Over 800 million people have established profiles on Facebook and are actively engaged in networking. In Canada, that includes more than 50% of the population! In the past 3 months the largest growth in Facebook users was aged 45-54 followed by 55-64, 35-44, 25-34 and 65-0! In the past 6 months, Canadian Facebook users increased by 590, 960! Visit  socialbakers.com for further statistics.

Do you have a Facebook account? Are you a follower or a leader? If you have access to the Internet, it is simply a matter of time before you will decide to follow the other 800 million people and join Facebook. There is no doubt that for many it is the natural resistance to change that could be holding them back so if the numbers are convincing enough, it should be noted that Facebook was launched almost 8 years ago!

Another influential social media site is Twitter which was established in 2006 and currently has over 462 million users. An easy to use, real time resource, Twitter has become a favourite source for all who recognize it’s potential.

The absolute minimum online presence for anyone managing a career or business is Linkedin. Currently with over 136 million users, Linkedin provides a professional site with the resources to display authentic references and a career history linked to company’s and organizations. Networking with other professionals, following companies, job listings and the potential to connect with key decision makers around the world makes this the ultimate in job search tools.

Social media is not a passing fad and the consistent growth of Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin to name only a few, will ensure these social media sites continue to be key resources in the successful management of any career or business. No longer is there a choice to be the leader in joining these sites but by following those who did take the lead you are sure to discover the many benefits of online networking!

Holiday networking has a better chance of leading you to your next job than any other job search endeavour! Enjoy the holidays and succeed in your job search! The odds are in your favour during this holiday season as no other time of year presents as many opportunities to get together with friends, family, acquaintances and even strangers than the many events that are planned throughout the month of December. This is your chance to accept every available invitation and while sharing in the celebrations, network, network, network!

For many who are not at ease with networking, this time of year presents the perfect opportunity. As the holiday season unfolds it exposes a population suddenly acknowledging those around them, extending greetings and sharing smiles from the heart! This is the time of year that transitions even the most unreceptive and stoic of individuals into a world filled with camaraderie and joy. It is a time for giving and caring and sharing. So share the story of your job search and reap the benefits of a new contact or a new lead but be sure to keep in the spirit of holiday networking by asking what it is that you can do to help in return.

The family get together finds you catching up with your cousin not seen since this time last year and in sharing information about your job search, including your interest in a specific company, you discover his neighbour is not only the CEO but a close friend! Holiday networking success! And in the spirit of giving, your cousin is equally elated because you have offered to help him get his recently acquired, antique vehicle ready for the road in the spring. This  is surely what networking and the holidays are all about.

Season’s greetings to all! And to all, the very best of luck in your job search! For further job search strategies or to obtain a free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer contact Elite Resumes.

How much of your job search are you investing in networking? There is no doubt that networking is a key component of any job search. Online resources continue to flourish with a recent Jobvite Survey revealing 89% of recruiters are, or will be utilizing the information provided by millions of professionals to source and validate potential candidates. Although paid memberships are available from two of the most well respected professional networking sites, namely ExecuNet and Linkedin, both sites also offer free memberships to network with millions of professionals. Establishing your free online profile  on these sites has become as basic to managing an executive career as a professional resume is to any job search.

Consult with a Certified Professional Resume Writer to find out what employers and recruiters are looking for.  A professional resume will provide the content necessary to establish your online profiles and impress even the most scrutinizing of prospective employers.

“Every month, there are over fifty face-to-face ExecuNet events that are facilitated by experts in executive career management who are aware of local trends and have helped thousands of people. They can help you learn of opportunities and business leads you might not know about any other way. In most major cities throughout the US and Canada, there are local events that can help you strengthen your network and gain the support you need to thrive in your career.” Execunet

Networking with millions of professionals online is of the utmost value to managing a career but face-to- face networking will always provide the greatest opportunity to generate the most memorable and personable first impression. Words and a photo will never compare to a confident handshake and an engaging conversation. Don’t miss out on the next ExecuNet meeting in the GTA and meet Martin Buckland, facilitator for ExecuNet and executive career management professional since 1993.     

