Todd's Networking Guide Site Full Feed

The Networking Guide Newsletter, issue 1

Todd Zebert — Wed, 12 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000

[You are receiving this ONE-TIME email because you’ve had some communication with Todd or his networking guide blog in the past. You may OPT-IN to future weekly Newsletter emails using the link at the bottom of this email. Sorry if this is unwanted or if you receive multiple messages – I’m pulling addresses from multiple sources.]

View this newsletter online

The Networking Guide - Building Relationships, Building Success.

This is a FREE resource. We help you find the right networking opportunity for you - for Job Search, Networking, Referrals, Business Development & Sales, and Professional Development. Search our database of networking organizations and events, read our reviews, check our calendar of events, and engage in conversation within our community.

The Networking Guide started 9/15/09 as a post on Todd’s Blog (new link) covering the greater Los Angeles area. The content was expanded and improved about weekly from that point, and gained a few thousand visitors per month.

The new Networking Guide site launched 5/8/10 at with 60 events (mostly recurring) and 192 organizations, of which a few dozen are reviewed (with another dozen on the way!). We've broadened beyond LA nationally and internationally.

Features of the new site:

Organization listings and reviews are completely reformatted for ease of use
Events with dates, times and locations!
Registered as a user (only need a valid email address*)
User profiles to describe your networking goals (for registered users)
Better search (and Advanced Search for registered users)
Keyword tagging of organizations and events
Improved commenting (for registered users)
Calendar of events
Map of events and organizations
Locate organizations and events by “Geography”
Subscribe to the weekly Newsletter (Opt-in only*)
Networking News and Articles
RSS Feeds in a variety of areas

* We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information.

Features coming soon:

iCal Calendar feed (to use with your favorite online calendar, like Google Calendar)
Author your own reviews (see below for more information)
User customizations to make the site easier for you (like your default geographic location)
Faceted Search (even more advanced searching to make it easier to find what you’re looking for)
And more!

Review Authors will soon be able to get:

A byline (of course!)
Follow-me links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc)
Twitter profile widget (show you Twitter Updates on your profile and blog page)
Their own (topic-appropriate) Blog
Visibility - the review will be posted to our RSS Feeds, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn group, and more!

Please join and engage in the conversation (which is what Networking is!):

Register as a user & leave comments & share on The Networking Guide Website
Join The Networking Guide Facebook Page & share
Follow The Networking Guide on Twitter & retweet
Join The Networking Guide LinkedIn Group

Future newsletters will include:

News – Notable & timely organizations, events and other news.
Summary of Recent Reviews – Get the scoop on what’s happening!
Site Features and Updates – We want to make this site as useful to you as possible.

Please forward this to anyone who may find it helpful. Thank you!

Feedback and suggestions most welcome at thenetworkingguide@toddzebert.com.

To ensure our emails reach your inbox, please add noreply@toddzebert.com to your address book.

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

Todd Zebert — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:33:00 +0000

This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

Weekly updates to the main SoCal Networking Event Organizations. 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

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 2/19/2010

Todd Zebert — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:00:00 +0000

This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

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

Sorry for the delay, but this Update is BIG!!

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

4 Updates and 12 New in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

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

No updates for SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

No updates for Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: New Media Vault
Sites: twitter.com/newmediavault, http://www.tubefilter.tv/newmediavault/, www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65010916756
Updated 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: LAdobe User Group
Sites: twitter.com/ladobe, www.laadug.org
Self-description: "The Los Angeles Adobe User Group began in early 2006... While user groups already existed for certain Adobe applications, LAdobe would revolve around the majority of Adobe applications. Especially those not featured prominently at other area user group meetings. Meetings ... have featured top speakers including Colin Smith, Stephen Burns, Joshua Adams, Daniel Sorenson, Lon Levin, Jacob Rosenberg and many more.

One mantra of the group is to have it’s member share it’s knowledge of Adobe apps and to always admit all members free to all events. Unlike some user groups, LAdobe never has and never will charge an admission fee to its’ meetings or special events.

LAdobe continues to strive to present the best speakers and events for the Los Angeles tech, creative and development communities and will be presenting many special events, launch parties and even a MiniMAX or two over the next few years.

If it’s Adobe….It’s here."
Frequency/Location: "Meetings occur once every month on the fourth Thursday at 7pm" / Key Code Media, 1004 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (located between 10th and 11th)
Cost: Free
Review: Adam Bell founded this group and I've met him numerous times; he's knowledgeable, a good guy, and shares my interest in good beer.
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Technosium Executive Alliance Forums
Sites: www.technosium.com, /twitter.com/technosiumusa, flickr.com/photos/prandcorporate, youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B2DADE555EB2C1EA, twitter.com/PRandCorporate
Self-description: "Technosium Executive Alliance Forums are bringing industry vendors and end-users together through interactive meetings. Technosium has received support in past events from associations and industry leaders including Association of Information Technology Professionals, Information Systems Security Association, Silicon Valley Communications, San Jose Mercury News - The Newspaper of Silicon Valley, Wi-Fi Alliance, Trusted Computing Group, Information Security Professionals Association, Network Products Guide, Personal Broadband Industry Association, Covenant, Wireless Communications Alliance, Technology Lawyer, Info Security Products Guide, New Technology World and Stanford Graduate School of Business."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Unknown
Review: None
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Moodtyme Events
Review: They categorize each event as one or more types: "VIP POWER NETWORKING EVENT" (VPNE), "PRE-GRAMMY POWER NIGHT" (PGPN), "THE LIST" (TL), plus four others that are "Coming Soon."

I attended the 1/30 Los Angeles "PGPN + VPNE + TL" event at The Kress, Hollywood. Attendees filled out name tags, received a small promotional chocolate from one of the "event partners", and were directed into a large private room. The founder Germaine K. Moody took the Mic at about 7:15 and introduced the event and a singer with the comment that they will "keep the music low to network". Throughout the evening a number of acts played a song or a few, and the volume increased until it was concert-level. It was like a music showcase; many seemed not to be expecting this, and a number of people left. The event kicked off with about 60 people (making the the venue seemed a bit empty), and peaked at about 100. Between the acts the Mic was passed for attendees to do their 30sec commercials; it was tough to hear them even with no music playing. There was a strong music industry attendance with performers, singers, songwriters and actors. Networking was active. There was a cash bar and free appetizers. Parking in Hollywood on a weekend night is expensive. Dress varied from club-like to men in coats and ties. At 11pm the lights dimmed, a DJ took over, and the regular Kress club-goers took over.
Updated 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: indie Producer (iP) Schmoozefests
Sites: www.indieproducer.net/Events/what-is-an-ip-schmoozefest, twitter.com/iPmembers
Self-description: "People always say that to be successful in Hollywood you have to network. But if you are new to the business, how do you get started? Or maybe you have been around for a while, but just can’t seem to connect with the kind of people who can actually help you. Don’t you wish you could share a casual drink with a Network Executive or Oscar-nominated screenwriter? An award winning Producer, Director, or actor? Well, now you can!

IP Schmoozefest is a unique networking opportunity for you to “schmooze” with literally all kinds of successful industry professionals in a relaxed party environment. These popular events give our members the chance to mix with their peers over drinks while also talking one-on-one with some of the most successful and inspirational people in the entertainment industry. Our Mentors range from award-winning screenwriters, producers, directors, to accomplished agents, executives, attorneys, and managers in both television and film along with all aspects of “Below the Line” crew members.

Schmoozefest features 6 to 8 VIP Mentors, each sitting at their own table. Throughout the evening, our guests make the rounds, asking questions and sharing stories with the industry veterans. If you are shy we have IP staff there to help introduce you to the other guests, and suggest the Mentors who will help you get the most of the evening.

By the end of the night, you will have gained valuable career advice from the pros, and made connections with others in the industry, too. Just like that, you’re schmoozing!"
Frequency/Location: Unknown / Unknown
Cost: $20
Review: The iP site also supports a (free) membership function with photos, videos, jobs offered/wanted, chat and more.
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Ladies Who Brunch
Sites: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/brunchingladies
Self-description: "LWB is unlike other groups: we're only for women in the Los Angeles film, TV, music, publishing and games industries. Our events are only open to members, and members must apply to join through me with a resume. We operate for now through a Yahoo Group. Events are irregular and the details change but we do them every couple months or so. Current members can submit new member nominations to karen@ladieswhobrunch.org."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Unknown
Review: None, but if you happen to run across their non-yahoo website, keep in mind it's under construction.
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Networking For Professionals (NFP)
Review: I attended the 2/2/10 "High Speed Networking" event at The Yard, Santa Monica. The event took place in the shared main room of venue which wasn't crowded with only a few other tables occupied. Lighting was good and the background music was mostly OK, but lower could have been better. I ended up arriving early and was greeted by two other attendees so we networked, of course. The "High Speed Networking" would take place on a long, tall table with chairs. David and Dava were the hosts of this event, and I believe they arrived a bit late, as did about half the attendees. At the official start time, there were only 12 people. Name tags were made available. Most men were wearing jackets, but I don't recall any ties. Drink specials were available but they were domestic commercial beer and who'd order that at The Yard with all it's otherwise excellent choice of domestic and international beers? Free appetizer plates were placed on the table.
Overall, I'd say the event had a slight unorganized feel. The High Speed Networking seemed to start late but there were two dozen or more participating (including about 6 women). It operated as follows: each pair across the table would have 5mins to network, and then one side would slide over a chair. As the event progressed both the non-attendee crowd, the music, and the subsequent overall noise of the venue increased; it became difficult to talk & listen across the tables. I met a little more than half the attendees during the official networking - they had to stop at 8:45 as another event had the venue at 9. Some stuck around for another 30 mins or so and continued their conversations or started new ones. The variety of people I met was notable, including: 2 acupuncturists, 2 CPAs, 2 Chiropractor, 2 in nutritional/supplement sales, an architect, and a painting contractor. It was more similar to a Referral Network.
The next day NFP sent out an email with attendee's names, profession, company, "seeking", and email, plus a link to their NFP online member profile.
Updated 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: WestSide PowerTippers
Sites: www.powertippers.com/WestSide
Self-description: "We are a professional organization of men and women dedicated to high standards of competence and service.

