This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!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

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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".