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.

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.

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.

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/

If you are one of over 80 million professionals with a profile on Linkedin, have you checked your Network Statistics lately? Linkedin provides an exceptional social media site for professionals to network, share information, join groups, find company information and present a positive impression to HR professionals and recruiters but it also provides some interesting Network Statistics.   

By selecting Network Statistics located on your Contacts tab you are able to see the total number of 1st degree, 2nd degree and 3rd degree connections as well as the total number of users that you could connect to through an introduction. Also included are the number of new people who have joined your network within the last few days as well as the the total number of users on Linkedin. Following this are Regional and Industry statistics, all of which should be reviewed on a regular basis.    

Need help with your social media presence? Contact Elite Resumes.

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

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! 

Managing a successful, executive career requires staying current with industry news and trends. This information is necessary to provide a solid foundation and assist in the decision making process for targeting specific companies within viable industries. CB Online is an excellent source for business news in Canada and is the online home of Money Sense, Canadian Business and PROFIT.

The PROFIT 100 Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies is the 22nd annual publication, and includes those companies recognized by percentage of growth from 2004 to 2009, none of which grew less than 605%! Also included in this report are the next 100 top ranked companies.

The available information for these 200 Canadian companies includes the year founded, website adresses, head office locations, number of employees, CEO names, revenues and growth. A perusal of these successfuly acknowledged, top ranked companies could lead to an additional company to target in your job search. Getting your foot in the door could include composing an introductory letter personalized to a decision maker within the company or a contact on LinkedIn who is able to provide you with a personalized introduction to a key person in the organization.

In addition to this annual report, there is a wealth of information available at CB Online, including the opportunity to establish a profile and subscribe to the eNewsletter. You will have access to Headline News, Market News, Economic Indicators, Personal Development, Discussion Boards and much more.

Staying current with economic trends is a critcal component in managing a successful executive career and so too is networking. Visit ExecuNet to discover the executive networking meetings available in the GTA facilitated by Martin Buckland, Elite Resumes.  

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.

There are many professional networking sites which offer exceptional opportunities to expand your professional network and access to a wealth of information. Do not hesitate to investigate the many options available and create your online profile on ZoomInfo, Xing, Google, Naymz, VisualCV, Twitter or a  Facebook Page. However, there is one site that should be considered mandatory, Linkedin. With over 65 million users today, Linkedin has experienced unprecedented growth and is listed as the top resource by HR professionals and recruiters making it the #1 professional networking site.

Establishing a professional online profile is fast becoming the most influential component of a successful career. Whether gainfully employed or in career transition, a Linkedin profile is critical. Opportunity is the key to success and Linkedin will generate opportunities for you if utilized in a proper, professional manner.

Not unlike your resume, the content for your Linkedin profile must be clear, concise and highlight your achievements. Click on the edit beside your Linkedin URL and customize it, removing the dots, dashes and numbers and share the link on  your resume, other online profiles and add it to your email signature. Status updates should be maintained on a regular basis and received messages should be responded to within 24 hours. Join appropriate groups and contribute to discussions. Always remember that networking online or in person involves a balance of giving and receiving in order to establish long lasting, successful relationships. Be confident and honest in sharing what your needs are but don’t forget to advise what you are able to give back in return.

One aspect of Linkedin that you should pay strict attention to is the proper etiquette when requesting to connect with another professional. DO NOT request to add a connection using  the canned text, “I would like to add you to my professional network” without further elaboration. Include an explanation of why you want to add the individual to your network. Advise if you have met them before. If so, where and when? Give them a reason to connect with you. A conscious decision to connect with strangers without explanation could result in the potential respondent selecting the option, ”I don’t know this user”, rather than accepting your invitation. This will then block you from connecting with this individual again and your rating/reputation will be negatively impacted. 

As with any organization, there are rules, policies and a proper etiquette that should be respected and adhered to when establishing and maintaining your professional profile. Don’t miss out on the potential for unlimited opportunities by utilizing Linkedin, the #1 professional networking site.

Have you established your professional profile on Linkedin? For further information regarding an online presence contact Elite Resumes.

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.