Our purpose is the exchange of business tips.

Each Business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed.

OUR CREED: 'WestSide PowerTippers are dedicated professionals networking for business success.
When one member wins, all members win.'"
Frequency/Location: Every Thursday 7-8:30AM "Please arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 to sign-in" / The Olympic Collection Banquet & Conference Center, 11301 West Olympic Boulevard, West Los Angeles, CA 90064. Call to confirm time & location.
Cost: "Come to 2 breakfast meetings…the first as our guest and the second for $18, payable at registration." Membership application, inspection, and approval by group follows. "Only one member per category is allowed in each chapter."
Review: None
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: EcoTuesday
Sites: www.ecotuesday.com, facebook.com/ecotuesday, flickr.com/photos/ecotuesday, linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid;=145695, twitter.com/ecotuesday
Self-description: "EcoTuesday Vision:

EcoTuesday is committed to changing the way people do business. The monthly event provides a structured environment where sustainable business leaders network with one another and gain insight from industry thought–leaders and trendsetters. Everyone in the room quickly learns about everyone else during the “introduction circle”. EcoTuesday.com connects participants between events, serves as a hub for conversations and showcases local businesses.

The vision of EcoTuesday is for business people to share ideas and collaborate so that companies develop products and services that have a positive impact on the marketplace and planet.

MONTHLY EVENTS
Featuring opportunities for sustainable business leaders to network and learn about current issues from an innovative speaker and from one another. During the introduction circle, all participants share one sentence about their business and a passion or interest around sustainability.

ONLINE NETWORK
Connecting all sustainable business leaders between events. Participants can automatically create profiles within the global community directory when registering for events, create groups based on specific interests or geographic region, communicate with each other between events, discover sustainability resources and find job opportunities. This is coming soon! Stay tuned!

LOCAL AMBASSADORS
Producing EcoTuesday events in their city, becoming regional leaders in sustainable business. Ambassadors are empowered with tools and resources to earn income by generating and hosting EcoTuesday events."
Frequency/Location: Monthly / In about ten cities across the US (including Los Angeles)
Cost: "EcoTuesday is FREE (with your online registration - Ed.) in February and March! Please RSVP. (It's $10 at the door.)"
Review: None
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Schmoozd
Sites: www.schmoozd.com, www.facebook.com/Schmoozd, linkedin.com/groups?gid=2706171, twitter.com/schmoozd,
Self-description: "As Social Networking is moving from its primordial beginnings to something more sophisticated the need for getting people physically together is growing, especially on a regional basis. Los Angeles and its environs has become a major computing powerhouse and social networking has influenced much of the latest in web applications. Schmoozd was brought about to facilitate the coming together of people and in the sharing of ideas between the city’s brightest entrepreneurs, technocrats, bloggers, designers, and investors.

Founded by local entrepreneurs, Schmoozd is not your typical networking event. There are no presentations or panels to be found. The purpose, therefore, is to provide a venue where people can mix in a casual manner, yet to allow for the exchange of ideas. Yes to see and be seen!

Schmoozd is not your usual get together. There’s no boring speakers or yawner Powerpoint presentations telling you stuff you already know. Instead, you get to mingle up close and personal with technocrats, entrepreneurs, VC funders, web programmers, marketers and other social networking geeks like you. This is not a hosted event, so you get to be casual and be yourself and ask any questions you want to without being screened by a moderator or other evil gatekeepers.

Here’s what you can expect…

* Access to successful people who are doing things right – up close and personal. Ask them any question you want.
* Appetizers. If you eat enough, you can call it dinner and spend your $ on a Schmoozed martini instead.
* Drink discounts – just show the bartender your Schmoozd sticker.
* Occasional gift-raffles. Sign-In for a chance to win some free swag.
* Hours: 6:00 – 10:00.
* A chance to converse, share ideas with, and potentially be seen by some of LA’s hottest movers and shakers.

What are you waiting for? Schmooze, baby, schmoooooze!"
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: $20
Review: None
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Startup Weekend
Sites: startupweekend.org, facebook.com/startupweekend, twitter.com/startupweekend
Self-description: "Startup Weekend recruits a highly motivated group of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing gurus, graphic artists and more to a 54 hour event that builds communities, companies and projects.

...the weekend is a concept of a conference focusing on learning by creating. It is known for its quick decisions, ‘out of the box’ thinking (oh no, the buzzwords are attacking!), unique facilitation technique and letting the founders show what they can do.

The participants that attend a Startup Weekend decide what they want to tackle over the weekend and come out at the end with several developed companies or projects. Attendees are responsible for bringing the same desire and passion to the project and walk out of the room with the task at hand, in a short 54 hours. Sound intense? It is.

What do Attendees get?
Startup Weekend provides an unprecedented level of networking, team building, learning, and life changes for its attendees and their communities. Don’t forget that there will be 6-7 meals and drinks provided. There is a reason that most attendees come back for every event – it’s just plain fun and provides amazing opportunities you can’t get anywhere else. Sometimes a company emerges, sometimes one doesn’t. Some companies go on to produce revenue or get seed funding, but every time people leave with more experience, insight, knowledge, friends, and resources than they came with."
Frequency/Location: Multiple times a month / "The program has already met with success in over 52 cities and 12 countries and growing!"
Cost: $15-$50 depending on role, student status, or amount of time spent
Review: Not a typical networking event, but certainly an excellent opportunity to get involved with people you probably want to be networking with.
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Web Host Industry Review
Sites: www.thewhir.com, twitter.com/thewhir, www.flickr.com/photos/thewhir/sets, facebook.com/theWHIR, www.thewhir.com/whir-events
Self-description: "Web Host Industry Review is the largest news organization and consumer resource dedicated to the web hosting industry, publishing since 2000.

WHIR Events are a chance to do face-to-face business and networking with executives, solution providers and corporate decision makers in a relaxed environment with complimentary drinks and appetizers. Our goal is to provide a local venue for you to do business, make new connections and learn more about those in our exciting industry."
Frequency/Location: Appears to be once a year per city (bur LA's has passed already this year) / 10 cities in the US and Canada
Cost: Free?
Review: None
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG)
Sites: www.mengonline.com, twitter.com/mengonline
Self-description: "MENG is a national network of top-level marketing executives. The organization is devoted to enhancing its members' professional skills, relationships, and knowledge and prides itself on a culture of genuine camaraderie.

MENG is structured as a not-for-profit membership organization and are governed by a 15-person Board of Directors. We have a Program Director that organizes national programs open to all MENG members. In addition, we have numerous local Chapters, Special Interest Groups, and ad hoc working Committees through which we accomplish our goals.

Not all interaction is local; MENG member share many common interests, including industry ties and areas of expertise. That's why MENG created Special Interest Groups.

MENG is a very active organization! There are many activities going on at the national and local level at any one given time.

* Chapter Events: See examples of upcoming events at the local MENG chapters.
* Special Interest Group Events: Upcoming Special Interest Group events may be listed here.
* Calendar of Upcoming Events: See a snapshot of all upcoming events.
* Upcoming Industry Events: See upcoming conferences that MENG is sponsoring or recommending to marketers
* Webinars: MENG offers more than 30 webinars every year - learn about upcoming topics"
Frequency/Location: Varies / "MENG has local chapters in 12 major cities in the continental United States."
Cost: "Membership fee is $400 the first year which includes the registration fee of $200 plus annual dues of $200. After the first year MENG dues are $200 annually."
Review: None
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Technology Executives Networking Group (TENG)
Sites: www.theteng.org, finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/TENG-Discussion (members only), Southern California TENG (SoCalTENG) LinkedIn Group
Self-description: "The Technology Executives Networking Group. LLC (TENG) is a professional community of selected Chief Information Officers, Chief Technology Officers, vice presidents and directors of technology with organizations ranging from startups to the global Fortune 100, from non-profits to government agencies.

TENG members provide each other with a wide range of benefits, including unbiased vendor references, introductions to key contacts in target organizations, insights into business and technology strategies, access to new career opportunities, and a wealth of shared experiences, advice, and support."
Frequency/Location: Varies / "TENG delivers business resources through regional chapters in 13 major metropolitan areas in the United States and a network of more than 4,500 members, nationwide."
Cost: Unknown
Review: None
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Financial Executives International (FEI)
Sites: www.financialexecutives.org, linkedin.com/groups?gid=49573, financialexecutives.blogspot.com, facebook.com/group.php?gid=5007487404, fei.mashnetworks.com, twitter.com/feiblog
Self-description: "FEI's mission is to advance the success of senior-level financial executives, their organizations and the profession.

We strive to be recognized globally as the leading organization for senior-level financial executives. Since 1931, FEI has been connecting members through:

* interaction: providing local and international forums for connecting with peers
* information: providing insight to assist with informed business decisions
* influence: providing authoritative representation for members’ interests
* integrity: providing the tools to advance the profession through ethical leadership

Events and Conferences: knowledge and networking opportunities for financial executives"
Frequency/Location: Varies / "86 chapters across the U.S. and Canada"
Cost: "Annual dues are $495, local chapter dues are additional and vary by chapter. There is an application fee of $250. "
Review: None
Added 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Choice Career Fairs
Review: I arriving at noon at their 2/11/10 LA event, which was scheduled from 10:30a to 2p at the LA Convention Center. With no greater detail provided, I eventually determined that I could park at the South Hall; parking was a steep $12 but I noticed $8-$9 lots across the street. Once inside it was difficult to determine that it was being held in a Concourse meeting room.

