– Building Your Brand VII- The Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award

– Building Your Brand VII -

The Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award

(Canadian Immigrant Magazine - July 2012 Issue)

This article is to congratulate the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award winners of 2012 and to the hundreds of people whose lives each one of you have affected.

Being recognized for your achievements and the dedication and efforts that each one has given back to Canada is not the end of the journey but marks a beginning of a new one. I know because I too am a past award winner.

Frame the actual award and hang it proudly where you can see it every day so that it drives you to even greater heights in giving back to this lovely country. 

The Top 25 Award while seemingly is given to individuals, stands for so much more. It marks the sign of success against challenges and recognizes the determination and perseverance in reaching our goals. It motivates countless of new immigrants who have come to Canada wanting to make and live a better life. It encourages others to be selfless and count life’s little blessings.

Our world after winning the Top 25 Award does not change dramatically; no one comes and signs you on for a James Bond movie or invites you to the Oprah show. As you were before, so shall you continue. 

But with a difference, people now listen more carefully and your words take on new meanings. That is the recognition which the Award brings. A recognition to yourself and a recognition from others and so like I do, learn to wear the award proudly.

Our journey needs to be told as it is a story that helps others in their journey forward and build new award winners of the future. 

Many agencies that serve New Canadians have approached me since the award and requested for a presentation to an adult audience. These were newcomers who were interested to hear about Canada, about my journey and take away lessons that they could apply in their day to day lives. 

The time and effort in giving back has virtually doubled since the award and every day makes me feel good and proud of what I do, helping bring change to the lives of New Canadians. I get phone calls and emails from many newcomers who want to reach out and hear my journey and this is time well spent as they move on charged with renewed energy and drive. That is the magic of the award; it lives on and energises lives of many others who come in contact with you.

A leading television channel reached out to me and made a documentary introducing newcomers to Canada, the camera crew spent time filming my day at the office, at home and at several sessions where I was speaking to New Canadians. 

The immigration office recorded my interview and currently screens it at pre arrival sessions held among soon to be immigrants from South Asia. 

As a newcomer myself, sharing my story whether face to face, in front of an audience or using social media, it is all about people helping people and building what Canada is well known for – the best country in the world to live in.

We have become Brand Ambassadors and have to dedicate the effort and energy to others and to make dreams a reality.

– Building Your Brand Series VI - Tackling Lack of Canadian Experience

– Building Your Brand VI-

Tackling Lack of Canadian Experience

(Canadian Immigrant Magazine May 2012)

A standard tale of woe that many a newcomer to Canada faces.

And with exasperation, responds, “If I am a newcomer to Canada, how do you expect me to have Canadian experience.”

And that having been said, resign themselves into months of misery until they find a way to get a foot in the door.

Familiar sounds? Sure, we all have been victim to this.

My answer was to process the words differently. Rather than hearing the words as “But you don’t have any Canadian experience”, I heard them as “I don’t know who you are and what you can do”.

And that opened the door to a whole new world. A world of volunteering to build Canadian experience and using online media to showcase what you are capable of achieving.

In my case, I used these two routes to build my Canadian brand – writing articles and volunteering. Much as you read this article today, my articles have been published in several magazines and Dailies bringing salience to my written word. I also used online to advantage by running and contributing regularly to this blog called G Talks.

A simple Google search of your name will bring witness to how much you have achieved in the marketplace. If a prospective employer is considering hiring you, they almost always do a Google search of your name to see what the www says about you. So keep your brand alive by being active online.

The second route I used was to volunteer my time. In my case, as I had previous Board experience, I looked at volunteering at a Board level and was able to join and continue to contribute there. I like you, did not have any Canadian experience initially so this not only built my Canadian experience but also allowed prospective employers to view my capabilities. Do visit the Maytree Website at www.maytree.com if you have Board level experience for opportunities that you are suitable to volunteer for.

Everyone does not have to volunteer on a Board, select your level and an avenue that you are passionate about and can contribute positively. It will help showcase your talents and is something you can easily refer to in your resume as well as job application forms. Do not spread yourself thin but select one or perhaps two places to volunteer. But one thing is very important to remember when you are volunteering and that is to make your presence felt. Be active in your group and do things that can showcase your skill sets. 

These are things you can subsequently quote as Canadian experience.

Start volunteering literally from day one as every day that you volunteer; you are gradually building your Canadian experience and your network. 

The other thing that many newcomers tend to lose after coming to Canada is our self esteem. We had an image that we had built over time overseas but none of that transcends the borders so we find ourselves relatively a stranger in Canada. No one knows who you were and no one really cares leaving us with a sense of lost identity. This can lead to a downward spiraling of demotivation and at times depression. 

Volunteering is a great way to retain a degree of self esteem and over time, build it back to the high levels that it was. There is a sense of purpose, a sense of achievement and a sense of recognition when we volunteer. And it makes you feel good about being able to give back and helps you stand tall and proud. That shows itself when you attend a job interview or just go about your day to day life.

– Building Your Brand Series V - Networking begins with Netgiving

– Building Your Brand Series V-

Networking begins with Netgiving 
(Canadian Immigrant Magazine June 2012)

While coming to Canada brings so many new experiences and discoveries, one thing we had to leave behind was our network. A finely created and cultivated group of friends, family, peers, batch-mates and others.

