Do you want to see something really scary?

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

This is a sister list to SoCal Networking Event Organizations and focuses on any other Job Search or Business Networking opportunities. Please let me know if know of others to add, or if you have any feedback.

Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events Directories:
See my details, descriptions and commentary on SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

• www.weddles.com/associations A nation-wide directory, categorized by industry/job.
• networkingeventfinders.com A nation-wide directory, broken down by state then region. View as listing or calendar. Includes specific events.
• meetingsandmixers.com/events/calendar/index.php (manually select Los Angeles, Orange Country, San Diego, or the region you're interested in) includes many chamber of commerce meetings, and business networking organizations like BNI, Le Tip, TEAM, etc.
• la.garysguide.org/events Business events in LA (and across the World)

Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding, and Events:
Most of these sites allow the posting of a profile (resume-like), contact info, company info, and allows you to establish "connections". Some have some additional features: internal email system, "status" updates & feeds, groups, discussions, recommendations, blogging or blog feeds, jobs, and 3rd party extensions that extend functionality. Most have premium services and features. Since many offer a similar feature set, you'll have to decide where to focus your attention.

• linkedin.com and events: events.linkedin.com: The premier professional site, using self reported info, and is very "social". See also my article How do you get to 500+ LinkedIn connections? (Without being a LION?)
• www.naymz.com: very similar to LinkedIn. Looks promising but I haven't tried it yet. Can't find a specific events link.
• xing.com  and events: www.xing.com/events Also very similar to LinkedIn. I created a simple profile and also used it to get into a couple groups, but not for contacts.
• twitter.com You get a username, a brief bio, a single link, connections, and status updates.
• www.zoominfo.com This is a registry of Companies and Contacts. No social aspects, no events.
• www.jigsaw.com: This is a registry of Companies and Contacts, in which getting info costs "points", and where info is submitted by OTHERS to get "points". No social aspects, no events. I'm not a fan.

Outplacement Firms:
These companies are normally hired by your former company for a certain set of service for a certain amount of time. If this isn't a policy of theirs, ASK during your severance/layoff discussions. I've also heard that some employees have successfully convinced their former companies to extend their programs. These are just some of the common ones.

• right.com Right Management
• www.lhh.com/Careertransition/Pages/default.aspx Lee Hecht Harrison
• www.challengergray.com Challenger, Gray, & Christmas, Inc. See my write-up of their LA (and OC) events in the Networking Event Organizations section)

YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups":
Just because you no longer work for them, it doesn't mean they don't have anything to offer. Consider these ideas.

• Some companies offer in-house outplacement, job fairs, and other services
• LinkedIn has many Alumni groups for companies, official or unofficial
• Check Facebook (and other Social Sites, below) for Networks, Group, and Pages also!

More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere:
These are generally more social than business, but you never know. Some of these are SoCal specific, but they may have a broader reach, or at least consider them as ideas for what to look for in your area.

• flavorpill.com/losangeles "Flavorpill is an open network of culturally connected people." See their main site for other regions.
• Getty Center's Saturday Nights (formerly Fridays off the 405) Art performances, a cash bar, and an upscale crowd make these a great night "from fall to spring."
• Yahoo's "Upcoming" Events of all types across the World. Here's Los Angeles County, CA, Orange County, CA, and San Diego County, CA.
• meetup.com every type of (usually repeating) get-together you can imagine, across the world. Search within zip codes or cities, or by distance.
• socializr.com similar to Evite (but public listings) and Meetup. US only. Search by Zip code or in Los Angeles.
• www.toastmasters.org Learn public speaking and presentations (and maybe a thing or two about a thing or two).
• www.ning.com Find a social network (or create your own) for almost anything imaginable. Somewhat similar to Facebook but each network revolves around an interest. Search by keywords.
• groups.yahoo.com find or create a group around an interest, host discussions, file, pictures, etc. Search by keywords or browse categories.
• groups.google.com very similar to Yahoo groups above.
• www.groupsite.com Find a social network (or create your own) for almost anything imaginable. Somewhat similar to Facebook and Ning.
• www.facebook.com of course, search events, or view your friend's events.
• www.eventbrite.com/ hosts general event listings. Search by city or zip.
• InterNations (IN) - "the Network for Expatriates and Global Minds." It's a mostly full-service social network. I've signed up, attended two LA events (see my write-up in the Networking Event Organizations section), and meet more than a few interesting people. Besides Community Ambassador sponsored events, members may post their own. Worth checking out. By invitation (or can request own invitation).
• BlackPlanet "the largest Black community online" also with Professional and Job sections. Also owned by the same parent company is MiGente the "largest Latino-American community online."
• Other International/Multinational social networking sites include Bebo (Europe), Orkut (popular in Brazil & India), Piczo, StudiVZ (German-speaking mostly, but sister sites for other European countries).
• Mashable (The Social Media Guide)'s Events Blog - These are mostly conferences and one-off events, nationally. Or get only those items as an RSS Feed via Yahoo Pipes.
• ASMALLWORLD (ASW) - "international network of people who are connected by three degrees of separation." By limited invitation only. It's a mostly full-service social network. A mix of unique and cross-over events are posted by members; there doesn't seem to be an equivalent to IN's Community organization and events.
• French Tuesdays (FT) offers "contemporary men and women entrée to a network of successful individuals and a world of couture nightlife and entertainment. " Events (with strict attire requirements), discussions, and groups, etc. In about 20 US cities and more around the world. By invitation only; entry "Web Members" can only register for 2 events per year (but can be a guest of others).

Volunteer - Network while doing "good":
Look for a well-run organization, and a position with some responsibility. Find one that matches or complements your career. For myself, I'm reinforcing my DR/BCP skills by volunteering for CERT and Red Cross. And if you really commit, list your dedicated volunteer experience on your resume like a job!

• www.idealist.org
• www.volunteermatch.org
• servenet.org
• volunteerism.meetup.com a special Meetup portal for volunteering, with upwards of 500 groups.
• americorps.gov to matches you: "AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups."
• handsonnetwork.org find opportunities in "more than 250 communities across the country and 11 international locations."

Other - keep your mind open.

• Read your local business journals, such as the Los Angeles Business Journal or San Diego Business Journal or San Ferando Valley Business Jornal to find out abut business events, where the job market is going, who's hiring, and say on top of your target companies' news.
• California EDD (Employment Development Department) Jobs and Training check for networking events and job fairs and training opportunties.
• Find (and Create) Tweetups at: tweetvite.com, twtvite.com, findtweetups.com, and tweetup.meetup.com. Or try a custom Twitter Search such as search.twitter.com/search?q=+tweetup+near:%22Los%20Angeles,%20CA%22+within:25mi (modify it for your particulars).
• happn.in Find Twittered events and topics by locale by following (and taging): twitter.com/happn_in_la, twitter.com/happn_in_oc, and twitter.com/happn_in_sd

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 10/26/09

Weekly updates! Please let me know if know of other items to add, or if you have any feedback on events.