Outside the room was a sign-in table that was adequately staffed for the handful of attendees there at any time. If you pre-registered and had you emailed "Line Pass" you got a flyer and went right in, otherwise you had to fill out a short form. The flyer included a list of the Participating Companies and also a list of the jobs titles available. While I was taking note of the event, I was approached by someone who apparently worked for the event, who offered to help me and also had a list of job titles by company. Not sure why the flyer the attendees were given didn't include that information. The room was about 50' x 80' with 20 booths. Six of the booths were colleges or universities, a seemingly high percentage. A couple other companies included an "entrepreneurial home business", a couple that were more skilled verse professional, and a couple that were mostly sales.

There were about 100 attendees - it wasn't crowded. Dress was mixed, from suits and ties to jeans and t-shirts, although most men were wearing coats and ties; I went with a suit, no tie. There were essentially no lines at any of the booths except for about a dozen people waiting very patiently for the free resume/cover letter review person.

They sent a "Job List" email three days prior to the event, and even updated it the day before. Unfortunately, I nearly didn't see them as were in my GMail Spam folder and marked with the warning "This message may not be from whom it claims to be. Beware of following any links in it or of providing the sender with any personal information." I'm not sure what they are doing to appear illegitimate but they should fix it.
Updated 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

Name: Layoff Bounce Back - Sharon Rich
Sites: layoffbounceback.com, leadershipincorporated.wordpress.com, twitter.com/sharonrich
Updated 2/15/2010 by Todd Zebert

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".
Other - keep your mind open.

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 11/9/09

Todd Zebert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:48:00 +0000

This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

Weekly updates to the main SoCal Networking Event Organizations. Please let me know if know of other organizations 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.
- 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.
Volunteer - Network while doing "good".

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 12/16/09

Todd Zebert — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:23:00 +0000

This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

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

Sorry this didn't make it out on Monday as usual - I've been to so many events of late it's taken a while to write them all up. Enjoy and good networking!

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

1 Update and 8 new in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

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

Comment in SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

Updates to Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: MixXedin Professional Network
Review: Tiffany Bradshaw is the affable host of these events, who takes a individual interest in those at her events. When you arrive, she leads each new attendee to a few others and introduces them, and continues to connect people throughout the event. As a whole the attendees are diverse in their fields and some of the friendliest I have encountered. Her last event I attended in December was also well attended, with approximately 60-something people. For this event she gave an approximately 15 minute speach on Business Development (her expertise) along with a two-sided overview sheet on the same material; she included examples directly from the attendees she knew. After that she passed the mic so everyone could give their 60 second commercial/elevator pitch; the first few people found it awkward but soon, due to the friendly and interested crowd, it was going smoothly and confidently. I even saw one person who was trying to dodge the path of mic finally relent and spoke comfortably. Once we knew each other the general networking that happened next was direct and eager. I was surprised by the number of small business owners, entreprenuers and managers/executives. Plus there was a few recruiters. Recommended!
Updated 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Criterion Resources, Events
Sites: http://www.criterionresources.com/, Events at EventBrite, Events
Self-description: "Out of work? Looking for employment during the harsh economical climate? Come attend a Criterion Resources seminar, a half-day event held quarterly.

Obtain helpful advice on networking, interviewing and other job-related issues. Learn from a rotating panel of speakers, such as human resources managers and company employers, with expertise on hiring, recruitment and staying financially stable during unemployment. Meet other like-minded professionals and share your own job-seeking experiences. Educate yourself on emerging technology to improve your job search, effectively market your skill set, and find the right job."
Frequency/Location: A couple times a year / Criterion Resources, Inc., 21900 Burbank Blvd., 3rd Floor Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Cost: Varies
Review: I attended their joint evening networking event with Pink Slip Mixers on 12/8 which was attended by about two dozen people, and included light food and soft drinks. Earlier that day they held a "Job Seeker Seminar & Fundraiser for Penny Lane Centers". I was told it was quite good as they had a number of speakers on different topics. They had a raffle. Attire was business casual and up.
Added 12/14/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Jobnob
Sites: http://www.jobnob.com/, JobNob Events, twitter.com/jobnob, facebook.com/pages/Jobnob/65795966468
Self-description: "Jobnob was founded to empower employees with real information about jobs and companies. The internet helps you find great bargains and the best restaurants, but offers nothing about the best place to work or where to earn the most money. Our mission at Jobnob is to answer the burning questions we all have about jobs."
"Jobseekers need work. Startups are cash strapped. Mingle and find a solution
Come "Jobnob" with cool new start ups and talented job seekers at our informal networking happy hours where you can find startup jobs. Be flexible on commitment and compensation- bootstrapped startups may be offering *alternative compensation: reduced rates, equity, internships, part time, etc. Get in on the ground floor with these great startups and meet cool tech companies!"
Frequency/Location: About monthly / Various US cities
Cost: Free for jobseekers. Pitching Startups may by charged.
Review: Jobnob isn't just an events, it's an online community where you can "Search for companies, jobs/projects or people". I attended last week's event in LA in conjunction with Docstoc (also in my list). This was their first in LA but have organized eight in SF. The venue was what I like to call "standing-still room only" packed! Upon arriving you received a name tag and four pages of companies in attendance, with a description of their projects and the skills they are looking for. The evening started with some general networking, and no-host bar, but hosted appetizers. Alan did a quick run through of how the evening would proceed, and offered a legal disclaimer on "alternative compensation". "20 companies will have 1 minute to present their projects." About 80 companies all together had small banners placed around the room where their representatives would be available. The pitches varied from polished to irreverent. Compensation was mostly equity to the point when one mentioned a real salary, a strong murmur was heard across the room. Primarily they were looking for developers/programers/software engineers. Because of the venue and crowdedness, sometimes the pitches were tough to hear even through they had a PA system, and I couldn't see them from my vantage. After the pitches, groups formed around the company's representatives, plus general networking.

The crowd was mostly professional, mostly in their mid to late 30's, and predominantly male. Attire varied from jeans and a t-shirt to suits, although business attire was most prevalent. Unfortunately, the skill set that the Startups were looking for didn't match that of attendees (mostly managers/executives, business development, sales, markeing, etc. - in other words, not sufficiently technical). I heard one Startup remark he would pay ten times as much for a room full of developers.

I spoke with both the founders, Julie and Alan, who were both very friendly. They plan to have more of these, and find a different venue. I asked Julie about the large stack of uncollected pre-printed name tags; she said because it was free, they expected about half of those RSVPing not to show up, although they did get a number of walk-ins. Recommended.
Added 12/14/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: #140Conf: The State of Now
Sites: meetup.com/140conf, Oganizer: twitter.com/jeffpulver, jeffpulver.com
Self-description: "An opportunity to discuss the emerging Real-Time Internet and the effects on business. A monthly gathering for friends of #140conf to get together and discuss issues of the day."
Frequency/Location: Monthly / Cities across US and Worldwide
Cost: Free?
Review: Recommended. It's only fitting I use my tweet:
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Moodtyme Events
Sites: moodtyme.com/moodtymeevents
Self-description: "Welcome to MoodTyme Events, the exclusive, invite-only, special events division of the MoodTyme Corporation.

MoodTyme Events was formed in 2009 with a mission: To bring together global professionals, creators, business owners, executives, community leaders and more to create new businesses, expand their global connections, produce fresh ideas, innovative concepts, and develop new and better strategies for the life of all people.

We believe in the power of inclusion, connecting individuals and giving everyone an opportunity to be a part of something much larger than themselves. With our VIP Power Networking Events and strategic powerhouse networking partners, our goal is to ignite and stir up the abundance of genius within our attendees, allowing them to share their gifts, talents, and genius with others to create the world and life they desire. There are no limits to the power of bringing people together. As a VIP courtesy perk, attendees have the option of being included on our VIP Power Connect List, which is used to connect you with other attendees from our power networking events around the world who fit some of the same criteria that you desire to connect with. What other networking event does that? Unfortunately, we don't know of any.

We also give back to those local communities where we host events, through portions of proceeds from our events and through collecting a non-perishable food item from attendees (though not mandatory for attendance) to help feed the needy at local and international food banks. It is amazing how we can help rid the world of hunger and starvation just by showing up. So why not network, attend the most powerful events on the planet, making new contacts, creating new business, and expanding your brand which is you, while making a difference.

This is why we say...ALL NETWORKING EVENTS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL.