Back then, ask me to organize an elephant for your road show, or a rocket scientist to vet your child’s summer project and things would get done. If I did not know the person myself, you bet I had someone in my network who did. 

In Canada, they say the job market is a hidden one, 85% of all good jobs are sourced out of networks and yet, we immigrants sadly had to leave ours behind.

No wonder one of the biggest things new Canadians have to strive towards is the build our network. But sadly, not all of us are trained, equipped or even know how to begin. Things happened naturally in the course of life back then that resulted in our network but here in Canada, we do not have that luxury of time. So network we must, much like the bitter pill that you have a take and each individual goes about it in his or her own peculiar manner.

Very early on, I faced this dilemma and had to find a way to address it.

And that is where the notion of Netgive gave rise. I use the power of netgiving to build my network. Much as you have a first name and a surname, think of Netgive as the first name of network. People remember you by your first name and that is what gives you your character - different from your parents and siblings who carry the same surname. And so you shall also be known by your netgiving to build your network.

Netgive is using online media to help give things to others. After my first three months of journey in Canada, I created a 35 page document called Tips for Newcomers to Canada. Online, I distributed this to anyone who would ask for it and by word of mouth, more and more people began to write in and request for a copy. Some websites decided to load it on their sites and my network spread. Over 2000 requests have come in since then.

Then, using the LinkedIn platform, I established a group called ‘Jobs in Canada’ as a forum where people can share resources and tips with each other. Today, the membership has crossed 4500 people. 

I also used Google groups to open a group called India2Canada for families migrating to be able to share stories, tips and advice with each other. This grew to a community of over 200 families.

Then, as my business took me into the realm of multicultural marketing, I used LinkedIn again to start a group called the Multicultural Marketing Society of Canada. This is a forum for the fraternity to share views and news on the subject and has crossed 650 members in just 6 months.

All examples of using the net to create networks and to build your brand by giving something back. When you help someone else, they rarely forget you. The point of view when trying to build your network is to ask the other, “How can I be of help to you?” And not “What can you do for me?”

Easter Celebrations across the Globe

-      By Gautam Nath

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL,

Have you ever wondered how this day is celebrated over the globe while we attend our church service on this day and spend it together with near and dear ones.

Come on a journey with us to find out.

Our travel first takes us North bound into the Russian Republic and their beautiful city of Moscow.

The USSR as it was called earlier did not recognize the Christian faith and many wonderful churches were let to ruin but since independence, Russia has reached back its glory to the Christian faith and celebrates Easter with great pomp and glory.

The Russian Paschal salutation "Khristos Voskrese!" or "Christ is Risen!," a statement that could land believers in prison in Soviet times, has been reverberating through Moscow's churches where most of the spiritual music is being performed as well as in concert halls like the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall on Mayakovsky Square, where a gala performance of all the choral ensembles was held on Tuesday.

In all churches special Easter Services take place all night through. At midnight people kiss each other, exchange painted Easter eggs and exclaim: "Christ has been resurrected!"

And off we go, across Europe, to the romantic city of lovers, no not Venice but Paree. Yes the city where romance flows in the air.

Notre Dame de Paris is a day of remembrance (in particular Good Friday), when traditionally from 12:30 to 3 pm is the time reserved to remember Christ.
 

And as the weeks draw down to Easter Sunday, Parisian chocolatiers work triple-overtime filling their shops with a glorious array of delectable chocolates made only for this special season.  Tempting chocolates are everywhere … in the patisseries, the speciality chocolatiers and in those sweet little candy shops called confiseres, which stock candies from all over France including copious selections of chocolates. 

Indeed, a gift of chocolate at Easter is an absolute must for friends and family of all ages.  Not surprisingly, the vast selection available in the French capital goes way beyond adorable bunnies and chicks.  The offerings include the very traditional dark-chocolate fish of various sizes, including the darling ‘friture,’ tiny dark chocolate fish often packed into straw baskets or chocolate boxes so that they resemble a school of delicious little fish.  Then there are chocolates shaped like bells symbolizing the ringing out of the good news on Easter, along with goblets, crosses and scallop shells, the symbol of St. James. Add to this bounty all manner of flavored and pure chocolate eggs in various sizes and a fantasy array of chocolate animals such as donkeys, elephants, camels, rabbits, bunnies, chicks, ducks and geese.

With our sweet tooth satiated, we went to Prague, The Czech Republic, as it is known today.

Prague is one of the mot picturesque cities in the world and where one can spend days just walking about the streets enjoying the beautiful architecture. Although the Germans destroyed many of the buildings in the World War, they have been painstakingly rebuilt into its glory of the past.

One Easter tradition is pagan Czech Easter celebration is the "pomlazka". Farmers used to believe that a strong whipping after the winter period guaranteed health, prosperity, and most importantly a good harvest. This tradition remains to this day, although slightly modified. It is only the women who are given a good spanking with whips made of willow twigs, decorated with colorful ribbons (as if a little bit of decoration would help to ease the pain!). It is mainly younger boys who go from door to door, hoping to thrash a few girls to get some eggs in return, while singing traditional Easter carols.

