networking – MsBizWiz

Rare and Random

In a world where acts of kindness seem rare and random, what makes this act of kindness notable?

Last Wednesday I opened my laptop and there they were, Sheena and Jacqueline, in a photo, grinning at me from Stuttgart at the 3-day beVisioneers Global Summit.

Sheena is the Mentorship Lead for the Do School and Jacqueline Cruz-Aguila is my Mentee from Mexico City, Mercedes Benz Fellowship beVisioneers selected to attending. I have never met them in person. The number of times I’ve met them virtually, I can count on both hands. And yet my heart burst wide open. So much awe, wonder, and joy spilled out. My reaction was raw, rapid, and reflexive. I wondered why.

We miss so much in our day to day, going fast, faster, and fastest. We scramble to embrace new ways in which AI allows us to escape the mundane, saving us from having to make sense from swamps of data. But I didn’t have to ask Chat GPT to reflect for me, to think for me, to feel for me. All I had to do was stop, savour, and say, “There IS good in this world.”

Sharing this photo was notable because of Sheena and Jacqueline’s:

intention.
execution.
recognition.
tenderness.
empathy.
spontaneity.

What would happen if acts of kindness weren’t rare and random? Would our hearts suffer from being open? Would our hands hurt from being extended? Or would our lives flourish from being kind? What does it take? Ask Sheena and Jacqueline.

Level Up Your LinkedIn Profile

What does it mean to “Level Up Your LinkedIn Profile”?
Look no further than Ms. Portia Obeng! Her generosity of spirit is unsurpassed!

Which words (illuminating? relevant? brilliant?) could possibly express the magnitude of our #gratitude for your endless support of so many students, Portia?

Here are a few from our University of Toronto Translational Research Program (TRP) students!

Picture skywriting 🛩️ high above Washington DC in big swoops:
“We love you, Portia! Thank you from TRP Toronto! “
#lifelonglearning #thankyou #careerdevelopment

Dream Networking with a ROM Dinosaur

What happens when a highly diverse #community gather “under” a purple dinosaur?

Random collisions which spark conversation and connection.
What I would give to be the “dinosaur in the room”.

“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.” ~ Brené Brown

Well done, our University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies learners and Translational Research Program (TRP) UofT Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology students, and Dream Networkers!

And a very special thanks to Stephanie Saunders for our Canadian flag pins and Royal Ontario Museum #freethirdtuesdays!

#lifelonglearning #connection #dreamnetworkdropin #networking #whenweallwinweallwin #gratitude

Photo credit: Johnny Lu

About Last Night …

Welcome back event — Welcome Back Event for Students and Faculty – Sep 6, 2022

About Last Night …

I’m from the dark ages so forgive me. What I’m about to share is not new but worth repeating. Nothing beats meeting someone for the first time, face to face, shoulder to shoulder, live and in person … especially when that “someone” are our students and faculty. Special thanks to @TRP Student Social Committee who hosted last night’s “Welcome” event.

In this 2013 Harvard Business Review article, “Connect, then Lead” Amy J. C. Cuddy, Matthew Kohut, John Neffinger, their research shows unless you show warmth, you won’t be able to make connection no matter how competent you are, and therefore, as a leader, no one will follow you.

I don’t know about you but I still haven’t found the magic keys on my laptop that I can tap out and spell and hit send to transmit “warmth” across the tiles filled with faces to make a true connection with my audience. But we do our best and show up … with our cameras on, hopefully.

Way back when, I remember a world (dark ages) with no cameras, just us. A smile, a handshake, a hug, or a fist pump would create and create a spark and make a connection instantly, in real time, #IRL. You know what I mean.

Don’t get me wrong! I swear technology is like romantic relationships. You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them. I am grateful everyday that Mom (age 92), remembers how to activate the video call button on her shiny red iPhone XR. Dad (age 93) would appear with this look of wonder, mesmerized by What’s App.

But savouring and saving the memories from last night, it’s hard to replicate the warmth and magic online but as educators, we try our best to connect, engage, and if we’re lucky, captivate our students virtually in class this new term.

