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Monday, November 30, 2009

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 11/30/09

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

For all my U.S. readers, I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving Holiday. It was a slow networking week, but don't slack during the holidays! Check out last week's Holiday Season Networking Advice.

Follow these links to find the updates, and follow further for the full listings.

2 updates in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

No updates in Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.

No updates in SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

New entries in Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: Challenger Networking Group (CA)
Frequency/Location: In addition to their Woodland Hills meetings: "February 9, 2010 The Orange County Chapter begins! Kevin Francis, Vice President with Elevated Resources, Inc. will by my co-facilitator. More details to follow but save the 2nd Tuesday of every month my OC friends!"
Updated 11/30/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Executive Networking & Technology Group - ExecTec of LA
Review: Each dinner has a different topic and "everyone participates in a round table discussion." Last week I attended for the first time. While there was only three of us, the previous week Joel Ordesky, the organizer, had about 20 and it averages upwards of ten. The conversation was unstructured, and in and around the topic that week "Let's Innovate." We were there for about 2 hrs. This isn't the standard meet-as-many-people-as-you-can networking event; it's about deep biz/tec conversations and making good connection. Dress is business casual. Included in the price you get a soft drink, and choice of appetizer and meal from a fixed menu; the food was fair.
Updated 11/30/09 by Todd Zebert


Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

No updates this week.

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

No updates this week.

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

  • Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.
  • Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
  • Outplacement Firms.
  • YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
  • More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
  • Volunteer - Network while doing "good".
    • 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.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 11/23/09

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

Sorry I missed last week; this week is extra value (same low cost).

Holiday Season Networking Advice
As the holidays fast approach, I’ve notice there are far fewer formal networking events out there. They have mostly been replaced by friends, family and other social networking events. Do not miss these opportunities! While you might not meet as many new people, this is the perfect opportunity to reinforce or even reestablish a connection with someone you even know.

Some tips:
  • Stay professional
  • Stay positive
  • Be thankful
  • Don’t get stressed – balance your personal commitments and job search
  • Engage new people despite perhaps limited opportunities
Some venues:

2 updates and 14 new in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

1 special free event and 1 update in Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.

New ideas in SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

New items and updates in Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: Media Leaders (LA)
Review: I attended towards the en of their event at Bodega Wine Bar in Santa Monica. There were upward of 100 people earlier and still a couple dozen when I arrived. The venue was tough for an event like this as it's very dimly lit and very noisy. Attire was mostly casual dressy. The attendees were broadly in "media", friendly, and interesting. They also have groups in Austin and San Francisco.
Updated 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Women At Work - Pasadena Career Center
Review: They offer a variety of for-fee services from office equipment usage to career and resume counseling. The Networking group is free. A friend recently attended one of their job fairs. She reports that it was small, limited and included insurance sales, colleges/universities, health/elder care, and a couple others. This is typical of the job fairs I've seen of late.
Updated 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Step Up Women's Network
Sites: http://www.suwn.org/, LA Calendar
Self-description: "Step Up Women's Network is a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. Through teen empowerment programs for underserved girls, women's health education and advocacy, professional mentorship and social networking opportunities, we educate and activate our members to ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to create a better future.

Step Up is on the cutting edge of women's social philanthropy. The organization's strength stems from our members' ability to leverage their personal and professional skills and relationships to give back to the community. Our programs are designed to engage women in a way that inspires a life-long commitment to responsible, philanthropic involvement encompassing hands-on volunteer work and leadership opportunities. "Invest, Involve and Inspire" is our motto."
Frequency/Location: Varies
Cost: $50 for yearly basic "Insider" membership.
Review: None. They also have chapters in Chicago and New York.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Girls in Tech
Sites: girlsintech.net, twitter.com/gitweet, facebook.com/group.php?gid=2507318683, linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1768837
Self-description: "Girls in Tech is a social network enterprise focused on the engagement, education and empowerment of like-minded, professional, intelligent and influential women in technology. As young women with the capacity to inspire, we made it our personal desire and passion to create and sustain an organization that focuses on the collaboration, promotion, growth and success of women in the technology sector.

Created in February of 2007, ‘Girls in Tech’ (GIT) was founded by Adriana Gascoigne. GIT and was born out of a need to provide a place for women to cultivate ideas around their careers and business concepts involving technology.

Girls in Tech aims to offer a variety of resources and tools for women to supplement and further enhance their professional careers and aspirations in technology. Some of these resources include, educational workshops and lectures, networking functions, round table discussions, conferences, social engagements, and recruitment events."
Frequency/Location: Varies
Cost: Varies
Review: They have chapters in most major US cities plus a couple International ones.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Business Referral Exchange (BRE)
Sites: http://www.brenetwork.com/
Self-description: "Business Referral Exchange (BRE) is a professional organization of men and women whose purpose is the exchange of qualified business referrals to its members. BRE meets every Tuesday morning, providing the opportunity to develop lasting, beneficial business relationships with highly motivated individuals.

