor shared with me that when it comes to career planning, you can do anything but you can’t do everything. Having focus and a clear goal is key ~ Ann Rosenfield

I have always tried to follow my professional passions through work or volunteering in my sector. I never thought of doing something I love with my career skills like it was art. ~ Liz Rejman ( see Seth Godin )

Stories are what make a business case or case for support touch the head and heart at the same time. Artists tell these stories best and I think I need to spend more time around them to learn to tell better stories. ~ Talking about meeting Canadian poet and writer Sonnet L’Abbe

Today a Nobel Prize winning scientist shared with me that the secret to getting ideas into the world isn’t just good ideas but strong social networks – and that I have to network constantly to build them ..l blew my mind.

When I turn to people at work, people in my network their advice and feedback is clouded by the baggage of our history and relationship. Today a stranger gave me honest, clear and unbiased feedback and suggestions -  it’s what I needed most right now.

Were you at one of the netwalks? Could you add your thoughts and comments below? Thank you! P

My Three CNEs

I was born in Toronto, but when it comes to the CNE ( the Canadian National Exhibition for international readers ) it doesn’t matter where you’re from.

The summer is a special time for everyone in Toronto, and the CNE is a bittersweet moment. You love it for all that it is, but it is the harbinger of summer’s doom. What better way to squeeze the last fun out of the season before it ends.

But while most people have just one visit to the CNE, for years I’ve had three and they’re three totally different CNE’s too! I hope you find some value and maybe ideas in one of them…

1) The Kids. Being of baby-raising age right now this is a wonderful full day of activities that is affordable and crazy fun. We don’t live close by so the secret is to drive to the underground parking in the Direct Energy Centre that is accessible for strollers. Start the day walking to the kids area where this is always lots to do – the petting zoo is a must. Lunch at the food building, a visit to the agricultural building with an early afternoon finish at the ever-awesome superdog show. They end up tuckered out, wheel them downstairs to the car and you’re off before the crowds show up.

2) The Friends. There is nothing like the midway at night. This thing is 135 years old so anyone who grew up in or around the city will have nostalgic feelings for the place – so much history! Show up on the Red Rocket in the late afternoon when most folks are leaving and head to the food building for something delicious and dangerous. I never miss out on a huge pickle and something deep fried that usually leaves me queasy for a couple hours. The sun goes down, the lights come up and the fun begins. Every night there’s something fun to do at the CNE. Walking and catching up with friends, winning at the horse races, losing at crown and anchor is always awesome. Some years there are fireworks, a date-night staple. Riding that loud and crowded rocket back into town is the best way to end the night.

3) The shopping (senior secret). Funny enough, this trip is best made with someone over 70. Before my grandmother passed well into her 80’s we would again drive into the Direct Energy Centre early in the morning, use that wheelchair accessible elevator and take a thoughtful stroll. To see stuff that the kids wouldn’t have patience for and my friends would usually make fun of (yes, I like flowers). I love to see the many different things for sale in the craft building, the sights, sounds and smells of the world in the international shops and I love to barter and argue with the hard sellers in the shoppers market. Finish it off with a slow stroll through the garden show and it is always a day well spent for a tiny cost. If you have seniors in your life, these areas are totally accessible.

I always find fun and unique things at the Ex. Heck, I’ve just scratched the surface! I have friends who are die-hard airshow fans, some are into the music – check out this page for all there is to do! This year I’m on vacation and will take my family to opening day, it’s going to be a treat. It’s one of Toronto’s true treasures and I hope you find your way down.

I leave you with the jingle that made the hearts of every kid born in the past 50 years will know well. See you at Tiny Tom’sTiny Tom’s….

( How about sharing a story of your Ex-capades below? )

Thanks for reading! Paul

Sharing some news with gratitude

Nice to know peers care, the emails/tweets started Friday night….“Paul, changing jobs?!” as my work emails bounce and voicemail spills the beans. 250 people viewed my LinkedIn profile this weekend. Yikes, so I’m fessing up.

Ok, yes, it’s true. I’m making a change.

It certainly didn’t come easy, most people know the person I worked for was one of my career heroes. A mentor to many and in a role that few get to play in Canada with an amazing team of positive people of great talent and integrity.

But because of my life mission, after helping hundreds of peers do better, do more, step into their greatness ( giving people a little nudge now and then )…the fingers started to point back in my direction. Was I  standing tall, being all that my strengths make me, fulfilling the gifts many mentors had given me? I wasn’t. 

So, I have made a change. You’ll hear about it in a little time but first, at the urging of many helpful voices, I’m taking a break. Just a few days to recharge, rest and reset before the exciting challenge that lays ahead.

Of course I’m still hosting a BIG networking while walking event Sunday August 17th in High Park in Toronto. I would love to see you there, maybe get your advice and wisdom that day. To learn more click here.

Until then I want to use this neutral moment to express my gratitude. It took me a long time to come to this decision, many people walked with me as I struggled with it. Countless mentors like ML, the peers of Seth Godin’s Krypton College (lead by Promod Sharma), the fundraiser’s coach Janice, the courageous Kimberley MacKenzie and the many ladies of #TweetCottage . My many mentors both experienced and future leaders. And of course the authors of the many books that I use to inspire others and MOST of all my networking MVP’s, the Golden Crabs.

When you hear the news, you’re going to say “this is a good fit” – indeed my entire career has been leading up to this role. I talk a lot of smack about servant leadership and being at the service of this sector. I will soon get a chance to walk that talk and put my life where my mouth has been when speaking at conferences, in blog posts, industry articles and tweets.

Until then, I’ll be hugging my kids, meeting with some of you, listening a lot. Being in silence ( can I even do that?! ).

If you’re reading this you’re probably one of the people that got me here. Before I celebrate getting anywhere I want to take a moment, in humility and great gratitude to say.

THANK YOU

I’m known as the connector because of my network (that’s you). You make me everything I am and I am so grateful.

See you soon, Paul.