Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Knocking down Silos Continues!

If you were one of the 161 participants at Knocking Down Silos at the Living Arts Centre on April 23, thanks so much for coming...and this posting is for you!

I just finished the book "Wikinomics" (how mass collaboration changes everything) and I would like to try something new.

I want to provide you with an interactive way to continue to provide value to people in attendence who you didn't meet.
Please click "comments" below and post a comment:

- tell us a little bit about who you are and what you got out of the KDS evening.

- tell us what you do for fun on weekends

- tell us your greatest challenge so we can help you (be specific eg use a top 10 list)

- offer to help the rest of us

Then check back on this blog to help others and to see who is offering to help you. (you may or may not choose to leave your contact information - everyone at the seminar should have your email and phone number).

The Summary PDF for the evening is here. More on strategic networking and questions to ask when people introduce you to folks on your " hit list are here.
My mailing address (in case you need it) is
Dave Howlett
c/ The MAGNES Group
1540 Cornwall Rd Ste 100
Oakville, ON
L6J 7W5
905 845 9793 x322
Let's keep the buzz going until the next KDS!
Dave

29 comments:

davehowlett said...

I work as VP Business Development with the MAGNES Group and I was the guy who gave the presentation last night.

1. The things that I got out of the presentation were based on your feedback after the talk and with phone calls today. I may intergrate questions and answers into future talks as well, am considering producing a copy of the digital recording from last night's talk.

2. On weekends, my wife and I are training for Ironman Austria on July 8. I also teach marathon running classes. We live in Oakville, have 2 cats (as you know).

3. My job is to bring in new business in life sciences for our commercial insurance brokers. I deal with both early stage medical device or established companies. I really would like an introduction to the president or CFO (or insurance buyer) for one of these companies:

Apotex
Biovail
MDS
Microbix
NutraSource Diagnostics
NovoPharm
Patheon
Organon Canada Ltd.
Biomedical Photometrics Inc.
Spectral Diagnostics
YM BioSciences
ARIUS Research
Transition Therapeutics
Viventia Biotech Inc
Trillium Therapeutics
Joldon Diagnostics Inc
Aesthetacare
Aspen Pharmatec
Clera Inc
Diteba Research Laboratories
Ellipsis Biotherapeutics
Matregen Corp


I'll be checking this site to see how I can help you as well!

Unknown said...

Hi Everyone,

(I'll follow Dave's template - why mess with success?)

I work as a recruiter at Xela HRS. I was the guy who won the membership to TBI at the end of the night.

1. I thought Dave had a nice watch, didn't you?

2. On weekends I do a few different things, but it seems like home renovation has been my passion lately. Painting, not so much.

3. My biggest challenge is finding good candidates. I know most recruiters chase after clients and try and jam whatever candidate they have into a position, but I find it's easier if I find good candidates and get them the kind of job the want. Therefore I don't have a list of companies I would like to be introduced to, instead if you are someone people would say fits Dave's "good guy" model, or you know people who fit that model, please get us in touch. You'd be helping me, and I hope I would be helping them too.

Josh Sookman said...

Hi Dave, great talk yesterday ... I already bought my "Thank You" cards, but you're getting #10 because that way I'm forced to send the first 9 before I get to yours! Glad to see you read Tapscott's book, I'm halfway through it and I think it presents a number of innovative solutions to increasing business and communication.

On weekends, weather permitting, I will get out to Lake Simcoe to wakeboard at dawn and dusk when it is generally calm as glass. I'm looking to learn how to do flips this summer, so if anyone has some suggestions, I'm all ears.

My current job is with the BDC working with their Life Sciences, Venture Capital Group. I am also a student at the University of Toronto doing my Masters in Biotechnology. I run a number of websites and am large into the Web 2.0 and online development community. I am looking to bridge biotech with the newest innovations in web technologies, which may include the formation of large consumer-driven communities, or B2B communities. I love to work through ideas, so if you would like to chat, please feel free to contact me at jsookman [(at)] sooknet.com anytime.