Join us for a complimentary breakfast and tell our group of business professionals how we can provide you with business referrals!

Building Client Base

The best way to get new business is through referrals. Have breakfast with a group of professionals once a week and network your way to a stable, high-quality client base."
Frequency/Location: Every Tuesday morning 7a-8:30a / Coco's Restaurant, 14971 Holt Ave., Tustin, CA
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Business Referral Network (BRN)
Sites: Search for local Business Referral Networks (BRN)
Self-description: Varies
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Varies
Review: None. I can't locate a "parent" organization for the local chapters - perhaps the are independent?
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: California Staffing Professionals
Sites: http://www.cspnet.org/, Inland Empire Chapter, Los Angeles Chapter, Orange County Chapter, San Diego Chapter
Self-description: "The California Staffing Professionals (CSP) is a non-profit membership organization which provides products and services to its members within the staffing services industry."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Annual dues start at $225 but perhaps some events may be open to the public or as a guest a member
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Women in Technology International (WITI)
Sites: witi.com, facebook.com/group.php?gid=14044585166, twitter.com/witi09, Local Networks in California
Self-description: "WITI's Mission

WITI's mission is to empower women worldwide to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership and economic prosperity.

WITI's Goals

1. Provide a platform of connections, resources and opportunities
2. Transform corporate and media perceptions of women
3. Create a pipeline of women to fill leadership positions in corporate America
4. Demonstrate that advancing women directly contributes to the prosperity of all
5. Influence top leaders in government, academia and industry to recognize the purchasing power of women
6. Encourage girls and young women to choose business and technology careers

WITI Networks

WITI Professional Network
For professional women who consider technology central to their businesses, careers and professions, WITI Networks provide amazing connections, resources and opportunities - all in a supportive environment that includes men who champion WITI's mission.

WITI Corporate Network
For organizations that want to reach decision makers, hire "star" employees and increase their bottom line by tapping into the power of WITI's products and services. Businesses benefit by recognizing the that women's leadership skills and purchasing power are the greatest economic force at work in the American economy today.

WITI Global Executive Network (GEN)
For VP and C-level women, this network enables them to influence change, collaborate with peers, and become role models and mentors.

WITI Student Network
To support the women of tomorrow, WITI has formed this network for college and university students on the cusp of new careers and ready to be mentored and inspired! "
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Annual membership starts at $250. Some events are open to non-members.
Review: None. They have chapters in most major US cities, and a number of them around the world.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name:Taco Tuesday Career Networking
Sites: groups.yahoo.com/group/TacoTuesday
Self-description: "Taco Tuesday Career Networking group of South Orange County, California.

This list offers an online community for sharing leads, contacts, industry information and career events. I hope you find this list useful - any comments welcome!

This list is for job search and networking purposes only."
Frequency/Location: NA
Cost: NA
Review: They maintain an email list and calendar with job and event opportunities.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: eWomen Network
Sites: http://www.ewomennetwork.com/, twitter.com/eWomenNetwork, facebook.com/ewomennetwork, Events Calendar -- Inland Empire, Events Calendar -- Los Angeles, Events Calendar -- Orange County, Events Calendar -- San Diego
Self-description: "This is the #1 resource for connecting and promoting women and their businesses on both a local and global scale.

Here you can post your own personal profile page with all your contact information.

Tell your own story in your own words and display three graphic images of your choice.

Accessed by our fast and easy search engine, under "Connect to Resources, Businesses and Members," this profile page will be your direct contact with all the members and guests of eWomenNetwork.com

Not only can they find you, but also you can find them. Search by name or by business category from our entire membership.

eWomenNetwork.com is unique! It is unlike any other listing web site or business leads group you have ever encountered."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Membership is $290 yearly. Some events open to guests.
Review: None.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: FORE Networking
Sites: http://www.forenetworking.net/, www.facebook.com/pages/FORE-Networking/35246911849
Self-description: ""It's great to meet you!" That's what our participants hear when attending our events.

FORE Networking® is the world’s fastest growing member only golf networking organization for business professionals. Offering structured events enabling opportunities, we bring people together out on the golf course.

In the past year alone, our events have been attended by thousands of business professionals who all share a common interest: GOLF.

Our members pass sales leads, business referrals and golf connections to each other while making introductions to prospective clients on the golf course.

Golf networking has always been a tool in business, now it is finally offered in an environment specifically designed for business.

Find a local event in your area. Attend an event if you are interested in:

* Playing more golf and cold calling less.
* Meeting business peers who share a common interest.
* Networking with a very targeted demographic."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Varies
Review: They appear to have local chapters in Irvine and Central OC. This is an interesting idea!
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Professional Videographers Network (PVN) - Southern California
Sites: pvn.org
Self-description: "The Professional Videographers Network (PVN) is an organization of professional videographers, producers, and editors in Southern California. Our members provide services in event, commercial and industrial video production.

