Mission: Promote purposeful passionate people to help them reach professional and personal potential while enjoying life to the fullest.
DISCLAIMER: This is a PERSONAL blog. Views expressed are my own. Names listed have given permission.
But I've been arguing recently with a dozen young professionals I help, teach and serve - who are living for the future. Hanging on to it dangerously.
So I'll put this rant out there, maybe it'll strike a chord with someone.
LIFE IS A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION
I keep in touch with dozens of young people, in their 20's who "can't afford" to move out of their parent's lush suburban homes.
They work in Toronto, the city I admire, love ( maybe lust over ) because of it's endless ability to engage, delight, teach and BE in dialogue - BUT - they commute, for hours a day to come into and out of the city.
What are they living for? The sick dream of "owning" a shiny new 700 square foot condo - which will probably take them until their early 30's. Doesn't help that house porn like THIS and THIS and THIS is always on TV.
Now sure, many are the children of immigrants, so they have some ( weak ) excuse that it would break their parent's heart to "throw away money on something you don't own" - I believe this attitude is stunting the emotional and professional development of a generation. My little argument, sure you'll be paying down a mortgage, but I live by a code:
IF HINDSIGHT IS 20/20 - I WANT TO LIVE USING THE CLEAR VISION OF OTHER'S LEARNED WISDOM OF EXPERIENCE
And so I ask leaders in my profession and life how they did it. The same baby boomers that preach prudence backpacked across Europe, hitchhiked across Canada and now they are telling YOU to stay home. To play it safe.
But the economy was different etc.. BS I say! Change and uncertainty will always be the only constant for young people. It's about what you're willing to give up, for what you want. Yeah, cars, laundry, prepared food - these are the opiants of suburban life.
You are going to wake up one day, and the most vital dangerous time of your life - your 20's - your opportunity to test ideas, different types of you, doing dumb things, knowing that you are going to eat or go out ( and you choose drinking or art, or service to another ) for you to choose LIFE on the edge - rather than go from your parents home, to your fiancee's home.
I work in philanthropy, fundraising for over a decade. It's a profession that's 80%+ women. Talented, interesting, creative women. Who are wasting their 20's on buses, cars, transit - dreaming of condo life
Moving downtown, won't be easy Some times it won't be fun But as the economy shifts from the spoon fed to the self fed, you will find that you're better equipped to hustle, survive, succeed.
IF time was life. How would you live? If you woke up every day, with only a day's worth of time to live then work would be your only aim, getting more time would be all-important
But we don't live like that. Do we? We can CHOOSE how we live. Why ARE you alive? What makes you alive?
Don't get sold that your problems will be SOLVED by owning. Life is not a problem to be solved. It will never be "solved" if you're someone who demands excellence
That's if you're coming, and not on your 2 hour commute home. Paul
Ps. That whole hindsight thing? I did live downtown in my 20's and it's a big part of the secret of my modicum of success. But then I got swallowed the poison pill above and I owned a home for a while late in my 20's and early 30's, and yes it was kind of blissful but that mortgage eats at your soul. Phrases like "house-poor" and "cashtrated" were common in my peers. It was the unhealthiest part of my life, thousands of dollars in cash eaten up by the upkeep of this "investment" on which your life depended. Sleepless night, anxious days.
You want to see friends? Engage in life? Sorry, grass to mow, gutters to clean, work to do and maybe if you grew up in the suburbs ( I did, don't know what's wrong with me ) that's the best part of life but it was living hell for me. Don't want others to wake up to that reality unless they choose it ( which I respect, despite the rant ).
Owning = happiness is one of Toronto's dirties lies.
Busy day, leading into busy evening Rushing out to my Zipcar, I see someone has left a bag in the car, annoyed I go to move it to the back seat and realize....
It's got my name on it.
You can't spell swagger without swag! Yes I tweet and post about the amazing service I get, the dollars I save and fun I have but it's because they always over deliver - one never expects the brand to care... My wife loves water bottles My little boy loves this car I got a handwritten note that reminded me there is a level above gold - But is platinum service available to the rest of us?
You bet it is - join Zipcar! I've officially referred about a dozen people but I've helped dozens more join and enrich their lives, and keep their carbon footprint low...
When I was a University student, we never talked about job search
Things have changed! Wonderful chance to give a keynote talk at my beloved University of Toronto today to a huge group of students at "Connections 2012". A personal dream for me to speak in "the great hall" at Hart House
Those attending responded to something I've been including in all my networking talks, but never posted.