In the near future, I am looking to work for an early-stage (and well financed) biotech or BioIT company in California starting September 2007. I am also looking to apply for an MBA at Stanford GSB, or the Haas School of Business at Berkeley to begin in September 2008. I would really like an introduction to the president or VP Business Development at one of these companies, or someone on the board of admissions at one of the schools mentioned:

Amyris Biotechnologies
Prediction Sciences
Entelos, Inc.
Perlegen Sciences, Inc.
Genomatica, Inc.

Stanford GSB
Haas School of Business
UC Irvine
Harvard GSB

Dave on a personal note, I can help you with some people on your list. I know the President of Arius Research, David Young, as I brought him in to speak at the AstraZeneca Seminar Series at UTM for my program. Second, I know the CFO of MDS Capital, Stephen Cummings, he's a great guy. I would be happy to introduce you to either, just fire me an email or call my cell.

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic seminar you put forward yesterday! I was really motivated to go out there and make new contacts and to renew old ones.

The "thank you" note sounds like a really special thing from what I heard from you, and I am going to practice it. Immediately I get off this computer I am going to the shop next door to get some and sent them through and of course yours will be there too.

Being new in Canada (4 weeks to date) most of this concepts are new to me and I am trying so hard to keep up with learning to be a progressive Canadian. On weekends I take tours around Toronto and see new places. I have also met with people from Lesotho as well and I sometimes visit them and have fun with them.

I am still researching some companies here in Canada but I am mainly interested in Biotech/Pharma Research.

My biggest challenges are (1) to find a job, (2) to come home to a lonely house since my wife and daughter went back home, and they will be back in ten months time.

How can I help you? Well, my home country has the highest lowest point in the world and I guess that means you might want to train there for one of your marathons. Then you could also participate in the Comrades Marathon in South Africa.

davehowlett said...

Hi Guys - thanks for posting the first messages.

Patrick - let me know what level you recruit at as I'm always getting inuries from "good guys" (male and female). In fact, you may want to monitor this blog and watch the postings!

Josh - thanks for your kind offer. Great to see you today at the TBI AGM - I'll be in touch

Noosi - give me a call att he office 905 845 9793 x322 I've got a number of life science friends from Soth Africa originally who I can introduce you to. Also, an associate who works at our office tells me there is a South African networking group for expatriates she can connect you to.

Anonymous said...

Dave, thanks for giving such a great talk on Monday! I think many of us left the room feeling energized about networking...and driving faster on 2nd and 3rd gear.

My name is Susanna Wong, and I work for Allied Research International. Yes, I love to comment on the great ties and shoes that the gents put on for business functions and networking meetings!

I would love to help out anyone who would be interested in a career in clinical research or want to find out more about the clinical research world.

Best of luck to everyone's networking endeavours!

Anonymous said...

Dave I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you how much I enjoyed and
appreciated your presentation last night. You had everybody in the audience
from 20 year olds to 50 year olds like me listening intently to you. You
really have a gift and you should take it on the road to broader audiences.
Yes even Broadway.
Looking forward to working with you at TBI.

Bill Laidlaw
Executive Director TBI

Unknown said...

Hi Everybody,

Great to watch the blog comments grow here - this was a great idea Dave.

About 80% of the placements I do are sales professionals of all levels. The other 20% is a mix of marketing and management level - up to C suite - so I would be situated to help anyone who sees themselves as one of those three.

As soon as I get my membership info taken care of, I'm sure I'll start seeing you at TBI meetings Dave, but in the meantime I'll keep an eye on the blog.

Anonymous said...

1) Thank you Dave, for addressing the need to teach networking skills. It is something I've always known to be important but never known how to go about doing. Your thank you card is in the mail :-)

2) On weekends I really enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, and (in the winter) skiing. I also am passionate about travel and take any opportunity I can to see and experience a new place.

