The Millennial Challenge

The Millennial Challenge

Last week I was at the Niagara Economic Summit where they tackled some issues related to employment in the Niagara Region including a power talk on the topic of millennials. The millennial discussion was led by a panel of millennial speakers including Chris Sinclair, Julie Rorison, Allie Hughes, Alyssa Lai, Stephanie Harper, and Stephen Murdoch. In the discussion, the panellists spoke about the way Millennials differ from previous generations. I call this the Millennial Challenge. Gen Y differs in their work styles and their experiences and perceptions of employees and employers. The panellists also shared some strategies for other millennials to get themselves started in the work force. I have recently been doing some work supporting the start-up of a non-profit focused on helping millennials make the leap from student to productive professional. I found the discussion at the Summit fascinating given some research I've been doing in that work. It is one thing to read professional research and perspectives on...
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Tips to be a more effective Networker

Tips to be a more effective Networker

As small business owners, one of the key sources of new business will be your network.  That means that the more effective you are at the art of networking, the more likely you are to generate quality leads and increase your business and professional footprint.  For those seeking new employment, the principles are the same but the target audience might differ.  I offer these tips not as someone who considers themselves as an expert in the art of networking, but as someone who is constantly learning and evolving - someone who is reaching for the stars and developing his networking skills to get there. First of all, I have to mention the best book that I have read on the subject and highly recommend that you go out and buy it and read it today:  Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi (click the link to go directly to Amazon.ca and buy it now). Let's get started with the tips: Yes You HAVE To Network Problem #1 for...
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Great Business Books for Small Business

Great Business Books for Small Business

I've been known for some time as a voracious reader and I'm often asked for recommendations of good books for specific situations.  I promised in an entry earlier this month that I would list some of my favourites, so that's what today is all about. This list is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully it will introduce you to some new titles or authors that you might not have otherwise picked up that may be able to help you in some aspect like for example with the complete guide to payroll for your small business.  This isn't about navigating the corporate heirarchy or mastering MBA level statistics or theories, it is a list designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by small businesss and Entrepreneurs.  The list is in no particular order (I'm not big on rankings) so the last book on the list might be just as helpful for your specific needs as book number one.  I hope...
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