April 4, 2010

Spring renewal: Eastside networking on the rise

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With spring comes hopes of revival. This week, signs of new growth abound, not just in the daffodils and tulips, but in the job market as well.

The Labor Department chimed just in time for Easter with its latest report showing a substantial increase in job creation for March. Many of the 162,000 new jobs came from the spike in part-time hiring for the 2010 Census, but it is still the largest monthly gain in the last three years. Other organizations, such as the Society for Human Resource Management and Indeed.com, also weighed in last week with more good news about steady job growth in most sectors for March and April.

All this is evidence that more people will soon be entering the workforce as economic conditions improve, meaning networking will be more important--and more competitive--than ever. Perhaps its just the Easter holiday, but there seems to be an abundance of networking events on the Eastside this week. It's beyond the capabilities of Hire Ground to interpret any meaning from this coincidence, but here are some of the many highlights that I hope will give you divine inspiration this week.

Mon., Apr. 5 -- ProLango Career Mixer. This popular monthly professional networking event, hosted by ProLango Consulting, offers the chance to speak with recruiters from a variety of local companies in a relaxed atmosphere. A no-host bar with drink discounts is included. Where: Maggiano's Little Italy, Bellevue. When: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free, with optional $5 buffet.

Wed., Apr. 7 -- Eastside Women In Business April Luncheon. Enjoy lunch and mingle with some of the region's top entrepreneurs while hearing the presentation, "Powerful Internet Marketing Tools On A Small Business Budget," by Elizabeth Tackett, of Tackett Internet Marketing. Where: The Loft at Russell's Restaurant, Bothell. When: 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. Cost: $27; RSVP required.

Thurs., Apr. 8 - The Eastside Connection. This professional networking group, organized by Dan Edwards, meets every Thursday with the sole purpose of giving its members highly qualified referrals. Only one person from each professional specialty is allowed in each chapter. Where: South Bellevue Community Center, Bellevue. When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Cost: Free with membership.

Thurs., Apr. 8 - New Rules of the Job Search for the New Economy. Duncan Burgess, director of WorkSource at South Seattle Community College, will present this workshop with practical advice about using the latest technology to further your job search efforts. Where: King County Covington Library, Covington. When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Fri., Apr. 9 - Breakfast Buzz: Strategic Hiring for Scrappy Startups. At this morning event, sponsored by the Northwest Entrepreneur Network, find out what qualities and skills startup companies are looking for in new hires. Speakers include Alex Algard of WhitePages.com and Ben Elowitz from Wetpaint. Where: Microsoft Offices, Bellevue. When: 7:45 to 9 a.m. Cost: $30; $15 for NWEN members.

Sat., Apr. 10 -- Professional Women of Color Network: Career & Business Summit. This all-day event is geared toward helping professional women of color improve their businesses and careers. Workshops at this first-time event will focus on career success, branding, work/life balance and how to enhance your networking skills. Where: Radisson Hotel Gateway, SeaTac. When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $65; $55 for PWCN members.

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

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