Not only is Facebook not so bad, establishing a Facebook Page could significantly increase your success if you are a professional managing a career or representing a business, organization or a cause. Misconceptions regarding age and privacy are still prevalent but the facts are available to dispel any concerns. The following quote is representative of the tremendous impact that Facebook has had!

“Until Facebook came along, there was hardly anywhere on the public internet that you had to operate with your real name.” David Kirkpatrick Author of The Facebook Effect

Facebook has truly been the driving force behind an authentic, genuine online presence. Of course there will always be those who will lack professionalism and post inappropriate content online but the opportunity is also there to recognize those who are mature, professional and accountable. Social media has changed the way we “do business” and it is that very thing, the transparency and engagement that is generating influential and positive results.

A reputable and talented professional with an exceptional track record has the ability to share that information linking it to companies, organizations and testimonials supported by other validated profiles. Businesses that are not interested in engaging clientele or lack a human presence will no longer gain the credibility needed to entice customers. As Facebook nears 700 million users, sharing their profiles, opinions, likes and dislikes, it continues to enhance the most powerful influence in our society, “word of mouth”!

Whether you are pursuing an executive career or an entrepreneurial endeavour a Facebook Page could add to your success. Keep in mind that your Facebook Profile is not the same as your Facebook Page. Review professional pages, including the Top 50 Branded Facebook Fan Pages, June 2011 by Jim Tobin to understand the difference and then decide which type of Facebook Page will best suit your needs.

Managing a successful career requires a visible presence and ExecuNet’s private membership offers an exceptional opportunity to be found by executives, recruiters and potential employers.

Networking is key to maintaining a successful career and will undoubtedly be key to securing your next position. Whether networking online or in person you should strive to be active on a daily basis and equally as important, continue networking after securing a new position.

Martin Buckland has been facilitating ExecuNet meetings in the GTA since 1999. Visit Senior ExecuNet for information and to register for upcoming meetings in July and August. Toronto ExecuNet meetings will resume in September.

Not open to receiving introductions is a message you do not want displayed on your Linkedin profile when someone is trying to connect with you. Why? Because Linkedin is the #1 Professional Networking Site. There are currently over 100 million professionals on Linkedin. You will find close to 2.2 million companies with detailed profiles including past and current employees. Linkedin has over 3,000 jobs posted in Canada and over 42,000 jobs posted in the United States. Over 80% of recruiters and HR professionals are seeking potential candidates on Linkedin. Adding Connections, Introductions, Answers and Groups are only a few of the features that are available on Linkedin for the purpose of networking and engaging professionals. And lastly, would you attend a professional networking event and turn your back to an extended handshake?

The message, “Is not currently open to receiving introductions or InMail” will display to someone interested in connecting with you if you have intentionally or unintentionally missed selecting the appropriate settings when completing your Linkedin profile. Since intentionally blocking introductions on a professional networking site lacks professionalism and social media etiquette we’ll address this as an oversight or a simple mistake and advise how to make the necessary corrections.

You will find your name in the top right of your Linkedin profile. Under your name select “Settings”. Choose “Email Preferences” found on the left side and address each category beginning with, “Select the types of messages you’re willing to receive”. You do not have to choose all of the OPPORTUNITIES listed although why would you make a choice to limit your opportunities even if it simply allows you to share those which are not of interest to you with someone else? Save your selection and then choose, “Select who can send you invitations” noting the Linkedin recommendation, “Anyone on Linkedin”. Unless you’re so popular that you are receiving hundreds of invitations you are unable to manage, why would you want to limit who can send messages on a professional networking site?