We meet monthly in Irvine to discuss issues of interest to our members and keep up with the latest technology. The meetings provide a forum for education, networking and the sharing of ideas, opinions and jobs."
Frequency/Location: "2nd Wednesday for breakfast" / Unknown
Cost: Membership is $120 yearly. At the door payment is available also.
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: South Orange County Women’s Network Group (socwng)
Sites: socwng.org
Self-description: "The mission of the South Orange County Women’s Network Group is to build relationships and provide business education which, in turn, will create networking and business referral opportunities resulting in business development as well as to help those less fortunate in our community through service work and/or donations."

They have 2 different networking groups:
Frequency/Location: A.BSOLUTE M.OMENTUM Group, "2nd and 4th Wednesday each month", "9:00am - 10:00am, arrive by 8:30am to order breakfast" / Carrow's Restaurant, 23952 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Frequency/Location: P.ROFESSIONAL M.ATTERS Group, "2nd and 4th Wednesday each month", "11:30am - 12:30pm, arrive by 11:00am to order lunch" / Lone Star Steak House, 24231 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Cost: Annual membership is $100
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Team Women
Sites: http://www.teamwomen.com/,
Self-description:"Team Women opened in January, 2005 with the first meeting held in Murietta in Riverside County, CA. Since that time we have opened more than 100 chapters and have enrolled over 1000 members. We are committed to being the Number One Women Only, leads based networking group in the world and we are well on our way.

Each Team Women Chapter is limited to a total of thirty members. This is enough women to provide plenty of business leads for each member, but is intimate enough that lasting relationships can be built and each member has plenty of opportunities to promote her business. Each chapter is limited to one person per core profession so each member is ensured exclusivity.

Team Women is about celebrating successes of each member and working together to create more prosperous businesses for everyone. The purpose of Team Women is for each member to provide highly qualified referrals to other members in their chapter. A qualified lead is one in which the person being referred is expecting to hear from the Team Women member and has provided all of his/her contact information.

Each Team Women Chapter meets for one hour every other week. Local chapters have morning, mid-day and evening meetings on various days to accommodate everyone ’s schedules."
Frequency/Location: "every other week" / Various across most US cities.
Cost: Annual membership $269.
Review: None.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Technology Professional Association of Orange County
Sites: http://www.4tpa.org/
Self-description: "The Technology Professionals Association (TPA) is a not-for-profit networking organization association serving technology professionals, including independent dealers, value-added resellers, systems integrators, manufacturers and distributors in the business equipment and systems industry.

Vision & Mission Statement
TPA helps members grow and successfully manage their businesses through networking, partnering and education. Our missions is to build an organization that supports the growth and successful management of information technology member companies by providing educational programs and facilitating their strategic partnering." "...networking followed by dinner and a guest speaker. Meet our members and guests, and find potential new business and partners."
Frequency/Location: "We meet the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm" / Doubletree Club Hotel, 7 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA
Cost: "Meeting dues are $30, and includes dinner"
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Connectors Network
Sites: http://www.theconnectorsnetwork.com/
Self-description: "“The Connector’s Network presents a new way to network. We focus on having members help one another build their business through creating connections.”

ALL Orange County professionals, are invited to make connections and generate business.

Debbie Lewandowski, networking and marketing consultant with Spotlite, and Catherine Miale, publicist are now hosting the “Connectors’ Network” luncheon at Newport Rib Company in Ladera Ranch."
Frequency/Location: "meetings have been placed on hold until the first of 2010."
Cost: Pay for your own lunch
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

Special Note: Hill's Career Consulting Services FREE 45 minute "Interviewing 101" Teleclass
November 30th from 5-5:45pm (PT). Register jhccs.com/Teleconferences.html

Name: The Link System - Free Fridays Networking Tips
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

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

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.

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

  • Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.
  • Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
    • http://www.naymz.com/: very similar to LinkedIn, but can't find a specific events link. I just started using it. They stress recommendations, reputation, and RepScore "evaluates your reputation versus others on the network." There's an $8/mon Premium Subscription available.
  • Outplacement Firms.
  • YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
  • More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
  • Volunteer - Network while doing "good".
  • Other - keep your mind open.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

When you Wish upon a Job

It makes a difference what you do.

Did you see the Leonid Meteor Shower earlier this week? First you had to know about it. Second, you either had to stay up past midnight (PST) or get up before dawn. Then, you had to find a clear view of the sky, without a lot of light pollution, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. And it was best if you knew to look to the Northeast part of the sky.

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

It turns out you had to plan to successfully make a wish upon a falling star. So you need a plan for a successful job search.