Anne Lamott once wrote in her classic, “Bird by Bird”, “As we live, we begin to discover what helps in life and what hurts.” And every now and again, I wonder whatever happened to the good ol’ days? Trust me, you will wonder one day, too.

What the World Needs now

If there’s anything this pandemic has given us besides uncertainty, it’s the gift of time. How did you spend your time over the past two years?

Was it time well spent? Did you become laser focused on what’s important? You already knew. Did you rise and fall (many times) getting lost in the ebbs and flow of uncertainty? Or did you reach out and connect with someone to see if they were all right?

What the world needs now and always is connectivity, not the virtual kind but the humankind.

“When we meet face to face, we become human. We lift each other up. We need this.” – Rev. Cecil Williams, Pastor

Virtual Connectivity

Technology can be a beautiful thing. I taught my 91-year-old Mom to video call me on her shiny new red iPhone XR. My 92-year-old Dad wanted to touch my face on the screen. We laugh a lot.

We celebrated one hundred days since the birth of my good friends’ beautiful baby boy and raised a glass of Prosecco in one hand and waved at the faces in the little Zoom tiles.

We celebrated the life of our faraway dear friend in Malaysia last week and recorded a message for her to hear in her final days.

And we, colleagues and students, are about to celebrate two years of online teaching next month! Has it really been two years?

Some may ask, what is there to celebrate? Will Covid continue to lurk in the shadows as we make our way onto flights and visit Level 4 countries? How much risk are we willing to take when we share a coffee with a friend or colleague, hug family, or hold the hand of someone suffering?

Human and Virtual Connectivity

Thirty (!) years ago, I was in the computer lab at University of Calgary, updating my resume. I had just returned from a three-year posting in Sulawesi with the University of Guelph and Global Affairs. A young man peered at my monitor and asked, “Do you speak Bahasa Indonesia?” And I answered “Bisa! (Yes, I can!)

That was the beginning of our long-term friendship. His Mom cooked me Indonesian food and he now is in San Francisco. We stay connected with visits and chats and have lively discussions about life in the time of COVID.

Recently he shared with me Conor Neill’s Sep 2020 video on two ways of approaching life, “Freedom from or Freedom to” and also on “making a choice or decision”. Professor Neill, who teaches leadership at the global IESE Business School in Barcelona, has explained with great clarity about the distinction in both. Tune in as he asks:

Do you want to live your life merely to survive and removing pain or live your life making choices with confidence?
Do you want to choose and take full responsibility and commit to making your decisions work or do you want to continually validate and justify the decisions you’ve made and say it wasn’t the core of me that has failed?

I believe wholeheartedly in “freedom to …” and choosing confidently, all in, 100%. Go celebrate! Go for coffee, maybe with someone new! Go hug and smile! Hold both hands, touch a heart, connect a soul.

Now you choose.

I am a high energy Instructor teaching soft skills at post secondary institutions in Toronto, Canada to anyone who is curious about connectivity and networking. My next webinar series starts March 12th https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/3587-fearless-networking-connecting-creatively-confidently

Lifelong Learning is for Life!

I don’t know about you but my parents taught me anything worth having requires hard work.

Hard work may mean a lot of hours which doesn’t fit neatly into this world of fast > faster > fastest.

With no formal #marketing background and the infinite support and encouragement from all my instructors, friends, family, and colleagues University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, I owe a huge debt of #gratitude. It’s no small feat to earn this certificate over four years.

Squinting at tiny source code through my reading glasses, scratching my head at search engines and landing pages, sweating at the possibility of simply not “getting it”, these are the benefits of being a lifelong learner.

I also have the privilege of teaching “Fearless Networking: Connecting Creatively and Confidently” at the School of Continuing Studies and with our learners, my learning has compounded like interest earned.

Our School is not only a place where you can build skills and learn more but it’s also a community and network where we help one another and stay connected. Why not join us as a lifelong learner? It’s hard work but it’s definitely worth it!