3) Currently I am unemployed and actively searching for a new opportunity. I just left a major cruise line after working as an activities staff for 2 years onboard their ships. There I discovered my talents for, and enjoyment of, customer service, hospitality, and interacting with a LARGE variety of people on a daily basis. My background, however, is in Biology with a focus in Nutritional Science. My greatest challenge is identifying the types of jobs that might make use of these skills and my educational background.

4) Dave, I used to work with the current CFO of Nutrasource Diagnostics in Guelph and would be happy to pass you on to him. Drop me an e-mail to aziemski@cogeco.ca if you'd like to set this up.

Cheers,
Alana Ziemski

davehowlett said...

Thanks very much Alana. I'll contact you directly about NutraSource. About your greatest challenge, I know it's weird but just throw a pin against a dartboard and put down the names of 5-6 companies that you think might be a good fit, post the list and start showing it to people. Chances are the people you meet at those companies will tell you a) it's not a good fit b) their boss is a psycho c) they just laid off 300 people. But once you start the process going, if people like you, they will tell you about opportunitites in other companies. Don't forget those thank you cards! For more info on how to do this - check out the "Strategic Networking" blog in January 2007.

Anonymous said...

I wanted to say thank you for the wonderful evening. Your ability to
provide something of value to the (life science )audience is unparallel!
These are life lessons, not just "sales" training.


J.G. (Grant) Tipler
Head Life Sciences & Health Services
RBC Royal Bank

Anonymous said...

Hello everyone, I am the founder of Smiles Made Easy and have created a fun line of fill-in-the-blank note cards that were given out at Tuesday's presentation. I also work as a Dietitian for Public Health and teach Making Your Own Baby Food classes.

I had a great time at my first KDS event and left feeling very empowered. Was anyone else amazed at the way Dave could remember names? I aspire to be such a person!

On weekends I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 little boys, 5 and 2 years of age. Trying to keep up with the two of them makes me feel like I'm training for a marathon myself somedays.

Our note cards can be found in over 75 independent stores across Canada and the US. I am currently looking for retailers and companies that would carry our line to sell at the retail level or give away to clients/employees/customers as a promotion or incentive. I'm also looking to speak with editors/producers about my business and product. My top 10 (or so) list is as follows;

Buyers for:
Chapters/Indigo
FTD
Avon
Hudson Bay Company
Shoppers Drug Mart

Editors for:
Today's Parent Magazine
O The Oprah Magazine
any Wedding Magazine
Real Simple
Chatelaine

Producers for:
Canada AM
Oprah
The View
The Mom Show
City Line
Breakfast Television

Promotions Director or Manager for:
General Mills
Kraft

I'd love to help out others in any way I can.

My contact information can be found on our website http://www.smilesmadeeasy.com
I invite you to check us out!

davehowlett said...

Hi Karem, I have a contact at HBC (Diane Gordon was the one who donated the Olympic hats) - I'll send her an email for you!

Nicholas Fields said...

Thanks Dave for a great presentation with lots of good, practical information on how to use networking to achieve your goals. Your presentation was also liberally sprinkled with lots of humour, and thus everyone was not only educated but also highly entertained. I personally made some good contacts and got a chance to spend some time with old friends. An evening well spent.

1. I provide consulting services to Biotech companies in the area of drug development. My philosophy is that drug development can be likened to a journey, one which has been navigated successfully several times, but unfortunately, one which is more often unnecessarily littered with failures. Success does leave clues, and I see my role as using my knowledge and experience to help companies complete this journey rapidly and efficiently, by providing (i) a clear map of the journey, (ii) effective processes for completing the required steps, and (iii) tips to avoid the minefields along the way.

2. I live in Oakville. My weekends are spent getting out and about, enjoying the sun and doing fun things with my family and friends.

3. My biggest challenge is moving along a number of ideas I have on using technology to streamline/systematize the drug development process. This site is already helping in this area as Josh Sookman’s comments suggest that he can help me with this. I will follow up with him.