8 New and 2 Updates for SoCal Networking Event Organizations including Neal Schaffer's new book.

1 New and 1 Update for Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

Comments and Updates for SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: NoNameTags
Self-description: "...entrepreneurs, professional service and corporate executives, the tech/media/entertainment/Web 2.0 crowd, the elite international/expatriate set, and the generally amazing..." and "you are welcome to join us if you like hanging out with lawyers, accountants, private equity types, investment bankers, etc."
Review: No name tags, eponymously. Attendees definitely more mature, more professional than many events. Most men in suits, although ties seem entirely optional; and women in business suits, and equivalent. I recently attended my second event and the host, Gordon, is quite affable, as is most of the crowd. Certainly this is a crowd of successful professionals and business owners. Recommended.
Updated 10/24/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Challenger Networking Group (CA)
Review: I was able to attend this week and it was a "small" group of 80, of which a 100+ is common. You pay as you walk in, meet the organizers, get a name tag, fill a plate from the buffet, and then find a seat, family style, with the other networkers. Commence eating and networking. They have a different speaker each week, usually announced a couple weeks prior, starting about 30mins in and speaking for perhaps 45mins. General (standing) networking occurs after that and can linger for a couple hours. "Parking: Free - Dress: Casual. No need to RSVP." I've been previously told the Challenger group has a strong HR slant, although this seems to be historic; everyone is certainly welcome. I'm looking forward to going again.
Updated 10/21/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Small Business Network of Greater Long Beach
Sites: http://www.sbnlongbeach.com/, Small Business Network of Greater Long Beach Facebook page
Self-description: "The mission of the Small Business Network of Greater Long Beach is to provide Services, Education and Resources relevant to the needs of small and micro businesses located in the Greater Long Beach area."
Frequency/Location: Unknown
Cost: Networking Mixers appear to be free, membership in the SBN is not.
Review: None
Added 10/21/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: SocialBling "relationships are luxury"
Sites: http://www.socialbling.com/, www.twitter.com/socialbling, www.facebook.com/pages/Conversation-SocialBling/170566948017, and Press Comments/Releases: AOL money & Finance, CNBC, Yahoo Finance News
Self-description: "You don’t have to understand or invest loads of time networking in social networks anymore - we do the work for you and then make introductions. Our proprietary process of searching online and off allows us to find people based on our members, needs, wants and goals. Our professionally trained hosts facilitate introductions in person at exclusive/private group events. Through our network you will meet incredible new people, find surprising connections with people you already know, receive tips on how to use online networks and engage in the art of conversation. Your information is never shared via online open networks for all to see.
If you have been underwhelmed by any of the following:
* Online Social Networks
* Traditional Networking Events
* Online Dating
Or if you would just like to:
* Have Interesting Conversations
* Meet New People
…You are cordially invited to sign up for SocialBling. We are driven to deliver a better way to find, meet and connect with people. Membership is Complementary, only pay to attend the events that interest you."
Frequency/Location: Unknown / "Events will be hosted in the Los Angeles area for next few months, as we expand further through the state and nation, we will make the announcement. "
Cost: "$25 - $100 depending on what amenities are offered at the events. Note: Most events will be on the lower end of the range."
Review: So, social networking, business networking, and interpersonal networking (dating) perhaps all rolled into one? Judging from the FAQ and other conversations/details about this, it sounds interesting. Like some others, I don't care for the name nor tagline, but who thought that "twitter" would ever be a positive (well, for most)? When you start by filling out the (free) Guest Registry, you're faced with some vague open-ended questions. When I asked the Founder/CEO Stephanie about this, she replied "If the information provided on the short form is not enough for us to go by, we send a second one that is a bit more detailed with suggestions." That wasn't particularly helpful, but I charged ahead and signed up. Once you're invited to an event, and provided with reasons why, the hosts (whom they seem to put a lot of credence in) guide the introductions and event. Oh, and no name tags. Certainly, a strong host (as in MixxedIn, in my list) can make a huge difference, and no name tags can be quite successful (as in NoNameTags, also in my list).
Added 10/24/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Executive Career Services & Neal Schaffer
Sites: See the Events on Neal's LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/nealschaffer
Self-description: "Starting this month I will be partnering with Executive Career Services in Irvine to provide a day of workshops and seminars to the So Cal Sushi and greater Southern California community. These will be based on my recent speaking and consulting engagements that I would like to share." The events include:

• So Cal Sushi Social Media Roundtable
• LinkedIn 101 Workshop
• Social Media 101 for Businesses
• Introduction to Twitter for Professionals and Their Personal Branding

Frequency/Location: Monthly / Executive Career Services
2955 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614
Cost: $25
Review: I've attended and reviewed Neal's SoCal Sushi Networking events in my list, so these look promising. His Windmill Networking book on LinkedIn has also been published which I'm sure is quite good:

Added 10/24/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Largest Mixer
Sites: http://www.largestmixer.com/, facebook.com/group.php?gid=25841081355, twitter.com/largestmixer, linkedin.com/groups?gid=807187
Self-description: "Join local chambers of commerce and business organizations for the ultimate business networking events! Mix and mingle with business people representing hundreds of industries and companies in and around L.A., Orange County, Inland Empire and Las Vegas. The Largest Mixers are a great opportunity to reach small to large companies, meet new clients and learn how the different chambers and business organizations can make your business grow."
Frequency/Location: YEARLY / LA, Orange County, Inland Empire, Las Vegas
Cost: $15-$20
Review: None, but these are over for the year - wait until 2010.
Added 10/24/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: CEOSpace
Sites: http://www.ceospace.biz/, http://www.ceospace.biz/
Self-description: Unknown... see Review
Frequency/Location: Unknown... see Review
Cost: Unknown... see Review
Review: I've seen CEOSpace mentioned a couple times, there's meetup.com groups that seem to include networking. After spending a not insignificant portion of an hour researching it, I'm still not sure what it is and how it works. Try Googling "ceospace club ca" to find local SoCal chapters... and good luck.
Added 10/24/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Convergence Technology Council (CTC)
Sites: thectcnetwork.org
Self-description: "The CTC is dedicated to learning how emerging and converging technologies affect both our corporate and personal enterprises. We meet with technology thought leaders and business executives from vital, growing industries including Unified Communications, Entertainment, On-Line Media, Digital Distribution, Gaming, Social Networking, Medicine, Science, Energy - and many more.

Anyone involved in Technology, Entertainment, Media, Unified Communications, Science, Medicine - or anyone who simply loves VIP Seating at the Forefront of Change!

Membership Profile: At the CTC, we like to keep the 80 / 20 rule in play. That is 80% Practitioners – [CIO's, CEO's, Business Leaders, Aspiring IT Professionals, High Tech Aficionados], i.e. people who need the information to make a difference in their companies; 20% sales professionals, consultants and vendors who support the practitioners. We evaluate each membership application to ensure the integrity of the group. "
Frequency/Location: CTC meetings are held every other month on the third Thursday of the month beginning in January. Meetings are preceded by an optional dinner ($5) at 6:00pm, followed by the meeting at 6:30pm. The meeting location is the beautiful ValleyCrest Companies corporate headquarters located at: 24151 Ventura Boulevard, Calabasas, CA 91302
Cost: Free - excluding optional dinner ($5)
Review: None
Added 10/25/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: American Business Women's Association (ABWA)
Sites: http://www.abwa.org/, facebook.com/group.php?gid=19055708136 IMPACT! Council - Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernadino Counties, Inland Valley Council - Radius of 125 miles of the city of San Bernadino, Los Angeles Area Council - Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura Counties, also local chapters may have their own sites, Facebook presence, and Meetup groups.
Self-description: "ABWA's Mission: To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Unknown
Cost: Unknown
Review: The various SoCal councils each have Local Chapters, each of which has a different schedule, see the LA Area Council Chapter Contacts as an example. There seems to be a related group (or subgroup) called WOW (either Women of Worth, or Women of Wisdom).
Added 10/26/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Business Networking International (BNI)
Sites: http://www.bni.com/, California Chapter links
Self-description: "Our Philosophy: The philosophy of this organization is built upon the idea of Givers Gain(R): By giving business to others, you will get business in return. This is predicated on the age-old idea of "What goes around, comes around."

Our Mission: The mission of BNI is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional "word-of-mouth" program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals. "
Frequency/Location: Unknown
Cost: Unknown
Review: BNI is a worldwide organization, with regional chapters such as Los Angeles and local chapters which such as these within Los Angeles. Like "Le Tip" there's only one representative from any field in any particular chapter.
Added 10/26/09 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

Name: SixFigureStart - Ask SixFigureStart Career Coaching
Frequency/Location: "Every first Friday of the month at 1p ET"
Updated 10/21/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: "Ask the Career Coach" - PeopleThink - Karen Colligan
Sites: http://www.peoplethink.biz/
Self-description: "Join Karen Colligan, as she personally answers your questions about your career, resume, interviewing, job search strategies and more."
Frequency/Location: Weekly (dates shown through Nov 09)
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 10/21/09 by Todd Zebert

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

This week I attended my 3rd USC Marshall Alumni luncheon and they've all been filled with great conversation among accomplished professionals and business owners. Typically six to a dozen attendees.

