Under Pressure May 17, 2009

I’ve been in blogging hibernation for a bit, I can’t even describe what a stressful 2 weeks I’d had. I’ve finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel and have time to relax and enjoy life again.

This September, I’m participating in the Weekend to End Breat Cancer, it’s a 2-day 60km walk through Toronto and all money raised goes to fund cancer research at the Princess Margaret Hospital, one of the top 5 cancer research facilities in the world. In order to participate in the weekend, I must raise at least $2,000. When I first heard that, I was intimidated to say the least but after the orientation, I was convinced that I could do it. So off I went shooting off emails to everyone I knew, asking for the “big give” which is taking someone out for a coffee and asking for $1,000. I’m 0 for 7 on this so far.

I’m feeling a bit defeated and intimidation is rising again. I’ve only raised 24% of my minimum goal and I’ve hit a bump in the road. What else can I do to fundraise? I’ve got a jar full of gummy worms sitting on my desk at work and am charging people to guess how many are in there. Winner gets it all. I’ve added the fundraising application to my facebook page but that’s been a dud so far. My dad has promised to get me $1,000 from all of his friends but it seems that he’s just left my donation forms on a table at their hangout spot. What else can I do? 

I need some suggestions, have you got any?

And you know, if you’re in the charitable mood, visit my personal page and hit that donate button, but be sure to read my little blurb and check out my profile photo.

Photo courtesy of jnicholl81 on Flickr.

Expanding my Network May 17, 2009

How many times have you heard, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? I don’t even think I’m able to count how many times I’ve not only heard this but spat these exact words out of my mouth.

Back when I was young able to go out on a week night and enjoy a few drinks without having to call in sick or late the next morning, I would be found, out with some friends and chatting up a few industry people to get my name out there. It’s a bit more difficult for me to get out there, maybe its because I’ve been out of the weeknight night life for so long and all I need are a few rough mornings to get me back into shape but I don’t know if I’ve got the energy for it.

I spent some time strategizing and planning on expanding my network and found an event that was just what I was looking for. Last week, Savoir Faire Professionals had a networking party. I was totally stoked for this event and really wanted to go and get to know ladies in the industry. Unfortunately, there was a conflict in my schedule: a) I had my office’s first softball game and I’m co-captain and b) it was on the 13th, days short of my “rich pay period”, funds were running pretty low and I simply couldn’t afford the $30 ticket. Too bad, so sad.

As I was wallowing in my lack of network self pity, I realized this networking thing doesn’t only mean meeting people outside your company. It can be used even after you’ve landed the job you love.  I’ve made a point of joining several groups/teams in my office, especially when I first started. I wanted to get to know the people I worked with, whether directly or not and this was a perfect opportunity to chat them up. It was in these casual settings where I felt comfortable to show who I really am and not feel pressure to impress them, which would inevitebly lead me to make a fool of myself. You spend the time to get to know people and they will be willing to help you out when you need a favour.

There is one important key to this though. You must be genuine in building relationships with these people. They’re not idiots and can see right through someone who’s using them just to get ahead. That sort of desperation and manipulation doesn’t look good on anyone.

So although I missed an opportunity to meet several strangers, I got to spend some time with my coworkers and chat with a few people I haven’t met before and it was great, even though we lost BIG TIME.