Participating, learning, networking; all are sure to result in opportunities for success! Nick Ikonomou wrote, Ten Reasons Why People in Business Succeed:“1.They are willing to learn. The greatest learners become the best teachers. Never ending improvement, as the Kaizen principle insists, should be an individual’s primary goal in life. The only failure in life is the failure to participate. There are no right or wrong ways of doing things, each providing a result that can be assessed and worked on from the learning that the outcome provides.”

There is one mistake that many executives in career transition make after they land their next job; they choose to break ties with networking groups and connections which provided the support and resources that may very likely be the reason they are no longer in career transition. Why shun the people and organizations that assisted you to advance along your career path? The first error is to assume that you are at the end of your career path and the next is to use these resources and people to achieve your goals and walk away without giving back. Failure to participate is a decision to eliminate potential opportunities.

A recent email from a member of the Happen organization advised all members they had landed a new job but would continue their membership. Although a networking organization for many in career transition, this individual acquired their job by networking with another member who also chose to maintain their membership after being hired. For those who are not as giving or committed to paying it forward it is still in the best interest of your career to stay connected, continue networking and participate!

Removing your name from networking groups, dropping connections that likely helped you get your job and simply disappearing into a new position is a mistake. No job comes with a guarantee and establishing a professional network only to disengage after a new appointment could leave you in a difficult position if you find yourself back in career transition within a short period of time. Would it be a terrible thing if an organization or a connection provided you with a lead that resulted in another job offer while employed? Maintaining a professional network is simply a smart way to manage a successful career.

Toronto ExecuNet and Senior ExecuNet offer networking meetings for business leaders and senior executives to network on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Visit ExecuNet for further information and to register online.

Social media has presented a tremendous learning curve for some but with it an understanding that it has the potential to be a key component of success. For many others the emotional or psychological discomfort associated with establishing a public profile has led to a conscious decision to avoid it at all cost. Unfortunately, it could be a very costly decision. If you can’t be found or worse, the online results for your name show a less than reputable profile, you could be missing out on an opportunity of a lifetime.

Without an established online presence, it is still highly recommended that you google your name. The fact that you are not interested in your own online profile does not mean that someone else isn’t. Online searches to verify the identity, history, credibility, references and achievements of individuals continue to increase at an amazing rate. Not unlike investigating a new product, resort location or local service, our due diligence involves a background check into the value and authenticity of what is offered. As a business owner, you do not want to risk the only online results showing up to be that of a disreputable organization with the same name and lose out on potential sales.

If you are managing a career it is important to know that over 80% of recruiters and HR professionals are currently searching online for potential candidates. Not only has this become the norm, decision makers are also choosing to utilize online resources such as Linkedin in order to review testimonials and verify references.

If you do not claim your public profile you could miss out on opportunities for two simple reasons:

1. You can’t be found
2. You are mistaken for someone else

Here are 3 possible scenarios for those who have not claimed their public profiles:

1. You recently attended a convention related to a personal interest hobby and made a significant impression on a well connected speaker. The speaker decides to look you up online with an offer that could take you out of a job you hate and transition you into the industry of your dreams but: you can’t be found or worse you are mistaken for someone else and it appears that you might have lied about who you said you were.
2. A company executive remembers your name from a previous organization and believes you could be a potential candidate for a high profile position but: you can’t be found or worse, you are mistaken for someone who has been incarcerated.
3. You have interviewed for a job and all that is left to secure your new position is a reference check. The results online fill the first page but all it verifies is that you could be a Russian girl from the Russian Brides Cyber Guide’s “Black List”, a scam girl! Will you get the job?

There is no cost to establish your online profiles but if you don’t claim your public profile you could be missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime, a position that could have saved months of unemployment,  your dream job, an invite to discover your life’s passion, the chance to connect with a dear friend or relative or perhaps, the love of your life!