I also attended my second USC Marshall Alumni LA Business Networking Mixer. These are monthly, have two or three dozen attendees, have a wider range of tenured professionals - from recent grads and up, and do have a few more job seekers than the Luncheons.

Why aren't making use of these events? Not a Trojan Alum? Ask your colleagues - most of these events are open to guests.

Or engage with your school's Alumni association.

Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics & Risk Management

Past willful risky behavior, and then outright foolishness, we have Risk Mismanagement. We’ve all head the quote “Lies, damned lies, and statistics” (author unknown) with its intention that statistics can be used to lie persuasively or lend credence to otherwise suspect arguments. With Risk Management we’ve layered Management on top of statistics - this is where things can really go wrong and provide a false sense of security. Individuals and organizations all have not only a tolerance for risk, but also seemingly a tolerance for risk management itself. This later tolerance biases our Management, limiting its effective application.

This article uses examples primarily from IT Operational and Project Risk Management but is broadly applicable. It deals primarily with the organizational behavioral failures around Risk Management.

The Common Mismethodology
While there are plenty of Risk Management Methodologies, this one will suffice. It’s presented in reverse order as that is how many organizations mishandle it – so my Evil Twin will be narrating some of the situations that occur in this way.

6. Implementation of Treatments
5. Prioritization of Treatments
4. Identification of Risk Treatments
3. Determine Risk associated with Threats
2. Assessment of Threats
1. Identification of Threats

6. Implementation of Treatments
Our budget is $85,000 so let’s spend it. How can we treat some of our threats? Actually, we don’t know what treatments would be most effective, but we’ve got to do something. We’ll add an extra signature here, a process there, a database of information here, remove some rights there, and hey I read about this in an industry magazine so let’s do this other thing.

Unfortunately, we’re having trouble getting buy-in from our Development Managers! Seems Risk Management and Accountability are not in their yearly goals and objectives – only functional point delivery and cost containment are. Anyway, those Development guys just throw the product over the wall to the Operations department, and then they have to deal with the operational bugs and data integrity issues.

I feel safer.

5. Prioritization of Treatments
Let’s get something going here even though we haven’t completely tied Risks to Treatments. Look, “Treatment C” should be easy – let’s start with that. How are we going to do “Treatment A”? Could be expensive, let’s table that. Here’s another good idea, “Treatment 1”, it’s not on the list, but how could it not help? CXO Mr. David has talked to me about “Treatment D” – seems his staff would have to change how they are doing things, so let mark that as hold and I’ll circle back with him, um, soon … ish.

4. Identification of Risk Treatments
Treat first, ask questions later:

• “Risk Transfer”, I like the ring of that! If it’s outside my department and budget, it doesn’t exist, and free!
• “Risk Retention” I can live with that, but let’s not really tell anyone. It’s better if they think we’re covered. And it’s free!
• “Risk Mitigation” of our server hangs and faults? Reboot! It’s fast and will keep our metrics high. The root-cause analysis will have to wait until it fails in non-production hours, or Saturday evenings between 11:45pm and Midnight.
• “Risk Avoidance.” Well, it’s not like we can’t do this project, nor change the budget or timeline. "Um, Yeah... I'm gonna need you to come in on Saturday* [and get those functional points done, but don’t worry about checking for buffer overflow, it’ll be fine]”

3. Determine Risk associated with Threats
I didn’t have time to go through the prior years change control logs, organization assets, or lessons learned document, but I talked over likelihood of occurrence with the team.

Look at this nice chart – it’s ordered and orderly: the threat, the rate of occurrence, the impact, and the risk value and description. Very comforting despite the false precision. It’s math. How can you argue with math? Put it in a PowerPoint and it’s Gold.

2. Assessment of Threats
Fire! Now what happens? Probably, we’re all on our way to being fired. Time to CYA. Along the way, let’s limit to one each resulting problem from any one source issue. Let’s recount “war stories” and see if we find the correlative cause post-hoc. How does one measure “we’re out of business”? Doesn’t matter, we’re going to toss out the outliers anyway.

Time to quantify the qualitative.

1. Identification of Threats
Look at this Risk Management process! How much is this going to cost me? Can you just go take care of it while WE do something useful like getting the project done?

After extensive analysis of sources and problems, running various scenarios and checking best practices, we’ve identified the root risks: 1) We started this project, and 2) We’ve chartered an unyielding Project Triangle.

Not Doing the Wrong Thing
In Part II I’ll flip this around and look at what can be done.

* Quoting “Office Space”, as if that needed any introduction.

SoCal Networking Event Organizations - Weekly Updates 10/19/09

Weekly updates to the main SoCal Networking Event Organizations list. Please let me know if know of other organizations to add, or if you have any feedback on events.

Name: GroundUP Business Group
Sites: http://www.meetup.com/GroundUP-Business-Group/, www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2294960, www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=166092799697
Self-description: "This group is for individuals who are considering starting a business and have two questions in mind “Is it for me?” and “How I can find out?”. And, for small business owners who are looking for ways to improve their businesses.

GoundUP has 3 main goals:
1. Spread practical advice to individuals thinking about business startup.
2. Have business development guidance for entrepreneurs & small business owners.
3. Allow members to network and benefit from each other's expertise and encourage referrals between members. "
Frequency: Monthly
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 10/9/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: OPEN/Ventura Highway Mixer
Sites: finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/VenturaHighwayGroup
Self-description: "Open mixer for members, alumni recruiters and hiring managers. Feel free to bring a friend!"
Frequency: "every month on the second Thursday." Marriott Courtyard, 191 E. Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 10/9/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Allegiance - VOC Networking Luncheon
Sites: http://www.allegiance.com/
Self-description: "Limiting Participation. The concern we all had was to keep this from turning into “one of those events” where every consultant, insurance agent and attorney pounces on you with their business card. To this end, only Voice of the Customer practitioners at end-user companies are invited to join us – all due respects to everyone from other disciplines."
Frequency: Unknown
Cost: Free
Review: "invitation only, Peer-to-Peer Luncheon for VOC Executives." I've had someone write me about trying to get into this networking event who found her RSVP rejection letter "shocking".
Added 10/9/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: CloudCamp
Sites: http://www.cloudcamp.com/, groups.google.com/group/cloudcamp, www.linkedin.com/e/gis/122638/0D9CD04B30B4, www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10128776220, twitter.com/cloudcamp, twitter #cloudcamp, friendfeed.com/cloudcamp
Self-description: "an unconference where early adapters of Cloud Computing technologies exchange ideas. With the rapid change occurring in the industry, we need a place we can meet to share our experiences, challenges and solutions. At CloudCamp, you are encouraged you to share your thoughts in several open discussions, as we strive for the advancement of Cloud Computing. End users, IT professionals and vendors are all encouraged to participate."
Frequency: Various times across the U.S. (and internationally)
Cost: Free?
Review: While not exactly a networking group, anytime you can get together with your peers you're networking, right? The LA event has passed - not sure if there will be returning, but perhaps elsewhere in SoCal.
Added 10/10/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Murrieta For You/NAFE Network
Sites: http://www.4younetwork.org/
Self-description: "For You Network™ is a business network for women business owners in Southern California. There are 19 women business networking groups, called Local Connections, in the San Diego, Riverside, Orange County and Los Angeles area for you to promote your business in a professional, but relaxed athmosphere. We are a women's business networking organization affiliated with the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE)." "The meeting consists of Networking and a dynamic speaker."
Frequency/Location: Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 11:30 to 2:00, at Carrows on Madison Ave in Murrieta, CA
Cost: "Cost is $15.00 meeting Fee members $20.00 meeting Fee guests and then the individuals are responsible to order their own lunch and pay the restaurant direct." To RSVP contact Robbie Motter, Director at 888-244-4420 or email rmotter@aol.com.
Review: "Their mission is to help women grow both personally and professionally"
Added 10/13/09 by Todd Zebert as told by Robbie Motter (who runs this event)

