Career and Job Search Help Blog

What should you do Next? Join us for our Generation Next Series!

This year, the library is having our 2^nd annual Generation Next Series. This is a series of 3 programs is geared to the Millenial Generation (otherwise known as Generation Y, the Global Generation, the "me-first" generation  or the Net Generation) of individuals who have birth dates generally between the late 1970's to the early 2000's and are primarily the children of Baby boomers. This demographic cohort is said to be the most educated and diverse generation in history. They are also said to have a tendency have more entrepreneurial tendencies. However, all are welcome to attend the programs. The information can be pertinent to individuals of all ages. This generation is known for:

• Being technologically savvy, the first generation to experience social media and very innovative
• Having strong beliefs in equal opportunity and being quite ethnically and racially diverse
• Being very confident; they tend to have very high expectations in terms of wages, and ability to affect change in their workplace

The first program Entrepreneurship 101: Tips on Starting Your Own Small Business is tonight:

Join Donovan Dill, entrepreneurship program manager from Youth Employment Services (YES). He will discuss services available to aspiring young entrepreneurs and provide an overview on business planning, obtaining loans, business operations as well as advice on avoiding common mistakes.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013/ Room 1/6:30 - 8:00pm

The next program is How to Hatch Your Career through Networking

Cassandra Jowett, content manager from TalentEgg.ca will share how she hatched her own career through networking while she was a student at Ryerson University, and provide easy-to-use strategies that will help students and grads become better networkers both online and in real life.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013/6:30 - 8:00pm/ Room 2/3

The final program is Secrets of a Successful Technology Startup

Join entrepreneur Mahyar Fotoohi, Chairman & Co-founder of Unified Computer Intelligence Corp., a technology startup that is changing how people interact with the Internet and technology. Mahyar will discuss creating a product that people want, building the right team, and fundraising.

Monday, May, 27, 2013/ 6:30 - 8:00pm/ Auditorium

This demographic has been profiled alot recently. The Huffington Post Canada did an Abacus data poll on 1,004 generation Nexters to get a sense of their different characteristics since all milennials are not the same. They came up with 6 different Millennial Segments . 

1. The Achiever
2. The Pacer
3. The Spark
4. The Stampeder
5. The Simple-Lifer
6. The Firefly

You can take a quiz to figure out which millenial you are.

There was also an interesting  Globe and Mail article The six ways Generation Y will transform the workplace.  Here are a couple of the ways:

• Having more women in leadership roles - the majority of millenials were used to both of their parents working so they have had positive female role models. 
• Have regular, immediate social media feedback - immediate feedback is effective especially in terms of evaluating performance and even rewarding performance publicly.
• Emphasize a performance, result driven work environment - evaluation is based mainly on performance not necessarily presence

So remember to check out our programs. They are all free of charge. If you'd like to register, call us up in the Business department at 416-395-5613. You can also drop in without registering as long as the seats aren't all taken.

Hope to See you There!

 

A New Year - A New Career?

A new year is approaching--is it time for a new career? Have you been thinking about a new job? Or maybe a different aspect of your current job--maybe upgrading and advancing? 

Do you like your current job but feel you can't advance? Look into upgrading your skills and training.

Perhaps there aren't enough opportunities with your present employer. Speak to your boss, your Human Resources department, co-workers, and network with people in similar companies to see what you need to move ahead. You might want to move out on your own, become an entrepreneur and start your own business.

Maybe you want something completely different. If you know what you are looking for--you have always wanted to be a chef, an architect, a designer--research it. What credentials, training, education do you need? What is the job market? Do you want to specialize in a particular aspect--not just a chef but a pastry chef or specializing in Spanish cuisine; a designer of kitchens? If starting your own business, is there a demand or market for your services or products? What is the competition?

How do you know if you will like this new career? Speak to people doing it. Network. Volunteer. Try it out. I worked for some temporary agencies and got experience in banking, accounting, and other types of companies--actual work experience--and found some I enjoyed and others I didn't. You can do the same.

The library has books, databases, and programs that can help you. Check out the Careers & Training area of our Job & Career Help section of our website, as well as the Business & Personal Finance section if thinking of starting your own business.