There is a good chance that you will connect with one person and gain something from that person or have the opportunity to provide them with something. What is something? A lead to a new job? An introduction to someone you may spend the rest of your life with? An opportunity to relocate to a dream location? A new hobby? Advice that results in an exciting new career direction? Every time you connect to one person, it is an opportunity to give and to receive. Imagine increasing one opportunity to millions of opportunities! Today, it’s not only possible, it’s easy and it’s free! Over 500 million people are connecting on Facebook, over 200 million on Twitter and over 100 million on Linkedin. There are thousands of social media sites that offer the ability to create your profile for free and connect to millions of other people.   

Although social media provides the optimal resource for networking, establishing an authentic connection with others should be an integral part of every day whether it involves attending professional networking meetings, social events or engaging another while riding on an elevator. More connections result in more opportunities to give or to receive. Networking or connecting with the right person has resulted in the success of many. YouTube is without a doubt the place to be discovered but would Bieber be the success he is today if he hadn’t been introduced to Usher? And would Usher be as popular today without Bieber? Why Some People Have All The Luck (And How to Become One of Them) by Lateral Action is all about creating connections that lead to opportunities. Call it luck if you like but without networking, your luck will most certainly disappear. 

Utilize social media, network at professional meetings or socialize at family events for more connections and more opportunities.  RockMelt is a great resource to bring it all together and shows the ease of obtaining results and generating opportunities by connecting with others. Be found and find others to discover a world of opportunities! 

Martin Buckland, Principal of Elite Resumes and sole facilitator for ExecuNet Meetings in Canada since 1999 is pleased to announce this valuable opportunity, exclusive to senior level clients of Elite Resumes and attendees of ExecuNet meetings to become a member of ExecuNet at NO CHARGE.

ExecuNet’s Associate Membership is available at no charge to those who are director level or above. Newly enhanced, in-depth profiles allow Associate Members to gain visibility in an exclusive network of C-level and senior-level executives.

Associate Members:

• Are able to create a professional profile that can be seen by paid executive members and recruiters.
• Appear on all searches conducted by our recruiters and paid members.
• Can be contacted by recruiter and executive members and engage in correspondence after initial communication.
• Can obtain a free weekly job alert personalized by geographical location, function and industry.
• Have access to job search and career advancement content.

Please click the following to join!

To Register for Toronto ExecuNet or Senior ExecuNet Meetings visit http://aneliteresume.com/execunet/

Conducting a job search many years ago would have involved following up with family members and neighbours or a quick read of the local newspaper. Job listings may have included openings for a typist, stenographer, milkman, elevator operator or perhaps a senior level position that required travelling to another country. Travel that would require weeks, not hours as the mode of transportation was by ship not a jet. Word of mouth was often all that was required to get you in the door or a hand written resume might have been delivered to a local company. A telephone call to your home, the only communication tool available other than postal delivery, might advise of a job interview or simply a start date that would be entered into as a lifetime position! 

That was a job search then and now, a paper resume dropped off at a company would likely be refused or recycled! Resumes are now computer files, submitted online at the click of a button to recruiters, online job boards and HR departments at small businesses or large corporations. Online job boards and social media sites present job listings from around the world. Communication through various networking sites, email or mobile is more common than a home phone and out of country travel is a normal occurrence. A job interview may involve a phone interview with a head office located in another country. Or perhaps you’ll be required to use your computer with web cam to engage in an online interview on Skype. Continuous networking and a visible online presence are necessary components in the successful management of any career as today’s job search will be repeated many times. Most careers will consist of many positions throughout numerous organizations.

Whether conducting a job search then or now there is one constant that is still attributable to the success of any job search; word of mouth! Who you know and who will recommend you will transcend time as an influencing factor to decision makers, far outweighing your chances of being noticed by responding to an advertised position without a personal introduction. Networking continues to be the most successful job search tool available and has become a much easier task with the advent of social media sites such as Linkedin. You will be amazed at who knows who, who works where, who knows who’s hiring, who is being promoted and who is hiring to fill the newly opened position.