Name: South Orange County For You/NAFE Network
Sites: http://www.4younetwork.org/
Self-description: "For You Network™ is a business network for women business owners in Southern California. There are 19 women business networking groups, called Local Connections, in the San Diego, Riverside, Orange County and Los Angeles area for you to promote your business in a professional, but relaxed athmosphere. We are a women's business networking organization affiliated with the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE)." "The meeting consists of Networking and a dynamic speaker."
Frequency/Location: 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm, at Sarducci's Depot Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Cost: "Cost is $15.00 meeting fee members $20.00 guests, and then attendees order dinner from the menu and pay for their own dinner direct to restaurant." To RSVP contact Robbie Motter, Director at 888-244-4420 or email rmotter@aol.com.
Review: "Their mission is to help women grow both personally and professionally"
Added 10/13/09 by Todd Zebert as told by Robbie Motter (who runs this event)

Name: Tech Brew in San Luis Obispo
Sites: http://www.sbtechnology.com/slotechbrew/
Self-description: "Santa Barbara's best networking event for technology professionals finds a regular home in San Luis Obispo.
Keep up on what's new on the Central Coast. "
Frequency/Location: Second Monday of every month, 5:00pm - 7:30pm, Mother's Tavern, 725 Higuera St. Downtown SLO, CA
Cost: Free?
Review: None
Added 10/13/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: iLearning Lab
Sites: http://www.ilearninglab.com/
Self-description: "To provide access to exclusive Personal and Business Skill Development content previously available and affordable to only Fortune 500 Companies.
Free Education-Based Networking Events are hosted worldwide. These unique events showcase the exclusive content granted to us by some of the world's best known Speakers, Authors, and Trainers.
Our Competitive Advantage is that "on the same stage" we also showcase the talents of local, trusted advisors who know their community's needs best."
Frequency/Location: Every week or two. 16940 Von Karman Avenue - Second Floor, Irvine, CA 92606
Cost: Free
Review: Note that their website is being revised, but the calendar and RSVP system is working. These aren't just networking events, but 4Q09 events also include "Social Media Mania: How Not To Go Crazy From The Hype" and "Human Resources: Should a Small Business Owner Care?"
Added 10/19/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: SoBayJSWT - Elle Oliver
Sites: *by referral*
Self-description: "We use [a format] which has been so effective for individuals in job search to help them structure their search project, establish their priorities, stay focused on their goals and support them through the process. We ask that participants be prepared to share copies of their resumes (and marketing plans if they have one), use their positioning statement to introduce themselves and tell the group of the highlights of their search and where they can use support. Everyone is also asked to share their goals and commitments for the upcoming week.

Participants are asked to arrive on time, be prepared to share their own stories as well as leads and contacts so that all participants have time to contribute and be supported during the 2-hour meeting. Therefore, although the group is not limited, it is not conducted in a large networking format but rather as an ongoing support team. We are not focusing on increasing our numbers but rather on creating value for the participants. After a person attends a meeting, we invite them to our Yahoo! group where they can post their resumes, post and access leads and recruiter lists, etc. We use this means to invite each person to our meetings on an ongoing basis and obtain their RSVPs. "
Frequency/Location: Weekly. El Segundo, CA
Cost: Free
Review: I attended last Friday and Elle (previously a Director of Professional Services and Career Coach at Lee Hecht Harrison) is a great facilatator. This is not your standard big-bunch-of-people networking event - it's job search coaching, and sharing. Recommended.
Added 10/19/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Linked !n Long Beach
Sites: www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2018826,
Self-description: "You are invited to join a new distinct group for LinkedIn professionals who are either located or have business connections in Long Beach, California and the surrounding cities. Long Beach, CA is centrally located between Los Angeles and Orange County, two of the largest economies in the world (Air Force One even landed here), and is home to thousands of businesses and individuals who are your potential contacts. The primary mission of this group is to help "Linked !n Long Beach" members network, learn, grow, connect and build a professional online business network."
Frequency/Location: First meeting: Kavikas Grill & Bar
95 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Free
Review: I'm going to try and make this.
Added 10/19/09 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

This is a sister list to SoCal Networking Event Organizations and focuses on Networking and Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts. Please let me know if know of others to add, or if you have any feedback.

Check your Alma Mater's website - I know USC has a number of job search webinars and teleconferences they are offering on a monthly basis. And if you find one that isn't at your school, check if they have an open policy, or if it isn't obvious, ask them - the worst they can say is no.

Name: Omnikron - Competing for Your Future - Robin Borough
Sites: www.your-career-now.com, omnikron.typepad.com/careers/links.html, twitter.com/robinborough

Self-description: "Career management has gotten so complex - The new job landscape can seem disheartening.

Don't worry, we've got answers - Solutions that Can Turn Things Around Quickly!

Session 1: Build Your Audience & Prospecting Plan
Session 2: Winning Resume(s) & Compelling Sound-bytes
Session 3: Interview Finesse – Real Students

FREE TOOLS: Career Map, Career Plan, Career Blueprint

Things You'll Master by Attending this Career Management Series:
• Using the Internet for Success – Turning the Abyss into Your Best Research Friend
• Know the RIGHT way to create a great resume, every time
• Brilliant Job Search Strategies that outpace your competition
• Optimize Social Networks
• Find Hot Job Skills and Hot Job Markets
• Master Interview Brilliance"
Frequency: Should be repeating monthly or so.
Cost: Free
Review: This was an excellent 3-part webinar, recommended. Robin and her team covered a lot of ground, had great visual material, and provided free tools. They also had Q&A during the presentation, and if they didn't get to a question, they answered it via email afterwards.
Updated 1/28/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Link System - Free Fridays Networking Tips
Sites: thelinksystem.com/2009/10/10/free-fridays-networking-tips
Self-description: "THE LINK SYSTEM® is a four step curriculum that teaches how to pre-qualify and leverage a new contact into a lucrative business alliance. We call those relationships “Links”….“Links to Success”. A well-cultivated Link can open doors to prospects and opportunities far beyond that of a single client. From picking the event, qualifying the Link Prospect, to structuring the Link Relationship, The Link System® guides the student through the relationship-building process."
Frequency/Location: "You never have to pre register…just call this number every Friday morning" 8:30PT / Dial-in:(712) 432-1630 Access Code: 420322#
Cost: Free
Review: I attended at the beginning of Nov and it seems to have limited attendence (about 2 or 3) which isn't really a problem for a teleconference. Mindy spoke about general networking tips ("Don't bring resumes to business networkig events" which I agree with completely), venues for networking, and about her forthcoming book. There was plenty of time for questions.
Updated 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Job Search Guy - Free Resume Writing Teleseminars
Sites: http://www.jobsearchguy.com/store/programs/teleseminars/resume-writing/, twitter.com/Joeturner2
Self-description: "Workshop Highlights:

* Learn the three major obstacles your resume must overcome and how to deal with each one…
* Discover the most important question most resumes don’t answer and how you should address this in yours…
* Most successful corporations and products have a brand. Find out why you need one too, and how it will help move your resume to the top of the “to call” list…
* Discover how to avoid screenouts, those little hidden messages you’re putting on your resume that shout REJECTION!"
Frequency/Location: Monthly on some Thursday - check site / 1:30 PM Pacific time, 4:30 PM Eastern.
Cost: Free
Review: These are pretty good. I've listened to two of them. He's heavy on "branding". Expect a sales pitch and in follow-up emails.
Added 10/28/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Job Search Guy - “10 Tips for Job Seekers over 50″
Sites: http://www.jobsearchguy.com/store/programs/teleseminars/job-seekers-over-50/, twitter.com/Joeturner2
Self-description: "As the Job Search Guy™, I’ll share 10 specific tips that can help older* workers score a job faster in this tight economy.

* Any worker over the age of 50. That includes me.

Here’s Why You Need This Free Teleseminar:

*Over this past year, the economy has collapsed to create the greatest recession we’ve had since the thirties.
* Technology has exploded in this industry making most everything you know about job search either outdated or obsolete.
* As if that isn’t enough, almost every hiring manager you encounter will be younger that you are – sometimes MUCH younger. Age bias is real and you need to learn how you can counteract it.
* How will you win a job in spite of these challenges?"
Frequency/Location: Monthly on some Tuesday - check site / 1:00 PM Pacific (4:00 PM Eastern)
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 10/28/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Job Search Guy - Radio Shows and Podcasts
Sites: http://www.jobsearchguy.com/radio/
Self-description:, http://www.jobsearchguy.com/podcasts/, twitter.com/Joeturner2
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 10/28/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: "Ask the Career Coach" - PeopleThink - Karen Colligan
Sites: http://www.peoplethink.biz/
Self-description: "Join Karen Colligan, as she personally answers your questions about your career, resume, interviewing, job search strategies and more."
Frequency/Location: Weekly (dates shown through Nov 09)
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 10/21/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Be Your Own Headhunter / Paul DeBettignies
Sites: mnheadhunter.com/, linkedin.com/groups?gid=1812693
Self-description: "For those not familiar with me and are wondering if a session(s) would be a good use of your time I am an IT Recruiter with 11 years if experience and have been speaking to groups of all ages and skill sets in groups of 20-200 and now online for 7 years."
Frequency: Usually weekly
Cost: Free
Review: I've taken his three 1hr+ seminars "Job Search Toolkit - Be Your Own Headhunter", "LinkedIn A to Z - Use LinkedIn Like A Headhunter", and "Using Social Media For Networking, Lead Generation And Job Search", and they are great.  He's personable and takes questions at the end.
Added 9/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Social Media Webinar Hosted by Sean Malarkey & Lewis Howes
Sites: lewishowes.com/, linkedin.com/groups?gid=138352, twitter.com/Lewishowes, twitter.com/SEANMALARKEY
Self-description: "Learn MORE of our top secrets with Twitter & LinkedIn. WE will be pulling back the curtains on our top strategies and methods on how to best use these Twitter & LinkedIn for Success. Straight content - no hype or fluff! What you'll learn on the webinar:
* Why You Should be Using Social Media
* What is Social Media and why is it so hot?
* What is Twitter and why you should be using it
* What is LinkedIn and why you should be using it.
* Exactly How you should be Using Twitter & LinkedIn
* How to Build Followers & Connections fast
* How to Broadcast Video and Pictures on Twitter & LinkedIn
* How to build value & trust with your followers on Twitter & LinkedIn
* How to Integrate Twitter & LinkedIn to efforts you are already doing.
* How to use Twitter & LinkedIn conjunction with other social networks
* How to integrate Twitter & LinkedIn with your website and blog "
Frequency: Monthly, varies
Cost: Free
Review: I've attended a couple of these and there's always great info and inspiration, granted some is overly enthusiastic and there's a sales pitch at the end.
Added 9/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Get To The RIGHT Decision Makers / answerQUEST
Sites: answerquest.net  , answerquest.webex.com/mw0306l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=answerquest
Self-description: "Rebecca Bamman, the VP of Career Management at answerQUEST, and formally the #1 Ranked Recruiter in her industry for the last three years will be hosting this exciting webinar. Rebecca has also been ranked in the "Top 10 Recruiters in the Southeast" for the past 4 years and has surpassed $1M in career placement fees. She is a certified and successful Career Coach who has helped 1000's of individuals think like a recruiter, develop a strategic job search plan and land positions they LOVE!"
Frequency: Varies
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 9/15/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Connections Show by Stan Relihan (Podcast)
Sites: connections.thepodcastnetwork.com
Self-description: "Stan Relihan is an intelligent and passionate LinkedIn user who tells it like it is. Being both a recruiter and one of the most connected users in the World (definitely #1 in his native Australia), he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table with his podcast series. Maybe it’s the Australian accent, but he gives us all a fresh persepctive on LinkedIn and networking in general through his series of 30+ 15-minute long podcasts, which are still being updated regularly. Each podcast is actually an interview with behind-the-scenes top networkers, authors, business people, et. al., and the conversation is usually (but not always) LinkedIn-centric. A great listen during your commute."
Frequency: Recurring
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 9/18/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Layoff Bounce Back - Sharon Rich
Sites: layoffbounceback.com, leadershipincorporated.wordpress.com, twitter.com/sharonrich
Self-description: "unemployed? join Sharon Rich, ACC, CPBA, the Transition Specialist, for a FREE 90-Minute Teleseminar - bouncing back after being laid off.
How do you bounce back quickly after getting fired? The difference between those who find work and rebuild their lives quickly after being downsized— and those who don't— comes down to 5 things:
1) Know your strengths and your weaknesses
Learning how to make the most of what you've got going for you.
2) Define and expand your direction. Know where you're heading. What are you looking for? What are you willing to do?
3) Get organized. Plan your job search—and follow it.
4) Get support. You don't have to do this alone. Find resources and use them!
5) Get into action. Now."
Frequency: "the first monday of every month, 9am sharp (PST) as long as the massive layoffs continue"
Cost: Free "(REGISTER BELOW TO RECEIVE DIAL-IN INFO)"
Review: I attended one of these in early September and I found it to be helpful in developing a positive "can-do" attitude and also with "realizing the possibilities." Unlike many other very specific action-based seminars, this one is mostly about attitude.
Updated 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: SixFigureStart - Ask SixFigureStart Career Coaching
Sites: sixfigurestart.wordpress.com
Self-description: "Ask your questions about job search or career and hear candid feedback from former Fortune 500 recruiters

Here are some of the questions we’ve answered in previous workshops:

* I am losing jobs after getting to the final round interviews. What could be wrong?
* I am not comfortable with networking. How do I get started?
* I don’t want to show my hand right away. How do I respond when a job posting asks for salary?
* I am still working so conducting my job search part-time. How do I best manage my time?
* I am miserable in my new job after less than six months. How can I leave without damaging future prospects?
* I hear a lot about using online networks. How do I best use LinkedIn to leverage my job search?"
Frequency/Location: "Every first Friday of the month at 1p ET"
Cost: Free
Review: They also offer reasonably priced ($27) Virtual Workshops on a variety of topics, multiple times a month.
Added 10/10/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Reach Personal Branding Interview Series
Sites: reachpersonalbranding.com/resources/interview/
Self-description: "Personal branding is a revolution in the way you manage your career or business. Your personal brand is what is authentic to you, differentiating from your peers and relevant and compelling to those who are making decisions about you. In a phrase, it’s your unique promise of value.

Personal Branding is…
…the process of unearthing your unique promise of value and demonstrating that value in everything you do. It’s about consistently being your best self so you achieve your goals while adding tremendous value to your team, organization and company.

Personal Branding is not…
…about creating a false image for the outside world or being self-centered or self indulgent. It’s about being your authentic self and delivering value to those around you.

The Reach 1-2-3 Success!™ personal branding process was developed by William Arruda and has been proven with thousands of executives and entrepreneurs around the world. Comprised of three steps, Extract, Express and Exude, it’s a structured methodology for building, communicating and nurturing your personal brand."
Frequency: Monthly
Cost: Free. They have 150 lines per call, and most/all are available as recordings afterward.
Review: I've listened to a number of these interviews and usually they are quite good. Some have downloadable handouts. Also check out their Online ID Calculator "Are you Digitally Disguised? Digitally Distinct?"
Added 10/13/09 by Todd Zebert

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

This is a sister list to SoCal Networking Event Organizations and focuses on the Networking events and resources of SoCal Educational Institutions (primarily Colleges & Universities). Please let me know if know of other organizations to add, or if you have any feedback.

As I receive information about others, I'll post them, but here's some general tips to help you get started:

• If you don't already know the website of your college, you should be able to Google it, or if that fails, try the Wikipedia article on California Colleges and Universities.
• Look for the Alumni link for the institution, AND the "school" (Medicine, Business, etc.) may have it's own Alumni association/department.
• You may have to sign-up to join the Alumni Association.
• Get on the mailing list(s).
• Check if they have an online events calendar for networking or other events.
• Certain large schools may have separate websites for large regional Alumni associations.
• Determine if they have a Facebook Group or Fan Page (also try directly in Facebook using the Search box in the upper right).  It may have additional information and events.  You can also "network" using the discussion on those pages.
• Determine if they have a LinkedIn Group (also try directly in LinkedIn using the Search box in the upper right, drop-down to select "Search Groups"). It may have additional information and events. You can also "network" using the discussion in that group.
• Check if they offer job services such as: job fairs, career counseling, resume review, etc.
• Check if they have webinars, teleconferences, or podcasts on career related subjects.
• Post your resume and search for jobs within their commonly exclusive systems.
• Consider Volunteer opportunities - give back AND network. Win win.
• Even though you away from your school, if you live in greater Los Angeles or any other large metropolitan area, your school may have an alumni group here. Check your school's alumni site for those "remote" alumni groups. Or, start one!

Have you checked out Classmates? (Re-)Connect with your K-12 and College classmates. A word of warning though, others and myself find they have bad customer service (email "spam", customer service, etc.)

The University of Southern California's Alumni Association (my Alma Mater)
The USC Alumni Association is on Facebook, LinkedIn and offers various types of events, Career Assistance, podcasts with career and industry information.

To unlock all the services, register with Fight On!Line.

There are eight local clubs in SoCal (also throughout the US and internationally). You can sign up for updates from each club, and many have Facebook or web sites. Most of them run recurring mixers.

Some of the school have their own Alumni group, like Marshall School of Business Alumni, also on LinkedIn and Facebook Group and a Facebook Fan Page, which has it's own events calendar and various capters, including Los Angeles,  Orange County, and San Diego. There's also the Marshall Alumni System with "Alumni Directory, Discussion Forum, Job Board, and MarshallMail Lifelong Email Forwarding"

The SoCal Chapters have Networking Luncheons including 9 in LA County,  5 in Orange County, and 3 in San Diego County. Some have additional evening or breakfast networking events.  I've been to a couple of these luncheons and they are great opportunities for those both employeed and looking for employment.

Updates 10/26: This week I attended my 3rd USC Marshall Alumni luncheon and they've all been filled with great conversation among accomplished professionals and business owners. Typically six to a dozen attendees.

I also attended my second USC Marshall Alumni LA Business Networking Mixer. These are monthly, have two or three dozen attendees, have a wider range of tenured professionals - from recent grads and up, and do have a few more job seekers than the Luncheons.

Why aren't making use of these events? Not a Trojan Alum? Ask your colleagues - most of these events are open to guests.

Or engage with your school's Alumni association.

Updates 11/2: Do you know your school may have ethnic or special interest Alumni Associations? Utilize these groups for networking, and resources.

For example the Alumnae (women) organizations, the Mexican American Alumni Association (MAAA), and the Lambda LGBT Alumni Association.

Updates 11/23:Get social - network everywhere. Find an event - something you're interested in - suddenly you and the other attendee's have something in common, and a place to start a conversation.
USC's Arts and Events Calendar

The University of California - Los Angeles Alumni Association
The UCLA Alumni Association is on LinkedIn and a Facebook Group, and offers a Career Network, Alumni Directory, Newsletter, Career Counseling and Workshops, Job Postings, and more.

There are a number of Clubs/Networks in SoCal which seem to offer networking as well as social and sports events.

UCLA Anderson School of Management Alumni Network is also on LinkedIn and has a Facebook Fan Page.  The Alumni Network has it's own calendar, directory, career services, regional networks, and more.

Updates 11/2: Do you know your school may have ethnic or special interest Alumni Associations? Utilize these groups for networking, and resources.

For example the American Indian Alumni Association, the Black Alumni Association, and the Pilipino Alumni Association.

Updates 11/23:Get social - network everywhere. Find an event - something you're interested in - suddenly you and the other attendee's have something in common, and a place to start a conversation.
UCLA's "Happenings" Events Calendar

Update 12/16/09:Did you the notice the (unofficial) Bruin Professionals (BP) group in the Event Org list?

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)- Alumni Association

Updates 11/23:Get social - network everywhere. Find an event - something you're interested in - suddenly you and the other attendee's have something in common, and a place to start a conversation.
Caltech Today Calendar

SoCal Networking Event Organizations - Weekly Updates 10/12/09

Weekly updates to the main SoCal Networking Event Organizations list. Please let me know if know of other organizations to add, or if you have any feedback on events.

Name: Challenger Networking Group (CA)
Review: I've been told the Challenger group has a strong HR slant.
Updated 10/5/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Conejo Jewish Job Support
Sites: www.conejojewishjobsupport.com
Self-description: "The Conejo Jewish Job Support is a free community outreach program sponsored by Temple Adat Elohim in Thousand Oaks. We meet every Tuesday morning for coffee, bagels, learning, motivation, support and networking. Free of course. No, you don't have to be Jewish. Join others in the same boat as you."
Frequency: EVERY Tuesday from 8:30am to 10am at Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 East Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks."
Cost: "There's nothing to join, no dues to pay. Just come.", "You can RSVP if you like, or you can just show up and try it out. Business casual attire, please."
Review: None
Added 10/5/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Emerging Professionals and Entrepreneurs Council
Sites: www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1801653, www.centurycitycc.org
Self-description: "EPEC works with the Los Angeles community, via the Century City Chamber of Commerce, to facilitate business relationships through quarterly networking events drawing hundreds of people aimed at the same goal."
Frequency: Quarterly
Cost: Frequently $20 - $30 depending on membership status, and advanced registration.
Review: When I asked a representative from this event what was meant by "Emerging", she replied "[emerging] does give an indication of youth, which is well represented on the council, but we believe anyone can be 'emerging' which brings us great diversity in our events" which I find to be a great outlook. I look forward to attending one of there events.
Added 10/6/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: LA CTO Forum
Sites: lactoforum.org, lactoforum.ning.com, www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1806451
Self-description: "LA CTO Forum is a vibrant, private, invite-only network of software CTOs who exchange ideas, share experiences, and help each other when needed. We conduct monthly meetings, quarterly roundtables, and discuss different business and technology topics." and "The group is for software CTOs in the Los Angeles area. We have various titles in the group and different size companies involved, but members have business and technology responsibility in their organizations. All members are screened by Tony Karrer and Oded Noy. If you are an intelligent, high-level technologist, with lots of industry experience, this group is appropriate for you. "
Frequency: "second Friday of every month
Cost: Free?
Review: None
Added 10/6/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Dealmaker Media
Sites: www.dealmakermedia.com/la.html, www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2358828320
Self-description: "Dealmaker Media operates at the intersection of business, technology, venture capital, and the future. We are a network of innovators from early-stage startups with an eye for disruption, to some of the most influential companies in the world. Our conferences, roundtables, blogs, and research are designed to inter-connect CEOs, technology and entertainment executives, investors, analysts and press. "
Frequency: Uknown
Cost: "$125 Members | $195 Non-Members"
Review: None
Added 10/6/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Digital Family Reunion
Sites: www.digitalfamilyreunion.net
Self-description: "The DFR is helping to set an engagement platform to advance the conversation between these like-minded, yet diverse communities by asking the question: 'If we knew how connected we all are, how would that change everything?'"
Frequency: Yearly?
Cost: Unknown
Review: None
Added 9/18/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Startups Uncensored
Sites: www.jasonnazar.com, twitter.com/jasonnazar,
Self-description: "Startups Uncensored is a free monthly speaking series, townhall, and networking event for entrepreneurs and technology aficionados, hosted by Jason Nazar, CEO of Docstoc.com. These monthly meetups are centered around different topics meant to help startups build their businesses. The event, brought to you by DealMaker Media, contributes to the growing Los Angeles technology scene by bringing together various entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, social media experts, and professionals in the tech field. The format of the series typically includes a 45 minute presentation or panel followed by 45 minutes of questions and answers, and its co-hosted by notable CEOs and Investors."
Frequency: Monthly
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 10/6/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Mindshare Los Angeles
Sites: www.mindshare.la, www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22901091188, mindshare-labs.com
Self-description: "If Noah's Ark had an open bar,
it would be more like Mindshare...

