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.

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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 by July 31st for a chance to win your registration fee back.

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.

The success you achieve in your professional life or your personal life will be directly related to the opportunities that are presented to you for consideration. Are you positioning yourself to seize the next opportunity and ensure more opportunities are available to you?

“The Art of”…events, presents an exceptional opportunity to attend live events with leading authorities guaranteeing an educational and empowering experience. Recently, “The art of…marketing” featured renowned speakers and authors, Mitch Joel, Seth Godin, Max Lenderman, Sally Hogshead, James Othmer and Dan Heath. During Canada’s Marketing and Innovation Conference, Mitch Joel presented applications that are changing the way we do business including, SnapTell and Yelp. Seth Godin shared a clear picture of the evolution of business from days gone by when an instruction manual was all you needed to one that requires leaders, creators and inventors and the passion to connect with the emerging consumer in order to succeed. Sally Hogshead provided a valuable resource with her Brand Personality Test, F Score. James Othmer covered persuasion and engagement and showed us the Zippo app, very cool! Max Lenderman took us around the world with some very interesting statistics and the impact of event marketing. Dan Heath showed us that change can happen if we focus on what is working, the “bright spots”, rather than solely focusing on trying to fix the problem. At the end of the day there was one consistent message from these experts; marketing at all levels has changed, connecting with the consumer is imperative and success will no longer be achieved by selling a product, you must sell an experience.

Regardless of the topic or the message, this was just one of many opportunities available to learn from the best, take home tips for success, stay current and at this particular event, network with 1600 other professionals! Take the initiative to discover the available venues to gain valuable knowledge, insight, resources, remain relevant and most importantly, network! By seizing opportunities you will secure further opportunities and the inspiration and motivation to ensure continued success in your personal and professional development.

Come out to meet other executive professionals who are committed to developing and expanding their networking relationships at the Toronto ExecuNet Meetings. This month’s speaker is Tim Cork.

We are pleased to have Bojan Pavlovic speaking at the Toronto ExecuNet Meeting on Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 presenting:

“The Executive Recruiter, separating fact from fantasy”

Bojan is prepared for a highly interactive discussion on the myths and realities of executive search as a vehicle for managing one’s career. His expertise assures no questions will go unanswered!   

Bojan Pavlovic is a Client Partner based in Korn/Ferry’s Toronto Office. He is also a member of the firm’s Global Technology and Professional Services Practice.

During his tenure with Korn/Ferry, Mr. Pavlovic has successfully completed searches for Emerging Technologies, Consumer Technologies and Professional Services clients.  In addition, he specializes in placing executives within the Program Management Office function across industries.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Pavlovic worked in management consulting with Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and CGI focusing on corporate and IT strategy and business process improvement.

Mr. Pavlovic has delivered a number of leadership studies and white papers in talent management trends.

Mr. Pavlovic holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Masters of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University with majors in Strategy and Organizational Behaviour.  He is also a Certified Management Consultant with the Canadian Association of Management Consultants and is fluent in English, French, Spanish and German.

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