March 21, 2010

Work like a full-timer, think like a freelancer

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While many job seekers these days are actively seeking full-time positions at conventional employers, the tough economy is causing many of them to think like entrepreneurs. The demise of the conventional activity of "scanning the want ads" is just about complete as most jobs these days are found by those who go out and find them--or even invent them--not by those who sit by the phone and wait for call-backs.

This week, the networking event calendar is brimming with information about how to take charge of your job search and promote your unique skills, no matter what kind of employment you seek. Not everyone has the demeanor and stamina to truly go out on their own and start a business. However, in the networking world, everyone searching for a job is essentially a freelancer, always marketing his or her own personal brand and staying on the lookout for new clients.

Here's a sample of the events this week to help you kick off your springtime job-search efforts:

Mon., Mar. 22 -- Not Just Biznik As Usual. This popular Biznik afternoon social event and workshop returns this month with a presentation on honing your networking skills by three networking, career planning and efficiency experts: John Erdman of Ideal Companies; Richard Gabel of Humerlis Inc.; and Pete DiSantis of Peter DiSantis Consulting Associates. Where: Seattle Design Center, Georgetown. When: 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: Free.

Tues., Mar. 23 - Healthcare Job Fair. For job-seekers in the North Sound area, WorkSource Everett is sponsoring this fair, which will feature healthcare businesses from Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, King, Island and Pierce counties. Bring your résumé and come dressed to impress. Free parking is available. Where: WorkSource offices, Everett. When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

Wed., Mar. 24 - Casual Evening Networking. Come to unwind and share contacts with other business professionals in a relaxed lounge atmosphere at this Eastside event. The event is organized by Dale Warren, publisher of the Northwest Journal marketing guide and host of informal weekly Eastside Coffee networking events, held every Thursday and Saturday at Panera Bread in Bellevue. Where: Courtyard by Marriott, Bellevue. When: 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free.

Sat., Mar. 27 -- The Marketing Conference for Creative Freelancers. Freelance indexer Nancy Gerth and communications professional Cheryl Landes are co-hosting this all-day networking workshop for freelancers. Sessions will include a presentation on diversification from my brilliant colleague Michelle Goodman, author of the Nine to Thrive blog here on NWJobs.com; price negotiation tips from Jeff Barlow of Jelvetica; and online social networking advice from Ed Marshall of Marshall Documentation Consulting. Where: Bastyr University, Kenmore. When: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost: $75; proceeds will be donated to Northwest Harvest.

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

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entrepreneur, networking

1 Comments

Lara Feltin, Biznik Cofounder on March 22, 2010 1:29 PM | Reply

Great to see a Biznik event in your lineup again. Thanks!

If you've missed today's "Not Just Biznik As Usual" event, be sure to check back. We're lining up some April dates now and plan to host this at the same place & time on two Mondays in April and two Mondays in May.

Watch the Biznik events calendar for more details: http://biznik.com/events

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