Toronto ExecuNet meetings were originally held at the Toronto Board of Trade with the first meeting taking place in September 1999. Over the years we have had the pleasure of introducing more than 80 inspirational speakers. In September 2008 a new venue was chosen at the Marriott Toronto Airport Hotel offering a location minutes from the Toronto International Airport, Hwy 400, 427, 403 and 407. We would like to thank the many speakers who have provided valuable information to thousands of senior executives over these past years. 

2010 Speakers Randall Craig Ray Pons Sheila Goldgrab Tim Cork Bojan Pavlovic Bill Dennis Jim Carlisle 

2009 Speakers Paul Copcutt Paul Hart Mandeep Grewal Brian Bassett Bryan Webb Steve Prentice David Perry Linda Ockwell-Jenner Bob Woodcock

Speakers from prior years:

Gordon Orlikow, Senior Client Partner, Korn/Ferry International Lisa Price, Founding Partner, Permanent Search Group Russ Buckland, Managing Partner, Bedford Consulting Group Bruce Powell, Managing Partner, IQ Partners Inc. Michael Stern, President, Michael Stern Associates Inc. Joe Zinner, Managing Director, Zinner & Company Executive Search Andrea Waines, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles Dave Howlett, VP Corporate Dev., Life Science, The Magnes Group Craig Colraine, Partner, Birenbaum, Steinberg, Landau, Savin & Colraine Jeff Hauswirth, Manager, Spencer Stuart David Huggins, President, Andros Consultants Ltd. Tim Cork, President, NEXCareer Linda Schnabel, President, Career Works Manon Dulude, Life Coach and Psychotherapist Samuel Morgenstein, Partner, ARES Consulting Services Ltd. Darren Henry, Triathlete & Motivational Speaker, TriExcellence Mark Swartz, Principal, Career Activist Shelle Rose Charvet, President, Success Strategies Susan E. Hanson, President, Vero Group Inc. Dave Crisp, CEO Crisp Strategies Inc. Carl Lovas, President, Ray & Berndtson John Kuypers, President, W.I.N. Leadership, Executive Coaching & Business Development Heidi MacKay, President, Dimensions For Growth Peter de Jager, President, De Jager & Company Ltd. Dick Cappon, President, Cappon Associates Michael Ehling, Business Coach Barbara Symmons, M.Ed., Senior Associate Lionel F. Laroche, Ph.D., P.Eng., Consultant Dr. Michael Dodkewitsch, Ph.D., Psychologist Gilles Robert, President, Adams Research Group Judy Suke, President, Triangle Seminars Thomas D. Holmes, President, Thomas D. Holmes & Associates Patrick Kielty, Senior Consultant, Hazell & Associates Elizabeth Squissato, Senior HR Professional Barry Barnes, Regional HR Manager, Lafarge Construction Materials Catherine A. Graham, Ray & Berndtson

Please feel free to advise us of any ExecuNet speaker that should be included in this list. For further information and to register for ExecuNet visit http://aneliteresume.com/execunet/.    

The key to your networking success is reciprocation. As in any relationship, positive results and new opportunities are unlikely to unfold if either party feels there is a lack of reciprocation. A mutally beneficial relationship requires a conscious effort to ensure a give and take balance.

It is not uncommon that we see the demise of many businesses or personal relationships resulting from an imbalance in reciprocation whether it is in fact a reality or simply a feeling, the end result can be disastrous. A company vs. the employee union, a business vs. a customer, a wife vs. a husband, or a professional vs. a colleague, all can result in damaged relationships and wounded reputations.

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are certainly recognized for their wealth but their success is also attributable to their philanthropy. Generosity and simple reciprocation generates positive word of mouth resulting in highly regarded reputations. Consider the brand or image generated by McDonald’s and McDonald House, Oprah, Richard Branson and West Jet’s winning corporate culture. Although all are renowned for various reasons, they are also well recognized and respected for giving back. 

Have you acknowledged the person who provided you with the lead that resulted in your last job interview? When was the last time you composed a testimonial for a supplier, colleague or friend? Did you follow up with the return call or email as promised? Have you reviewed and accepted your linkedin invitations or facebook friend invitations? Do you send out thank you notes?   

Successful networking is, helping those who help you!          

Don’t stop your job search during this holiday season but rather, ramp it up! Sharing Season’s Greetings and an active Job Search are a great deal more compatible that you may think.