WHY you need to think about your next job, office, boss before you decide to change jobs. My example? Dating!
If you put an ad in a paper and said I'm going to read all the responses, interview five and let one of them into my life for at least a couple years...people would say you're nuts. But THAT'S how we search and hire! In fact I would say we need even MORE scrutiny on a job search than dating....Why?
When dating, evenings and weekends together amount to a couple dozen hours at best - when you get hired you're together 35 hours minimum right away!!
No one you date decides your salary, which pays for your food and shelter. When you break up with someone it may hurt but you can still pay the rent..when we get fired and may lose the ability to eat someone ironically says "it's nothing personal"
Maybe down the line you and this stranger might move in together but when you shake that hand and sign employment papers you get your gear and move in right away! This is marriage on the first date!! And my personal favourite the quirky little thinks that are cute when you first start dating are insanely annoying to a new stranger in the next cubicle and will give you both an ulcer!!
SO!!
If you know what sector you work in, think about your top three possible employers. Get out to their offices, walk in the front door and yes look around! If you're a work-life balance person, try to meet some of their staff in professional but non-office settings to discuss what life is like there!
I once literally was sitting with a peer who was staring across a huge 2000 person conference luncheon at one Executive.
"Who is that?" I asked. "I want it to be my next boss" they said. "Oh, do they know who you are?" "Uh no." "Does anyone at the company know of your passion to work there?" "Uh no"
"Have you done any homework to find out if it's a good place to work?"
Are you just staring at this person trying to hypnotize them into hiring you?! "I guess".
It was a true pleasure to meet a passionate bunch of students today But passion without action is a waste of energy and time, a dream Are you a dreamer? Or are you a do-er.
I'm sweating a bit. Nervous.Never wrote a post that the potential to outright anger so many people.
So let me start with a key disclaimer. I am a man, and I really despise it when men talk about women's issues when they are not educated or experienced in any way about them. I have never interacted with the cause of breast cancer as a fundraiser - so in some ways I offer an objective perspective on this film. BUT I won't be commenting on the 'issue' of breast cancer or the politics of the work. You could fill the state of Texas with what I don't know, so I won't weigh in on something I'm ignorant about.
My interest in making sure I got to the pre-screening of this film was as a fundraiser ( and although my current job doesn't look like traditional fundraising I've been in the sector for over a decade ). I've been waiting for a film like this for a long time.
You see this kind of documentary is both a fundraisers greatest nightmare...and kind of our secret joy.
As a profession, we're supposed to stand up for peers, cause marketing, event planning and dollars raised. As individuals often we feel disconnected from the actual way dollars are spent, research is done and for those of us not in that part of the sector ( that's me ) find mega-events and personal-ask programs distasteful ( like big firm lawyers who have to stand side by side with peers who advertise in washroom stalls - both do honourable important work but one has a crisp-easy-clean lifestyle and the other has the guts to mix it up to help honest hard working folks but is seen as unpleasant ). I was relishing the tough questions for the fundraising profession - so the film like many documentaries quickly sets about establishing the crusaders ( historians against the cure for the cure ) , the honourably outraged ( a stage four survivor focus group that drops emotional bombs throughout the movie that blow out your senses with real human questions that take you off the course, a discussion about the machine ) and the enemy ( corporate-friendly nonprofit leaders complete with anti-hero, conveniently botoxed to fuel more outrage ). My sadness is that the tone and conversation stayed there in this loop of very focused accusation towards a short list of sinners when the naughty list of "pinkwashers" is so much, much bigger.
But it was a damn good and powerful start to the dialogue.
Although it didn't have the teeth I wanted, I still think it's 100% required viewing for all career fundraisers. You may even find some peace here seeing questions asked that you've wished to raise in your organization. Maybe your donors and the community of the cause you serve will rise up and start asking questions too. The public often thinks fundraisers are bounty hunters but I suspect ( and the few blogs from more official peer sources like CharityVillage.com and Hilborn, Canada's two largest fundraising enews teams seem to agree ) that they welcome and encourage this conversation.
Don't get me wrong, when I say it has dulled edges I mean on the fundraising front - on the cause of cancer side there are some gut-wrenching scenes, discussions and discoveries. A scene with thousands participating in a run past the Egyptian pyramids really messed me up, everyone knows the pink thing has gone far but just how far will scare you. That being said, it is SO EASY to vilify corporations for flogging the cause and members of the public to get slactivated ( thanks Lee Rose ) but as the fundraisers in events/cause marketing always show me, the numbers don't lie - $ is raised, people come out - EVERYONE wants to help, to honestly express love, loss, grief, anger but no cause is so simple that you can take aim, come together and "end" it.