Maximize Your Networking! Expand Your Influence! Change The World!"
Frequency/Location: Multiple times a month / Around the world
Cost: Varies
Review: They categorize each event as one or more types: "VIP POWER NETWORKING EVENT" (VPNE), "PRE-GRAMMY POWER NIGHT" (PGPN), "THE LIST" (TL), plus four others that are "Coming Soon"
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Shades of Business
Sites: http://www.shadesofbusiness.com/, facebook.com/group.php?gid=86953289872
Self-description: "The purpose of this organization is to provide you with high-caliber events where you can network with a diverse group of professionals and entrepreneurs, expand your existing business, and learn about new opportunities on the horizon. In addition to networking events, Shades of Business offers you access to a variety of professional development seminars and workshops."
Frequency/Location: Unknown / "We currently have events in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and spreading fast!"
Cost: Free?
Review: None
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: New Media Vault
Sites: twitter.com/newmediavault, http://www.tubefilter.tv/newmediavault/
Self-description: "The New Media Vault is the East Side’s first New Media Networking Event. Held monthly in Downtown Los Angeles at The Crocker Club, the Vault is a chance to mingle and mix with others from the worlds of TV, Film, New Media, Tech, Advertising and Venture Finance, and to make new acquaintances and catch up with old connections. The New Media Vault provides networking opportunities in a comfortable, low-key and casual environment, and brings new media into the historic core of Downtown Los Angeles." "The New Media Vault is presented by Tubefilter, LA Mixers and Stella Entertainment"
Frequency/Location: Monthly / Crocker Club, 453 S Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Cost: Free
Review: "Please carefully note the dress code." I also have entries for Tubefilter and LA Mixers.
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Bruin Professionals (BP)
Sites: http://www.bruinprofessionals.com/
Self-description: "The mission of Bruin Professionals (‘BP’) is to assemble a diverse group of UCLA Alumni who are well established in a profession or business and are willing to make a commitment to attend BP meetings. BP Members will have the opportunity through an organized format to develop relationships and expand their business activities by sharing referrals, resources, information, ideas and advice. BP will develop Bruin synergy and establish a venue through which Professional Alumni can become actively associated with UCLA and promote new business leads."
Frequency/Location: Monthly across seven SoCal Chapters: Downtown LA, Orange County, San Diego, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, South Bay, Westwood
Cost: Varies
Review: A colleauge of mine is a member and recommends it.
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: ProVisors
Sites: http://www.provisors.com/
Self-description: "Our Mission Statement

ProVisors is a community of professionals who serve their clients as trusted advisors and share the highest standards of integrity, performance and accountability. ProVisors promotes and enables relationship building, information sharing and collaboration among its members for the benefit of their clients and one another.

Our History

ProVisors, founded in 1988 as Professionals Network Group, Inc. (PNG), was established to provide a community for professionals who believe success flows from a commitment to high ethical standards, devotion to the best interests of clients, and sharing resources and knowledge with fellow senior professionals. Two decades later, ProVisors is the community of choice for over 1,300 of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco's preeminent professionals. ProVisors was incorporated in 1991."

Our Meetings

ProVisors operates more than 55 groups consisting of 25 - 40 members each in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco, California. Each group holds a monthly meeting from 7:30am to 9:00am. The meetings enable members to develop deep relationships with one another, address specific client needs and share information, strategies, business opportunities, resources, and contacts.

Members with specific needs or skill sets may participate in ProVisors Affinity Groups as a benefit of membership. Throughout the year, ProVisors also offers special events, such as educational forums, social, cultural and networking events for its members and their guests."
Frequency/Location: Monthly / Numerous clubs in California
Cost: "For 2007, annual membership dues are $1200"
Review: A colleauge of mine is a member and recommends it.
Added 12/16/09 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, but did you see Bruin Professionals (BP) above?.

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.

Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
- Find (and Create) Tweetups at: tweetvite.com, twtvite.com, findtweetups.com, and tweetup.meetup.com. Or try a custom Twitter Search such as http://search.twitter.com/search?q=+tweetup+near:%22Los%20Angeles,%20CA%22+within:25mi (modify it for your particulars).
Outplacement Firms.
YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
Volunteer - Network while doing "good".
Other - keep your mind open.
- 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

SoCal Networking Event Organizations - Weekly Updates 9/25/09

Todd Zebert — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:49:00 +0000

This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

Weekly updates to the main SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: Los Angeles LinkedIn Networking Event / Lewis Howes
Sites: www.lewishowes.com/events, www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=138352
Self-description: "Come attend L.A.'s premiere networking event with some of the brightest professionals in the area! The last L.A. LinkedIn networking event turned out to be an amazing time! I received dozens of emails from people saying it was one of the best networking events they had attended in L.A.. I believe this is due to the amount of quality professionals who are currently using LinkedIn in the area, and I look forward to a better event this time."
Frequency: Couple times a year
Cost: $10 pre-register, $20 at the door
Review: I attended the one in July and it was well attended. Presentations, name tags, raffle, and people mosly in business casual or slighly upscale. Similar events are held in other cities.
Added 9/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: American Women in Radio and Television
Sites: http://www.awrtsocal.org/
Self-description: "American Women in Radio and Television is a national, nonprofit organization that extends membership to qualified professionals in the electronic media and allied fields. AWRT's mission is to advance the impact of women in the electronic media and allied fields by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry."
Frequency: Varies
Cost: Varies
Review: None
Added 9/15/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Le Tip
Sites: California chapters: letip.com/find-chapters/category.html?id=33%3Acalifornia, California evets: letip.com/find-events.html?filter=CA%2C&filter;_type=venue
Self-description: "LeTip International is the world's largest, privately owned, professional business leads organization. Since 1978, LeTip programs have helped over 50,000 members, throughout the United States and Canada, build business success through personal referrals. LeTip International's structure set the standard in the word-of-mouth referral industry. Members are known for their professionalism, dedication, and loyalty to one another, and to the LeTip Program. LeTip Chapters meet weekly to exchange qualified leads, build solid business relationships, develop strong presentation skills and become proficient networkers. Only one representative of any given profession is accepted into a chapter, and members are chosen for their occupational expertise."
Frequency: Weekly
Cost: Membership fees of $350+, quarterly fees from $100+
Review: None
Added 9/18/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Executive Networking & Technology Group ExecTec of LA
Sites: http://www.exectec.us/
Self-description: "This is a place for executives in the Entertainment, Media, Technology and related business fields to come together and network and share ideas. This group is for any person who is looking to expand their network of contacts or the executive who wants a fun way to stay current on the latest and greatest in technology and business issues. This is an in person networking group and each week there is a networking dinner where you will have the opportunity to meet some of the over 600 members and join in an interesting and stimulating discussion of the topic of the day."
Frequency: Weekly, mostly Tuesdays
Cost: "$21 in advance via PayPal or $25 at the event gets you a full dinner, drink and the best networking around."
Review: Each dinner has a different topic and "veryone participates in a round table discussion."
Added 9/18/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Welcome, Los Angeles Professionals & Business Owners
Sites: www.meetup.com/Biznetwork
Self-description: "Tired of networking with boring, unimaginative people that can't remember your name and who are only interested in shoving their business card(s) at you? The founders of this group are young, business-minded entrepreneurs that are tired of traditional networking and decided to spice-up the way we meet people. Come join us and other driven, dynamic professionals to make business as well as social connections. Your network equals your net worth, don't you think it's time to expand both?"
Frequency: Monthly or so
Cost: Free?
Review: Some are mixers, others have topics & speakers
Added 9/18/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: North Los Angeles Internet Marketers
Sites: www.meetup.com/North-LA-internet-marketers
Self-description: "We are a group of web marketers who get together monthly to discuss internet marketing issues, pay per click marketing, affiliate marketing, e-commerce, shopping cart solutions, outsourcing, content development, etc. We welcome seasoned veterans as well as internet newbies wanting to get started building an online business."
Frequency: Unknown
Cost: Free?
Review: None
Added 9/18/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: L.A. Marketing Co-op
Sites: www.meetup.com/lamarketingco-op, mymindshare.com/lamarketingco-op
Self-description: "The L.A. Marketing Co-op is a support group for people who need help with marketing. Our goal is to provide practical and moral support to our members as they go about the difficult task of marketing either a business, a non-profit, or simply themselves."
Frequency: About monthly
Cost: Free?
Review:
Added 9/15/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Los Angeles Network of Business Women
Sites: www.meetup.com/The-Los-Angeles-Network-of-Business-Women
Self-description: "The business arena has been difficult for women from the beginning. Establishing a strong business presence has not been an easy chore. The Network of Business Women was established to create that presence not just in one city but across the nation! If you are a woman in business, considering starting a business or just want to network with other like minded women then we are the "Network" for you! Remember that we are not just another networking organization WE ARE A SISTERHOOD!"
Frequency: About Quarterly
Cost: $5/yr
Review: None
Added 9/15/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: So Cal Sushi
Sites: windmillnetworking.com/resources/what-is-so-cal-sushi, www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=969757, www.linkedin.com/in/nealschaffer, twitter.com/nealschaffer
Self-description: "So Cal Sushi is an open networking group for LinkedIn users who are living in, interested in, or travel to Southern California, including Los Angeles and Orange County. The purpose of the group is to connect professionals for in person networking through monthly casual networking lunches over sushi. The So Cal Sushi lunches attract a diverse crowd of professionals. Whether you are in sales, marketing, finance, IT, project management, human relations, staffing, etc., in transition, own your own business, or you just want to meet other like-minded professionals like yourself and ask for advice on any subject, please feel free to come and both share your knowledge as well as ask questions."
Frequency: Monthly?
Cost: Free
Review: Neal Schaffer's concept/book "Windmill Networking" put into practice. Great format, from Neal's introductory statement, the table of biz cards, name-tags, round-table introductions (video recorded), to lunch (prix fixe).
Added 9/18/09 by Todd Zebert

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 2/23/2010

Todd Zebert — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:01:00 +0000

This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

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

There's a promising new weekly morning networking event unlike any I've seen. Ellen kicks-off the weekly NetWalkers & Co. Troop 90210 this Wednesday morning at the Electric Fountain in Beverly Hills: Walk and network! Bring comfortable shoes and business cards. I plan to be there.
Notably, and at the other end of the spectrum appears to be the big daddy of networking events, The MeatEaters Ball. It's go big! I plan to be there too as soon as I find the big entry fee (all for charity though!)
Here's a timely one-off: I can't find any online reference to but happened across a flyer:
March 25, 2010 11am - 2pm "Come by for this one-day job fair open to all job-seekers, not restricted by level of education, experience, race or age. Local businesses, chain operations, schools, military, and employment agencies will be among those looking for people to fill jobs. No appointment required. just come on it." Corbin Bowl, 19616 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana,CA 91356 (818) 996-2695 www.corbinbowl.net Oh, and "Bowl for FREE while you're at the center."