No other time of year presents as many opportunities to get together with friends and family and even strangers than the many events that are planned throughout the month of December in the spirit of sharing season’s greetings. This is your chance to accept every available invitation and while sharing in the celebrations, network, network, network! No job search tool is as effective or as successful as networking!

For many who are not at ease with networking, this time of year presents a perfect opportunity. As the holiday season unfolds it generates a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Most people are more receptive, friendlier and many are more apt to share a truly, genuine smile. This is the time of year that transitions even the most unreceptive and stoic of individuals into those 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 the holidays and that of networking by asking what it is that you can do to help in return.

You probably haven’t seen your cousin since this time last year and if you didn’t share information about your job search including your interest in a specific company, you would never have discovered that his neighbour is not only the CEO but a close friend! The fact that you are able to offer your mechanical expertise to help your cousin get his recently acquired, antique vehicle on the road is surely what networking and the holidays are all about.

After a month of celebrating and networking, your New Year’s resolutions should come easily:

• Follow up on contacts and leads
• Acquire your dream job
• Give back

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.

As a member of Career Collective, I’m pleased to provide you with further professional job seach advice from the following members: 

Heather Mundell: Have a Holly Jolly Job Search
Erin Kennedy: How to keep up the Job Hunt during the Holidays 
Hannah Morgan: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Cheers
Gayle Howard: It’s Christmas: And a ho-ho-ho-hum?
Laurie Berenson: Three Resolutions to Take It Up a Notch 
Dawn Bugni: Could that sound really be opportunity? During the Holidays? 
GL Hoffman:What Would Dad Say,Merry Christmas! Can I Buy You Coffee to Talk About Me?
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If  you see yourself as a rising star and have clearly laid out your career path, you may already understand that your successful career will rely on the support of many other individuals. No one gets to the top without an extensive personal and professional network. As a rising star you must be driven, focused and continually earn respect as a leader. Any delusions about doing it all on your own may cause you to lose your footing while climbing the ladder of success.

It is important to recognize within your personal network, those supporters who are close to you with a genuine and vested interest in your success but equally so, is to steer clear of those who can be a negative influence. Expanding your professional network will be a critical component throughout your career, building relationships in a reciprocal manner by asking what you can do for them and in turn benefiting from what they can do for you.  

Sir Richard Branson accredits many colleagues throughout his autobiography for his renowned success. Executive Recruiter, David Perry, dubbed the “Rogue Recruiter” by the Wall Street Journal, speaks often on his accomplishments but never without attributing his success to the support of his wife. Also in the career industry is Paul Copcutt, an expert on Personal Branding who acknowledges his father in every speaking engagement with respect and admiration for his positive influence contributing to his success. And finally, Barack Obama, President of the United States. Driven, focused, respected as a leader and with the personal support of his family and the professional support of thousands, won the votes of millions.

Do you see yourself as a rising star? Who are your cheerleaders? Your success will be directly attributable to the support of your network of family, friends, colleagues, professional advisors and mentors.

For professional advice from a career management expert contact Elite Resumes.   

Are you one of the 10 million active subscribers on Twitter? Or maybe you are one of the 266 million currently using Facebook? Perhaps you are one of the 47 millionactive users on Linkedin?

These and other online networking sites continue to attract users at a phenominal rate. LinkedIn members increased by 143% in one year and you can be assured that this professional online networking site is being used extensively by recruiters and HR professionals. Can you be found? Even if you are not currently in career transition, creating an online presence and establishing your personal brand could position you within a network of very valuable connections.

Creating your online profiles requires a substantial investment of time and establishing your personal brand is an immeasurable commitment. Since the average job search in Canada takes about 18 weeks and approximately 80% will secure employment through personal associates and business contacts, what better way to initiate those contacts than online?

The search capabilities on most of the online networking sites are extensive and will allow you to easily target specific industries and colleagues. As few as 50 connections on Linkedin have the potential to connect you with friends of friends, (two degrees away) in the thousands and their friends, (three degrees away) in the millions!

What are you waiting for? If you see this as a daunting task, contact Elite Resumes for professional support. Your online profile is a critical component in managing a successful, executive career.