Posted on Thursday, March 24th, 2016
Have you ever walked into a room and felt out of place, like why am I here or how come no one is talking to me? Well that is a common thought and feeling we all experience when we reach out and start networking. Any time we go outside of our comfort zone, we feel uncomfortable. The thing to remember is that this very feeling is just a prelude to personal growth. Networking and meeting new people are all a part of life and the many experiences we have. It is also one of the best ways to find a job, create a partnership, find customers, and mentors.
Some people are naturals at networking while others are not. Luckily, I am a natural networker. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories. I also lack the fear of rejection that many often feel. These two items, which can be overcome quite easily, led me to an abundance of opportunities from great positions in companies to sitting on various high profile committees and boards at an early age.
The great thing about networking is that it never goes out of style and is becoming easier with the abundance of social networks and technology available.
Here are some of my best tips on networking.
- Don’t be afraid: what you are feeling is likely what others are feeling too. Networking events are meant to be exactly that – networking events. People want to meet you and you want to meet people. So get out there and give it a try. In most cases students can attend events at a lower cost or even free!
Use LinkedIn for professional purposes: maybe large group networking is not for you. LinkedIn is a great tool to find professionals in your area to network with. I often send requests to individuals I would like to meet face to face. It is important to be strategic about this process. Approach people that you hope will mutually benefit from your connection.- Don’t wait to finish school to start networking: the sooner you start networking, the large the network and benefit will be to you. I have been to many networking events and there are very few students who attend. That is an absolute advantage to the few that do. You will stand out and potentially meet people that can hire you, mentor you or give you some great new perspectives on the world.
- Follow the 80/20 rule: listen 80% of the time and talk 20%. This is really hard. Most people when nervous tend to ramble, so have conversations but don’t dominate them by telling your whole life story. Show interest in who you are speaking with, ask great questions and listen. Listening is a skill that most people need to develop.
- Build relationships: this sounds like common sense but in many cases it is missed. Relationships should be win/ not just a one way relationship in which only one person benefits. Make sure you have something to offer. We all have something, so start to take personal inventory.
- Most importantly, follow-up with people you have met: hone your professional relationship building skills. I personally feel that it is best to follow up as soon as possible – keep your meeting fresh in mind. I recommend a friendly face-to-face coffee to learn more about my fellow networker.
Now, if you’re interested in networking there are a ton of options. Look up your local Chamber of Commerce or check out Eventbrite.ca and Meetup.com just to name a few.
Hope you find some of these tips helpful and feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn or Twitter – always happy to increase my network and help out.
Posted by Chris Doré, Waterfront Campus Entrepreneur in Residence
Posted on Friday, March 11th, 2016
Please find below information regarding three scholarships/awards being offered. The deadline for application submission is April 1, 2016. Applications are available from Sharon in Room 215.
THE ANGUS CAMPBELL SCHOLARSHIP
Terms: This scholarship is awarded to two students entering the second year of a post-secondary program or the third level of a non-semestered diploma program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley. This cash award will be awarded to two applicants who have demonstrated academic promise and financial need.
The money will be given in the recipients’ third semester. Click here for Angus Campbell Scholarship application >>
ANNUAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Terms: This cash award will be presented to a graduate at the annual Graduation Exercises.
The award will be based on the following two criteria. These two criteria will receive equal weight in the selection process.
- Scholastic Achievement
- Demonstrated Leadership Ability and Community Participation
Any student may apply who will graduate from a program of studies (of at least thirty weeks) by the date of the annual Post-Secondary graduation. Click here for the Annual Award of Excellence application >>
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARD
Terms: This cash award is granted to a student graduating from a program of thirty weeks or longer delivered at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley.
The award will be granted to a graduate who exemplified the greatest concern for the Algonquin College community while at the College.
Any student may apply who will graduate from a program of studies (of at least thirty weeks) by the date of the annual Post-Secondary graduation. Click here for the Alumni Association Award application >>
Posted on Friday, March 11th, 2016
Student entrepreneurs wanted for SUMMIT 2016 – deadline for applications is March 15!
