Time to harvest the last networking events of spring -- Career Center Blog

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May 8, 2011

Time to harvest the last networking events of spring

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

We're approaching mid-May already, which is usually around the time the grumbling in the Seattle area reaches a fever pitch. After seeing the rest of the country warm up to long days filled with sunshine, Seattleites are once again mired in another typically cold, wet spring that seems to drag on forever. Patience, people -- Memorial Day is right around the corner.

The same thing seems to be happening with the monthly job figures. On Friday, the feds reported that 244,000 jobs were added to the economy in April, almost all of which were in the private sector. Most of the coverage, however, emphasized the fact that the official unemployment rate jumped from 8.8 percent to 9 percent due to an increase in the amount of people who have decided to return to the workforce. Much media grumbling ensued.

But looking just at the unemployment rate does not tell the whole story. Those 244,000 jobs are actually much better than the 185,000 jobs that analysts had been predicting. These private-sector jobs are just what the economy needs and a sign that corporate America is again looking to soak up the talent that is still on the market. Why else are so many people deciding to look for work again? Because more jobs are becoming available. Obviously they're not coming quite fast enough to make a major dent in the unemployment rate, but the fact that growth has been trending upwards in recent months is still very good news.

Now, no one likes to see the unemployment rate go higher, but in this case the 0.2 percent rise happened not because of layoffs; on the contrary, it's because people are feeling more confident about their chances for getting a new job and putting their hat back into the ring. Again, patience, people -- the recovery is happening, even in this cold spring, and we're starting to see the first blooms of new jobs.

To make sure you're positioned for the coming crop of new positions, here are some of the last springtime networking events in the region:

MON., MAY 16

Get Me Excited! Creating a Dynamic Elevator Speech -- Learn to introduce yourself in a way that starts a conversation with potential hiring managers. This Biznik workshop gives you a chance to practice and improve your elevator speech and get instant feedback. Where: Mosaic Den, Seattle. When: 10 a.m. to noon. Cost: Free.

Mastermind Net-Together -- Celebrate the power of group intelligence at this monthly Biznik brainstorming and networking event. After introductions from each participant, the meeting will break into smaller groups, where each member can discuss how to solve problems and meet business goals. Where: Unity Library, Bellevue. When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free.

TUE., MAY 17

Essentials of Angel Financing Workshop -- The Perkins Coie law firm and the Northwest Entrepreneur Network are bringing back its popular workshop on navigating the sea of financing options. A panel of angel investor presenters will share tips on how to structure your business and think like an investor. Where: Perkins Coie Offices, Seattle. When: 7:30 a.m. to noon. Cost: $100; $50 for NWEN members.

PR & Marketing: Game Startup Workshop Series -- Those interested in starting a career in Seattle's thriving gaming industry should check out this Washington Interactive Network workshop, where a panel of experts discuss how to use marketing to build a successful business. Where: Bungie Studios, Bellevue. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $35; $25 for WIN members.

WED., MAY 18

Pub Night: Speed Dating -- Kick back over a cocktail, appetizers and conversation at this NWEN-sponsored networking event to help you meet new contacts and discuss issues such as team building, marketing, revenue modeling and honing your elevator pitches. Where: Spitfire Grill, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20; $10 for NWEN members.

THURS., MAY 19

PR for People's Ben Franklin Breakfast -- Patricia Vaccarino's networking group has partnered with author David L. Laing to celebrate the success of community-driven and niche-market newspapers. Come meet local newspaper editors, public relations professionals, authors and journalists. Where: Green Bean Coffee, Seattle. When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Cost: Free.

Technology Professional's Networking Forum -- The purpose of this round-robin-style event is for tech-related professionals within the Biznik community to share ideas, meet new people, explore possibilities for new business approaches and build referral networks. Where: Mosaic Den, Seattle. When: 10 a.m. to noon. Cost: Free.

MITEF NW Program Topic Brainstorm/Mix & Mingle -- This annual MIT Enterprise Forum Northwest event allows you to brainstorm about topic ideas and suggestions for the 2011/2012 season, and also enjoy drinks and appetizers and meet new local entrepreneurs. Where: Fox Sports Grill, Seattle. When: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Linked:Seattle Meetup -- Get together with a sampling of the 27,000-member Linked:Seattle online community and share your businesses experiences with other area professionals and entrepreneurs. Where: King Cat Theater, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Northend Connectors Networking Event -- Each month, this group of Biznik members, located between Kirkland and Bellingham, gets together to build relationships, meet new professionals and have fun. Where: Quantum Light Healthcare, Edmonds. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

FRI., MAY 20

Toast of Seattle -- One of the Seattle Chamber's most successful networking programs, this event features three structured networking rounds over breakfast at some of the region's best venues. Where: Talaris Conference Center, Seattle. When: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Cost: Members: $20 pre-paid, $30 after May 18; non-members: $25 pre-paid, $35 after May 18.

MON., MAY 23

Coast-to-Coast Career Fair -- Job seekers of all kinds are encouraged to attend this job fair, which will also provide local career experts to provide free resume reviews. Where: The Conference Center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, SeaTac. When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

TUE., MAY 24

Give2Get Networking -- Attendees of this unique networking event are encouraged to "pay it forward" and offer their services and help solve problems for other members of the group. Each attendee will have a chance to address their immediate needs in order to determine which people to meet. Where: Bahama Breeze, Seattle. When: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

THURS., MAY 26

Young Professionals Network -- At this monthly Seattle Chamber of Commerce event, the special guest speaker will be Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess, who will be talking about challenges currently facing city government. Where: Regatta Bar & Grille, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: Members: $15 pre-paid, $20 after May 24, $25 at door; non-members: $20; $25 at door.

Almost Memorial Day Business Mixer -- Just before the official kickoff of the summer season, this casual networking event will give job seekers a chance to share drinks and snacks, and converse with some local small business owners. Where: Liberty Bar, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Fremont "Geek" Meetup -- Calling all geeks! Come to this monthly event to network, share resources and get referrals from some of Fremont's brightest techies in a relaxed social setting that includes copious munchies. Free wi-fi (naturally) will be provided, so feel free to bring a laptop, smart phone or other techie devices. Where: History House, Seattle. When: 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free.

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