Speak Up – Hack # 3 Networking with Very Important People

Who are these VIPS, Very Important People? Where are they? And why do you want to connect with them? Are you looking for a job or maybe your DREAM JOB? From their perspective, they want to know who you are and most importantly, why should they give you their time. How do you speak up?

Speak to Me – With Your Resume

If you are looking for your DREAM JOB, consider the help of a top professional recruiter. Mike Fedryk, my good squash friend and President of Flex-Solutions, a Toronto recruitment firm focusing on people and technology, is a regular and very popular guest speaker for our students. Not only does he share a unique perspective, he also is very generous in providing invaluable job search and interview tips and tricks

Mike: “You need to tell me who you are and what you are looking for in the opening third portion of the first page of your resume for me to continue reading the rest of your resume.”

Speak to Me – With Your LinkedIn Profile

If you are looking for your Dream Job, consider connecting with employees who already work for your “Dream Employer” on LinkedIn. How do you connect with a stranger? Try reverse engineering and start with a search with your Alumni. Find a first or second connection who works with your Dream Employer. Add a concise, clear, and compelling note. Invite them to link in you’re not already connected and always add a note. Nick Boyd, Senior Marketing Coordinator at KPMG, and also one of our guest speakers created the following simple self-intro template:

Speak to Me – On Our Website

If you are looking for your Dream Job, consider offering your skills as a volunteer to help the charity your Dream Employer supports. You can usually find out on their website. Connect with the person who is on your Dream Employer’s team and who leads the foundation or projects associated with their charity of choice. Tell them who you are, what you are looking for, and how you can help with their charity. Be authentic and relevant. Can you help them build, market, plan, lead an initiative? Stand out. Meet their Board of Directors of both the charity and your Dream Employer.

Speak to Me – On My Channel

When you initiate any form of communication, did you know it’s your responsibility to ensure your listener understands fully what you are saying? To have a meaningful connection, you have to find the right channel and the right frequency so both of you can tune in. How? By simply asking the other person which channel is best and most convenient for them – email, text, phone, video conference, and when.

If they are in senior executive roles, thought leaders, or entrepreneurs, find out where they are active for e.g. LinkedIn articles and posts, their company blog, notable industry platforms where they’ve been invited as a guest author, keynote speaker, or guest panelist whether they are at a conference or an industry event or quoted in a publication. You can also comment or ask a good question during a virtual event in the chat.

And if the person happens to be your Dad who hates wearing his hearing aids indoors, you not only have to find the right channel but also the right frequency in order for him to not only understand you but also hear you! What do you do when he already has his menu of monologues prepared in advance … and he won’t let you get a word in over the phone?

We rarely jump on a video call because they don’t have internet so it’s only when my siblings are visiting them. Last night instead of yelling louder, I decided to try another channel – analog. I grabbed my Sharpie and post-it notes and created flashcards, holding them up in front of the camera for Dad to read. He was very amused and didn’t miss a beat. Finding the right channel made a world of difference for us both.

In our highly interactive networking workshops and courses offered both live online and in-person, “Speak Up” is Hack #3 of the “Five Hacks for Fearless Networking”. We focus on the importance of small talk, building rapport, and asking good questions using improv in individual, pair, and group activities.

So whether you are an aspiring networker or a seasoned connector, you will discover new and strategic ways to network in “Fearless Networking” at University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Reserve your spot starting at 10:00AM EST March 13th for three consecutive Saturday morning 90-minute live webinar sessions. AND you’ll get to put your new networking skill into practice at the invite-only monthly “Dream Network Drop-in” on Thursday March 25th at 18:00 EST. Find out more and register now to connect creatively and confidently. Or speak to me at [email protected] .

Jean is a part-time Sessional Lecturer and Instructor. She teaches online and off-line courses in networking, advanced career management, and leadership at University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and Seneca College. She also leads networking workshops for corporate clients and not-for-profits. As a business-career coach, Jean works closely with recent graduates, career-changers, and entrepreneurs and helps them realize and recognize their potential.