Below are the fundamental phases of your job search plan. But first, get yourself a positive attitude about your plan and future!
  1. Define your Value: What have you accomplished? What value to you bring? What challenges have you faced?
  2. Define and Research your Goal: What is it that you really want to do, and how does one do it? You have to know what job(s) you're specifically after. Better if you know which potential employers also.
  3. Explain your Value and your Goal: Create your resume, networking business cards, elevator pitch, social media profiles, get recommendations, etc.
  4. Market yourself: Actively network and build your network, engage recruiters, apply for jobs with a cover letter, and attract online attention. Help others and pay it forward.
  5. Interview: Prepare by understanding the company, division and job opportunity. Learn how to Interview. Effectively present your value to employers, and follow through.
Of course, through all of this: stay on plan, stay organized, stay positive, and stay informed.


I’d write “Good Luck” but now you know having a plan and working it is what will make that wish come true.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Google Goes Cheap on Disk Storage

Update 1/12/10: Google enables loading and storing files to Google Docs without conversion. See Ways to Use that Storage below.

Google just reduced its storage fees by a factor of eight, or as they say “Twice the storage for a quarter of the price.” Announced on Nov 10, 2009, this effects both Gmail and Picasa Web Albums (including Blogger photos).

This is amazing and interesting news. When was the last time you saw the cost of something go down, never mind by nearly an order of magnitude?

You can get up to a stunning 16TB – that’s a nearly unthinkable amount of Pictures, Video, and Mail.

This space is available across those applications, above the amount Google offers free as standard storage (which can’t be shared across apps – but additional space can be):
  • Picasa Web Albums (including 'All photos posted to Blogger'): 1 GB
  • Gmail: 7+ GB (and increasing)
  • Docs: 1 GB (as of 1/12/10)
A Great Value
“While storage costs have been dropping naturally, we've also been working hard to improve our infrastructure to reduce costs even further.” The price works out to flat $0.25 per GB (withno volume discount rates). Google notes that “1 TB equals 1024 GB” so I’m pleased to see they are using the computer-centric Binary standards, and not the SI/Metric standards that the hard drive industry insists on using. Google would be more correct to use the GiB acronym but essentially no one is.

A quick review of dealnews.com internal hard drives shows a current Hitachi 2 TB for $145, which is $0.0725/GB (or $0.0797/GiB to be in the same terms as Google). Of course, that cost is only for a year, while a purchased drive would commonly come with a 3 year warranty. The difference in price between the raw storage and the service includes the servers, storage controllers, backups, data center, installation, maintenance, etc. The critical difference here is backups – like most home users, you’re not doing them, and if you were to, one of the easiest ways is a backup drive which doubles your cost. With 3 TB drives around the corner there’s almost no other reasonable backup method.

Ways to Use that Storage
Besides uploading and sharing all your pictures and videos, and saving all your emails (and even importing them from other online and local email applications), you may want to consider the following.

Update 1/12/10: Upload and store your files in the cloud with Google Docs.  Within Google Docs you can now choose to deselect "Convert documents, spreadsheets & presentations to Google Docs format" and upload. While unconverted files are not editable online they can be up to 250GB in size; converted files have much lower limit depending on type. Uploade files can be placed in folders, many types previewed, downloaded, shared, and seemingly those which are previewable can also be searched inside.  The Google Enterprise blog has a post on using the file cloud with third-party apps.

Note that these are, for the most part, Gmail hacks, and who knows when their use might be suspended by Google:
Important note: Now that Gmail allows “offline access”, if you're using this feature along with these "Gmail hacks" you’ll want to exclude any of above messages from your offline (local) storage.
 
Pricing:
20 GB ($5.00 USD per year)
80 GB ($20.00 USD per year)
200 GB ($50.00 USD per year)
400 GB ($100.00 USD per year)
1 TB ($256.00 USD per year)
2 TB ($512.00 USD per year)
4 TB ($1,024.00 USD per year)
8 TB ($2,048.00 USD per year)
16 TB ($4,096.00 USD per year)

The 20GB is a new tier and at $5 it’s almost a no brainer especially for those who feel limited by Picasa’s 1GB standard capacity.

Other Google Application Stora Limits:

Monday, November 9, 2009

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 11/9/09

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

A Special Notice:
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
“Honor a Hero Hire a Vet” Job and Resource Fair, by the United States Veterans Initiative and the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Los Angeles Marriott-Los Angeles Airport Hotel
5855 West Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
"Veterans: learn valuable information about available services and meet employers. Numerous industries will have representatives available for information and possible interviews."

I don't normally post specific events, but this is a huge event with lots of press coverage - my understanding is its open to everyone. I'll be there helping out PinkSlipMixers and McGyver.tv/Workforce Creative as the Social Media Sponsors - drop by and say hello. We'll be "conducting Live Broadcast shout-out interviews on the Pink Slip Mixer, Hot Pink Carpet VIP entrance ..." Watch Live! Or better yet, get there early (the last event had something like 5,000 job seekers!)