SUMMIT 2016 offers student entrepreneurs a hands-on experience in developing their Start-Up through more than 60 workshops, peer support and guidance from veteran entrepreneurs. SUMMIT also offers up to $3,000 in funding for participating students! The program runs from May 10 to July 28, at the Woodroffe Campus in Ottawa, with workshops taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Check out the SUMMIT 2016 website for a detailed list of requirements and to register.
Take a look inside SUMMIT 2015
Pembroke Waterfront Campus student entrepreneurs who have a business that is in the initial planning and research stages are invited to apply today. Please note, students must be between the ages of 18-29 to qualify for the SUMMIT program.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to get started as an entrepreneur!
Contact Chris Doré, Entrepreneur in Residence with your questions today, dorec1@algonquincollege.com
Posted on Friday, March 11th, 2016
This weekend, I went to the new movie Deadpool, an “anti-superhero” movie with a restricted rating and a departure from most superhero movies that usually hold a PG-13 rating. In its first weekend, this movie broke the box office record for an R rated movie with a take of 132 million! This definitely makes Deadpool a huge success.
Image Source: comicbook.com
So, how does “Deadpool” apply to starting a business?
-
Image Source: upi.com
Firstly, the movie studio did something different. It took a risk on a character that however beloved is really “out there” and the opposite of “family friendly”. The studio took a chance instead of sticking to the tired reboots…Spiderman, Superman, Batman, etc. This risk taking is exactly what entrepreneurs need to do when they want to start something. I would even say that “Deadpool” was an innovation on the typical superhero movie, with not only a new out-of-the-norm character but also with the regular breaking of the 3rd dimension, where Deadpool talks to the audience. Deadpool is unpredictable – he does not follow the typical path, and does things that certainly set him apart from other heroes. His ability to innovate on the fly is clear throughout the movie. The lesson to be learned here for entrepreneurs is don’t be like everyone else. This movie is successful because they did not follow the typical formula, so like this one-of-a-kind character, be yourself, be innovative, and create something different.
- Secondly the character Deadpool, is successful as an antihero due to his ability to regenerate cells which virtually makes him immortal. Despite losing a hand and various other setbacks throughout the movie, Deadpool keeps on trucking. Just like what an entrepreneur or business owner does. We have set backs, we fail, but we somehow regenerate our ability to keep trying despite the odds.
-
Image source: arstechnica.com
Lastly, despite having maybe the best super powers ever, he needed help to accomplish his mission. By letting go of his ego for a brief moment and asking the help of the X-Men. Just like in business, we sometimes try to go it alone, but most of the time we need help in some way, shape or form. We may not have a team of “X-Men” but we do have lawyers, accountants, mentors and numerous other professionals that can help our businesses succeed and accomplish our very own “missions”.
Remember when starting a business, just like Deadpool, take risks, be true to your values, move forward with your goals and don’t be afraid to find some good partners. And just like Deadpool, you may live happily ever after until the next money-making sequel.
Posted by: Chris Doré, Waterfront Campus Entrepreneur in Residence
Posted on Friday, March 11th, 2016
This weekend, I went to the new movie Deadpool, an “anti-superhero” movie with a restricted rating and a departure from most superhero movies that usually hold a PG-13 rating. In its first weekend, this movie broke the box office record for an R rated movie with a take of 132 million! This definitely makes Deadpool a huge success.
Image Source: comicbook.com
So, how does “Deadpool” apply to starting a business?
-
Image Source: upi.com
Firstly, the movie studio did something different. It took a risk on a character that however beloved is really “out there” and the opposite of “family friendly”. The studio took a chance instead of sticking to the tired reboots…Spiderman, Superman, Batman, etc. This risk taking is exactly what entrepreneurs need to do when they want to start something. I would even say that “Deadpool” was an innovation on the typical superhero movie, with not only a new out-of-the-norm character but also with the regular breaking of the 3rd dimension, where Deadpool talks to the audience. Deadpool is unpredictable – he does not follow the typical path, and does things that certainly set him apart from other heroes. His ability to innovate on the fly is clear throughout the movie. The lesson to be learned here for entrepreneurs is don’t be like everyone else. This movie is successful because they did not follow the typical formula, so like this one-of-a-kind character, be yourself, be innovative, and create something different.