How to Fit in Field Trips While Working and Why it Matters

People are not only looking for ways to cope with and combat COVID but also ways to deal with sudden feelings of doom and despair.

Time for another “field trip” with Creative Mornings! I know I’ll return refreshed and recharged. Members choose from a weekly “menu of field trips”.

We owe huge thanks to Tina Roth Eisenberg (Swissmiss) who started Creative Mornings in 2008 out of a desire for an ongoing, accessible (and free) event for New York’s creative community. Read more …

Our network zooms in from 216 cities across 67 countries to listen and learn about an astonishing range of topics.

Proudly volunteer driven, the fine folks at Creative Mornings know how to host and have fun.

Since COVID, thanks to Creative Morning field trips, I’ve:

Untangled and jumped “Punk Rope”
Searched public domains for beautiful images “Archival Magic”
Used sound to wash away stress “Ignite My Creative Fire Through the Power of Sound”
And today, crafted and shared my “5 Word Life Story”

Don’t let COVID stop you from taking a field trip . Keep calm and connect with Creative Mornings soon. Everyone’s creative!

Staying Connected During COVID-19

I have a quote taped above my desk:

~ *Rev. Cecil Williams, Co-Founder* *and the Reverend in the film “The Pursuit of Happyness”.*

But what do we do in this time of COVID-19? How can networking skills help us if we can’t meet in person?

I often ask my students and audiences what “networking” means to them – “connecting, building relationships, meeting new people, making friends, socializing” to name a few. During this Covid-19 crisis, having networking skills will help us because as humans, we need connection. Technology makes it very easy for us to reach out and connect while maintaining social distance.

When I teach my networking workshops, the first networking skill in my “Five Hacks for Fearless Networking” © is to “Show Up”, overcoming the fear of social rejection. It takes courage to meet someone new in person and on-line.

Is setting up a social calendar useful when we can’t gather physically?

I have a friend who keeps a checklist to help her connect with family and friends who are near and dear to her. She also keeps another checklist to help her connect with professional contacts and colleagues.

I always maintain a professional calendar because of the nature of my business and now add to my whiteboard daily a list of my family and friends.

Which platforms are available for staying connected? Phone calls vs. Video chat vs. Social media vs email or snail mail?

I use them all!

Video Conferencing

Most platforms have similar features – share, chat, raise your hand, etc. I’ve use GoToMeeting, WebEx, and Zoom to hold meetings with clients pre-COVID-19 and was a guest panelist on an AGEWELL webinar hosted by Translational Research Project, U of T Faculty of Medicine a year ago on March 14, 2019 on I believe, WebEx.

I’ve transitioned my in-person classes on-line on Zoom quite seamlessly and as someone who is very social. I’m delightfully surprised how much I love teaching virtually. I recommend Zoom because it is simple to start and use and you don’t have to be a member to join a Zoom meeting.

Video calling and phone calls

I had planned an Easter visit to be with my 90+ year old parents in Calgary but of course, my visit has been postponed so I call now them daily, sometimes twice a day instead of our usual Sunday weekly call. This ritual provides all of us tremendous comfort and assurance. Hearing them say they love me every night means so much to me. My siblings also live in Calgary so they help connect me with our parents through video calling on Whats App and Facebook Messenger. My Dad loves touching the screen! Use video calling and phone calls if you want to reach someone you love and someone quickly.

Social Media

You either love it or leave it alone! I’m very active on social and connecting and engaging with friends, family, students, mentees, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers through comments and direct messaging on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter.

My sister who had been a reluctant user of technology now does a fitness class with her soccer friend via video!

I recommend LinkedIn to stay relevant within your business network by posting comments and sharing if you don’t have time to contribute a post or an article.

Email

As a Boomer, we tend to default to email but I’m mindful when connecting with my younger friends (IG DM and Whats App) and my 22-year old niece (FB messenger) by choosing the media channel they use frequently.

Use email to connect with people of a certain age (Boomers) and also to maintain documentation or an “audit trail” on any important issues – business and personal.