Regular Updates:
4 Updates and 5 New in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

1 Update in Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.

New comments in SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

2 New in Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities New Section as of Last Week!


SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: iLearning Lab
Sites: www.ilearninglab.com, twitter.com/ilearninglab
Updated 11/9/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Convergence Technology Council (CTC)
Sites: thectcnetwork.org, twitter.com/thectcnetwork
Updated 11/9/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Pink Slip Mixers 2.0
Sites: pinkslipmixers.com,www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=23045261698, twitter search
Self-description: "Our Pink Slip Mixers are about hundreds of professional, mid- to upper-level executives who are (might be) victims of the "economic downturn" of 2008. Our parties are about banding together, networking and bonding with the recently "Pinked". We will share our experiences of why we were let off, what companies are hiring, and the "buzz words" that specific hiring managers want to hear.

Aside from the usual imbibing, commiseration and fun that every pink slip party brings, headhunters, direct-hire companies, and recruiting firms will also on-hand to learn a little bit more about what you do. Maybe you'll meet a new contact, or find a new job!

When you come in the door, you'll be given a color-coded name tag that identifies you as a job seeker of a specific industry -- or a recruiter or Hiring Manager of a direct hire company -- so you can network with the people that matter to you!"
Frequency/Location: Multiple times a month / Pasadena, Southbay, Long Beach, Westwood, San Diego, and others regional and national locations.
Cost: Free!
Review: Recommended. Hosts networking events around the country. Name tags, speakers, streaming video and twitter feeds. They promote engaging in social networking during the events.
Updated 11/9/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Linked !n Long Beach
Review: This event was well attended (upwards of a 100 my rough estimate) and staffed. Debra Bradfield created and hosted this event, along with some others. Along with a few vendor tables, there was the "Connection Station" where attendees would be connected together if they expressed interest in each other's industries. Each attendee also received a contact of sheet of all the attendees' names, industry, and contact info. Recommended.
Updated 11/9/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Networking For Professionals (NFP)
Sites: www.networkingforprofessionals.com, Industry Insights Blog, Success Square/Coaching Blog, Events Blog, City Chat Blog
Self-description: "Get Connected.

Networking For Professionals is a dynamic business networking organization that powerfully combines online business networking and real life events.

Regular business networking events include our signature: Shakers and Stirrers Business Networking Mixer, High Speed Networking, and Power Lunch. Upcoming business networking events are currently scheduled for New York, Long Island, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Scottsdale Miami and Ft. Lauderdale with more locations soon to follow.

By joining Networking For Professionals, and posting your member profile, you'll be able to network online with other members at anytime, 24/7. You can include a photo, articles you've written, and even a video in your profile. You'll be able to bookmark other members profiles, create contact lists, an Address Book, and much more! You'll also have access to the list of attendees from all the past events you've signed up for.

We put you in touch with serious and successful professionals online and face-to-face, expanding your business opportunities and accelerating the way you network. And nothing is more important to your business than networking! "

Membership is not guaranteed, "Thank you. We will review your profile. If you are accepted for NFP membership you will receive a welcome email soon."
Frequency/Location: New York, Long Island, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Scottsdale Miami and Ft. Lauderdale
Cost: "$20 per month in NY, NJ and CT and $10 per month in GA, AZ and IL", free in other areas (including CA!)
Review: None
Added 11/8/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Caltech/MIT Enterprise Forum
Sites: www.entforum.caltech.edu, twitter.com/CaltechMITForum
Self-description: " About the Caltech/MIT Enterprise Forum

The Caltech/MIT Enterprise forum is a joint venture of Caltech's Industrial Relations Center, Caltech’s Office of Technology Transfer, the Caltech Alumni Association and the MIT Alumni Association.

Mission

The mission of the Caltech/MIT Enterprise Forum is to encourage the growth and success of technology-based entrepreneurial ventures in Southern California.
History

The Forum grew out of a series of workshops conducted by the MIT Alumni Association in Cambridge and New York in 1971. Formed in 1984, the Forum is a joint venture of the Caltech Industrial Relations Center and the Alumni Associations of Caltech and MIT.
Scope

Through its monthly programs, the Forum provides advice, support, education and networking opportunities to technology-based ventures in the Southern California area.

Programs address a range of key entrepreneurial issues from financing, marketing and business planning to executive leadership and staffing. Case presentations feature companies in emerging technology areas reviewing their business plans with expert panelists. Special sessions examine new entrepreneurial opportunities, in such areas as life sciences, medical technologies, energy, software, communications and entertainment technologies."
Frequency/Location: Monthly / Baxter Lecture Hall, Caltech campus
Cost: Varies? Approx $40 on-line
Review: Not exactly a networking event, but if you're in the science and & technology realm, it seems like a great place to network.
Added 11/8/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Association of Professional Consultants
Sites:
Self-description: "The Association of Professional Consultants (APC) is the premier resource for businesses and consultants. Founded in 1979, APC helps organizations find the perfect consultant for your interim project or on-going engagement.