Do you have a professional Linkedin profile? Have you acquired testimonials from past and current positions? Are you actively involved in Linkedin Groups? Have you targeted specific companies and are you following them on Linkedin? How many connections do you have?Are you actively networking and inviting  others with an enticing, customized message that clearly articulates why they should connect with you and your reasons for wanting to add them to your network of professionals?

Follow the Linkedin Group Toronto ExecuNet or register at Elite Resumes to attend an ExecuNet Meeting, facilitated by Martin Buckland since 1999.

As a member of Career Collective we are pleased to provide you with the following professional advice from other members of the Career Collective, Collaboratively Helping Job Seekers:

Juice Up Your Job Search, @debrawheatman

It’s not your age, it’s old thinking, @GayleHoward

Want a Job? Ignore these outdated job search beliefs @erinkennedycprw

Job Search Then and Now, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes

Break the Rules or Change the Game? @WalterAkana

The New: From The Employer’s-Eye View, @ResumeService

Job Search: Breakable Rules and Outdated Beliefs, @KatCareerGal

Job Hunting Rules to Break (Or Why and How to Crowd Your Shadow), @chandlee @StartWire,

Shades of Gray, @DawnBugni

3 Rules That Are Worth Your Push-Back, @WorkWithIllness

Your Photo on LinkedIn – Breaking a Cardinal Job Search Rule? @KCCareerCoach

How to find a job: stop competing and start excelling, @Keppie_Careers

Be You-Nique: Resume Writing Rules to Break, @ValueIntoWords

Modernizing Your Job Search, @LaurieBerenson

Don’t Get Caught With an Old School Resume, @barbarasafani

How Breaking the Rules Will Help You in Your Job Search, @expatcoachmegan

Beat the Job-Search-Is-a-Numbers-Game Myth, @JobHuntOrg

25 Habits to Break if You Want a Job, @careersherpa

Another year is coming to a close and we would like to take this time to thank so many clients, associates, colleagues, new acquaintances and old. The very best of wishes are being sent your way for a wonderful holiday season and a very prosperous career! Please visit our blog and subscribe to our blog posts covering a variety of topics and career tips. If there is any information you would like to see to assist you in managing your executive career we would be pleased to welcome your suggestions, comments or questions!

We would also like to thank everyone for all of the positive feedback received from the many speaking engagements, ExecuNet networking meetings and professional career services that have been offered throughout the year. The driving force behind Elite Resumes is your career success! Please take advantage of a free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer!

Wishing you a very safe and happy holiday, the very best in the New Year and to all, a very successful career!

Elite Resumes

Martin Buckland @MartinBuckland

Barbara Mackie @BarbaraMackie

We are pleased to have Jim Carlisle speaking at the next ExecuNet Meeting, September 22nd, 2010, presenting:

“Managing your career on your own terms”

Whether or not you are employed, it doesn’t matter, Jim will relate client stories of individuals who have figured out how to take charge of their career/life on their terms. Jim and Alex Gill recently published a book on this topic through Wiley&Sons, titled, “AIM, the powerful 10 step personal and career success program”.

Jim Carlisle has been a management consultant for 35 years, including 9 years as a Partner with The Caldwell partners, 12 years as a Partner with Ernst and Young, and currently as a Director of Western Management Consultants of Ontario. His main areas of expertise are in executive coaching, executive search and facilitation.

Jim has represented a client list including individual executives and teams from Ernst and Young, Xerox, ACTRA, Riocan, Metropolitan Toronto Board of Trade, The Miller Group, Canadian Professional Golf Association, Ivey and Queen’s MBA programs. All of the engagements have been at the senior level. His powerful combination of executive search, coaching and facilitation capabilities provides clients with current data and options to solving leadership and organizational issues.

Jim is a member of the International Coaching Federation, and is certified in the Co-Pilot Professional Coaching System. In addition, he is a Fellow of The Institute of Certified Management Consultants and is a trained facilitator. Jim has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University. He has lectured and spoken frequently on “Becoming your own coach”.

On the global front, Jim has just completed 6 years as Chairman of Agilium Worldwide. Agilium is an alliance of 27 owner managed executive search firms in 25 countries.

Register for Toronto ExecuNet

We are pleased to have Jacoline B. Loewen of Loewen & Partners speaking at the next Senior ExecuNet meeting on August 11, 2010 at 6pm at Permanent Search Group speaking on: 

“Private Equity is a great place to get a job, but only if you know the Secret Handshake”

Looking for a new job this year? There are interesting career opportunities being created by owners of companies who are partnered with private equity. Jacoline Loewen, a Director of Loewen & Partners and Director on the Board of the Exempt Market Dealers Association, knows and hires for these unique businesses and has come to see a huge difference compared to corporate recruiting.

 If you grasp that these businesses have owners, and that the private equity partners are also owners, you are far more likely to get hired. Can you put yourself in their shoes and realize how you will impact directly on their personal bank balances? 

Join Jacoline Loewen to discuss these questions and private equity in more detail. Register online for August 11th.   

Jacoline Loewen | Director
Loewen & Partners Inc.
Sourcing Capital for Growing Companies
372 Bay Street | Suite 1902
Toronto ON Canada | M5H 2W9
Work 416.961.0740 | Mobile 416.662.1930
jbloewen@loewenpartners.com |www.loewenpartners.com

And Network some more! Although you may be one of many who have landed a new job recently as 93,200 jobs were added last month in Canada and unemployment rates dropped sharply to 7.9% even with a steady decline over the previous five months, this is not the time to stop networking. Nor is it recommended that you stop networking at anytime.

Maintaining a network is the most critical component in managing a career and the most successful job search tool available. The resulting success of networking will almost always be related to reciprocation. The give and take balance in any relationship will determine in the long run how successful it is, whether it is between colleagues, partners, employer and employees, siblings or even best friends. Most people will not venture too far out of their way for anyone who has not left them with the impression that they would do the same in return. Always maintain a professional profile online and off to secure a recommendation through networking and never burn bridges even after a termination or layoff. Bad impressions can have a negative impact well into your future and result in many lost opportunities.  

Many people become avid networkers only while they are in need of something, such as a job and as soon as they land the new job, which will likely be acquired as a result of networking, they stop maintaining the relationships that put them there. Yes, it worked this time but how receptive will those same connections be next year or the year after when you need them again? Studies show some discrepancy in the average length of job tenure but suffice to say, lifetime careers are no longer the norm and facing unemployment on a number of occasions throughout your career is inevitable.

For those who struggle with their comfort level in networking, it  should be a much less daunting task and certainly more productive with the advent of social media. Finding individuals or businesses requires a simple search and anyone involved in an executive career will most certainly have a profile on Linkedin. The opportunity of a personal introduction through a close contact allows you to skip the cold call process and at the same time proceed with a level of acceptance associated with that of a mutual acquaintance. The ease of networking and connecting with others makes Linkedin the ultimate blueprint for networking including instructions for completing a professional profile, use of a variety of applications and a location to accept well respected testimonials from colleagues.

Networking is not easy for everyone but there are certainly steps that can be taken to effectively network with a confident demeanour, the most influential component of networking and to present a professional impression. Here are five suggestions:  

• Compose a short and long version of your professional infomercial/elevator speech/introduction and practice it at every opportunity with friends, relatives, and on your own with a mirror and a webcam or video camera!
• Maintain a professional online profile on Linkedin.
• Research suitable networking events and dress for success.
• Always reciprocate! Don’t ever walk away without asking, “What value can I bring to you?”
• Finally, did you exchange business cards?

Networking while currently employed or in career transition is an essential tool for generating opportunities, staying current and successfully obtaining your next appointment within the shortest period of time! Career Management expert, Martin Buckland says, “The day you land your next job is the day to start your next job search.”