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

3 Updates and 16 New in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.
No updates for Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.
No updates for SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.
No updates for Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: Networking For Professionals (NFP)
Sites: www.networkingforprofessionals.com, Industry Insights Blog, Success Square/Coaching Blog, Events Blog, City Chat Blog, twitter.com/nfp_biznetwork
Updated 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: (Los Angeles) Geek Dinner
Frequency/Location: From Heather "I officially closed it down at the end of last year for a variety of reasons: I was burned out on organizing and the LA geek community had changed."
Review: No longer exists.
Updated 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Scrum Club Los Angeles
Sites: losangeles.scrumclub.org, facebook.com/pages/Scrum-Club/81581409897, twitter.com/scrumclub, linkedin.com/groups?gid=1013047
Updated 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Hike the Geek
Sites: www.hikethegeek.com, LA Chapter, SD Chapter
Self-description: "HIKE the GEEK is a good natured endeavor to gather together bright fun loving self-righteous arrogant sarcastic eggheads to overcome their fear of the outdoors and realize that they do not control the sun.... Yet! individuals that normally don't get enough sun.

Hikes usually occur once per week on Sunday when Christians are off the mountains and in church and feature friends debating the latest trends of industry, music, philosophy, biology, or any other "yeah, I'm smarter than you" conversation, with the occasional wet noodle-style fight and potluck lunch."
Frequency/Location: "usually occur once per week on Sunday" / Varies
Cost: Free
Review: Also in Amsterdam, Austin, Maui, San Francisco, and Seattle. Seems more than a bit irreverent - check out their About and FAQ pages.
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Lunch 2.0
Sites: www.lunch20.com, facebook.com/group.php?gid=2376399004, twitter.com/Lunch20, linkedin.com/e/gis/1082507, LA "LANs", San Diego "LANS"... I can't find a link...
Self-description: "Lunch 2.0 is a weekly meeting of local entrepreneurs and their employees to learn about each other and discuss the marketplace. Its primary focus is Web 2.0 companies.

Lunch rotates from company to company. So if Frank's widgets hosts this Friday, maybe Jonnie.com hosts next. It's a great way to meet other interesting and ambitious people in the region."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Unknown
Review: Also in Germany, Seattle, Portland, Bangalore, NYC, Netherlands, Hawaii, and Shanghai.
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Girl Geek Dinners
Sites: girlgeekdinners.com
Self-description: "Background

The Girl Geek Dinners were founded on the 16th August 2005 as a result of one girl geek who got annoyed and frustrated about being one of the only females attending technical events. She was tired of being assumed to be marketing, tired of constantly having to prove herself and decided that she just wanted a change and to be treated just the same as any other geek out there, gender and age aside. After all to be geeky is to be intelligent, have passion for a subject and to know that subject in depth. It’s not at all about being better than others, or about gender, race, religion or anything else. Those things just detract from the real fun stuff, the technology, the innovation and the spread of new ideas.

So what did this geeky girl do to change the world of geeks and girl geeks everywhere… well she got in touch with a few well known bloggers, posted online about her idea of getting geeks to educate one another over dinner and then arranged the first girl geek dinner event with a little help from her friends. The first event had 35 people at it all from London and the surrounding area, shortly after people started to hear about the events and companies started sponsoring them to cover the food and drinks cost.

Then they started popping up in other UK cities as she trained others up in how to run the events, spreading the formula for them… so they then started popping up in Europe… and shortly after that over in Canada… Now they are starting to pop up in New Zealand and Australia. Who knows where will be next

Past Events

Where have the past events been, what is the format and why?

If we start with London, the birth home for the girl geek dinners, they started their life at the Texas Embassy over in Trafalgar Square, and soon decided to move about a bit and have since been found in bars such as Balls Brothers and offices such as Google, Saatchi & Saatchi and Skype.

The format of the events is usually an informal, buffet dinner style with finger foods and wine as well as soft drinks for those who are driving. We have a speaker or three on a subject of choice either based on a technical subject area or business area, or even on women and tech issues (such as mentoring). The events are varied and the reach vast.

We keep the events informal and outside of lecture theatres or offices where possible solely to take the women (and the men… oh yes men are allowed to come, however they must have an invitation from a female attending the event!) into an informal and relaxed environment where they feel comfortable talking and interacting. We limit the number of male attendees by putting the balance of men to women in the hands of the attendees. This means that there can be a 50:50 split or anything up to that on the male side. Generally the more men in attendance, the more the dynamics of the event change. It is a learning experience for both the men and the women as men in tech aren’t used to interacting with women in tech on a technical level. Technical women are also not used to being technical with other women either… it’s a learning curve on all sides.

Total Number of Girl Geek Dinner Groups: 60 (90 including those starting out at the moment)

Estimated Members: 25,000 – 45,000

Countries: 21 (soon to be 32)"
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Free?
Review: None, but wow, what an organization... but none anywhere in SoCal?!
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Mobile Monday (MoMo)
Sites: www.mobilemonday.net, twitter.com/MobileMonday, LA Chapter, LA Chapter Facebook Group, LA Chapter Yahoo Group
Self-description: "Mobile Monday is a global community of mobile industry visionaries, developers and influentials fostering cooperation and cross-border business development through virtual and live networking events to share ideas, best practices and trends from global markets.

Mobile Monday has the following objectives:

* To encourage innovation within the mobile sector.
* To facilitate networking between small and large companies, and between local and foreign.
* To help local companies effectively participate in international initiatives through the import and export of visions, concepts, technologies, know-how and best practices.
* To present innovative visions, trends, studies and forecasts from the mobile marketplace.
* To facilitate and create partnerships.
* To contribute to the education of the broader public through its publications, online presence and media partnerships.

Mobile Monday is organized by a group of dedicated volunteers from around the world. Originating in Helsinki, Finland, in the year 2000, Mobile Monday has grown into the world’s leading mobile community."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Unknown
Review: In upwards of 80 cities worldwide.
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: ThursdayLunch
Sites: promenade.thursdaylunch.com, Subscribe to Mailing List, facebook.com/group.php?gid=17912753952, twitter.com/thursdaylunch
Self-description: "If you are ever in Santa Monica on a Thursday, join us for lunch on the 3rd Street Promenade.

Promenade ThursdayLunch is a "friends and friends of friends" event. Interested first timers, please contact Eric Hammond so you're not a stranger when you show up. "
Frequency/Location: Thursdays at Noon / "Meet on the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade just South of Santa Monica Blvd."
Cost: "Each individual pays the cost of what they ordered plus 25% to cover tax and tip. Cash. "
Review: None
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: (SoCal) Code Camp
Sites: www.socalcodecamp.com, Twitter Tag #SoCalCodeCamp, Flickr tag 'socalcodecamp', FaceBook SoCal Code Camp Group, FaceBook SoCal Code Camp Page
Self-description: "The Code Camp Manifesto

The original Code Camp was a conglomeration of ideas by many different people across the development community. The idea was simple provide an off hour forum for the development community to speak and share ideas for them to come and enjoy. The results have been astounding. I am happy to report that they are being planned across many different cities.
The question is what makes a Code Camp?

The answer is actually simple. In order to use the official Code Camp name and banner follow these simple protocols.
By and For the Developer Community

Code Camps are about the developer community at large. They are meant to be a place for developers to come and learn from their peers. Topics are always based on community interest and never determined by anyone other than the community.
Always Free

Code Camps are always free for attendees.
Community Developed Material

The success of the Code Camps is that they are based on community content. All content that is delivered is original. All presentation content must be provided completely (including code) without any restriction. If you have content you don't want to share or provide to attendees then the Code Camp is not the place for you.
No Fluff only Code

Code Camps are about showing the code. Refer to rule #1 if you have any questions on this.
Community Ownership

The most important element of the Code Camp is always the developer community. All are welcome to attend and speak and do so without expectation of payment or any other compensation other than their participation in the community.
Never occur during work hours

We need to understand that many times people can't leave work for a day or two to attend training or even seminars. The beauty of the Code Camp is that they always occur on weekends."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Free
Review: Also in about 15 cities in the US.
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: BarCamp (LA)
Sites: barcamp.org, twitter.com/barCamp, facebook.com/pages/BarCamp/19305288144, www.barcampLA.org, twitter.com/barcampla, barcamp.org/BarCampLosAngeles, groups.google.com/group/barcampla
Self-description: "BarCamp is an ad-hoc un-conference born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos and interaction from attendees.

All attendees must give a demo, a session, or help with one. All presentions are scheduled the day they happen. Prepare in advance, but come early to get a slot on the wall.

Presenters are responsible for making sure that notes/slides/audio/video of their presentations are published on the web for the benefit of all and those who can’t be present.

Anyone with something to contribute or with the desire to learn is welcome and invited to join."
Frequency/Location: Once or Twice a year / Varies
Cost: Free?
Review: BarCamps are held in many cities across the world. There's also the related "Health2.0 - a revolution in health and healthcare" in both SD and LA, see barcamp.pbworks.com/HealthCamp
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: SoCal Drupal HUB
Sites: groups.drupal.org/southern-california
Self-description: "SoCal Drupal HUB Rocks

The Southern California Group acts as a hub to help Drupal geeks find and organize with each other. SoCal area is Rich with Drupal professionals and hobbyist's alike. All of us that live here, know its the weather that keeps us so friendly... and the kool-aid is even better in the Sun.