Our member consultants offer the experience, qualifications, and certifications to help you with your next assignment. Use our free consultant referral service to see how we can help you find an expert in one of many areas including coaching, compliance consulting, finance, human resources, information technology (IT), management, manufacturing, marketing and advertising, organizational development, sales and business development, strategy, training, and many other areas of expertise."
Frequency/Location: "monthly [] on the third Thursday of each month." / The Doubletree Club Hotel, 7 Hutton Centre Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92707
Cost: "Members: Before pre-registration deadline: $35, After deadline or walkin: $40. Guests: Before pre-registration deadline: $45, After deadline or walkin: $50 "
Review: "networking and educational events"
Added 11/8/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Latino Professional Network (LPN) Los Angeles
Sites: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=150448244304, www.lpnonline.com, www.youtube.com/lpnonlinedotcom
Self-description: "The Latino Professional Network, founded in Los Angeles in September of 1999, stands as one of the largest and preeminent associations of Latino professionals, community leaders, and students in the country. Since its inception, the LPN's guiding precept and goal was to galvanize and unify the ever- growing community of Latino Professionals in the United States. The LPN also seeks to harness the skills, education, resources, and passion of Latino Leaders to assist the next generation of leaders and support the community at large. The LPN has also constantly strived to build bridges between all the communities that contribute to our collective diversity.

LPN Networking Events are born from the philosophy that meaningful professional relationships, friendships, and dialogue are engendered in fun, lively, and relaxed setting. With such themes as "Havana Nights", " A Summer Night in Sevilla" and "Una Noche en Guadalajara", these events attract between 900 and 1500 professionals nearly every month."
Frequency/Location: Varies
Cost: Varies
Review: I've heard great things about this organization.
Added 11/8/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Referral Exchange Network (REN)
Sites: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60238121891
Self-description: "* Would you like more blazing-hot leads for your business?

* Would you like to know, and be known, by power-players in the community?

* Are you sick of giving referrals to others and not getting anything back?

* Are you tired of going to networking groups being harassed by folks who just want to pitch you?

If you said YES to all of the above then come join are group!!!

Referral Exchange Network is a rapidly-expanding group of business professionals who are sick and tired of attending networking meetings that suck our time and end up with dead leads. We believe that too many people let their business take over their life. The whole point of business is to make the life you want to live possible--so why wait to start enjoying it? We are dedicated to helping business owners grow both personally and professionally. You will network and meet dynamic business owners like yourself who are willing to share and refer one another. Our groups are designed and structured to set you up in an environment where you finally get to WIN!!"
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Varies
Review: None
Added 11/8/09 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

Name: Omnikron - Competing for Your Future - Robin Borough
Sites: 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 11/9/09 by Todd Zebert

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

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!

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

New sections of last week on:
  • Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.
  • Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
  • Outplacement Firms.
  • YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
  • More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
  • Volunteer - Network while doing "good".

Friday, November 6, 2009

Facebook Privacy using Friend Lists

While Facebook’s Privacy settings are a powerful method of controlling who sees what kind of information about you, unless you create and maintain Friend Lists, you are effectively limited to all Friends seeing everything.

Friend Lists
The first step in creating and using Friend Lists to think about how what information you might not want all your friends to see, and how you might want to group your friends. Some examples:
  • Create a list of Work Friends and limit Work Photos and Videos to just them
  • Create a list of Work Friends and exclude them from Photos (and Videos) Tagged of You – no need for you boss to see you buddy’s picture of you and him partying
  • Create a list of Relatives and limit your Current Address and Home Phone to just them
As discussed in Take Control of your Facebook Security & Privacy Settings, answering "Who can see this?" can be handled different ways. You can think about this is two basic ways:
  • Allowing Friends or Lists of Friends to see something
  • Excluding Friends or Lists of Friends from seeing something
To allow Lists of Friends, the “Some Friend” method must be used BUT it is not available for all information types. The “Except these People” method is available in all cases. So, a mixture is probably the best with an emphasis on exclusion.

Examples:
  • Set “Saturday Night Party Pix” Album to Some-Friends: “Party People List”
  • Set “Sick Day Concert Pix” Album to Except: “Work List”
  • Set “Kids Photos” Album to Except: “List of friends I don’t know that well”
  • Set “Dick and Jane Drunk” Video to Some-Friends: Dick, Jane
Friends can be placed into almost any number of Lists, but Lists can’t contain Lists.

There are two ways to assign friends:
  1. By Edit List which presents scrolling columns of all Friends and (Fan) Pages that you can easily select from. The scrolling click-to-select method is fast but the inclusion of (Fan) Pages may really much up the list.
  2. From the Friends List which presents a paged list of just Friends that you can easily see how many (and which with a click) Lists they belong to. In this way it’s easier to add a Friend to multiple Lists, and there are no (Fan) Pages, but navigation is not as fast, and it’s also not easy to “see” the whole of who’s in the List.
There is no known benefit to making Lists of (Fan) Pages.

