November 7, 2009

In search of the Eastside networking community

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While perusing my usual list of job-search and networking events around the Puget Sound region this week, I couldn't help but notice that, with the exception of Lesa Keller's Job Seeker Club, nearly all of the organizers hold regular job-search meetings in Seattle. Of course, considering Seattle's population density, it makes sense to base your operations there. But with the growth of tech businesses in the Bellevue area, it seemed strange that there were so few places for job seekers to meet on the other side of Lake Washington.

Andrew Vest noticed this under-representation on the Eastside as well and decided to do something about it. Last month, the communications consultant at Mitel Corp. held the first of what he hopes will be monthly Eastside Networking Events at Rock Bottom Brewery in Bellevue. The Oct. 15 event drew about 130 RSVPs, of which about 90 people showed.

"Everyone really enjoyed it," Vest said. "It was very informal, so there was not so much pressure you normally see at networking events. It's just a place to grab a beer and test out the six degrees of separation from everyone."

This month, Vest will hold a second event at Rock Bottom on Thurs., Nov. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. As of yesterday, Vest said 260 have RSVP'd for the free event. "A lot of attendees are on the technology side," he said. "Mostly IT consultants, directors and lots of recruiters. There were a lot of layoffs in the IT business, so there's a big need for this."

The idea for the Eastside event occurred to Vest when he relocated to Kirkland this summer after stint with a wireless company in Portland, Ore. He decided he needed to introduce himself to more local contacts but didn't see many places to meet and greet people in his situation on the Eastside.

After polling some of his Puget Sound contacts on LinkedIn about creating a new networking group, he asked whether they would like to meet regularly in Seattle or somewhere in the Bellevue area. "About 90 percent said they wanted the Eastside," Vest said. "Most said they didn't want to travel to Seattle and deal with the bridge traffic."

The event will have name tags for those who want them, but there will be no formal agenda, Vest said. "I've been to a couple of these events before and it was mostly a lot of nervous people sizing everyone up and saying 'here's my card,'" he explained. "This has a much more laid back feel. Most of the attendees last month said that everyone approached them instead of having to approach everyone else."

A couple of attendees, Vest added, also mentioned that they got job offers and a few leads on business deals during the October meeting. If all continues to go well, he says he may look for sponsors to help pay for appetizers and drinks.

So what's up, Eastsiders? Why aren't there more job-seeking events in the Bellevue-Kirkland area? If I'm missing any, let me know.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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6 Comments

Joe Kennedy on November 8, 2009 8:53 AM | Reply

Eastside Entrepreneurs Social Network combines online social networking with in person events. We are not quite 13 months old, but have over 1,575 members (including Andrew Vest who you mention in your article).

Please join us at our one year anniversary party on Wednesday November 11th, at KidsQuest Children's Museum in Bellevue's Factoria Mall. Details at www.EastsideEntrepreneurs.com.

Jordan Nilsen on November 8, 2009 9:08 AM | Reply

In addition to Andrew Vest's events, I highly recommend Eastside Entrepreneurs Social Network at www.EastsideEntrepreneurs.com. They have a large cross-section of professionals and regular events at various eastside locations.

Brian Crouch on November 8, 2009 2:57 PM | Reply

Paul Anderson at Prolango has held almost a dozen Eastside events. Attendance was about 500 at the last one. It was well promoted.

Rick D. Storm on November 9, 2009 6:56 AM | Reply

I have been looking for work for 9 mo. How can i get invited to some of these networking events? Do you think it would work for all professions? Thank you Rick

Richard Velazquez on November 12, 2009 3:06 PM | Reply

Our group, NSHMBA Seattle, has been holding networking and recruiting events on the Eastside since 2005. We just held our largest event with Microsoft on Monday, November 9th, which drew 240 attendees plus an additional 40 or so MS recruiters.

Laura Dodson on November 22, 2009 8:38 PM | Reply

The Prolango events have a rather high density of unemployed folks compared to the Eastside Networking.

In addition, www.biznik.com has free networking events on the eastside and elsewhere.

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