4. I am interested in speaking with people from any biotech company that needs assistance with their drug development. You can contact me at nfields@cogeco.ca or 416 726 3404.

Dave, I have a good contact at YM Biosciences. I will follow up with you directly.

Together, let’s make Canada #1 in the world in drug/product development.

Anonymous said...

Thanks again Dave for a very informative and interactive evening. Your presentation communicated some practical and effective networking strategies in a very entertaining and humorous manner.

1. Three ideas that I took away from your presentation were:
a) to continue to focus on being a "good guy" (as you say, doing something because it is the right thing to do)
b) maintain an "attitude of gratitude" (thank you cards)
c) be willing to help others in any way you can and asking for help yourself.

2) On weekends, I like to explore the city, play volleyball, occasionally practice Aikido, hang out with La La the Kat and socialize with friends.

3) Having recently returned from the UK, I am currently exploring the pharmaceutical sales industry. I am open to any info, ideas or suggestions anyone is willing to share about the industry. Also, I would really like an introduction to sales reps or managers in the following companies:

GSK
Boehringer-Ingelheim
Merck-Frosst
Patheon
Sanofi-Aventis
Novartis
Abbott
Pfizer
Astra-Zeneca
Wyeth

I am continuing to check on the site to see how I can help others in their challenges.

ps Thank you card on its way :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave, Tony Johnston here, I'm President & CEO of Compass North Inc. We help companies drive better results and do better deals by delivering growth and corporate renewal oriented management & advisory services. Our turnaround success rate is 80%.

Thank you for the invitation to post a comment here.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend you presentation at TBI. However, I heard from a very good friend that I missed something special.

1) What my friend got out of your presentation was how simple, straight-forward and broadly applicable your suggestions are. And how they can help everyone, even people in business. Because I live near Yonge and Hwy 401, and as May 10th is my wife's birthday, I'm looking forward attending a future KDS presentation once you get your next new booking date.

2) In business, my passion is helping companies achieve great results, namely:
- focused and motivated staff,
- happy customers, and
- healthy growing bottom-lines and big valuations.

In my personal life, my passions are family (I have a great wife and 3 wonderful children) and golf (my handicap index is 16 – yah, I wish it was better).

3) Today, my biggest challenge is finding new opportunities to help people improve their business's performance.

If you know someone with a business in search of better performance, facing challenge, or in need of getting a major financing or M&A transaction done, I would like to talk to them about how I could help.

I promise positive results based on my record of success, which includes: leading 5 corporate turnarounds; boosting a public company's valuation by more than $66 million; delivering an almost 3,000% ($28 million) gain for venture capital partners; and doing more than $2.5 billion in private and public debt, equity and M&A transactions.

Dave, about your interests, I looked over the list of companies to which you want introductions. From my six years in biotech here in the Toronto area, I know many of the names there. However, as I have been working elsewhere for the past six odd years, my connections to them are no longer current. Thankfully, I do have a friend who is the tech/biotech national practice leader at one of the big four accounting firms in downtown Toronto. He may well know some of the people you are interested in meeting. Please give me a call if you want me to connect you to him.

Tony Johnston

P.S. That friend of mine I mentioned above, the national practice leader, he’s the one who told me not to miss attending your next KDS presentation!

Anonymous said...

Ok, at Dave's suggestion I have created my top 5 list and am posting it here. These are some companies that I have an interest in and would love make contact with:
- TDL Group (Tim Horton's)
- McNeil Consumer Healthcare
- Gorden Food Services
- Stryker Medical
- Voortman

Unknown said...

Hello all:

Thank you, Dave, for the remarkable Seminar. I found the seminar practical, interactive, and entertaining.

My biggest challenge, however, is to place our participants in jobs in their career fields.
I am an Employment Consultant/Job Developer with a unique program at Seneca College, called Re-Employment Services for International Professionals. The manadate of the program is to assist participants connect with employers in their respective professions.

