Time for Some Digging

When you are looking for a new job, networking to keep your options open or finding consulting work; you have to be ready to tell your story.  Our goal is for our students develop their personal positioning pitch so they can tell their unique story when asked at anytime.

Before developing their pitch they must do some self-reflection that we call Dig Deep.  The first module of the WhyHire.me personal branding curriculum is to ask many reflective questions of oneself. As individuals we don’t spend enough time thinking about ourselves. We think about projects, others, world issues and more.  But to develop your career you really need to keep asking yourself the big questions.

• What are my personal values and greatest strengths?
• What personalities traits make me unique and stand out?
• Where have I had successes and what do they show about my strengths, personality, and values?
• What do others say about working and dealing with me?  Have I really been listening to what others have to say about my performance, strengths and personality?

Our students answer these questions plus complete a variety of activities, worksheets, and online tools to help complete the Dig Deep Module.  The end result is the words and phrases that will become the foundation of there positioning pitch.  This is the starting point of their online WhyHire.me profile.

Summer Break is Over. Back to Blogging School We Go!

Now that I’ve been back on campus and have felt the buzz of the new school year, I’m feeling the urge to blog.  All summer I have been absent from blogging yet at the same time feeling guilty about not making more of commitment to it.  It often surprises me how much blogging is like exercise.  You have to make a regular steady commitment to get results.

So back on the proverbial saddle I go and I will blame my absence on the need for a summer break.  This school year I will approach this blog more like an exercise routine that needs a constant and on-going commitment in order to make an impact.

Looking for Inspiration

As I start to update the content of the WhyHire.me, I find myself looking for inspiration from a variety of places including students and professors that have used the program, innovative educators, industry experts and my education and marketing instincts.

We’ve done some research in the form of interviews and we are constantly on the look out for new ideas, approaches for teaching and content that should be included to enhance the program.

Right now I think the big changes will include a push to ’sell’ the value of of having an online presence, mind mapping for Dig Deep, and more depth in the area of social media tools in Deploy Your Brand.

One overall inspiration for me is Sir Ken Robinson’s 2010 TED speech.  Students need to be far more engaged in the teaching of WhyHire.me.  They need to be intertwined in it and apart of developing the content.  Enjoy!

Let’s Talk Twitter

A recent study from Edison Research in the US just announced that the level of familiarity of Facebook and Twitter are almost the same at 87% and 86% respectively.  The big difference falls in the area of application.  Although the majority of those that are familiar with Facebook also know how to use the social network, very few, just 7%, feel that they are actively using Twitter properly.

Given the numbers and the questions we keep being asked by faculty, admin, and students alike, it’s time for another pitch for Twitter.

People’s first reactions include ‘why bother’, ‘I don’t get it’, ‘what’s going on’, and ‘I already using _______’.  At the beginning, Twitter is confusing, different, and looks like a big waste of time.  But just like exercise, you have to make a commitment to get results.

Twitter can be used;

To learn – The Twitterverse is all about sharing.  Once you connect and start to follow people you will start see a constant stream of information from like-minded people and subject matter specialists.

To stay up to date – Twitter is instant information.  World events of all sorts will be reported faster on Twitter then any other media.

To promote events – There is a constant stream of events that are being announced, linked to and promoted on Twitter.

To connect with like minds – Connect with people that are talking about the same topics that are of interest to you.  You can share information with them, add to conversations, and connect for partnership opportunities.

To communicate – Twitter is a direct communication channel that can be used publicly or privately.  The advantage of public chats is that others can chime in and add thoughts, resources, or links that add to the conversation.  You can also quickly jump into a private conversation where you can share emails or phone numbers for more detail.

You have to decide what kind of commitment you are going to make to Twitter.  It also helps if you start to see the value of it.  I have expanded my local network with Twitter, participated in several amazing events, connected and lectured in a class in Nevada, promoted events, have had contacts lecture in my class through video from Toronto, and next week I start sailing, all because of Twitter.

I’m strengthening my Twitter muscle and continue to get results that make the commitment worthwhile.  However, it took a commitment upfront to get some momentum and find the value.  I strongly suggest you give Twitter some time and attention.  It will open up new doors if you take the time to knock on them.

One Last Piece of Advice – Do

As classes finish up for the term, the majority of WhyHire.me users are not graduating this term.  Out of the close to 1500 users we have in the system only about 50 are graduating this term.

To the Algonquin College Public Relations and the Business Marketing grads my words of advice would be -  ‘Do’.  Don’t stop moving forward, touching industry, connecting online and off, sharing your views, updating your profile, and showing initiative.  Keep ‘Doing’!