To get started, first create at least one Friend List:
  1. Click Friends (top menu)
  2. Click Friends (left menu, under “Lists”)
  3. Click Create New List (top left button)
  4. Type in the new List name (top field)
  5. It’s best to wait, but you could select Friends you’d like to add to the List
  6. Click Create List
To assign Friends to a List, follow these steps for the ways described above:
  1. From the Friends page, click a List from the left column, click the Edit List button. Click to select Friends. Note: Selected Friends will be highlighted in blue with a checkmark on the bottom left of their picture.
  2. From the Friends page, click Friends from the left column. For each Friend, use the drop-down arrow and box (to the right) to select Lists to place Friends in, or even create a new List.
To utilize these new Lists see Take Control of your Facebook Security & Privacy Settings. You'll have to change the Privacy settings in your account, and on every Photo Album, Note, Video, and Application. The forthcoming article in this series will show you how to set specific defaults so every new item will inherit some type of privacy besides the Facebook default (Everyone, All Networks).

Notes of Assigning Privacy
The “Mobile Uploads” Album needs a work-around to set Privacy:
  • When you try to Edit Info it won’t display the Album Name in the field, and when you change the Privacy settings and click “Save Changes” it will give you the error “You must enter an album name. Go back and try again.”
  • The work around is to enter the name “Mobile Uploads”, verify Privacy settings, and click “Save Changes” again. It should work.
The “Profile Pictures” Album has no Edit Info and therefore no Privacy settings:
  •  All friends can see ALL your Profile Pictures, although you can remove individual photos from this Album. Your current Profile Picture may be shown to strangers in your Facebook Search Listing and Public Search Listing. You can control this by using the controls under Privacy > Search
If you use Photo’s “share this album with anyone” link:
  •  The privacy settings do NOT apply. ANYONE with that link can see the Photos.
If you use Video’s “Embed this Video” link:
  • Privacy settings are applied. “The video will respect your privacy settings from Facebook.”
Videos don’t go into albums:
  • Since they can’t inherit Privacy settings from an Album, they will default to “Everyone” plus your Networks. This is especially problematic if you email upload videos. To establish default Privacy settings, you must edit the settings of the Video App (see next Article).
Check out the next article in this series, Facebook Application and Content Creation Privacy

Monday, November 2, 2009

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 11/2/09

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

1 Update and 6 New for SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

4 New for Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.

Updates for SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

NEW! Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities.


SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: XING Community Los Angeles
Review: I was able to attend a meeting last week and met some great people. There were a dozen or so in attendance, and we all sat around a long table and had drinks and desserts. Conversations were in small localized groups and people shifted about now and again. I learned a bit more about XING, which I pronounced "zing", but others refer to as "x-ing" or "crossing" - the later two are more correct. The members are primarily European expats as XING started in Germany and is popular in Europe. Many seem fluent in more than one language, and international business was a recurring topic. You'll need a free membership to Xing to see the details on the community page
Updated 11/2/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Heart Link Network
Sites: http://www.theheartlinknetwork.com/, California Locatons (mostly online) Networking Community
Self-description: "The Heart Link Network® is women’s networking at its best. Between The Heart Link Network’s®, over 120 locations in the US, Canada and Australia, our “high touch” women’s networking events are enjoyed by all who attend them. Along with our “high touch” events, we have a “high tech” online women’s networking community called The Heart Alliance which allows women around the world to easily network with one another online." and "The HLN meeting begins with a light meal and socializing. Then the formal networking begins where every participant gets 3 minutes to showcase and distribute literature. There are door prizes and fun for everyone..."
Frequency/Location: Monthly / See links above for locations
Cost: $20/meeting seems typical
Review: Contact an Area Coordinator to RSVP. Like Le Tip (and others): "Please remember, events are industry exclusive. Only one person may represent your industry." "Many women come to the event from work so attire varies from business casual to comfortable."
Added 10/26/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Manhattan Beach Young Professionals (MBYP)
Sites: mbyp.memberlodge.org, twitter.com/MBYP
Self-description: "A synergy of entrepreneurs and envisioneers created to shake and stir your business juices! We are here to help you network, fuse and mingle with other movers and shakers in the business community. Grow your business, make new friends, build relationships and learn how to energize your future by getting involved, participating and being active in MBYP. "
Frequency/Location: About Monthly
Cost: $5 for Manhattan Beach Chamber Members, $10 for Non-Chamber Members
Review: Mixers and other social cultural sport event group attendence.
Added 10/26/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Worthwhile Referral Sources (WRS) - AKA Women’s Referral Service
Sites: worthwhilereferralsources.com, Traditional, Networking, Neighborhood and Rapid Mixers
Self-description: "Are you looking for a networking event that promotes structured networking? Just reconnected with Worthwhile Referral Sources (WRS), also known as Women’s Referral Service when it was first started by Nancy Sardella 30 years ago. WRS stands out as a place to network because of the “rules” Sardella put in place that by and large prevent someone with commission breath from cornering you at a WRS event.