As a member of Career Collective we are able to provide you with the following professional advice from other members of the Career Collective, Collaboratively Helping Job Seekers:

5 Little Secrets About Networking, @Careersherpa

Networking: Easy as 1, 2 , 3, @WorkWithIllness

How to Take the Intimidation Out of Networking, @heathermundell

Networking for the Shy and Introverted, @KatCareerGal

A tale of two networkers, @DawnBugni

Introvert or Extrovert: Tips for the Job Search No Matter Which ‘Vert’ You Are, @erinkennedycprw

Networking for Job Candidates Who Hate Networking, @heatherhuhman

Networking? Ugh! @resumeservice

Network, Network, Network, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes

3 ways to make networking fun for introverts and extroverts, @Keppie_Careers

Grow Your Career Networking Seeds Organically, @ValueIntoWords

Networking: It’s a Way of Life, @WalterAkana

Social Media Networking & Your Career, @GayleHoward

Networking for the Networking-Phobic, @JobHuntOrg

The Small Business Community Network  presents, The Interactive Decade, September 13th at the Waterloo Inn Hotel.

Since the dawn of humanity we have sought to interact with one another. In the last 100 years we have developed stunning new technology to help us interact, such as the telephone, e-mailand the web. And most recently we’ve blended aspects of social communication with technology to generate new ways of interacting.

The next decade promises an explosion in how we use technology to interact.

We call it The Interactive Decade. Will you be part of the next wave, or will you be left behind? 

Featured interaction experts will include:

Jenny Munford & Katherine McLaren, Creative Bube Tube 
If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine what moving pictures can do for you! Jenny Munford and Katherine McLaren explain how video is helping people broadcast their brand.

Erin Bury, Sprouter
Sprouter leverages the power of social community to enable entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas and support one another. As Community Manager, Erin Bury is at the heart of the social interaction universe.

Martin Buckland, Elite Resumes
As one of Canada’s top career management experts and personal branding strategists, Martin Buckland knows the power of promoting interaction in managing your career.

Are you using video to market your business? Do you connect with others via social media sites?  Find out how using the right tools, correctly, can benefit your business.

Register 

There are only 4 more Toronto ExecuNet meetings in 2010! Don’t miss the Toronto ExecuNet Meeting on Wednesday, June 23^rd, our last meeting prior to summer break. Meetings will follow on the fourth Wednesday in September, October and November. All meetings are held from 6pm-9pm at the Marriott Toronto Airport, 901 Dixon Road, Toronto, ON M9W 1J5 and feature renowned speakers, exceptional networking opportunities, a distributed list of  attendees, food and beverages and Executive Recruiters are extended an open invite. A $40 registration fee is charged to cover expenses.

Book all 4 meetings by June 22nd and you will receive the opportunity to register a friend or colleague to join you for each meeting in 2010 free of charge! Register online at Toronto ExecuNet.

We are pleased to have Bill Dennis speaking at this month’s meeting presenting, “Understanding and Succeeding With Interviewers of Different Cultures, Generations, and Personalities”.

The Toronto ExecuNet Meeting provides a networking opportunity for professionals who want to stay “on top” of their careers, remain alert to job opportunities, penetrate the hidden job market and be better prepared in today’s uncertain working environments. ExecuNet is the leading executive job, career and networking organization exclusively for the $100,000+ executive and senior level manager. Its purpose is to give executives the opportunity to exchange perspectives and develop resources with other decision makers from a variety of industries and fields.  

History of Toronto ExecuNet Speakers

Senior ExecuNet Meetings continue througout the year on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of each month.

How will multiple job offers impact your career? Since more jobs are secured through networking than all other job search methods combined, it only stands to reason that a strong commitment to networking will generate an increase in opportunities and the potential for multiple job offers. There are endless resources to network in person and it is important to respond to a social event with the same enthusiasm and vigour as a professional venue, as the potential for a successful lead could be as easily garnered from attending a social function as a professional one.