What area is SoCal Drupal?

Southern California Drupal extends from Point Conception (north of Santa Barbara) south to San Diego and eastward from the Pacific Ocean. The group has been divided geographically using guidelines I found here, which also formed the basis for Geographical Group categories."
Frequency/Location: NA / NA
Cost: NA
Review: Check here to find the many Drupal User Groups (DUGs) in SoCal.
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: CoWorking
Sites: coworking.pbworks.com, twitter.com/Coworking, coworking.pbworks.com/CoworkingLosAngeles, coworking.pbworks.com/CoworkingLongBeach, coworking.pbworks.com/CoworkingOrangeCounty, coworking.pbworks.com/CoworkingPasadena, coworking.pbworks.com/CoworkingRiverside, coworking.pbworks.com/CoworkingSanDiego, coworking.pbworks.com/CoworkingSanDiegoNorthCounty, coworking.pbworks.com/SantaMonicaCoworking,
Self-description: "Coworking is cafe-like community/collaboration space for developers, writers and independents.

Or, its like this: start with a shared office and add cafe culture. Which is the opposite of most modern cafes. ;)"
Frequency/Location: NA / Many!
Cost: Varies, but can be substantial.
Review: Not really a networking event or organization, but an interesting concept that gets many of us out from our homes and into spaces were we can interact with other freelancers, work-from-homes types, and entrepreneurs.
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Jelly
Sites: workatjelly.com, Find Jelly in different cities around the world, meetup.com/jellyla
Self-description: "Jelly is a casual working event. It's taken place in over a hundred cities where people have come together (in a person's home, a coffee shop, or an office) to work for the day. We provide chairs and sofas, wireless internet, and interesting people to talk to, collaborate with, and bounce ideas off of.

You bring a laptop (or whatever you need to get your work done) and a friendly disposition."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Free to Varies?
Review: Not really a networking event or organization, but something similar. In many cities across the world. Interesting.
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Ladies Who Launch
Sites: www.ladieswholaunch.com, facebook.com/ladieswholaunch, twitter.com/Ladieswholaunch, www.ladieswholaunch.com/losangeles, www.ladieswholaunch.com/orangecounty, www.ladieswholaunch.com/sandiego
Self-description: "Ladies Who Launch is the first new media company to provide resources and connections for women entrepreneurs.

Women are launching businesses at twice the rate of men, and they are doing it primarily for lifestyle reasons–they want more freedom, flexibility, and creativity in their lives.

Have you been searching for a place where you can:
- connect with others for advice, referrals and customers,
- promote and exchange your products and services,
- receive PR leads bi-weekly to your inbox,
- get inspired to launch and model yourself after successful women entrepreneurs who have built multimillion dollar companies,
- learn from experts on everything from product development to social media to trademarks and LLC’s?

You’ve come to the right place. Ladies Who Launch is your one-stop shop and destination for launching your dreams and growing your business! We deliver you infrastructure and inspiration, relevant connections and vetted resources. The opportunities are endless and we provide them. "
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Unknown
Review: None
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: dorkbot
Sites: dorkbot.org, dorkbot.org/dorkbotsocal, SoCal Announcement List, SoCal Facebook Group
Self-description: "What is dorkbot, exactly?: Each dorkbot is different and is driven by the needs and interests of people in the local community. But generally, the main goals of dorkbot are: to create an informal, friendly environment in which people can talk about the work they're doing and to foster discussion about that work; to help bring together people from different backgrounds who are interested in similar things; to give us all an opportunity to see the strange things our neighbors are doing with electricity. dorkbot isn't really a forum for formal artist talks or lectures, but rather a chance for diverse people to have friendly conversations about interesting ideas.

The organizers of Pixelache 2008 asked Douglas to talk about dorkbot's "organisational strategy". Here's what he had to say.

Frequency: How often will you hold meetings? Some dorkbots have meetings every month, others just a few times a year. It's a lot of work putting the meetings together, and in smaller cities is can be difficult to schedule enough speakers. You don't want to burn out!

Locale: If you are in a smaller city or town, you might want to consider collaborating with people in other nearby cities/towns. Maybe the dorkbot meeting can travel to a different location each month, or maybe you can all pool your resources for a couple long-form meetings each season.

Venue: Is there a place to hold the meetings? It can be very convenient to have the meetings in the same place each time. Often an art gallery or performance space will be willing to donate their facilities for the occassional meeting. If you know someone connected to a university you may be able to get a space through them. It doesn't have to be a fancy space!

Equipment: Do you have access to presentation equipment? At the least you'll probably need a video projector, a small sound system, and a network connection. A laptop computer can also make things easier on the presenters. As with the venue, it's best if you can use the same equipment at each meeting. It can be very stressful trying to track down a video projector the day of a dorkbot meeting! Often the venue you use will have A/V equipment you can borrow.

$$$: dorkbot is a non-$-oriented organization. dorkbot meetings are generally free events, so you need to be careful about spending lots of money to produce them! Several dorkbots sell beer and/or food at the meetings to help cover their costs. Make sure you talk to the venue before selling anything. dorkbot.org donates web space, email lists, etc. to the local dorkbots, so there is no administrative cost associated with setting up a new dorkbot.

Meeting Format: dorkbot meetings are rather informal. There are usually two or three presentations (about 20-30 minutes each) per meeting and sometimes very short "lightening" presentations from audience members. The specific format is up to each organizer to decide. You'll probably have to play with your format for a few meetings until you find something that works well in your context. One thing to keep in mind is that the dorkbot format works best for informal, conversational presentations on a particular work or topic, rather than formal artist talks or lectures on a body of work. 30 minutes isn't much time, so focused presentations work best. "
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Free?
Review: In about 100 cities around the world.
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: NetWalkers & Co.
Sites: twitter.com/NetWalkers90210
Self-description: "Skip the carbs and cocktails. Get outside and walk and connect!
Meet up with neighbors and local business people for an hour-long brisk walk and conversation. Get it done in time to start the day - whether you're working in an office or on your own or in between. Each walk will include speed introductions, conversation starters, warm-up and cool-off stretching. This is scheduled to be a regular walk on Wednesdays.

NetWalkers & Co.™ Troop 90210™ is organized by Ellen Lutwak, a Beverly Hills resident who introduced the Walk to School Wednesday campaign to the local school district.
Get the creative juices flowing and the energy level up!

Walk the Green Walk: Recycle and wear a name badge you already have from a favorite conference or event. (Now you know what to do what that collection of plastic badges.) Stop plastic badges."
Frequency/Location: Weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30am / Beverly Hills Electric Fountain, Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards, Beverly Hills, CA
Cost: Free! Pedometers are $15 and T-shirts for sale will be available at future events.
Review:
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Ignite
Sites: ignite.oreilly.com, www.ignitesandiego.org, Ignite LA mailing list, Ignite LA Facebook group, Ignite LA Twitter tag #igniteLA
Self-description: "Global Ignite Week
Ignite goes global—from March 1-5, 2010, 50+ Ignites will take place in cities around the world. Upwards of 10,000 entrepreneurs, technologists, DIYers, creative professionals, and enthusiastic knowledge-seekers will gather in local pubs, theaters, and other convivial venues for an evening that is a unique blend of networking, information, and fun, encapsulated in the Ignite motto: "Enlighten us, but make it quick."

In talks that are exactly five minutes long, Ignite presenters share their personal and professional passions, using 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds.

Global Ignite Week is both an in-person and online phenomenon. Local Ignites will stream live video during the event, and those videos will be archived on the new Ignite video site that is being launched in conjunction with the event. At least 500 five-minute session videos will be available on the new site when it debuts.

Don't miss being part of this enlightening week— attend, present, or lead an Ignite in your city.

What is Ignite?
Fast-paced, fun, thought-provoking, social, local, global—Ignite is all of these and more. It's a high-energy evening of 5-minute talks by people who have an idea—and the guts to get onstage and share it with their hometown crowd. Run by local volunteers who are connected through the global Ignite network, Ignite is a force for raising the collective IQ and building connections in each city. And, via streaming and archived videos of local talks, local Ignites share all that knowledge and passion with the world. "
Frequency/Location: Yearly? / "Six continents, 60 Cities, 600 Talks, 10,000+ Igniters"
Cost: Free?
Review: None... this is kinda like TED?
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: MeatEaters Ball
Sites: www.meateatersball.org, linkedin.com/groups?gid=1849455
Self-description: This site doesn't have much on it as far as description except for how many people showed up previous years. "Once a year the who's who of the finance, entertainment and "C" level executives gather for a great night of Bar B Q, martinis and networking. Live music, great sights and the best Bar B Q from Woody's (LeafEaters will eat too)." (from the LinkedIn group)

Here's some 3rd party commentary on it:
On May 7, 2009, more than 800 C-Level executives and financial investors will gather at 2000 Avenue of the Stars, in Century City, for the Fourth Annual MeatEaters Ball – an exclusive night of networking, charity, dancing, deal-making…and tasty southern barbecue.

Confirmed event attendees represent such upper-echelon firms and companies as Google, Square 1 Bank, the Rubicon Project, Endgame Entertainment, SONY, Idealab, IBM, Skyline Music Publishing, and hundreds more, such as investors GRP Partners, Redpoint, Stone Canyon and Leonard Green Partners, to name just a few.