WRS is billed as the “Network that Actually Works” because members are discouraged from giving each other unsolicited sales pitches. They are taught to generate referrals for other members by applying the “WRS proven networking method”: Ask others “What types of referrals are you looking for?” If the other person neglects to ask the same question, say “Are you interested in hearing what types of referrals I am looking for?” At every WRS event, cards are left on the table to remind members and guests, this is how business is done here.

WRS publishes two referral guides that members are encouraged to distribute throughout SoCal, the Yellow Book with members and pre-screened nonmembers listed, and the Blue Book, a list of members only. Members are encouraged to use the services provided by individuals within these books, and to recommend at least two other WRS members to people they know per month.

Groups meet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, one time each month in a specific location. WRS also has exclusive chapters like other traditional leads groups with only one person per category."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies - See above
Cost: Varies
Review: None
Added 10/26/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: LEADS Club
Sites: http://www.leadsclub.com/, Greater LA Clubs, Inland Empire, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, San Diego and Orange Counties
Self-description: " * The purpose of Leads Club is to assist you in getting good business referrals that will expand your business success.
* Leads Club is dedicated to maximizing the use of your time and resources to get good business referrals. To accomplish this goal, Leads Club uses a method of spaced, timed, repetition of information.
* Leads Club is not in competition with other group or clubs, nor are we a social club. We are an advertising service dedicated to increasing Members' business success. "
" * Leads Club Chapters meet once a week, at breakfast or lunch, traditionally on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
* The meeting time is one hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes).
* Leads Club Chapters meet up to 50 weeks a year. Chapters generally take off the weeks over the December holidays. Chapters generally do not meet when a national holiday falls on their meeting day, for example, Thursday Chapters do not meet on Thanksgiving (USA). "
"Each Member gives two 30 second promotionals, one at the beginning and one at the end of each meeting. Members are also scheduled, on a rotational basis, to give an in-depth, 10 minute presentation at least five times per year (the total number of 10 minute presentations you give each year depends on the size of your Chapter). "
Frequency/Location: "" * Leads Club Chapters meet once a week, at breakfast or lunch, traditionally on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
* The meeting time is one hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes)."
Cost: "There is a one-time $95 registration fee and a $30 per month Membership fee."
Review: Like BNI, Le Tip, etc.
Added 10/26/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: TEAM Referral Network
Sites: http://www.teamreferralnetwork.com/, Chapter Listings (mostly CA)
Self-description: "You don't have to hire a sales team to grow your business. You can be part of the most effective referral networking TEAM in your community

TEAM Referral Network turns success-oriented business people into a strong team of networking professionals who work together to build their businesses by referral. Building a business can be challenging and expensive. Why tough it out alone? Relationship marketing is a better, smarter way of doing business. TEAM Referral Network members know that working as a TEAM,
Together Everyone Achieves More." "We are an exclusive referral organization, only one person per business category is allowed to be a member of a TEAM chapter. "
Frequency/Location: Weekly / Varies - see above
Cost: "The application fee is $50 and annual dues are only $275"
Review: None, but similar to BNI, LEADS, etc.
Added 10/26/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Single Mom Ventures / Empowering Single Moms
Sites: http://www.singlemomventures.com/, http://www.meetup.com/empoweringsinglemoms/
Self-description: "We are looking for unemployed and struggling single mothers who want to make a difference

These are challenging times. Women all over the country are clamoring for resources to assist in pursuing their dream.

Single Mom Ventures is an original forum where real, single mothers from all over the country, get togher and discuss discuss important (and yes, relevent) everyday issues) shair their daily, no-holds-barred opinion about life, careers, business and friends!

If you are an unemployed single mother who is overwhelmed with bills, family and life challenges, we're here to help. Our forums are interactive and you are encouraged to participate and take on an active role in one of our monthly Single Mom Discussions as they are broadcast LIVE all over the country.

Once a month, the most proactive single mother will be featured on the site as we closely monitor your progress week by week, backed up by panel of experts who can provide you with the resources you need to get your life back on track."
Frequency/Location: Monthly / LA (then nationwide?)
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 10/27/09 by Todd Zebert


Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

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: None
Added 10/28/09 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


SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

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

USC, for example, has Alumnae (women) organizations, the Mexican American Alumni Association (MAAA), and the Lambda LGBT Alumni Association.
UCLA, for example, has the American Indian Alumni Association, the Black Alumni Association, and the Pilipino Alumni Association.


Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

New sections on:
  • Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.
  • Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
  • Outplacement Firms.
  • YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
  • More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
  • Volunteer - Network while doing "good".