In the end, like most members of the public, I'm like this dog. We're covered in pink and we don't really have a choice nor do we really understand why. Question is, will this movie move you enough to bite something? Someone?
The pink-pirates are betting no.
Because that first someone is going to be your best friend whose mom has cancer - but somewhere we have to have this discussion.
I for one hope for my profession, it's a big time discussion at the major conferences we have coming up.
In the meantime, I know it won't be date night at the movies but I highly highly encourage you to get out and watch this movie. Happy Superbowl Sunday.
Want to watch it as a group with a discussion afterward? Let me know, I'll set it up.
Some people love to travel the world. I love the road. The drive.
Sure the changing colours of Canada in the fall is inspirational. But for me, there is something healing in that open road. Alone in the dark on a long drive is where I get to reconnect with me.
In a city like Toronto, being a family man, there are people around always. Light always, noise always. In the dark, focused on that white line, belting out odd but loved songs... start with, quirky , plucky, inspirational , jazzy , cheesy , soulful , ends with I can't explain why this means so much to me.
Recently I've been having trouble explaining a couple things in my networking travels ...
AS USUAL, MY NETWORK FOUND THE PERFECT ANSWERS Yet another benefit of social media.
Working in charities for the past 11 years, job search in non-profit has been my life. Through Humber and Georgian College Fundraising Programs I interact with a lot of students too. Here is one of the best posts I have ever read on preparing for a social sector ( or any ) job search!
This past couple year I have become an avid promoter of social media. For work, career, enriched life and especially job search. I have never been able to articulate this second topic that is CRITICAL in 2012 for the skilled knowledge economy leader: 7 Reasons Every Job-Seeker Needs to Blog by Mark Shaefer
Lastly, now that I'm no longer working for a charity I want to point out to readers and peers that although it may look like I'm patronizing with advice, my goal is only to provide resources to serve.
I call my network "the army of the passionate" - is this you? If it is, please engage on twitter or subscribe to this or my book blog - we could use...somebody like you!
I got a lot of response when I announced that I was going to start 2012 with a newtorking retreat and the questions keep coming this week, how'd it go? Thoughts, learnings? It was a great group, more than I thought I'd get, top top network contacts - not a slouch amoung them.Three golden crabs too, nice bonus.
When we went around the room thoughts turned to challenges in 2011. Wow. Not betraying anyone's trust but the lesson is, it is the life stuff not the work stuff, that derails and brings us low. I think it was comforting to know successful folks of all professions struggle with these issues. The greatest of my mentors were all affected most highs and lows - by non-work challenges. So, big lesson here, a book I read a few years ago really hit this home- even success can be toxic. Cause us to lose focus. Pay attention to health, quality of live, loved ones, parents and kidsdon't wait until crisis hits to treasure them! It's not corny, it's good business advice! Business discussion! Wonderful to have former CAGP GTA Chair Colleen Bradley with us. Besides her wonderful work helping charities with Planned Giving she has a passion for helping professionals refocus & rejuvenate ( look for a session on this in 2012 ).
She asked three key questions and a powerful theme. I challenge YOU to ask yourself these before January is over.
Theme: What about us? Fundraisers, givers, doers... we do for others. We don't ask this question. We just git 'er done. Question 1. Personally: What are you grateful for? Leader, Director and blogger Kimberley Mackenzie wrote a wonderful post today, that got me off my duff to make my list - very simple stuff. Powerful. Do it.
Question 2. Professionally: When did I win? The great Seth Godin, marketing maverick, wrote a post on this today.Write down your professional successes from 2011.Declare your awesomeness, without ego or hubris
In room, alone. Look at this list and declare. With an Iron Fist of Fury. I rule.
Question 3: What do I WANT in 2012? Both personally and professionally, this is not work strategic planning. I mean for you. A short simple list. Then, SHARE it with your network. Give it power by declaring you'll do it and by asking your network, your personal army for help in getting there.
Lastly, I mentioned in the last post that the retreat was going to be a potluck. Yikes!
A bit of a loaves and fishes situation.
Let talented people 'chip in' and beware! Generosity is coming. Does the word bounty come to mind?
A beautiful expression of what happenswhen a network comes together.
We literally can feed each other. Solve, serve, save.
Needless to day a retreat is in order. At least once a year. A moment to STOP. No net, twitter, phones etc.. there's power in this.
