NEED: TORONTO - MEETUP ORGANIZER

MEETUP! is looking for an Organizer to take over The Greater Toronto Entrepreneur Group. It's a 110 member group and you would keep the group going by taking over as Organizer.

It's a real & rewarding responsibility, and Meetup.com will help you each step of the way.

As Organizer, you'll get special access to tools specifically designed for managing and growing a local OFFLINE community group. Thousands of people take great pride in being a Meetup Organizer because they're helping others connect and create community.

See what they're saying here:
http://www.meetup.com/thanks/


To step up go to:
http://entrepreneur.meetup.com/826/handover/?op=c&ic=en1

UPDATE MICROSOFT PROGRAMS DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005, passed by the United States (U.S.) Congress in July 2005, extended daylight saving time (DST) in the U.S. by approximately four weeks. Therefore, beginning in 2007, DST dates in the United States will start three weeks earlier (2:00 A.M. on the second Sunday in March) and will end one week later (2:00 A.M. on the first Sunday in November).

The change in DST will affect many technology products that small to midsize businesses are currently using for scheduling, time calculating, transaction logging, and billing such as:

• Calendar and scheduling applications
• Date and time calculations (current and historical)
• Transaction logging (UTC versus local time)
• Tariff billing applications

Several Microsoft products are affected by the 2007 daylight saving time change:

• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Windows Server
• Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services
• Microsoft Exchange Server
• Microsoft Office Outlook
• Microsoft Office Live Meeting
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• Microsoft SQL Server Notification Services
• Microsoft Entourage
• Microsoft Visual Studio

If you are running any of the products in the following list, you should review the guidance published on the Microsoft DST site to determine what steps you must take.

BUSINESS NETWORKING & PARTNERSHIPS

“Can I Really Know if Someone I Met Through Networking
Is Perfect for a Partnership?”

Written by Wanda Reinholdt

www.kaizenworks.org

Recently, some of the conversations I have been having around this question have confirmed that partnerships are indeed what YOU make them. In particular, I have come across an approach to creating partnerships that I believe holds the key to success in business or personal relationships.

The basic premise of this view is that partnerships will most likely fail unless a thorough and legal written agreement is created by the partners and a lawyer. The document must contain specifics and tangibles such as the responsibilities of each partner, business breakdown and exit strategy – all the terms agreed upon by the partners. In addition, it is essential to have partnership insurance so that if a partner dies, it is clear how their shares will be handled as well as what the involvement of their estate or heirs will be.

While I agree that it is essential that partners are both satisfied and secure, I also know that like attracts like.

The partnering experience of someone who holds this view is rarely positive. Unfortunately, the usual story of broken partnerships is that the relationship ended because of a disagreement or misunderstanding. In addition to this disappointment and frustration, many hours are spent in court rooms battling for a resolution. And unexpected legal fees have usually been incurred. These fees can, in some situations, change the course of a person’s career or financial future.

So it is easy to see how failed relationships can seed fear in hearts. This fear usually leads to an overwhelming emphasis on security concerns. And before long, all partnerships are assumed to be something to be protected from rather than embraced and celebrated. In other words, safety becomes the priority rather than relationship.

Most of us would rather live lives that are free of fear and this kind of strife. So how can we avoid creating fear-dominated partnerships? Is it even possible?

I believe it is. And the reason is that I believe we have a CHOICE as to how we respond to the things that happen in our lives. Although often very difficult, it is possible to choose to act out of love, rather than out of fear.

Knowing that this is possible, here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Focus on what you want rather than on what can go wrong. If you do this, you are more likely reach what you desire because you will be clearly aware of your goals. (It is not wise to enter into any partnership until you are personally clear on what kinds of people characteristics, skill level, and attitude you are looking for. This is the best way to ensure that you keep your integrity and character, and that you do not compromise your values.) To do this, write it out your plan of action.

• BE the partner you want to have. Make a decision to grow into the person that you want to attract as a partner. If you have the integrity and character you are looking for in others, you will attract them much more readily. What a great way to honor your partnerships!

• View the partnerships rules, agreements and strategies as tools; and not substitutes for relationship. If you approach them as tools, they will not become more important than the people that you are working with. Your ability to relate to others is the most important skill in successful partnerships.

• Accept the responsibility of creating and nurturing a successful partnership rather than placing it on the written agreement. It is YOUR responsibility. The agreement is only as empowered, mature and strong as the people who put it together.

Once you are clear about what you want, and are living it in your own life, then begin to look for your partner. If you think you have found someone who might be a fit, sit down with them over coffee and talk over your wants and desires. If the person seems to be a suitable candidate, confirm it by requesting that they write out their own desires/goals. Once you have confirmed that someone is a partnership fit, determine if a lawyer is necessary to firm the agreement, (this step usually depends on the characteristics in a partner you are looking for. If you want someone who believes that a signed contract is they’re word of honor, a lawyer may not necessary. Use your discretion here.)

The keys to the long lasting and successful partnerships have been:

• Partners who are each personally clear about what they want, and who is to take responsibility for attaining it.

• Partners who practice what they value.

• Partners who remember that relationships are dynamic, that they change over time and are willing to renegotiate if there are changes.

• Partners who communicate with honesty and clarity.