Frank Mottek, host of KNX 1070 Newsradio’s popular Southern California show, “KNX Business Hour”, has referred to the MeatEaters Ball as “…the best networking event of the year.” The Ball has been referenced as the replacement for the now defunct “Predator’s Ball” – an annual event once hosted by Drexel’s Michael Milken, at the Beverly Hills Hotel. And although the location and theme of the event may have changed, the target audience of the events remains the same.

“This is a once-per-year chance at some of the best targeted networking in the nation,” said MeatEaters Ball founder, Robert K. Whyte. “We attract the who’s who from the financial and entrepreneurial worlds… players from equity, hedge funds, lending and debt from all over the country, plus top C-Level executives from the best companies that want to rub shoulders with people who can write checks.”

...and...

The 4th Annual MeatEaters Ball took place on Thursday May 7th at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City. For the first time, this years event will be donating to two separate charites, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica and The BizWorld Foundation. This incredible night of fundraising included networking, dancing, deal-making and a tasty selection of southern barbecue. This year was over-the-top, adding a Red Carpet arrival for photo opportunities. Frank Mottek, host of "KNX Business Hour", refers to the MeatEaters Ball as "The best networking event of the year."

It was an unusually beautiful and warm spring evening, with a bright full moon shining down on over 1,000 hungry patrons that turned out for the evnt. The delicious and sumptuous meat feast, was once again provided by the famous Los Angeles eatery, Woody's Bar-B-Que. The menu consisted of an assortment of chicken and pork ribs along with potato salad, baked beans and fresh garden salad with vinaigrette dressing. Home made rolls and butter were also available to those not counting calories.

The event started promptly at 6:00pm and the lobby and back patio filled up fast as both legal eagles and patrons alike, lined up for food and a cool beverages after work.

This year's event featured live performances by an assortment of local bands, along with internationally-famous DJ Jamesen Re spinning throughout the evening. Event guests were treated to a promotional music CD of Tim Draper's newly released song, "Take My Money", which is about the changing global economy, and the government's response to the economic downturn. In addition to the music, there were a bevy of beautiful Go-Go Dancers shaking it to to the music.
All proceeds will go to Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and The BizWorld Foundation.
Frequency/Location: Annual / Varies
Cost: Advance tickets at $125 (last minute $175). Group ticket discounts available, as well as some discount codes. Cocktail attire.
Review: None
Added 2/22/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Tech Coast Angels - Fast Pitch Competition and other events
Sites: www.techcoastangels.com, twitter.com/Techcoastangels, facebook.com/techcoastangels, Events, Fast Pitch Competitions, www.seedtrack.org
Self-description: "Our Fast Pitch Competitions are "the" place for Southern California entrepreneurs to present their ideas to investors.

Each competition consists of 10-12 entrepreneurs giving fast pitches to a panel of investors and other members of Southern California's entrepreneurial community. Pitches are judged on the quality of the CEO’s presentation and the company’s investment potential.

Over the years, Tech Coast Angels and several venture capital firms have funded many companies that have been Fast Pitch participants. Since its inception in 1997, Tech Coast Angels has provided more than $104 million to more than 160 companies, and attracted more than $1 billion from co-investors.

Fast Pitch events include plenty of networking time – Tech Coast Angels members, other angel investors, venture capitalists, and interested parties can meet and mingle over delicious food and beverages. Several hundred people attend each competition.

These are “must attend” events for entrepreneurs looking to jump-start their dreams and for investors who want to hear about the latest innovations in Southern California."
Frequency/Location: Two or three a year / Various in SoCal
Cost: Upwards of $100, early and student discounts available
Review: None
Added 2/22/10 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".
Other - keep your mind open.

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 3/8/2010

Todd Zebert — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:45:00 +0000

This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

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

The Notable & Where I'm Going...
Tell them you heard about it from Todd's blog!

I'll be speaking (yes, yours truly) on “Effective Networking for Entrepreneurs” at the GroundUP Business Group's Tuesday, March 9th 7-8:30pm, at Zephyr Coffee House, 2419 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107. Free! Everyone will have a chance to give their elevator pitch, plus a round-table to discuss business ideas, and plenty of networking time. Please RVSP via Meetup.com and join us!
Are these updates helpful to you? Interesting? Time saving? Please consider paying what you feel they are worth. Please use the Paypal Donate button on my site, thank you!
Join the newly formalized N4 for Networking group and share job search tips and leads at weekly events.
"Join over 1,000 elite business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs at the 26th Annual Business Growth Conference on Thursday, May 6, 2010 hosted by the USC Marshall School of Business Alumni Association and the Harvard Business School Association of Orange County." www.bgc2010.org Note the Agenda and Registration links don't seem to be working yet. I plan on attending.
Give a Day. Get a Disney Day. is a "program that celebrates and inspires volunteerism. Disney is working with HandsOn Network to bring you amazing volunteer opportunities to which you can lend your much-needed services. As a way of thanking you for your good work, we'll give you a free ticket good for one day admission to a Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® theme park. "

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

8 New and 4 Updates in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.
No updates for Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.
No updates for SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.
No updates for Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: N4 for Networking (N4)
Sites: linkedin.com/groups?gid=2836027
Self-description: "We are a job search/business networking group on the L.A. West Side. Our members include artists, engineers, writers, business administrators and executives. We share job leads, encouragement, and anything that can help one another."
Frequency/Location: They have two types of meetings, weekly Monday mornings with the exception being the first Monday of every month when they have an Monday evening happy hour. Monday Mornings: 10:00- 11:00am or so at Whole Foods in West LA at the corner of National and Barrington, "We meet inside in the cafe area, for those who are new or if the weather is nice we sometimes sit out on the patio." Monday Evenings: 5pm to whenever, usually a couple hours or more, Lobby of the Culver Hotel, 9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City. It's always "Martini Monday happy hour with $5 martini's and half priced appetizers. There are city parking garages just north of Culver Blvd. on Watseka Ave. and Cardiff Ave. and east of Trader Joe's on Culver Blvd. The Culver Hotel management suggested not parking in the lots adjacent to the hotel, which are not owned by the hotel."
Cost: Free
Review: It's a small but lively group of job seekers that originated as Right Management alumni that's been meeting for months and has now decided to formalize themselves. I've been a couple Monday Mornings and Evening Happy hours. Join the LinkedIn group to get the meeting schedule, and both confirm if meetings are happening and RSVP. Usually 4-12 people attend.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Ignite (LA)
Sites: ignite.oreilly.com, www.ignitesandiego.org, Ignite LA mailing list, Ignite LA Facebook group, facebook.com/IgniteLA, twitter.com/ignite2la, Ignite LA hashtag #igniteLA
Review: I attended the 3/1/10 event held in the theater area in the back of Cinespace - it's a in a dinner-theater seating style. Local parking in Hollywood is always expensive; I paid $8 - the Cinespace valet is at the west corner of the block on Hollywood. With your printed ticket, security at the entrance would let you past the rope and up the stairs you needed to wind your way back to the theater. Just outside was a small table with name tags but no greeter. The bar (beers ~$7) was fairly crowded and lively - there was time for networking before the presentations but it seemed like many people already knew each other. The theater area was fine but a bit small for the number of people they had and while some had comfortable seating in booths, most seem to be on folding chairs. The men's room was described as one attendee as he walked in as "like something out of Fight Club" with broken faucets and urinals. Attire ranged from t-shirts and jeans to button-up shirts with coats, with a handful of some funkier attire. It was a definitely a "geeky" audience. Some pesky AV issues persisted but none were too bad. Judging from the hashtag twitter traffic and the heads-down phone-illuminated-faces I saw in the crowd there was a high social-media user ratio. Some of 12 presentations were really well enjoyed and received, others elicited a so-so response by the audience of approximately 100 people; check the hashtag for content reviews and videos (once posted). The event "ran late" and we were all herded back to the bar area. About 30 people including some of the presenters lingered, but were joined by eager attendees of the next event: "Live Band Karaoke" with Reno 911's Cedric Yarbrough (which seemed tempting but I had other commitments).
Updated 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Challenger Networking Group (CA)
Review: There's a different speaker at every meeting. The Orange County meeting is new for 2009, and while the following is true for the LA meeting the OC one is probably similar: 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 approximately 100 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 (so long sometimes that people will get more food). While the majority of the people attending are job seekers, because of the speakers and high quality of the attendees, some are employed professionals. Dress is business casual. This is a friendly and helpful lot! Recommended.
Updated 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: French Tuesdays (FT)
Sites: www.frenchtuesdays.com
Self-description: "In 2003, a small group of people gathered in New York who desired a more sophisticated alternative to the nightlife options available. That gathering planted the seeds for what has become a nationwide social movement called French Tuesdays! Today, it is expanding internationally and is known as a classy social networking phenomenon and lifestyle brand. Its success in New York quickly led to French Tuesdays being established in Miami in 2004, Los Angeles in 2006, San Francisco in 2007 and Paris in 2009. Now numbering more than 18,000 members in the U.S., French Tuesdays offers contemporary men and women entrée to a network of successful individuals and a world of couture nightlife and entertainment.
Frequency/Location: Once to a few times a month per city / various venues in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, and Sao Paulo.
Cost: Events are basically free, as is "Web Member is the first level of FT membership and is attainable by invitation only." Web Member access is very limited, but Guest of Members less so.
Review: I attended the LA Anniversary party at the beautiful Andaz Hotel on 3/2/10. It was called for 7pm but I arrived at 9:30 to long valet and entry lines. Security controlled the line behind the ropes, and the entry personnel were very pleasant. Pre-registration and Photo ID required. Dress code is strictly enforced. "No jeans, t-shirts or sneakers; jacket and [sometimes] tie for men." The attendees were well dressed and attire was that of upscale Hollywood events. Women were mostly in skirts and dresses. I've been told that black is the popular attire color, although I hadn't notice. There's a strong European influence. Most I spoke to seem to think this event was exceptional although some felt the theme events (such as the "White" and holiday parties) were just a bit better. There were a few hundred attendees as far as I could tell. The event took over the first floor, second floor (which I never saw), and the penthouse/rooftop pool and patio. By 10:30 the dance floor in the penthouse was very active to a DJ along with two live musicians - the electric violinist was particularly engaging. On a couple small stages around the dance floor were performance artists dancing in unique costumes - one women was doing yoga-ish inversions and poses that were quite amazing. Throughout the venue there were plenty of deserts and by the pool they had grill and endless sliders. The food was free but a glass of wine would set you back $12. The elevator queue was tough and some who left the top floor were unable to return - it was very crowded. At one point a few fireman appeared to be checking crowd control and emergency exits. A female attendee "M" commented "Eclectic crowd, lot's of hot people, and a good guy to girl ratio." I happened on a number of people I knew and was introduced to some interesting people. I even gave out a few business cards. Professional photographers had pictures posted in about a day or two. Music off and lights on at 1am and everyone headed out. Elegant fun.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Champagne Hiking Club (CHC)
Sites: Olesya posts as private Facebook event with all pertinent info (directions, route, hiking difficulty, contact information, etc).
Self-description: Dean "X" and Olesya Romm started this group at the beginning 2010. It’s a tight, committed group of casual hikers looking for fun, laughter and to meet interesting and educated people. Hikes are about 2 1/2 hours followed by a nearby late lunch/early dinner and drinks (venue chosen during hike.) Olesya frequently brings homemade or other treats (like Russian chocolate or Champagne). Hikers are single and she tries to keep a balanced gender ratio. Membership is strictly controlled ("no drama - must play well with others", etc) by Dean and Olesya, but "we're looking forward to accepting new members."
Frequency/Location: Every 2 weeks, usually Saturdays at 12:45 or 1:45 pm. / Often in Pacific Palisades/Malibu, and almost always with an “ocean view.”
Cost: None (pay own meal)
Review: This isn’t really a networking event – it’s almost all social. Have fun!
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Unemployed Americans Action Meetup
Sites: www.meetup.com/Unemployed-Americans-Action
Self-description: "We come together to take action to get jobs and make America a better place. We are not affiliated with the tea party movement. We want to empower and encourage you, promote ideas that will help America deal with the economic crisis, and share job leads."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Free?
Review: First meeting 3/8/10 3pm - see site for details.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Active Young Professionals (AYP) - LA/OC Chapter
Sites: www.liferollson.org/site/pp.asp?c=egLLKTNJE&b;=5116267, LA/OC Chapter Facebook group
Self-description: "Active Young Professionals are vital to the mission of Life Rolls On—Improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury through action sports. Help us educate, advocate, and fundraise for spinal cord injury through networking events and social mixers with your friends and colleagues!