Social media is a term that may still cause an uneasy feeling for many but networking utilizing social media has become the most influential and effective resource available today! Although the potential to connect with millions of people has become an easy process, it is prudent to realize that the terminology, “it’s a small world” is still extremely applicable here. LinkedIn continues to be the number one professional networking site with over 80% of recruiters and HR professionals visiting this site to investigate or seek out potential candidates. As few as 160 connections on LinkedIn provides a link to over 4 million professionals and within that network, over 30,000 people joined within a 4 day period that spanned a weekend!

LinkedIn has over 65 million users, Twitter has over 100 million and Facebook is nearing 500 million users! There is no cost to create profiles on any of these sites or other sites such as Naymz, Plaxo or VisualCV, to name a few. Don’t miss out on the amazing networking opportunities available on these sites, which also include extensive information on companies, groups, discussions, events, news and more! 

What job search strategies are you utilizing? Since we know that networking is the most effective and successful job search tool available have you made it your top priority? If so, are you prepared to network in person and online?

Professional networking opportunities are easily discovered but don’t ignore opportunities to network at any social venue including your church, fundraisers, local organizations, special interest groups and Birthday parties! Someone knows someone and that someone could very well be the key contact that will lead you into your next appointment. Always be prepared to reach out and share information about yourself and never be shy about including the fact that you are seeking a new position. Remember first impressions are critical so take note of the following:

• Look in a mirror! Are you well dressed and well groomed?
• Do you have an elevator pitch, well practiced and in both a short and long version depending on the opportunity?
• Does your business card look professional and is it current?
• Are you prepared to ask for contact information and to follow up?

Networking online is no longer an option, it is a must. HR professionals and recruiters agree that Linkedin is a top resource in their recruitment of candidates. To ensure you are successful with online networking, take note of the following:

• Create your Linkedin profile using content from a professionally prepared resume.
• Display an enticing tag line. 
• Acquire a professional photo for all online profiles.
• Clearly describe the position you are seeking.
• Be diligent in updating your status and increasing your network of connections with a personalized invitation.

Linkedin currently provides access to 65 million professionals but don’t ignore the significant impact of networking offline within your circle of colleagues, friends and relatives. It is only a few degrees of separation that connects us all and it only takes one contact to succeed in your job search.

Visit http://aneliteresume.com/execunet/ for information on Executive Networking Meetings held three times a month in the GTA.

The most dramatic changes we have seen in networking for job opportunities are related to Internet use and specifically, social media. Gone are the days when your entire network consisted of friends, family and co-workers. Today we are able to connect with millions of people and target specific industries, companies and people opening up a whole new list of job search strategies and increased job opportunities.

Not so long ago, a company interested in hiring would have put an advertisement in a newspaper, you would submit your resume and then sit back hoping to be called in for an interview. Today, they are more likely to post the position on the Internet. Whether a company or recruiting website or job boards, an online search has the potential to provide results for thousands of jobs from around the world. The emergence and rapid growth of social media has given recruiters and HR professionals the resources to seek out potential candidates through online profiles and studies show 80% are logging in to Linkedin. With access to 60 million professionals it’s no wonder! With a population greater than all but two countries in the world, Facebook is evolving into the ultimate social media networking and marketing tool. Gone are the days when only businesses actively marketed products and services. Potential candidates are networking online to market their expertise and position themselves as the next CEO or VP.    

Networking with HR professionals and recruiters is an obvious and necessary component of your job search online and off. So too, is attending networking meetings to share information with other professionals in career transition and develop valuable contacts and leads. What about networking with employees? Those who are gainfully employed could offer a valuable connection as many companies offer their employees a substantial bonus, $2,000 to $10,000 for referring a potential candidate who is successfully hired to fill a position.

Networking is the most successful job search tool available surpassing all other strategies combined. Online job boards account for only 3-5% of jobs so the next time you are online, allocate your time accordingly. Present a professional online profile, update your status regularly and NETWORK online and off to secure job opportunities and land the job that’s right for you!

Visit ExecuNet for further information on three executive networking events held each month at Toronto venues.