Lessons from Kevin O'Leary

Unless you've been hiding under a rock
You'll know one of Canada's most popular shows, Dragon's Den

Kevin O'Leary is a polarizing force of capitalism
and has just launched a new book!

The best library system ever, TPL had Kevin in for a sold out event tonight he was in fine form and as usual doled out some great stories and lessons

An early story about how he went into business with Don Cherry and then sold those businesses and shows for a profit was fascinating, explains some of his TV persona and how he knows the secret of TV:

WHY does a billionaire have five TV shows and work non-stop?

Answer: Access!

His shows give him daily access to influencers, government and celebrities
Access he couldn't buy if he wanted to.
As he said "money is not power. Information is power"

Great story about when ABC wanted him to promote his new show on "Dancing with the Stars" he said yes and flew to LA for 10 minutes work to network with business hero Steve Wozniak. That meeting Steve gave him a stock tip that made him a lot of money...Networking!

He counts John Lennon as an influence but lives by his code
"the pursuit of money is the quest for freedom and happiness". Not quite "greed is good" but that Canadians needs to stop being ashamed of ambition.

Another great story, he believes "nepotism is a corporate disease", when his son asked him "Dad when we fly, I sit back here and you go to first class"
Yes. His son flies economy.
His response "but son, you have no money!"
He wants him to earn it, no free rides here
"I may give all my money to a cat, I haven't decided yet".

Speaking of animals...Kevin's view on investing? "There is NO place for emotion in investing. You want a friend? Buy a dog".

When he was a child, his mother gave him powerful advice "never invest in any stock that doesn't pay dividends. Period". It's how he runs his investments. He fires anyone who doesn't get it.

During questions he explained the three elements that 100% of successful pitches to Dragon's Den:

1) 90 seconds or less. Period
2) Tell me why YOU are the person who can make it work
3) Be the owner, the leader, don't shy away from your passion, power or knowledge

Lastly, as a networking tip, I encourage a no ego rule. This Billionaire made time to sign every book - very classy.

A truly enjoyable evening, thanks Toronto Public Library!

Kevin, keep it up.

Readers - enjoy this hilarious primo promo!



Just in case you'd like a play by play the ever-awesome Toronto Public Library just posted the event on YouTube!

Enjoy

Going beyond coffee - networking secret

Howard Schultz, can I call you Howard?

Talks about the "future of Starbucks 

being beyond just coffee"

with the change in logo's this year. 

I talk a lot about Starbucks on LinkedIn and Twitter being the the end all and be all of networking

but it's time I clear up the confusion of one key thing....

It's not actually about the coffee!

Not the taste, the presentation or price. 

I call Starbucks "my second office" because it's the environment to conduct business. 

In Canada, Tim Horton's is not so much coffee as it is a religion ( "double double? Amen" )

I used to drive 100,000km a year for work in the 90's

It's what kept me alive ( Extra large, 2 cream, 7 sugars )

And Second Cup, Timothy's and other brands are good at coffee meets comfort.But Starbucks is to coffee what Lexus is to Toyota, Range Rover to Ford.

Even in the advent of the real "second office" and the laptop gollum's who buy two cups  and stay 48 hours doling out stinkeyes at anyone who dares have a conversation in their little Lord of the Coffee Rings library/home ... but I digress...

Look at this layout, the better locations (and on LinkedIn I use a group to source the best locations for meetings )have a quiet comfortable place to meet.

So, get your coffee from wherever it tastes best to you. Snobbery aside, McCafe and the big M is quickly catching up to my beloved Tim's as the cup of choice on the runbut when it comes to networking.....

Starbucks Rules.


Ps. Want to know the best way to meet in a coffee shop?
 

Want to know the BEST place to sit for networking purposes?


Read one or both of these books - they have done wonders for me!


PPs. My last tip is that I give my Starbucks card to the Barista in charge when I'm meeting someone I don't want to fight over who pays. One nod when I approach the counter - and I win. Every time.

The essence of networking

When I can, I set up small high value events

for small groups in my network, 10 to 15

Like my twitter handle mission states, 

you must invite you

The criteria? 

- Content is of high value to you in work/life

- Made direct contact with me in virtual or reality reality (past six months)

- Used passive networks ( LinkedIn, Twitter, email ) to share goals and needs 

- You seek daily to create prosperity for your network and self

The other day I sent out a highly private invite to 15 people

with only 10 spots at the event

the instructions  were strictly no forwarding 

this was an offer to you only

But one person, sent me a note right back

"Paul, I want to come, and this would help me a lot

but I know someone who is working on this topic right now.

It could help them more, could they come in my place".