              

 

       

 

So you want to get into House Flipping? Come and Learn!

Entrepreneurship is booming right now in Ontario, there are all sorts of paths which people choose, including real estate investments. People have been investing into properties in order to make a profit for a very long time. Now people are taking it further and completely overhauling broken homes, renovating them, re-selling them and making a nice profit! There are so many shows about house flipping like Flip That House, Flip This House, Flipping Out, Property Ladder etc. The problem is most of the shows are American and in Canada the rules are a little different. I enjoy watching them and dreaming of flipping a house myself too!

 

Come join us Next Monday for our last program in our Small Business Series From Renos to Riches: The Canadian Real Estate Guide:

Join Ian Szabo, expert house flipper, and author of the only Canadian title in the field of investing in renovations - From Renos to Riches: The Canadian Real Estate Investor's Guide to Practical and Profitable Renovations. He will discuss how to assess the scope of a renovation project and make wise renovation investments for maximum returns. Learn how to attract and keep tenants, improve cash flow, keep maintenance to a minimum, and how to really flip a house!

 

Hope to see you there!

 

 

Need Help Starting your Own Business? Come to a Business Inc. Course Orientation for more info!

 

Starting a business is both an exciting and overwhelming experience. Whether you intend on starting a business within the next six months, or would like to accelerate the growth of an early-stage business, Business Inc. could be just what you need to boost your plans.

There will be 3 locations offering the program, enrolment is limited to 20 participants per location (60 participants total). Applications are available online as well as at the branches where the program is being offered, they are due by Friday, September 28, 2012. The applications will be reviewed for: attendance at the orientation session, opportunity for business growth and a potentially viable business idea.

All branches participating will be having Business Inc. Orientation Sessions about a month prior to the start of the actual program, where you can find out more information. You can register for the Orientation sessions either online, via email (businc@tbdc.com), or telephone (416)-345-9437. I'll provide the links as well as program dates and details below:

North York Central Library Branch - Mondays, October 15 to December 10, 2012. 6:30 - 9:30pm. North York Central Library Online Orientation Registration

Cederbrae Branch - Tuesdays, October 16 to December 11, 2012. 6:30 - 9:30pm. Cederbrae Library Online Orientation Registration

York Woods Branch - Wednesdays, October 17 to December 12, 2012. 6:30 - 9:30pm. York Woods Library Online Orientation Registration

Business Inc. is a 9 week business program offered at Toronto Public Library in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Toronto Business Development Centre which is an independent non profit, non government organization dedicated to nurturing the growth of new and emerging businesses. Upon completion of the program you will receive a Business Seminar Series Certificate of Completion and you'll be eligible to apply for a small business loan ranging from $5,000 - $30,000.

Each week different business modules are covered:

• Week 1 - Taking the leap to entrepreneurship
• Week 2 - Market research for your business
• Week 3 - Resources for researching your business
• Week 4 - Developing a powerful marketing strategy
• Week 5 - Launching your business online
• Week 6 - Creating an operating framework for success
• Week 7 - Building blocks for financial management
• Week 8 - Financing for business growth
• Week 9 - Making your pitch

The program costs $100 + HST per participant ($113), the value of the program is actually $700 - this program is generously supported by the Toronto Public Library Foundation. During the program you will have the opportunity to: prepare/update your business plan, access a business advisor and network with other entrepreneurs.

If Business Inc. isn't what you're looking for don't forget this October is Small Business Month at Toronto Public Library. There are free small business programs happening at libraries all across Toronto in the fall.

Start Your Own Pleasure Craft/Yachting Business

 

By Ra

(Taken from Yachting, Gallery Maritimo 50SC)

If you are gazing at this picture, the thought of operating your own yachting business is perhaps something you have considered in the past. What is stopping you from setting up your own yachting business?

The whole point about starting your own yachting business is not that you will be chasing the almighty dollar; but, that you might enjoy the life that you have always wanted.

Your business could be either transporting or storing the pleasure craft, be it a sailboat, yacht or powerboat.