Seneca College sponsored me and one of our participants, Dr. Wenjie Wu, who is a research scientist, to attend the networking event. My objective was to introduce Dr. Wu to network with professionals in the biotechnology sector.
Both Dr. Wu and I enjoyed the evening.

I would like to make a request on behalf of Dr. Wu. If your company has an opening for a research scientist, or you know of someone who is looking for a qualified post-doctoral scientist, please contact Dr. Wu directly at: wenjiewu2007@gmail.com; or myself at: abdi.farah@senecac.on.ca

Among other fields, Dr. Wu's strengths are in DNA CLONING, PROTEIN EXPRESSION, ANTI-BODY GENERATION, and GENOMIC ANALYSIS.
He has also extensive knowledge and understanding of the principles of Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Biochemeistry as applied to the field of BIOTECHNOLOGY.

Hope to hear from you "Good Guys."

Cheers.

Abdi Farah

Ian Howlett said...

I work for a company called Roll-Tite and we sell tarping systems which protects your flatbed cargo.

This is my second presentation that I have attended. The first one helped with my networking skills, which lead me to my current job.

On weekends I enjoy golfing, working out and looking for antiques.

My biggest challenge right now is building a customer base for my current sales position. I would really like an introduction to someone in the following companies:

Bombardier
Meyers Transportation
HBC Logistics
Muir’s Cartage
Legend Boats

davehowlett said...

This message is for Abdi - good for you for trying to help Dr. Wu. The challenge you will face is by not listing 5 companies on this page is that you rely on someone knowing a company that is looking for someone of his background. And that is a need in a haystack (most people are not recruiters). I have many many people call me with CVs and descriptions of their product and ask me to help them get a job or get business. That's not the job of a "good guy". Our job is to get you an introduction. You (or Dr Wu has to list the names of a few companies to start the informational interview process. Then people can start opening doors and giving him and you information on their companies. Please look through: http://davehowlett.blogspot.com/2007/01/networking-vs-strategic-networking.html and http://davehowlett.blogspot.com/2006/06/got-your-prospect-list.html Look at my first posting above and see how many "hits" I got from folks trying to introduce me to people. If you just write about your CV, your company or your product, people want to help - but they don't know how.

I know it sounds strange, but to trigger the "help mechanism" in most people, you need to be specific - build that list! It doesn;t have to be perfect - you will like have to keep changing it as you hear information from people (my boss is a psycho! we are laying people off! we are being sold!) but you need to start somewhere. Hope this helps.

Anonymous said...

My name is Rachelle Cushing and I am a Director, Business Development with Hudson Management Search - we are an International Retained Search Firm and I am the Practice Lead for Life Sciences.

1. Dave - the whole idea of Knocking Down Silos is very unique - it is a very simple concept that is a great tool to use for various groups of people with many different needs. The concept of asking people for help through networking can seem like an ominous task but you have made it seem so simple! Great work!

2. My weekends at this point in my life are kept busy with my husband and 5 and 2 year old girls - skiing lessons, gymnastics and skating! I participated in the 24 hour Summer Soltice mountain bike race last June at Albion Hills and competed in the 8 hour race in Mansfield as well - talk about competitors - there were some people that did the 24 hour race solo (the rest of us gimps were on a team of 8 that rotated our rides!)

3. My job is to bring in new business within the Life Sciences Vertical. We are already working with GSK and in fact GSK has outsourced all of their recruitment to Hudson. We have also helped Apotex, MDS and Gamma Dynacare build their teams. I would like to be introduced to VP's/Directors of HR to any of the following companies:

Amgen
Ranbaxy
Cobalt
Orbus
Biovail
Johnson & Johnson
Taro
Ratiopharm
Vasogen
Stryker
Medtronic
Hoffman Laroche
Genpharm
or any other pharma/biotech firms

4. I can help the people that are looking for employment with GSK and can make an introduction to our GSK recruitment team (Alana, Noosi, AJ and Abdi). I would also invite you to send your resume to me in the event we are awarded new business with these companies.