- Secondly the character Deadpool, is successful as an antihero due to his ability to regenerate cells which virtually makes him immortal. Despite losing a hand and various other setbacks throughout the movie, Deadpool keeps on trucking. Just like what an entrepreneur or business owner does. We have set backs, we fail, but we somehow regenerate our ability to keep trying despite the odds.
-
Image source: arstechnica.com
Lastly, despite having maybe the best super powers ever, he needed help to accomplish his mission. By letting go of his ego for a brief moment and asking the help of the X-Men. Just like in business, we sometimes try to go it alone, but most of the time we need help in some way, shape or form. We may not have a team of “X-Men” but we do have lawyers, accountants, mentors and numerous other professionals that can help our businesses succeed and accomplish our very own “missions”.
Remember when starting a business, just like Deadpool, take risks, be true to your values, move forward with your goals and don’t be afraid to find some good partners. And just like Deadpool, you may live happily ever after until the next money-making sequel.
Posted by: Chris Doré, Waterfront Campus Entrepreneur in Residence
Posted on Thursday, March 10th, 2016
For the past 14 years, Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus and Renfrew County’s four District School Boards have been teaming up to shine a spotlight on the skilled trades.
The Options Skilled Trades Fair attracts more than 2,000 senior high school students from across the region, providing them with an opportunity to learn more about apprenticeship training and employment opportunities in the skilled trades.
The highlight of the day long show is a skills competition which features more than 200 students competing in trades such as welding, team carpentry, hair styling, small engine repair, culinary arts and much more.
The talent on display is remarkable. Many of the high school students who compete in the competition will go on to become apprentices or will choose a college program within their field of interest.
Options has been recognized by the province of Ontario as an award winning grassroots effort to help the province introduce more youth to apprenticeship training to fill pending or current labour market shortages within many trades.
Apprenticeship training has certainly become a higher priority for both the federal and provincial government in recent years. While it remains difficult for some youth to secure an apprenticeship placement with an employer willing to sponsor them, many will benefit from their experience at Options by networking with potential trades employers and directly learning from them what they look for when hiring an apprentice.
For those students who are motivated to be successful in a trade and can demonstrate the aptitude and determination to learn a skilled trade, the future is bright. Options provides competitors with a chance to showcase their skills and there’s no question employers are looking for new talent. The aging demographics in most trades are a clear indication of the need to have more young people choose a trade for their career.
And one last point. Many trades pay very attractive salaries. It’s not the best reason to choose a trades career, but it certainly is a wonderful benefit. Just ask a well established plumber or electrician what their annual salary is?
The Options Skilled Trades Fair will be held May 11th at the Pembroke Memorial Centre. The show is free to trades exhibitors, students, parents and the general public. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will be a hub of activity.
You can expect some past graduates of the Options program to be in attendance. Many go on to successful careers and come back to Options as judges for the competitions. That’s how you know Options is working!
Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community & Student Affairs
Posted on Sunday, February 14th, 2016
Professional development is an important part of keeping your staff engaged and motivated to perform to the best of their ability, but it can also be expensive. That’s particularly the case if you are sending employees out of town and paying for travel, accommodations, meals, parking and high conference registration fees.
For small businesses and organizations, it is often a budget line that gets cut when things get a bit tight, or other investments become a higher priority.
But, if a “big city” conference was available to local businesses and organizations that was affordable and offered access to well respected trainers that would normally only be found in places like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, our local businesses might think differently about sending staff to a conference.
That’s the goal of Algonquin College’s Spring Business Leadership Conference on May 26, 2016. The College has again brought together a terrific line-up of trainers who will present on topics such as: Mobile Marketing; Organizational Performance Management, Do-it-Yourself Public Relations Plans, Professional Sales and Empathic Assertiveness.
Dr. Denis Cauvier, an employee engagement subject matter expert, will deliver the key note address at the day long conference. Cauvier has spoken around the world and has written several books on everything from hiring the right employee to leading teams. His presentation style is interactive and thought provoking, and he will leave his audience with a shopping list of how they can better connect with their colleagues.
With a registration fee of less than $200, the conference offers high value at an affordable cost. It’s probably why last year’s inaugural conference was so successful, and why this year event is expected to sell out. Register today for this fantastic local opportunity >>
Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs
