There’s over a hundred blog posts on the web about how professionals should use LinkedIn and so why add another one to that mix? Well, because, first of all, this post will not list the Seven Deadly Sins of LinkedIn. Most of you know that I prefer to present my views in a more conversational setting with a two way exchange of ideas. And, that’s what I will be doing this Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the ING Direct Cafe in Toronto. I am very honoured to be invited to speak at the Ontario Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and share some ideas, insights and opinions on how to make the most from LinkedIn to help yourself and your [...]
This Saturday (January 28), I will be speaking to a group of NGO’s and non-profits at the “Take Action” summit in Toronto, on how they can use social media to influence change. Social media, if utilized correctly, can be a very powerful tool for charities to get the word out, connect with constituents, rally support, and even raise money. However, that does not mean you can create a Twitter account, a Facebook Fan Page and then expect the donations roll in. We all know, it doesn’t work like that. At this seminar, I will review various features of Facebook and Twitter and demonstrate how, with hard work and diligence, charities can get the most out of social media when promoting [...]
It is said some of the best business ideas came about on a kitchen counter or in a pub/restaurant over drinks and conversation. I could not agree more. My Entrepreneurs’ Dinner Series was launched in Toronto in 2010 and I’ve decided to introduce it to this Meetup group and will be hosting the first session in Burlington. This is how it works: A small group of entrepreneurs (between 4 and 10) enjoy a 3 course meal and over dinner and drinks (selection of beer/house red and white) I lead the discussion on one or two topics. For our first (hopefully not the last) Dinner Circle in Burlington, we will be discussing this topic: Social Media Marketing – What is it? [...]
It’s that time of year when we find ourselves contemplating our shortcomings and using the New Year as an excuse to change our ways and better our lives. When it comes to personal resolutions, it is said that finding love, losing weight, living healthy and traveling usually top the list. Why not also use this time of year wisely and make resolutions for your Business? Be sure to include action items for each goal so that you are able to “chunk it down” to manageable and measurable tasks. Here is my list of 5 things that every business should be doing. If you’re not already doing them, use 2012 as the year when you will launch these initiatives and make [...]
I have always maintained that good communication skills are integral for the success of any enterprise (or any relationship, for that matter). On August 11, I will be sharing communication tips and strategies which can be harnessed by individuals and businesses, alike! From building your personal brand to broadcasting it to your customers – as always, the information will be shared in an ‘easy-to-implement’ and practical format. See details below and I hope to see you there! Eclipse the Competition We all know the names: Wal-Mart. Apple. Staples. Google. In a market dominated by big players, how can your small business compete? We’ve got good news; through effective communication with consumers and investors, you can grow your business and hold [...]
Too many entrepreneurs these days are eager to jump on the Social Media bandwagon without quite understanding what it even means. Social media is not just Facebook, Twitter, or even blogging. Do you know what it means to have a “Facebook Strategy” or how to “leverage twitter”? Join us for a candid and informative session on Social Media and benefit from the lessons I have learned. What works, what doesn’t. What makes sense for one business and not another. As always, the information will be shared in simple, practical and an easy-to-implement format! Attendance is limited to 12 registrants so please sign up asap! The fee is $25 pp and light refreshments will be provided. And, by popular demand/requests, this [...]
If you have attended my “Getting Things Done” seminar, you have heard me talk about syncing your calendars, installing dropbox, consolidating your contacts, using online back up, social media optimization, etc. You know what you need to do but either don’t know how to get started or just can’t seem to find the time. Join this hands on workshop and I guarantee that you will leave with a working knowledge of at least five of the f…ollowing applications and maybe more, if you’re a quick learner and have a fast computer I will install on your computer, train you and help you navigate the following applications: 1. Dropbox to centralize your documents 2. Plaxo to consolidate your contacts 3. Set [...]
These days, everybody and their uncle seems to be an expert on social media and networking. While we’re all talking about Facebook, Twitter and Linked In, not enough is being said about Meetup! Meetup.com was founded in 2001 (long before Facebook!) by Scott Heiferman, Matt Meeker and Peter Kamali. I first heard about it sometime in 2003. Most people I knew then were using meetup to connect socially and the groups were unified by a common interest, such as books, games, movies, dinners etc. I was a busy bay street lawyer at the time and had little time to socialize so after browsing the site a bit, I dismissed it and filed it away. Over the last few years, I [...]
Every Entrepreneur is hungry! In no particular order, it may be hunger for success, recognition, information, knowledge and/or wealth. This post helps you quell your hunger for information. Before I delve into the value of good and timely information, it is important to also acknowledge the distraction that “too much” information can cause. How many times have you logged on to a news site or a social media site to find one thing and ended up staying there a lot longer because you got distracted by other pieces of information which were not at all relevant to your search? Maybe you were on facebook looking up information for an event (and ended up spending an hour checking out photo albums [...]
I have a thirteen year old daughter who spends a fair bit of time on facebook. I spend as much if not MORE time on facebook than she does. It’s true! But the way we both use facebook is very different! She comes home and chats on facebook, she grows things in Farmville, plays games like Mafia wars, answers random quizzes and generally uses facebook to entertain herself. She’s thirteen and so I don’t let it bother me. That said, when I see grown men and women with professional careers or thriving businesses fritter away their time reading horoscopes and throwing pillows at each other, I shake my head and think, “what a wasted opportunity”! Facebook can be a powerful [...]