If the pleasure craft (boat) is being purchased outside of Canada, Transport Canada has a set of guidelines on Buying a Pleasure Craft from Another Country.

 

Personnel Training, Examination and Certification

Browse through the links below to learn more about:

• Marine courses, training and schools for seafarers: Transport Canada develops and enforces regulations related to training, testing and certifying marine personnel, including seafarers, ship security officers and pleasure craft operators, to ensure the safe operation of all marine vessels in Canada.
• Canadian Yachting Association is Canada's principal pleasure boating organization, offering training programs and assistance with regattas, finding or starting clubs, news and much more.
• A Canadian Yachting Association Certified Pleasure Craft Operator Card Instructor has the best training to teach you all you will need to know about how to pass Transport Canada's test.

 

Books

For books, consult our catalogue using following subject headings.

•  Marine engineering--Vocational guidance.
• Marine engineers--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
• Marine engines--Maintenance and repair--Vocational guidance--Ontario.
• Mechanics (Persons)--Training of--Ontario.

 

Periodicals

Periodicals on yachting are kept at the Toronto Reference Library, Humanities and Social Sciences Department, 2^nd floor. 

• Yachting   Become a member of the magazines blog.
• Canadian Yachting

 

Happy Sailing!

 

Market Research & Launching Your Business Online

 

Being a small business owner can be tough these days. Often one of the hardest parts about opening a small business is conducting market research. Market research should always be done both prior to opening a business and while your business is running to stay abreast with current industry trends. Some of the questions people may ask themselves before opening a small business are:

• How feasible is your business idea?
• How do you know what your customers want?
• Who will your customers be, how do you get them to remain loyal?
• How much risk is involved?

You are basically trying to predict the future - which is not an easy task. Sometimes it is hard to know where to start. Some companies pay thousands of dollars to conduct market research. However, you can do your own research - at the library of course!

                                     http://tomfishburne.com/2009/01/glass-half-full.html

You are basically trying to predict the future - which is not an easy task. Sometimes it is hard to know where to start. Some companies pay thousands of dollars to conduct market research. However, you can do your own research - at the library of course!

On Tuesday June 26 from 6:30 - 8:30 the Business department at North York Central Library is hosting a seminar Small Business Success: Market Research & Launching Your Business Online . We'll teach you how to use some of our databases and other online/library resources to conduct effective market research. You can call the Business Department at 416-395-5613. Hope to see you there!

 

So You Want to Open Your Own Restaurant? Do Your Research First!

Have you always dreamed of opening up your own restaurant but don't really know where to start?  You are definitely not alone. Expect to never have a dull moment if this is your dream - there are new and exciting challenges you'll face. The future does look bright for this industry, however a tough reality is that many (not all though!) restaurants fail within the first year - mostly due to lack of business planning. One of the most important steps of your planning is creating a business plan. There are many online resources which can help you with business plans. A restaurant entrepreneur needs to do a great deal of business research whether its a cafe, deli or Indian buffet.

The Canadian restaurant and food service industry makes a tremendous contribution to our economy. According to research from the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CFRA) the Canadian restaurant industry employs more than one million people and generates $60 billion in annual sales - accounting for 4% of the Canadian economy and apparently dining out is one of the top three tourist activities in Canada. To my surprise 64% of restaurants in Canada are independent, and 36% are chains (CFRA) - which is reassuring if you'd like to open up your own small restaurant.

I was reading an article about how to start a restaurant from entrepreneur.com which gave an interesting marketing perspective. Many entrepreneurs may strive to please 100% customers which is an unrealistic expectation - it is more feasible to focus on smaller target markets who all have different needs. Age is an easy example - you could focus on groups such as: Baby boomers, Generation X/Y, Traditionalists, etc.

For some inspiration join us next Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at North York Central Library, the Business department is hosting a program called Harlem Underground: Secrets of A Successful Urban Eatery.  Join speaker Carl Cassell, owner of the Harlem Underground, which has 2 locations in Toronto as he discusses his experiences starting and running a restaurant chain.

Also, come visit the library for some books on starting up your own restaurant :

                      

 

Thanks for reading, please feel free to share any comments!

 

 

 

Some Doomed Industries

Elevator operators, copy boys, pinsetters (aka pingirls, pinboys), switchboard operators, typists in a typing pool - all these jobs have fallen by the wayside - made obsolete by technology! I found an interesting online article about other jobs that are doomed or at least expected to experience a decline. If you're considering a career change/opening a small business in any of these following, think twice.

Newspaper publishing: have you noticed that your daily newspaper is getting pretty skinny lately? How about those phone calls from your dailies, encouraging you to subscribe to the print version? Mobile and Internet versions are proving to be the death knell of the printed newspaper. In the past decade, newspapers have suffered a 36% decline in revenue. and in the next 5 years, another 20% drop is expected.

Apparel Manufacturing: When was the last time you found/purchased an article of clothing that WASN'T made in China? Although there is some manufacturing at the domestic level, it's slim pickin's. Labour overseas is cheap, and consumers expectation of low prices isn't helping at all. Decline in revenue in the last decade - a whopping 77%! In 5 years, another 12% drop.

Video Rental: I haven't rented a video in 15 years! I either bought or borrowed the dvd or ordered it on my tv or the Internet through free streaming sites. Decline in the last decade - 34% and another 20% in the next 5 years.

Photo Finishing: Remember when you had to take your rolls of film to be "developed?" Now you don't have to do that, thanks to digital cameras - SLRs and point 'n shoots! Decline in revenue in the last decade - are you ready - 70% and in the next 5 years, it'll be 40%.

Some books on career changes:

 

 

Directories? How can they help me find a job?

Directories? How can they help me find a job? Aren't they just lists of companies, corporations, associations and things like that? Well, yes, but that is what you need when looking for a job. If you want a job in the hotel industry or engineering or construction, it helps to know something about the company or organization.

For an active job search, you can't just rely on posted job ads, want ads, job banks, or placement agencies, especially to get a job in something you like. With a directory you can see how large or small a company is, find names of people to contact, website and mailing addresses, phone  and fax numbers, all the information you need to contact them directly.

Many company's with available positions post them on their own websites. You can often see if there are opportunities for advancement, which may help you decide, "Is this a place I would like to work?" Even if there are no postings listed, you can send in a resume, targetting your skills to fit the company's needs. You can impress them with your knowledge and interest in the company with your cover letter, mentioning information about that particular company. They may not need someone at the moment, but if impressed, may contact you or keep you in mind for the future. For all you know, "Janice" or "Charlie" may resign the next day or a week later and there is your resume, at the right place at the right time!

Directories can offer you leads and openings to some of the "hidden" job markets, as well as to greater information about a company that may just give you the "edge" with your resume, cover letter, and especially for your interview. When you see a job ad or a placement agency is sending you for an interview, use the directory to learn something about the company or organization.

Some directories are available online through the library's website, some from your home with your library card,  and some only at either of the research branches, North York Central Library and Toronto Reference Library. Many are available in print form and are listed in the library's catalogue. Two of the most popular are Scott's and Associations Canada, but, SURPRISE!, just as with jobs, there are those "hidden" directories.

Many magazines publish an issue each year which includes a directory or buyer's guide. These are often not listed in the library's catalogue but you can come to the North York Central Library's Business Department on the 4th floor. One of our librarians keeps an "eagle eye" out for these. She pulls them out and adds them to a list of titles and subjects in a binder in our Directory area, making it easy for you to find that SPECIAL directory. It may have something to do specifically with the automotive industry, the food industry, real estate. Here are some examples on topics dear to my heart. Come to the library find some on topics that appeal to you.

Starting Your Business - Workshop and Demo at New Toronto Branch

Here is your opportunity to see a demonstration of how to register your business online using ServiceOntario.ca. Join speakers from the Toronto Business Development Centre and JobStart to learn about starting your business. 

Date: Friday, March 5, 2010

Time: 1:30-4pm

Location: New Toronto Branch, Toronto Public Library
110 Eleventh Street, Toronto, ON M8V 3G5
416-394-5350

Resource information, demos, refreshments!