The job market is still a little tough out there so sitting back is not an option.  You have to keep sharing your views and making the connections.  Actions are required and the learning doesn’t stop when you walk across the stage to get your diploma.

Twitter is an amazing tool that you can use to connect and continue to learn.  Your WordPress blog in WhyHire.me is the perfect place to share you perspective on what’s going on in your industry.  Document your involvement in events, contract work and in volunteer positions.

There’s a lot you can do to stand out and be noticed.  Make the commitment to continue to develop your brand.

Algonquin College PR Grads of 2010

The public relations program is piloting WhyHire.me this term. I have been fortunate enough to meet and work with this class of graduating PR professionals.  I’d like to introduce you to a few who have chosen to make their WhyHire.me profiles public.  Click their names to see their WhyHire.me profiles. There will be more coming soon!

Femi Fasoyinu -  Taking a proactive approach to building relationships, Femi makes his teamwork skills an asset to any organization. Femi takes on assignments with enthusiasm to deliver his best work. Being an organized, professional, and energetic communicator, Femi takes on challenges with more than the required effort every time.

Mae McCrae - Mae is a compelling speaker with a passion for positively influencing lives. A former youth leader, she now manages a young marrieds group, drama, and music department for her church. Mae has a flare for giving a project a unique and recognizable stamp. Her way with words and great listening skills will be valuable to any organization.

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Ziem Phala – A hardworking and energetic communicator, Ziem has a passion for public relations and fashion. Her drive and creativity have helped her succeed in a team managing musicians and as a self starter . Her background in mass communication and public relations give her a unique outlook on communications and social media and their uses in fashion.

Samantha Dumas – Samantha is a positive, motivating force on every team. She thrives as a collaborative leader and is a confident problem-solver. These qualities allow her to take on big projects such as coordinating urban arts festival, House of Paint. Samantha is both intelligent and intuitive. She has a passion for learning, writing, dancing and singing.

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Yael Santo – A love for the written word serves as the driving force behind Yael’s commitment to perfect her writing skills. Her creativity outside the page is found in strategy development, while her commitment to quality work is reflected in her grades. High organizational skills, strong communication skills, and bilingualism make her an asset to any project.

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Sarah Shirey – I am a vibrant, forward-looking, and passionate public relations practitioner interested in building a career focused on achieving impressive results for an organization with a bias for action. I have significant, hands-on training in various PR roles, including issues management, event management, project management, and relationship management.

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Samantha Hartley – Samantha is an energetic self-starter committed to growth and believes hard work is the path to success. Her thirst for knowledge has transformed her from a small-town girl to a young woman ready to take on the world. A three-year honour student, she’s a natural communicator and believes in maintaining relationships through respect and trust.

Amy Campsall – Amy strives to exceed expectations while creating new opportunities. Her compassion makes her an excellent team player, while her independence and ability to adapt allow her to face challenges with enthusiasm. Amy has experience in event management and social media and is looking to build a career in communications, while continuing to learn.

Student Initiative at Algonquin – ICAFRICA

ICafrica Fundraiser Kick Off

This month the Algonquin Public Relations class of 2011 launched their annual fundraiser.  This class has chosen to support International Charity for Africa, ICafrica.  This organization focuses on decreasing poverty in Africa by providing micro loans and support to entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Ghana.

I ran into this enthusiastic bunch of students during their flash mob event on March 10th.  I believe that student experiences like this help all that are involved.  The organization, ICafrica, receives the enthusiasm and support of young knowledgeable students, the students receive experience working with a non-profit which connects them to industry but also opens their eyes to new experiences and job prospects, and those of us that are pulled in including students, staff and the community, become a part of a worthwhile cause which is fun and worthwhile for all.

It’s events like this that solidify the college experience and provide the ‘applied’ that our students and future employers are looking for.  It also reveals initiative on the part of the students and the program.  These students are more apt to become the linchpins Seth Godin refers to in his most recent book Linchpins.  It’s these actions, involvement and depth of experience that will set them apart.  Good luck with the fundraiser!

Students Showing Amazing Initiative

TEDx Youth Ottawa - February 2010 (Ashbury College)

Two weeks ago I attended TEDx Ottawa Youth along with my 14 year old daughter and two of her friends.  The event was run by youth for youth and I was one of the few over the age of 25 in the crowd. All of the presenters were under 25, many of which are in college and university. The conference was ”A summit for young opinion leaders, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs to foster learning and inspiration, while provoking conversations that matter and creating a forum for “Ideas Worth Spreading”.