That person's name? Frankie Chow.

He's a member of the 2011 Class at Humber College's 

Fundraising and Volunteer Management Postgraduate program 

When the moon hits your eye

Like a big pizza pie. 

THAT'S AMORE.

When cold hard value drops in your lap

and you don't take it and run but instead ask

"who in my contacts can benefit from this more than me?"

THAT'S NETWORKING.

One day Frankie, you're going to get what's coming to you.

I hope to be around for that great day.

Until then, I'm in your corner rooting for you 200%.

I leave you dear network with a wonderful Toronto band

Listen to the thoughtful lyrics about 50 seconds in if you want to think

If you don't, just enjoy

Either way, happy end of summer.
Fall, that networking powerhouse of productivity approaches...
and I can't wait - see you there.

paul

Suit Up!! Free event Aug 24 2011

Shopping for work clothes for some
can be heaven...for others, hell.

Me? I live somewhere in between.

I won't lie and say I don't like this game of dress-up - big guys look better in suits (husky, as my dad used to kindly say)

But, I'm picky and hate shopping for what I like.
Most of all, working in non-profit,
for and with the poor at times
I personally find expensive clothes sickening

But! This is a uniform for work,
it shows respect to my peers and those I serve
it gives me confidence to be bold and effective

So, we have to do it...but..
Why can't we like it?
Why can't it be done on a budget?
To quote another well dressed man... YES...We.. CAN!

I've organized a FREE event on August 24, 2011
At the awesome new "Network Orange" space in Toronto
RSVP via LinkedIn or Twitter

Yes of course, we'll do a little networking before and after
but we'll gather to listen to two experts:

I was a Tip Top man, following my father's footsteps my whole life
A couple bad customer service and suits in my early working left left me wanting
Then I heard of Tom.

Every man at my non-profit office shopped there so I went to check it out.
He personally put me in the best suit of my life, at the lowest price of my life
I never looked back.

Once a year, I hit one of his sales.
One purchase, three suits for LESS than I used to pay for one suit. Harry Rosen is his buddy, Now Magazine once said..."Tom Mihalik and his team have an eye for classic tailoring and bespoke quality, guaranteeing that while your purchase may be inexpensive, it never looks cheap." - They gave me tips on how to tailor and wear suits that as a co-worker once said to me "makes you feel like a champ". One of Tom's team will be with us...

After asking around it was of course my business networking author/guru Alison Graham, author of "Business Cards to Business Relationships" who connected me with someone who can help the ladies in my network. Erin Nadler is the President of Better Styled, a one-on-one by appointment shopping experience catering to the time starved women seven days a week. Erin has been featured on Canada AM, CHCH, Flare Magazine, Chatalaine, The Sun and Women's Post to name a few.

Lastly, as an added bonus to my network
I have been nagging several folks to get new LinkedIn pictures 
 
So! For five bucks (all of which will go to charity) a professional photographer Ahmed Nizam ( who once took a picture for the super cool TimeRaiser event, which I use as my main social media shot ) will take yours!!

A ton of value
A great evening
I have only 40 spots.

RSVP today, hope to see you there.

Paul


-----------
QUICK UPDATE! - 23 AUG 


The event is B.Y.O.N. - Bring your own nametag  
Yes I'm cheap, (work tags encouraged )
BUT! There will be two prizes for most creative

A prize for best tweet using #SuitUpToronto

Over $200 in prizes (all donated by my network)


At 8ish, we'll be moving the event to the brand new
Joey's Toronto for libation / sustenance 

See you tomorrow!
Bring cards. Be ready.

NEVER cold call - The Informational Interview

Someone remarked to my wife the other day
"Paul's good at networking eh? I need some help with cold calling".
They meant calling someone up to ask for a job.

Ugh.
Why not instead of asking for a date
- make a booty-call instead?

A cold call is like russian roulette.
Sure you'll win now and then,
but it only takes one loss to die.

Read my lips. NEVER cold call.

These are my secrets. In sharing them I hope they can help you and will also cause me to raise my game!

THE CONCEPT, "networking meeting" or "informational interview"
NOT held for the express purpose of this individual hiring you.
In fact if you ask them to refer you,
give them resumes and ask them to pass it on
or ask them if they're hiring you will burn that contact.

You are gaining a connection that will help you find the job opportunity, who will tell the decision maker about you and who will send you job opportunities. In fact, I often share with peers that the worst time to do this type of networking is when you're looking for a job.

Find the person who has the job you want and learn for the future.
These are the critical questions you should be asking:
- What should I be doing for the next three to five years to be you?
- What does success look like in this sector? To you?
- How did you find your way to this industry and job?
- How have you developed into the leader you are today?
- Who should I be talking to in order to learn about being the best in this profession?