If World Leaders held pyjama parties,
it would be more like Mindshare...

If Jamba Juice made smoothies from books,
it would be more like Mindshare..."
(If I was to award a site with most interesting description, this would be it - Todd)
"Mindshare takes place on every third Thursday of the month and gathers energized people from diverse backgrounds for an evening of inspiration and interaction in Downtown LA. The event starts at 7pm and as the ~400 attendees arrive, they can meet new people while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and a stocked, open bar. The program begins at 8:30, and consists of a few 10 minute talks and performances from a variety of disciplines."
Frequency: "every third Thursday"
Cost: $30/$35/$40
Review: None
Added 10/6/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: (Los Angeles) Geek Dinner
Sites: g33kd1nner.com, www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2396233804
Self-description: "The Los Angeles Geek Dinner was started by Heather Schlegel (aka heathervescent) in April 2006. It was an off-shoot of the first Los Angeles Barcamp.

Heather started the LA g33k d1nner because she was surprised to find there were quite a few passionate technologists in LA - but no one was talking to each other. The g33k d1nner tried to solve this problem by being a monthy gathering for anyone interested in technology.

Anyone is welcome to attend the g33k d1nner - as long as you are genuinely passionate about technology. The g33k d1nner is not a traditional networking event focused on dog and pony show and tells, rather it is the change to cultivate social and professional relationships."
Frequency: "3rd Tuesday of every month, except for November or December"
Cost: Free?
Review: None
Added 10/6/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: LA Cloud Computing
Sites: www.cloud.la
Self-description: "Exploring cloud computing technologies, implementation, use and business.
Ideas of Interest
* Cross cloud deployments
* Security in cloud deployments
* Datacenters
* Virtualization
* Test driven deployment
* GPU computing
* Decentralized datastores
* Scientific computing "
Frequency: Unknown
Cost: Unknown
Review: None
Added 10/6/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: LA Web Application Developers Meetup
Sites: web.meetup.com/34
Self-description: "Join us at Los Angeles's biggest meetup for web application developers (software engineers who build websites). Our purpose is to create a thriving developer community in Los Angeles, promote a free exchange of information and connect with each other at bi-monthly (or so) events.

Our events are presentation style. Guests from the community present tips, tricks, new methods, frameworks, tools or anything else interesting to web application development. Our events are hosted by local companies who also enjoy giving back to the community."
Frequency: Monthly or so
Cost: Free?
Review: None
Added 10/6/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Los Angeles PHP Developers Meetup Group
Sites: www.meetup.com/phpdev, www.laphp.org
Self-description: "This is an informal networking and discussion get together. It's a meetup mashup of the Los Angeles PHP / MySQL / Semantic Web meetup groups. A great group of PHP developers and enthusiasts discussing various issues on PHP and software development as well as latest trends in web-related technologies."
Frequency: "second Sunday of every month"
Cost: Free?
Review: None
Added 10/6/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Bloblive
Sites: www.bloblive.com, twitter.com/ideablob, www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=66578725659, www.youtube.com/user/IdeaBLOBdotcom, www.myspace.com/ideablob
Self-description: "Bloblive is the city’s open mic night for ideas. You know that great idea you have? We want to help you get it going! Come to the next bloblive, grab the mic and hit the crowd with your best elevator pitch. You’ll find advice and feedback from a roomful of people focused on trying to help your idea grow."
Frequency: Approximately Monthly
Cost: Unknown
Review: Also in Philadelphia
Added 10/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Scrum Club Los Angeles
Sites: losangeles.scrumclub.org
Self-description: "Scrum Club is a social club dedicated to boosting awareness of new technologies and the accompanying advantages of adoption. We take an interdisciplinary, humanities-oriented approach to technology. Our wider range of subject matter and sponsored events means a wider audience and a greater range of people. You never know who you will meet at one of our events!

Scrum Club seeks to shortcut the chicken and egg dilemma by organizing fun events and projects where professionals can come and spend a few hours to build their skills and network, then use those hours to count towards certification."
Frequency: Unknown
Cost: Unknown
Review: While not specifically a networking group, would be appropriate for those in Development/Scrum.
Added 10/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Lessons in IT Customer Service from “The Restaurateur”

Not long ago I had the pleasure of meeting someone dedicated to and passionate about customer service, whom I’ll refer to as “The Restaurateur.” We spoke at length and I drank up his insights, and couldn’t help but think to relate them to IT Service.

What is it the customer really wants? It depends, but it’s certainly not that some SLA is met. Generally, IT Service provides a Means to an End. Determine that End and directly help the customer get there.

Engaging the Customer
The Restaurateur expects his staff to size-up the customers, treat them accordingly, and adjust as they get feedback. “The more mature couple who walks in, it could be a special night for them, so give them space. But the younger group walking into a, say, French restaurant, may not have the experience and will probably need more interaction and guidance.” Are the customers in a hurry, or are they looking for a long casual dinning experience? This applies to everyone: the Host/ess, the Wait Staff, the Busers, and the Manager.

Does everyone in your IT organization recognize the customer and treat them appropriately? This isn’t just the difference in treating staff differently from C-levels. It’s about adjusting your engagement to make your customer as comfortable as possible. They may not “speak IT” or even if they do, you want your organization to meet them on their terms. IT is big on process (or at least we should be) and this can be unknown to, and sometimes difficult to navigate for, those outside the organization.

What’s on the Menu?
The Restaurateur expects the staff to know what is on the menu, including the specials, and he even quizzes them prior to the start of a service. For the customer this means they don’t necessarily have to search through the menu to find what they are looking for, and avoiding those embarrassing “Um, we have that?” moments.

Does your IT Organization know what’s in their Service Catalog? Can they direct the customer to the correct part of the Catalog? The customer shouldn’t know the Catalog better than the IT Organization does. Cost is always a factor and should be obvious and easy to understand. From the IT perspective, are we realizing the services we are providing (Catalog items) and billing appropriately?

Can you suggest something?
The Restaurateur’s staff will recommend dishes not randomly, but based on thoughtful questioning of the customer, not something generic like “What is it you’d like?” They help lead the customer to a solution or at least narrow down the choices.

For the IT Organization this manifests itself somewhat differently: while a restaurant tries to cater to a customer’s particular taste or whim at that time, the IT Organization should be helping to identify what the customer really wants to accomplish, their “Ends”. In fact, IT needs to be wary of when customers define their “Means” (or solution) for themselves – we are the experts in this field. We do this by asking thoughtful questioning and active listening.

What is that item?
The Restaurateur provides a menu of dishes that are made from specific ingredients, in various proportions, and prepared in a particular way. This is important to the customers. He expects his Wait Staff to really know the menu and not have to break the customer service flow to ask the Chef. He told me a story of how, at another restaurant, a customer asked if something could come with Sour Cream. “Imo”, a brand of sour cream substitute (which I didn’t even know existed), was delivered - which the customer identified and didn’t want. Clearly, a customer service delivery failure.

Our IT customers probably know less about the components and delivery of IT Services than they know about cooking. Like the brief descriptions on a menu, the descriptions in the Service Catalog need to be a balance between terse and detailed. Does a request for a “Replacement Desktop” include the removal of the old one, the transfer of data and applications to the new computer, or are those separate requests? Again, what is it the customer really wants? Most want that “old POS computer gone” and replaced so they continue doing want they really want to do, getting their work done. Of course, it may be time and cost effective to find out the real issue (perhaps lack of disk space) and avoid letting the customer solution themselves.

Could you make this, or make it this way?
The Restaurateur establishes an expectation within his Wait Staff how variations in ingredients and preparations can be made – balancing customer choice verses the Chef’s creation and the “rules of cooking.” Of course, some modifications should be expected: common variations for taste, dietary restrictions, and food allergies.

Is your IT Organization flexible in its delivery? Do you recognize common variations in your customer’s needs and make it easy for them to “have it your way”? Of course, you have to be careful not to destroy the integrity or value of the bundle or service. Do you have an easy and timely process by which they can request IT to “make it from scratch”?