• Partners who, in the event of a dispute, will refer to their partnership agreement and not go from memory. (BEING the partner you want BEFORE entering the partnerships does NOT guarantee that there will not be any disagreements. However, if the relationship is based on trust and authenticity, there is a much greater probability that the partners will be able to work things through quickly and effectively).

So yes, I believe that you can recognize a suitable partner just by becoming aware of what you are looking for. By BEING a person of character and integrity, I believe the community you help to create will be undeniably profound and positively impacting.

As a friend of mine recently reminded me, Zig Ziglar said, “You will get everything you want when you help enough other people get what they want.”

What a world we would have if we all followed that advice!

Are you clear on what you want?

Wanda is a forward-thinking pioneer in the Arts and in Business who has a heart for community and for growing effective self-sustaining partnerships in life, business and the arts. Her company Kaizen Works nurtures legacy in both business persons who works in the arts and/or have an interest in the arts through sponsoring, supplying and/or encouraging artistry and in artists of all disciplines (visual, theatre, film, music, dance). If this describes you AND you want to grow & leave a powerful legacy, then Kaizen is for you! www.kaizenworks.org

NEWS: NEW ONLINE JOB BOARD

SIP Internet Job Board Society of Internet Professionals (SIP) has launched the SIP Internet Job Board! At http://sipgroup.org/jobs/ you can search and apply for hundreds of targeted jobs with employers from around the world, as well as manage your resume and job applications online.

Until May 1st, 2007 post your jobs for Free!

NEED: TORONTO - P/T ADMIN ASSITANT

NEED, TORONTO: Barry Shainbaum is looking for someone bright & capable for part-time admin support for organizing and filing.

Barry Shainbaum
BARRY SHAINBAUM PRODUCTIONS
Toronto, Canada
(416) 362-8028

Professional photographer, speaker, and author of "Hope & Heroes".
Radio host of "Perspectives with Barry Shainbaum" on Faith FM, 94.3 FM, Kitchener, Ont.
Listen live on the net: www.barryshainbaum.com, Sunday, 12:00 Noon. - 1:00 pm. EST, GMT - 5.
Also on: Hope FM 94.3, Woodstock, Ont. Sunday 11:00 am., www.hopefm.ca
Each program on Hope FM broadcasts two weeks later.

BUSINESS EVENT ONLINE: 2nd Annual Microsoft® Small Business Summit

2nd Annual Microsoft^® Small Business Summit

FREE online & in-person event March 19-23
You're invited to unlock your super strengths at the largest small business event in the U.S. You'll find the latest tools and information for managing your finances, reaching your customers, increasing productivity and improving security.

Security & Support

Your business data is priceless. Learn how to safeguard your information and keep your computers humming.

Productivity & Mobility

See how technology can make you more organized, more efficient, and less tied to the office—and save you money, too.

Financial Management

Get advice from experts on how to handle the books—from managing cash flow to creating an estate plan—and see accounting solutions that can make a big difference.

Sales & Marketing

Learn to spot sales opportunities, win customers and earn their loyalty—and see how you can create your own marketing in-house.

Start-Up Day

Got the entrepreneurial itch? We have a day just for you. Come hear the basics of starting your own business.

Learn more and register for this FREE event at: www.sbsummit.com.

• Get inspired by some of today's small business successes, such as Baby Einstein founder Julie Clark, venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki and more.
  
• Watch demos of the latest releases of Windows Vista, Microsoft Office Small Business 2007 and more.
  
• Enjoy the flexibility of attending online from your desk or in person at a location near you.
  
• Choose from over 50 live sessions presented by small business experts in business and technology.
  
• Power your entrepreneurism with a special day devoted exclusively to start-ups.

LEAD: CO-OP STUDENTS GTA

Centennial College offers co-op placements in the following programs:

School of Engineering and Applied Science
Architectural Technology
Automation & Robotics Technology
Biological Technology (Industrial Microbiology)
Computer and Communication Networking (BAIS)
Computer Programmer/Analyst
Computer Systems & Networks Technology
Electronics Engineering Technology
Environmental Protection Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology (Design)
Mechanical Engineering Technology (Industrial)
Network Professional

School of Business
Accounting
Accountant/Programmer Analyst
Business Administration
Business Operations Management
Financial Services
Human Resources Management
International Business
Marketing

School of Transportation
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Automotive Service Technician
Truck and Coach Technician

For information, contact Linda Lugli or Gina Marshall at 416-289-5233 or email gradjobs@centennialcollege.ca

SPECIAL MEMBER PRICE: TORONTO BOARD OF TRADE

Discounted membership to Toronto Board of Trade

If you are a Centennia College grad, you are eligible for discounted individual memberships to the Toronto Board of Trade (TBoT). All Centennial alumni receive $100 off the individual membership rate of $395 per year. Set-up fee $35.00 (one-time) plus GST applies.

The TBoT membership gives you a chance to expand your network of potential clients, vendors, employees or employers. More than 120 events are held annually, including monthly networking events, career and personal development seminars, and leadership speakers’ series. Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York Chambers of Commerce are now divisions of the TBoT.

For more information or a tour of the downtown centre, contact Gifford Rabess at 416-862-4521 or grabess@bot.com