Snail Mail

Snail mail also serves a unique purpose if you don’t mind physically receiving mail. I found Easter cards at Whole Foods last week, had stamps from Shoppers Drug Mart (available from cashiers), and popped them in the mail box with a little prayer that they reach my family and friends – so old school but another way to connect and send a little happiness.

Use snail mail because you’re like a mini-Amazon, delivering love, caring, and joy in an envelope or small package to anyone in the world.

What are some things we can do every day to avoid feeling too isolated?

Or what are some things we can do every day to stay happy at home?

Top 10 Tips to Stay Happy at Home During COVID-19

Keeping a journal – digital or paper – gives you a place to off load your thoughts. I also have this blog and contribute and share posts and articles on LinkedIn and other business blogs.
Do something nice for your neighbours whether you live in a condo, apartment building, or a house. Check in while maintain social distance and ask if you can pick something up for thing if you are making a quick trip to the grocery store.
Connect with nature. Walking meditation helps and a good one can be found in “Peace is Every Step” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Meditate even for 5 minutes to help clear your mind.
Learn something new! With so many ways to learn online – YouTube, IGTV, Coursera, etc., most of us have access to so much. We are fortunate because not everyone has Internet access. I’m sad to see on Twitter that people who don’t have Internet access gather around the exterior of branches of the Toronto Public Library trying to find a way to log in if they have cell phones. It also shows us the value of our libraries and social services.
Some establish new routines immediately. It grounds them and gives a sense of control. As a creative, I maintain some routine to get work done while also allowing (and sometimes scheduling) time for my mind to wander and be free.
Move! Make sure you move and not sit in front of your computer all day. Stretch! Jump! Dance! Do the Wonder Woman power pose made famous by Professor Amy Cuddy! With over 56 million views to date, watch her 2012 TED Talk: “Your body language may shape who you are”. “We know our minds can change our bodies but can our bodies change our minds?” ~ Amy Cuddy
Pick up the phone and call someone you love, someone who lives alone, someone you’re thinking of.
Take the initiative and identify someone you can help by introducing them to someone in your network who can help, mentor, share their expertise and experience.
Breathe and be thankful for all that you have this moment. The universe will unfold as it should.

Nothing is forever, not even COVID-19. Keep healthy. Keep safe. Keep connected.

Learn by Doing

I would like to spend the rest of my life creating social experiments, the simpler, the more powerful. Take for example, the social experiment by Daniel Pink. He quickly captured the attention of the graduating Class of 2016 at Georgetown University . It only took 20 seconds but it was unforgettable.

Inspired, I created my own social experiment although it is still taking shape even after 2 years. After teaching my first networking workshop in July 2017, our twelve adult learners decided they wanted to stay connected to one another. So I asked them if they would like to me to give them a “challenge” to complete and we would compare notes in a follow up meet up in six weeks which they agreed.

And although they leaned more towards introversion and didn’t know one another, they seemed to genuinely like one another. I often wondered what would happen if we threw together people randomly. What ideas would form? What types of conversations would emerge? Would they be able to build new relationships after a casual meet up? Would there be friendships formed, mentorship opportunities matched, even a little romance perhaps? I hope. Fingers crossed.

It’s been an exciting, this experiential learning. We’re still tweaking our format but after 14 Drop Ins, we’ve come accustomed to the random pairing of people, at times supported with prompt questions which are sent beforehand. I can observe and detect the range of emotions in their body language and facial expressions each time I approach a pair to ask if they are ready to switch partners. Everyone meets at least 4 -6 new people by the end of the evening.

Our Dream Networkers are courageous, compassionate, and caring people. Yoda would be proud as they “do or do not. (They know) there’s no try.” I also learn a lot from everyone. Meeting new people is not easy. We are vulnerable and manage a lot of different fears and anxiety. But once we realize our fear is exaggerated, then it becomes easier to face. When we visualize the best scenario, we’re energized and motivated to face our fears. And each time we meet someone new, we begin to trust ourselves a little more and gradually, we become more calm and confident and then we look for ways to help others. It’s like a dream and then becomes a reality.