Going the extra mile.
The Restaurateur told me a story of when he was a waiter. The weather had quickly turned cold that evening and most of his customers were not prepared. He offered to have the valet bring their cars up and warm them up, so they could enjoy a comfortable ride home. They were quite surprised and appreciative by his initiative.

When’s the last time your IT Organization surprised your customers with initiative? Anticipated their needs? This goes back to truly understanding your customer’s needs and meeting them on their turf.


Bon App-I-T!

Take Control of your Facebook security & privacy settings: step by step

Revised 2009/10/7.
What Changed?
While this is primarily in response to Facebook's new beta Publisher (their name for how content is shared), it is also good practice to understand and control how your info is shared and used within and external to Facebook. As of 6/24/09 only those who had previously ‘chose to set their profile and status privacy to "Everyone"’ are affected by this new policy and it is unknown yet when it rollout to all others. The “Transition Tool” for the new beta Publisher looks somewhat different than what is presented here but Facebook has stated “we've designed the Transition Tool to respect previous decisions to limit access to information.” So, if you correct it now it will probably stay correct.

What does it mean?
In a nutshell, I believe, anything set to "Everyone" will soon mean the WHOLE WORLD WIDE WEB, so we have to ensure we don't have that setting anywhere, and it's probably a good time to check everything else. Also “Networks” can be counter to your privacy as some can be vary large – although as of 6/2/09 they started phasing out “Regional” Networks (such as “Los Angeles, CA” although my membership still exists as of 10/7/09), so just Work, College and High School networks remain – each has specific criteria for joining.

Privacy Control
Facebook allows you finely control how many aspects of your information or content is shared.  It does this by allowing you to specify "Who can see this?"  "Who" can be anywhere between "No One" and "Everyone" available in the following ways - not all of which are available in all cases (as quoted from Facebook) or are available through the "Customize..." option:

• "Everyone: Anyone, on or off, of Facebook can see it." This is the setting we need to avoid!
• "Friends and (All of My) Networks: People you have confirmed as friends and people in any school or work networks that you've joined can see it."
• All of My Networks: people in any school or work networks that you've joined can see it.
• Some of My Networks: people in selected school or work networks that you've joined can see it.
• None of My Networks: unless they are otherwise friends (and allowed in some way), no people in any school or work networks that you've joined can see it.
• "Friends of Friends: Anyone who is friends with a friend of yours can see it."
• Some Friends: Select individual Friends or Lists can see it.
• "Only Friends: Only people you have confirmed as friends can see it."
• Only Me: Yup, only you can see it.
• No one: Not sure how this is different from "Only Me".
• Except These People: No selection of friend or friend list can see it.

In almost all cases, I would suggest selecting either “Only Friends” or “Friends of Friends”.  You may consider a more complex control by using the ”Customize...” option and then narrowly allowing access.

Profile Privacy Settings

1. Hover over Settings (top right of screen)
2. Click Privacy Settings
3. Click Profile
4. Basic tab (default)

For each item, look at the brief description shown when you click on the “[?]” to the right of each item, then decide who can see this by selecting from the availble options. Personally, I have all mine set to just "Friends".

Click Save Changes (bottom, don't forget!)

1. Click Contact Information tab

For each item decide who can see this by selecting from the availble options. Personally, I have all mine set to just "Friends" except for Email address which I have set to "Only Me"

Click Save Changes (bottom, don't forget!)

Photo Album Privacy Settings

1. Hover over Settings (top right of screen)
2. Click Privacy Settings
3. Click Profile
4. Basic tab (default)
5. Click Edit Photo Album Privacy Settings (middle, under "Photos Tagged of You")

Review each album and decide who can see this by selecting from the availble options. Pay attention to "Wall Photos" and "Mobile Uploads" which are created automatically.

Click Save Changes (bottom, don't forget!)

Search Privacy Settings

1. Hover over Settings (top right of screen)
2. Click Privacy Settings
3. Click Search

Review each item and decide who can see this by selecting from the availble options.  Here's some additional guidance on what these items mean:

• Search Visibility (for Facebook users): this is your own choice: be found, or hidden?
• Search Result Content: Select the items you'd like anyone who isn't a Friend to see if they find you in a search.  Consider deselecting "Pages I am a fan of" - are you a fan of any pages you don't want to be public?
• Public Search Listing: for outside of Facebook, meaning the whole Web.  The resulting page will look as specified under "Search Result Content":

Note: At the end of "Create a public search listing for me and submit it for search engine indexing" open the "see preview" link in another browser to see what this looks like.

Click Save Changes (bottom, don't forget!)

News Feed and Wall Privacy Settings

1. Hover over Settings (top right of screen)
2. Click Privacy Settings
3. Click News Feed and Wall
4. Actions within Facebook tab (default)

Review each item and select those you'd wish to show up in other's News Feeds, your friend's Home Pages, and your Wall. These are your choice.

Click Save Changes (bottom, don't forget!)

1. Click Facebook Ads tab

Review each item and decide who can see this by selecting from the availble options. Here's some additional guidance on what these items mean:

• Allow ads on platform pages to show my information to: Set to "No One". This is an interesting setting as currently it does nothing because "Facebook does not give third party applications or ad networks the right to use your name or picture in ads. If this is allowed in the future, this setting will govern the usage of your information."  Facebook has removed some Advertising networks who were in violation of their policies.  I believe a common example of these were those "(your friend Bob)'s  is 134 - What's your IQ?" (with Bob's picture) ads.

Click Save Changes (right under this setting - there's two "Save Changes" on this page!)

• Show my social actions in Facebook Ads to: Set to "No One". The distinction between these two settings is easily misunderstood: the second ("... Facebook ...") will only show you are a Fan of something that is being advertised.

Click Save Changes (bottom, don't forget!)

Application Privacy Settings

1. Hover over Settings (top right of screen)
2. Click Privacy Settings
3. Click Applications
4. Overview tab (default)

You'll probably want to read this, but good luck with that!

1. Click Settings tab

Review each item and decide who can see this by selecting from the availble options. Here's some additional guidance on what these items mean:

• What Other Users Can See via the Facebook Platform: UNcheck all those, except perhaps (your choice) Profile Picture and Basic Info (click on the "What's this?" link for more info).
• Facebook Connect Applications: UNcheck.  This is an offshoot from Beacon (below) and allows 3rd party sites to share your profile data. More info here.
• Beacon Websites: UNcheck. This nasty little privacy disaster resulted in a class-action lawsuit and will be shut down.

Click Save Changes (bottom, don't forget!)

Application Permisions

1. Hover over Settings (top right of screen)
2. Click Applicaon Settings
3. From the "Show" drop-down select "Authorized"

This shows ALL of your apps I believe. I have over 360!

FOR EACH application, you can "Edit Settings", see it's "Profile", or delete it "X". Typical settings - they vary by appication:

• Profile tab / Box: Control whether this app is "Available" to be or has been “Added” to your Profile to displayed in a “box”.
• Profile tab / Tab: Control whether this app is "Available" to be or has been “Added” to your Profile to displayed in a “tab”.
• Profile tab / Info Section: Control whether this app is "available" to be or has been “added” to your Profile to displayed in the “Info Section”.
• Profile tab / Privacy: defines who can see the Box or Tab. Does NOT matter (I believe) if neither are "Added"
• Bookmark tab / Bookmark …: I believe "Bookmark" is for your own convenience only.
• Additional Permissions tab / Access my data even when I'm not using the application: your choice.
• Additional Permissions tab / Publish recent activity (one line stories) to my wall: your choice.
  

Click Okay (to save)

That was easy, wasn't it!!

See the next article in this series: Facebook Privacy using Friend Lists.

Question & Answer

Q. When is the new beta Publisher in effect?
A. As soon as you see the "lock symbol" to the left of the "Share" button (for the "What's on your mind?" status question)

Q. What will change?
A. Two things: 1) The "Everything" security setting will then mean "Everyone: Anyone, on OR OFF, of Facebook can see it.", and 2) you can change the security setting of your wall post PER ITEM.

Q. Will they change any of our security settings?
A. I don't believe so, BUT, once you see that "lock symbol", double check!