What is AYP?
Active Young Professionals (AYP) empowers young business leaders with the opportunity to enhance their professional development while serving their community through fundraising, volunteerism and community outreach activities. The goal is to provide active young professionals with an ever-growing community in which they can network, communicate, grow and socialize.

Why AYP is Important
Currently, there are more than 1 million Americans living with spinal cord injury and every 49 minutes, another spinal cord injury occurs in the United States. As more than half of these injuries occur between the ages of 16 and 30, and the average age of injury is 39.5-years-old, educating young professionals is of critical importance to not only prevent future injuries, but also to serve as a resource and support for those with SCI.

Benefits for Young Professionals
Beyond the inherit values of doing good for others and learning the skills of being a community leader, all active chapter members benefit from the opportunity to network with other active professionals in many varying industries as well as participate in workshops for professional and personal growth. As well, those applying for graduate school will receive community service hours and letters of recommendation from Life Rolls On Foundation. "

"We launched on Fri, May 1, 2009 and have grown to over 500 members already and 100% of everything we do and all the $ we raise goes directly to Life Rolls On. It's a great networking for like minded people that want to network, but also give back to such an awesome foundation."
Frequency/Location: Unknown / Varies
Cost: Varies by event
Review: None, but I like it already.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Jelly (LA)
Sites: workatjelly.com, Find Jelly in different cities around the world, meetup.com/jellyla, twitter.com/jellyla, facebook.com/jellyla
Updated 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Windmill Networking in Southern California "So Cal Sushi" - Open Networkers and Social Media Fans
Sites: windmillnetworking.com/resources/what-is-so-cal-sushi, www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=969757, facebook.com/WindmillNetworking, www.linkedin.com/in/nealschaffer, twitter.com/nealschaffer, facebook.com/NealSchaffer
Review: In December '09 Neal re-started his LA-local meetings (they were primarily in OC) and of course there was an interesting selection of people. Neal Schaffer's concept/book "Windmill Networking" put into practice. Great format, from Neal's introductory statement, the table of biz cards, name-tags, round-table introductions (sometimes video recorded), to lunch (generally prix fixe). I've been to a few and also had excellent interactions with Neal - he knows LinkedIn like no other. Recommended. In March '10 he renamed the group from "So Cal Sushi".
Updated 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: LA Green Drinks
Sites: www.lagreendrinks.org
Self-description: "LA Green Drinks is part of a worldwide organization that enables anyone concerned about environmental issues to get together over a drink. LA Green Drinks events are simple, informal, and help connect the green network while having a drink or two. LA Green Drinks started in Los Angeles in 2005 and quickly expanded to offering events all over the LA area. With weekly events throughout the city, LA Green Drinks has the most monthly events of all the U.S. Green Drinks cities."
Frequency/Location: "1st Thurs West Side, 2nd Wed Pasadena, 2nd Thurs South Bay, 3rd Thurs WeHo/Silverlake, 4th Wed Downtown, 4th Thurs Valley" / Varies - check the website
Cost: Free (no host bar)
Review: None
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Association of Information Technology Professionals (LA)(AITP-LA)
Sites: aitp-la.org
Self-description: "As the industry has evolved, so has the association. Starting as the NMAA, evolving into the DPMA, and then into our current evolution in 1996 of the ASSOCIATION of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS (AITP), the association has kept pace with the changing needs and interests of our members. AITP members span every level of the IT industry from mainframe systems, to micro systems, to PC based LAN and WAN systems, to virtual systems and the internet. AITP has special niches created that cater to the special interests of our members. Our members are found in every facet of society as well. They're in colleges and universities; banking; industry; retail; the armed forces; local, state and federal governments; hospitals; etc."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Events vary, but membership is $160
Review: None, but they have an upcoming event 3/25/10 in West Hollywood, CA.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: San Diego Software Industry Council (SDSIC)
Sites: www.sdsic.org
Self-description: "Formed in 1994, the San Diego Software Industry Council is building a future for the region's high tech industry. Our members enjoy exceptional networking and educational opportunities, critical workforce development programs and valuable company benefits. Whether you are a start-up, established industry leader or a provider of services to the industry, your company will benefit from a SDSIC membership.

SDSIC offers a variety of events - and members enjoy reduced rates for each event. The presentations on current industry subjects also offer superb opportunities for you to network with other professionals.

Monthly Events
SDSIC Business Interest Groups are peer-to-peer networking groups that hold monthly BIG Meetings providing technology and IT professionals an effective networking environment as well as a forum for important industry developments. These meetings focus around marketing issues as well as technology issues. There are approximately six of these meetings per month. Due to the broad reach and ever-changing nature of the software industry, these groups change with the markets and technology. Take a look at the current list of Business Interest Groups, where you can sign up for those of interest.

Other Events
The Special Events focuses on issues of interest to the entire industry. Each month, programs look at the latest opportunities presented by new technology, changes in the marketplace and changes in the law. Panelists and speakers take a forward-looking view and identify the best directions for company growth. Notable speakers at this event have included: Scott Cook, Chairman of Intuit; John Warnock, Chairman of Adobe Systems and Jeff Jacobs, President of QUALCOMM Global Development.

SDSIC Entrepreneur's Forum We have created a forum for technologists, sales and marketing executives, managers, researchers and industry experts to accelerate business formation and growth. The key audience for the event is technologists, business people and entrepreneurs (and some who are all three) whose goal is to participate in an early stage or startup company on a full time basis, as well as those who invest in early stage companies. Those wishing to sell services to such companies should not attend.

Bull's Eye Sales Coaching. This allows senior sales professionals to polish their formal sales presentations in front of a panel of experts and potential customers. It is fast paced, interesting and always rewarding.

Yearly Events
Special annual events provide special member assistance, visibility, and recognition.

In order to highlight the significance of the analytics cluster in San Diego, SDSIC began its forum on Analytics in 2007. This event attracts participants and attendees from throughout the United States. This event is produced in association with the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering.

Networking and Education
An important goal of the SDSIC is to build a large network of companies and individuals to ensure high tech organizations in our region have access to critical resources. For the past several years, SDSIC member organizations have worked together to create high-quality programs, events and resources that benefit developers and service providers region wide."
Frequency/Location: Monthly, Yearly and otherwise / Varies
Cost: Varies, but membership starts at $150 annually.
Review: None
Added 3/7/2010 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".
Other - keep your mind open.

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 11/30/09

Todd Zebert — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:06:00 +0000

This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

Weekly updates to the main SoCal Networking Event Organizations. Please let me know if know of other organizations 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 Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 11/23/09.

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.

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

Todd Zebert — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:50:00 +0000

This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

Weekly updates to the main SoCal Networking Event Organizations. 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