The whipping or "pomlazka" is to get rid of all the bad things that had accumulated during the winter and bring the vitality back in the ladies, as well as ensure beauty and, of course, fertility.

Soon we flew up into Scotland, the land of castles and whisky.

There are the traditional Easter Feasts and church on Easter Sunday and the days leading up to Pasch (Easter) or Càisg (in Scottish Gaelic). In olden days there were those who lit huge fires to celebrate the beginning of spring and the end of winter.

There is an old Scots rhyme that is taught to children that goes like this:

First comes Candlemass,
Syne the new mune;
The neist Tyseday aifter that
Is aye Fester Een.
That mune oot
An the neist mune fou,
The neist mune aifter that
Is aye Pasch true.

Another Scottish tradition involving the Easter Season is Maundy Thursday. It is also called “Holy Thursday”. It is to commemorate the day when Christ washed the feet of his disciples. Maundy Thursday custom dates back to the Middle Ages.

The Friday before Easter is Good Friday, or Di-haoine na Ceusa (that is how it is written in Scottish Gaelic) was also known as Crucifixion Friday. In the 1800’s it was believed that no iron spade or plough should be put in the ground. It was also tradition that the band from the spinning wheel should be removed so it could not be used to bind Christ's hands and feet.

Lastly another tradition in Scotland involving Easter is the 'hot cross buns', which are baked and contain spices and fruit. These buns are then “glazed” with white pastry cross. They have been a symbol of Good Friday and in the past were made fresh and served on Good Friday and throughout the weekend.

And having had our fill of Europe, if there could be such a term, we crossed the Atlantic and were soon landing at Pearson International Airport. Yes, Toronto.

Canada, a land of immigrants, celebrates Easter in many different ways according to the community you are staying with, Polish, Greek, Indian, Chinese all have something unique according to their culture.

But that’s another story for another day.

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.

– Building Your Brand Series IV - Multicultural Marketing

Multicultural Marketing

(Canadian Immigrant magazine February 2012 Issue)

 

This month I would like to share an experience which was very exciting for me in my journey in Canada and a real turning point as a newcomer.

It has been just three years since we landed and there have been lots of trials and tribulations in my life since coming here but last week was a great milestone.

Coming from a professional marketing background, I measure my success in Canada by my acceptance among the marketing fraternity. I am sure all readers similarly would envisage such acceptance among your fraternity in Canada.

One of the most prestigious marketing associations here in Canada strangely is called The AMA or the American Marketing Association. The AMA was founded in the USA and has over 20,000 members there. The Toronto Chapter is relatively smaller with about 2000 members but is really the go to place for all marketing professionals in our city and offers a wide array of learning opportunities.

In my journey, I reached out to the President of AMA with the offer of volunteering to be part of the group and what great timing. They were actively looking at the topic of multicultural marketing and we started a dialogue. This led to my volunteering to coordinate an event for the AMA on the subject.

The AMA format is a round table breakfast series and we dialogued about a session in the New Year and selected 12^th of January 2012. I had to find a co partner and nominated Roxanne Tsui, who runs a Chinese communications firm in the city. Roxanne and I were then entrusted with putting the full program together which included deciding the subject, identifying and inviting panelists, finding an event sponsor and then marketing the event. Volunteers from AMA joined our team and we saw three months of dedicated work being put into this.

There were days when we were tense, days when we were anxious and days when we were nervous, but took each one in our stride.

We opened registration, and then came the December holidays and we all held our breath as we had only 5 sign ups. Surely a testing time but we persevered and slowly saw more registrations come in. And a week before the event, as we turned into the final lap and the last weekend before the show, our numbers crossed the average number of bookings AMA usually had. They were just coming in like crazy and there was a time when we seriously considered closing registrations due to capacity sell out.

The final day was cold and wet but it did not hold back the audience, such was the interest that at one time, people were lined up into the street.

The opening was wonderfully handled by Michael Adams, Chairman of the Environics Group and he took us through a journey on the evolution of Multiculturism in Canada. After 20 minutes, the panellists were introduced. Bobby Sahni (Rogers), Camon Mak (RBC), Gautam Nath (Monsoon Communications), Kamal Baig, (Rubicon Foods) and Robin Brown (Environics Research Group). The discussion was moderated by Roxanne Tsui (Sensu Communications). Each one discussed their experiences with multicultural marketing, the success factors, the challenges and also touched upon some misconceptions that companies may carry. Then the discussion was rounded off with a vision about the future of multicultural marketing in Canada.

With over one hundred participants, it was truly a grand moment for all who were associated. The President of AMA, Craig Lund, then formally announced that multicultural marketing was here to stay with AMA and that Roxanne and I were appointed as co chairs for this initiative. Truly a winning moment in my life and proof of how dedication and hard work always pays off. This goes to show how volunteering in Canada can showcase your skills and helps you get recognized.

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Born of Czech and South Asian lineage, Gautam Nath now lives in Toronto. He is a partner with Monsoon Communications and serves on several Boards and Committees in the city. Gautam is also one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2011.