I can help Susanna by providing our search services to Allied Research - we have placed many people at GSK within Clinical Research.

Dave, I am going to try and see if I can get some contacts for you for Apotex and MDS - Apotex is not my client and MDS is a new one but my contact right now is the Global Recruitment Manager - I will see what I can do.

Looking forward to networking!

davehowlett said...

Hi Rachel - thanks for the nice words about KDS! An 8 hour mountain bike race? Wow!!! My wife and I are training for Ironman Austria this summer - http://www.geocities.com/dhowlett2004/running.html we are on the bikes a long time too but the roads are a little flatter and smoother - haha.

Give me a call at the office as I have a number of friends at Altana (Nycomed) and may be able to introduce you to the HR folks.

Pink Lady said...

Hi everyone,

I am in the final stages of my PhD in Diabetes research. My departmental oral is booked for June 29.

1. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the recent KDS due to a death in the family. However, I did meet Dave at one in October and found it to be the best career development event I have yet to attend. I found it really energising and allowed me to put networking techniques to practise.

2. On weekends, I love to relax, hike, cook and knit. Once my PhD is done, I hope to have the time to do some camping and take my honeymoon to the Atlantic provinces.

3. Currently, my biggest challenges are i) completing my PhD and ii) finding a career for after. I am interested in consulting and MSL/clinical studies. I would love an introduction to someone at the following companies:

Bayer
Boehringer Ingelheim
Eli Lilly
GSK
Novo Nordisk
Wyeth
Frost and Sullivan

Given my lengthy time in academia, I feel that I know a lot about protocols, politics and strategies. If I can help anyone out there with information about UofT (general or Sciences), please let me know.

Unknown said...

Let me first begin with my intro. My name is Shuchi and enrolled in
Chemical Laboratory Technologist- Pharmaceutical program at Seneca College. Last month, you came at Seneca College for seminar called Focus on Bio-Chem Career. I also attended last week sessions "Knocking down Silos" at Art Living center, Mississauga. Somehow, I didn't get opportunity to have little chat with you both times.

I find your session regarding networking was very interesting and
obliging for many students like me. I really like many topics such as A category people, asking for help and offering help to others, if you help somebody and in return you don't get thank you or appropriate response, you shouldn't stop helping others. I am very pleased that I attended your sessions and met nice people like a Frank Golden, Susanna Wong.

During my spare time, I love to dance (really enjoy learning Salsa), listen to music, read novels, and hang out around with friends.

Recently, I successfully completed 5th semester and looking for summer
opportunity in chemical Labs and Pharmaceutical Industry. Last week, I discovered that there is opening for summer lab technician at ECOLAB, Mississauga for college student perusing career in chemistry and pharmaceutical. I have applied for that position and few questions regarding that position and company. If you are aware of someone who is working at
ECOLAB or indirectly related to ECOLAB, could you please help me to
contact anyone from ECOLAB?


Thank you for your time and assist.


Shuchi

Tatiana Lomasko said...

Great idea with this blog, Dave!!!!!!! Thanks for helping people!!!!!

I’m a Ph.D. Candidate at the UofT (Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science). My current research is in mathematical modeling of cytoskeleton-induced neuron death during neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's). My previous degree is from Russia in Applied Math and Software Engineering. I also, as a mathematician, have a work experience in financial sector. The KDS seminar was my first time to attend such large networking event in Canada. It was a big step forward for me!!!! I got to talk to great people (THANK YOU ALL!!!!!) and realized that there ARE companies and opportunities out there which would allow me to merge all my knowledge and work experience together and start a great job!!!!

On weekends, my daughter and I like to rollerblade, bike, hike, and discover Ontario, as well as just sitting at home sharing a good book. I also started marathon running recently.