BOOKING THE MEETING
Remember you are on the schedule of the person you're trying to meet with. Scope out locations ( coffee shops, restaurants ) near their office to meet.

If you are trying to stand out or be memorable try and find an alternative place they might not have tried before. Museums and public attractions have beautiful coffee houses that many who work in the area have never visited.

THE MEETING DAY
Never be late. Get to the location early and find the perfect table. I often speak to the staff and let them know I'm having a meeting and that if a fight to pay ensues that I must be the winner. There are so many things you cannot control, manage the things you can.

PREPARE FOR THE MEETING. Do your homework.
Research the company of the person you are meeting with, research the person ( alma mater etc ), research your meeting topic ( industry, job climate etc.. ). Networking is about being fascinating and fascinated, read up on the location, the date, social and political news.

Whatever this person is expecting, be someone different.

DURING THE MEETING
I have mentioned before that pulling your resume at a meeting like this is like accidentally touching hands when you're walking with someone you don't know. It's awkward. Don't do it.
Please refer my most popular blog post ever for a tool that you can use to discuss your key skills, accomplishments and how exactly to connect you forward. Take notes. Remember to be fearless to make promises but take enough notes to keep them if you asked for the meeting.

FOLLOW UP
Remember those promises made I mentioned? The less time between the meeting and the time you send articles, LinkedIn connection requests etc.. the most you impress this contact. It means if they refer you that you can be trusted to follow up in a timely professional fashion. Make no mistake, it's a test.

How about a curve-ball here. The internet has killed civility. Bring it back by sending a hand-written note card of thanks for time, help and insight. My secret tip is to have the card ready, stamped and addressed to send as soon as the meeting is over. Will help you make sure you complete it when you get back to the busy office.

READY, SET, NETWORK!
Why aren't you having more of these meetings?
It's not a cold call if you've kept in touch.
Make every call, a warm call.

Make sure you build your career by using meetings like this to learn about your industry, next steps in your career and to benefit your network!

I have three a week face to face. Minimum
7:30am at the 'Bucks or lunch if it's a must

I truly hope this has been of help,
please feel free to send me comments and questions.

Paul

Sunnyside Beach Art Show, Sale & Sponsorship

I was born in Toronto

I deeply love this city and it never fails to delight and amaze me
I am fascinated by art and the conversations it creates
both internal and external

Much of my network loves Toronto too
Many of them are Dragonboaters who practice at Sunnyside
Others love art and need an excuse to get down to the lake...

Too many don't know about this amazing art event each September

Take a gander



Sure you have to get there but I'm writing to my business network to ask you to consider sponsoring an event that supports not just art but engagement in our beloved city.

I've crunched the numbers, affordable sponsorship rates,
good location, good traffic, three days of visibility
great media coverage
and because it's a sale, you reach a quality target market.

I have the direct hook-up to the contacts and rates
or you can contact them yourself.

Either way, please share:

Video: http://youtu.be/CMaPA-XnZTM

Site: http://www.artinitiatives.ca/sunnyside

Tweet away! @sunnyside_art

Angelika and Ania, what a great job you do of spreading the word...

Long live Toronto, love life and public art

See you there, Paul

Heroes in our Midst

A recent post by a leader in my sector
Kimberley MacKenzie who manages a non-profit
highlighted the superheros in her team
I loved it, and it stuck in my head...

I just returned today from watching
Captain America - I'm a long time comic book fan so it was fun.
But it got me thinking about two people
one I know, another I read about today in the Globe
they should be referred to as Captain India & Captain Kenya

Captain Kenya, along with his countrymen are world class athletes but they work day jobs to make ends meet and they have left behind families that they love

Captain India is a peer of mine,
an experienced banker
Who came here to try and make a better life
for his family but they are not here,
and he works so hard out of love for them
his love, often moves to me to prayers, and tears

These men, work, do their best
they don't party, go to cottages, bbq's or golf
they work and sleep with singular focus

Today in Canada is a holiday.
I spent this day with my wife and son
who I love almost with desperation
I spent much of the day thinking about these two Captains
their courage and love
I admire and respect them so much

Like so many superhero's with great power
they cannot help the ones they love
but this is real life and we can help

I'll fight until I die for my contact
I hope someone steps up and help the Kenyans
If you have a hero like this in your life
Let me know, we should help them together
We should be their Captain Canada!




(*Apologies to my female readers for the sexist post
I know their wives work just as hard in harder conditions
to care for the children back in their home countries.
I value and respect them too. But I only know the dudes.
I hope to meet those families soon. )