What about me? Paul Nazareth? In 2011, a job change beyond my wildest dreams came knocking No exaggeration, my network made that possible
In 2012, my biggest simplest goal is to get to the East Coast to do business. Halifax in particular.
So when problems push back and tell you - "You can't do it, there are other priorities, people and things to worry about" Your answer will be turning to your network and asking... What are we doing here?
If you read my post last year you'll know that I chose the crab because it's a food you can only eat with focus, with people close to you because it's messy and it's rare.
These four people have proved themselves my MVP's of 2011.
Last year was about focus and refinement. They helped me change my world, and it did change with a massive job move that was beyond my wildest dreams - it would NOT have happened with out the GC's of 2010.
The GC's of 2011 were chosen again using my handy excel networking tracking sheet (exported from LinkedIn ofcourse) that helps me remember: - Who collaborated with me to connect the most - Who is a great tag-team networker in virtual and reality reality? - Who do I admire for something they created of value to my network - Who pushed me to do something amazing? And who pushes others too? - Who acted with vicious integrity, unwavering kindness and consistency? - Who created a strong brand of their own, taught me how to use it to help others?
These ( in no order ) are my Golden Crabs for 2011. * There is no physical reward for this award only my undying gratitude, respect, admiration and servitude
John Lepp - It was John who showed me the power of social media in late 2009. His are the words I have used to bring social media into the lives of hundreds this past year... " you don't have to talk, you can just listen first". His is a voice more personal and challenging than I'm comfortable with (like another social media expert un-guru Claire Kerr ) but I know that he, like previous GC Promod is not just a Seth Godin tribe member he LIVES the challenge. He is a business owner, charity supporter, father, foodie - the man is everything I want to be. His authenticity is often mistaken for arrogance, don't be fooled. He challenges us to embrace our excellence, not apologize for it. Although he doesn't often leave the shire, he is ever-present in my life and the lives of his tribe. In 2011 I became an Agent of Good and haven't looked back. Thank you John.
Another team member in my social media journey is Clare McDowall. I feel like I'm confessing to professional online dating but yes, we met because of twitter. To be more accurate we met because of the amazonian superhero Kimberley MacKenzie who held a tweetup to welcome Clare when she landed in Toronto from Glasgow Scotland. Very quickly Clare became one of my social media teachers as she created a consulting firm but was snatched up by a smart charity. Clare was present, active and always up to collaborate but was out front too. She was the prime motivator behind "Be Good Be Social Toronto" which realized a professional dream for me, the first conference session on my business passion - LinkedIn. Like the other GC's she is one of the hungriest, collaborative people I know. I would remiss if I didn't note that John and Clare also showed me the power of a device I hated simply because it came from the wrong side of the digital tracks. The iPad. Seeing Clare in action and John's advice help me overcome my PC upbringing and dive in to a new world.
The youngest GC is Brock Warner. Another rider in my social media posse his greatest value came from being the ultimate tag-team networker when working a room or conference. He was a big part the creation of one of the most powerful parts of Toronto's fundraising community in 2011 - YNPCanada. The team at Stephen Thomas leads in a lot of ways, but it was their all out support of young talent through "Young Non-Profit Professionals Canada" that made the earth move. Outside of his work Brock participates, collaborates and supports others in much the same philosophy I do. A champion alumni of the Humber College Fundraising Program, he stepped up his game in 2011 with a Tedx talk. To be part of his network is an exciting privilege, I love that I'm always a little afraid that he's going to beat me at being me. I love that he's no swagger, but all game.
Last but certainly not least the lone un-fundraiser, Lisa Taylor. If I was a robot, I would have been manufactured at Lisa's business. The Challenge Factory , if it got any cooler it would be illegal. Test driving careers? Lisa and I teamed up for a session this past April to help for-profit folks transition into non-profit fundraising. She has remained a serious networking partner and in the last quarter of the year invited me to her local BNI ( Business Networking International ) chapter sparking a minefield of business explosions that rocked December and continue to pay dividends in 2012. When people ask me, "Paul who in your network is a MUST know" in 2012, I will answer. Lisa Taylor.
Shout outs to a few institutions that rose above this year:
If you are reading this, I hope this post makes you ask who was of most value in your professional life this past year? If you want an intro to these folks, let me know.
I'm grateful for the chance to recognize them publicly and to YOU dear reader for finding some value in this post.
A big thanks to the hundreds in my network who help and fight for me. Know that I'm in your corner, ready to spring into service - just ask, invite, call, tweet, post...
s lush suburban homes. 
out it sometime.