This was one of the first ever TEDx Youth conferences in the world.  The original TED conferences are now hosted by the organizers in locations around the world and TEDx is an extension whereby local visionaries can host conferences following the TED guidelines in their own communities.  I’m proud to say that Ottawa has hosted both a Youth conference and a TEDx in December of 2009.

The organizers of the TEDx Youth,Yusuf Malik, Adam Moscoe and David Millen (ok he’s a little over 25), did an amazing job.  The speakers where strong, poignant, professional and entertaining.  They touched on a huge variety of topics and a selection of entertainers dotted the agenda to keep the event engaging for the audience. Presentations ran from 8:30 to 1:00pm.

What impressed me most was the INITIATIVE that was exuding from this experience.  These students all volunteered their time to conceive of, organize and participate in this event.  This type of initiative not only is impressive as a whole but also serves as an amazing experience for the individuals that were involved.  These youth are different. They are putting together big ideas, inspiring others and making things happen that they care about.  By attending the event the over 200 students are also revealing their interest in learning and being involved in something beyond ordinary. The audience was respectful, attentive and very ’switched on’.

I’m sharing this here on our blog because I believe an event like this is an amazing experience For these these students. They are in fact developing their personal brands. Their participation in this event on all levels makes them stand out and shows to others that they have interests and initiative that others don’t.  I applaud their initiative and know that many of them were affected by the experience. Thanks to Yusuf, Adam, and David and the dozens of volunteer participates that helped pull this event together!  Looking forward to the next!

A WhyHire.me Profile Starts with a Pitch

Graduating Algonquin PR Students Using WhyHire.me

The first three classes of the WhyHire.me program focus on developing a positioning pitch which will set the tone and theme for a student’s WhyHire.me profile.  A few pitches from the Algonquin Public Relations class follow.

Ashlie Cormack: A willingness to embrace change and commitment to her values are what set Ashlie apart. She strives to be passionate not only for her work, but for the people she works with. Her skill comes from leadership roles in academic and athletic environments. Her ideal job isn’t restricted to the “9-5” but is integrated into every aspect of her life.

Mae McCrae: Mae McCrae is a compelling speaker with a passion for positively influencing lives. A former youth leader, she now manages a young marrieds group, drama, and music department for her church. Mae has a flare for giving a project a unique and recognizable stamp. Her way with words and great listening skills will be valuable to any organization.

Jessa Millar: Jessa is very passionate about the success of causes she works on. She has a lifelong history of involvement in her community. Delivering a constant out-pour of creative ideas, she makes connections and mobilizes action. Jessa’s problem-solving skills, personable nature and contagious enthusiasm make her a valued part of initiatives she engages in.

Once these students have created their pitches, they then work to develop their profiles using text, photos, blog posts, Twitter feeds to support and prove their pitch.  They will look at their school, volunteer, work placement projects, extra curricular, and part-time work to present rich experiences that are valuable to prospective employers.  I’m impressed with this bunch, they have a lot to offer their industry.

Right now their profiles are private but when they are ready, we’ll let you know.

Jessa’s very passionate about the success of causes she works on. She has a lifelong history of involvement in her community. Delivering a constant out-pour of creative ideas, she makes connections and mobilizes action. Jessa’s problem-solving skills, personable nature and contagious enthusiasm make her a valued part of initiatives she engages in.It’A

Algonquin Career Week – Innovation & Connections

Algonquin’s Career Week is underway.  I was fortunate enough to be a speaker yesterday along with many others.  My 45 min. presentation focused on Developing Your Online Personal Brand.  You can find the presentation on Slideshare and I will be presenting it again on Thursday at 2:30pm.  I digress…

I had hoped to attend the session The Future of Careers in Science, Technology & Engineering by Louis Lamontagne but I was called into a meeting and could not make it. While I was checking Twitter after my meeting, I found a link from the Algonquin Students Association of a video version of the presentation.  I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and was thrilled to see Algonquin being innovative in the use of new tools to share information and promote learning.

As I listened to his insights and words of advice there were many comments that struck a cord with me.  At several points in his presentation he noted the importance of ‘distinguishing’ yourself as a candidate for a position.  His words of advice included adapt and be flexible, be enthusiastic, ask questions, show interest, and get involved.  One of our key messages to our students is about showing initiative.

At the end of his presentation, he stressed the importance of revealing to employers that as a candidate you should be well-rounded. He then suggested getting involved in sports, pick up hobbies and doing volunteer work and overall all to ‘milk this place (the college)’ while you are there. Like Lamontage, we strongly believe that students should be extracting and seeking out experiences during their time at school.  In the end, your goal as a candidate is to distinguishing yourself from the crowd and it takes actions and commitment to do that.  I definitely connected with Lamontage’s view and hope to meet him in person one day soon.