My biggest challenge at this point of my life and career is to find that dream job to enjoy and, more importantly, to be able to pay back making a difference in people’s lives!!! I would greatly appreciate, aimed with my broad knowledge and work experience, to have an introduction to these companies:

RBC: Knowledge Based Industries (KBI) group: Life Sciences & Health Services
Pfizer Canada
GlaxoSmithKline
Sanofi-Aventis
Novartis


Ontario Cancer Institute, PMH
Samuel Lunenfeld Research
Procter & Gamble Pharma Canada
Patheon Inc.

Please let me know if I can help you in any ways!!!!!

Sincerely,
Tatiana Lomasko

Anonymous said...

Hi there. My name is Diane Stogiannes, I currently work for Dofasco Inc. in Hamilton within the Technology department.

1. I was signed up for, but unfortunately could not make the KDS in Mississauga. I have been to a KDS presentation at McMaster University and was so impressed!
I've told tons of people of it, and can't wait for the next presesntation, where I'll be sure to bring along others.
I'm still sending out my thank-you notes (2 per week) and have gotten great feedback from them! (thanks Dave!)

2. On weekends, I like to be outdoors. I've recently started a flower garden - don't think I've got a green thumb, but I'm trying. I'm also a member of Zonta International - an organization dedicated to improves the status of women both locally and internationally by fund-raising, and volunteering and donating.

I play tennis, and have tried running over the past few years. I hope to get back into it this summer.

3. My current job entails selling composite panels primarily into the truck & trailer market. One of our most recent commericalized products is PermaLiner - a plywood replacement for sheet & post trailers (www.zyplex.com). If anyone knows any of the fleet maintenance managers at the following companies, please let me know:

G.E. TIP
St. Lambert Transport
SLH Transport
TransX
Midland Transport
Purolator

I am also always keeping my eye on the job market, particularly recently as an SR&ED Technical Consultant. If anyone knows of any companies who are looking to fill a position like this, please email me.

In response to IAN HOWLETT's comment, I do know someone at Meyers Transportation who I could you in touch with. Please email me and I can forward the contact onto you (diane_stogiannes@dofasco.ca).


Thanks, and keep up the great work Dave! This blog is a wonderful idea!

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave,

As you know via our conversations after the seminar that I think the information you offer is invaluable. I also found that the format to be ingenious...the networking opportunities are huge and the fact that you promote 'good guys' during the presentation is very commendable. This means you fit the 'good guy' description too.

As for me, my biggest challenge right now is penetrating the MGA (Managing General Agency) network in the Financial Services arena. I am a Regional Sales Manager and MGA's are a third party distribution network for our investment products. I would love tips on the best way to approach these organizations: Dundee Insurance Agency, Armstrong and Quaile, Blonde and Little to name a few. (These are Financial Planning offices located throughout Ontario). I am looking for key person contacts…someone who has influence at these organizations

I am also a licensed Insurance broker and can help you ensure that you and your family are protected against loss of income in the event of the following unfortunate events: disability, critical illness and loss of income due to the passing of a loved one. I will also ensure that you are not living below the line of poverty when you retire! ;-)

The last thing I will say is that I am part of Toast Masters International and would love to do motivational speaking. So anyone who can give me any direction on this, or put me in contact with other motivational speakers, would be much appreciated.

That's it for now!

Cheers!

Mo

416-567-0442

John T said...

Hi Dave, Great presentation and great networking blog,

I was extremely motivated by your presentation, and I liked the comment you made about "all things are possible if you do not care about getting the credit".

It is all about giving towards others.

Currently I am job searching for a marketing management position.

Grateful to anyone who could provide an introduction to any of the following companies:

Affinia
City of Mississauga
NTN Bearing Mfg. Canada
Robic Automotive Inc.
Replex Automotive Corp.
OE Quality Friction Inc.
Novaquest Finishing Inc.
Bel-Tronics Manufacturing Corp
Basic Packaging Industries Inc

best wishes to all
johntz2@sympatico.ca

davehowlett said...

Hey John - I've got a contact at City of Mississauga who may be able to help you navigate through the red tape. Drop me a line info@davehowlett.com and we can chat.