This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!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

Sorry I missed last week; this week is extra value (same low cost).

Holiday Season Networking Advice
As the holidays fast approach, I’ve notice there are far fewer formal networking events out there. They have mostly been replaced by friends, family and other social networking events. Do not miss these opportunities! While you might not meet as many new people, this is the perfect opportunity to reinforce or even reestablish a connection with someone you even know.

Some tips:

• Stay professional
• Stay positive
• Be thankful
• Don’t get stressed – balance your personal commitments and job search
• Engage new people despite perhaps limited opportunities

Some venues:

• Friends and family occasions
• Religious events
• Charity / Volunteer events
• Your previous job’s events – if you’re on good terms and they’re open to it, join them!
• Alumni events

 

2 updates and 14 new in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

1 special free event and 1 update in Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.

New ideas in SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

New items and updates in Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: Media Leaders (LA)
Review: I attended towards the en of their event at Bodega Wine Bar in Santa Monica. There were upward of 100 people earlier and still a couple dozen when I arrived. The venue was tough for an event like this as it's very dimly lit and very noisy. Attire was mostly casual dressy. The attendees were broadly in "media", friendly, and interesting. They also have groups in Austin and San Francisco.
Updated 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Women At Work - Pasadena Career Center
Review: They offer a variety of for-fee services from office equipment usage to career and resume counseling. The Networking group is free. A friend recently attended one of their job fairs. She reports that it was small, limited and included insurance sales, colleges/universities, health/elder care, and a couple others. This is typical of the job fairs I've seen of late.
Updated 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Step Up Women's Network
Sites: http://www.suwn.org/, LA Calendar
Self-description: "Step Up Women's Network is a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. Through teen empowerment programs for underserved girls, women's health education and advocacy, professional mentorship and social networking opportunities, we educate and activate our members to ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to create a better future.

Step Up is on the cutting edge of women's social philanthropy. The organization's strength stems from our members' ability to leverage their personal and professional skills and relationships to give back to the community. Our programs are designed to engage women in a way that inspires a life-long commitment to responsible, philanthropic involvement encompassing hands-on volunteer work and leadership opportunities. "Invest, Involve and Inspire" is our motto."
Frequency/Location: Varies
Cost: $50 for yearly basic "Insider" membership.
Review: None. They also have chapters in Chicago and New York.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Girls in Tech
Sites: girlsintech.net, twitter.com/gitweet, facebook.com/group.php?gid=2507318683, linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid;=1768837
Self-description: "Girls in Tech is a social network enterprise focused on the engagement, education and empowerment of like-minded, professional, intelligent and influential women in technology. As young women with the capacity to inspire, we made it our personal desire and passion to create and sustain an organization that focuses on the collaboration, promotion, growth and success of women in the technology sector.

Created in February of 2007, ‘Girls in Tech’ (GIT) was founded by Adriana Gascoigne. GIT and was born out of a need to provide a place for women to cultivate ideas around their careers and business concepts involving technology.

Girls in Tech aims to offer a variety of resources and tools for women to supplement and further enhance their professional careers and aspirations in technology. Some of these resources include, educational workshops and lectures, networking functions, round table discussions, conferences, social engagements, and recruitment events."
Frequency/Location: Varies
Cost: Varies
Review: They have chapters in most major US cities plus a couple International ones.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Business Referral Exchange (BRE)
Sites: http://www.brenetwork.com/
Self-description: "Business Referral Exchange (BRE) is a professional organization of men and women whose purpose is the exchange of qualified business referrals to its members. BRE meets every Tuesday morning, providing the opportunity to develop lasting, beneficial business relationships with highly motivated individuals.

Join us for a complimentary breakfast and tell our group of business professionals how we can provide you with business referrals!

Building Client Base

The best way to get new business is through referrals. Have breakfast with a group of professionals once a week and network your way to a stable, high-quality client base."
Frequency/Location: Every Tuesday morning 7a-8:30a / Coco's Restaurant, 14971 Holt Ave., Tustin, CA
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Business Referral Network (BRN)
Sites: Search for local Business Referral Networks (BRN)
Self-description: Varies
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Varies
Review: None. I can't locate a "parent" organization for the local chapters - perhaps the are independent?
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: California Staffing Professionals
Sites: http://www.cspnet.org/, Inland Empire Chapter, Los Angeles Chapter, Orange County Chapter, San Diego Chapter
Self-description: "The California Staffing Professionals (CSP) is a non-profit membership organization which provides products and services to its members within the staffing services industry."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Annual dues start at $225 but perhaps some events may be open to the public or as a guest a member
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Women in Technology International (WITI)
Sites: witi.com, facebook.com/group.php?gid=14044585166, twitter.com/witi09, Local Networks in California
Self-description: "WITI's Mission

WITI's mission is to empower women worldwide to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership and economic prosperity.

WITI's Goals

1. Provide a platform of connections, resources and opportunities
2. Transform corporate and media perceptions of women
3. Create a pipeline of women to fill leadership positions in corporate America
4. Demonstrate that advancing women directly contributes to the prosperity of all
5. Influence top leaders in government, academia and industry to recognize the purchasing power of women
6. Encourage girls and young women to choose business and technology careers

WITI Networks

WITI Professional Network
For professional women who consider technology central to their businesses, careers and professions, WITI Networks provide amazing connections, resources and opportunities - all in a supportive environment that includes men who champion WITI's mission.

WITI Corporate Network
For organizations that want to reach decision makers, hire "star" employees and increase their bottom line by tapping into the power of WITI's products and services. Businesses benefit by recognizing the that women's leadership skills and purchasing power are the greatest economic force at work in the American economy today.

WITI Global Executive Network (GEN)
For VP and C-level women, this network enables them to influence change, collaborate with peers, and become role models and mentors.

WITI Student Network
To support the women of tomorrow, WITI has formed this network for college and university students on the cusp of new careers and ready to be mentored and inspired! "
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Annual membership starts at $250. Some events are open to non-members.
Review: None. They have chapters in most major US cities, and a number of them around the world.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name:Taco Tuesday Career Networking
Sites: groups.yahoo.com/group/TacoTuesday
Self-description: "Taco Tuesday Career Networking group of South Orange County, California.

This list offers an online community for sharing leads, contacts, industry information and career events. I hope you find this list useful - any comments welcome!

This list is for job search and networking purposes only."
Frequency/Location: NA
Cost: NA
Review: They maintain an email list and calendar with job and event opportunities.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: eWomen Network
Sites: http://www.ewomennetwork.com/, twitter.com/eWomenNetwork, facebook.com/ewomennetwork, Events Calendar -- Inland Empire, Events Calendar -- Los Angeles, Events Calendar -- Orange County, Events Calendar -- San Diego
Self-description: "This is the #1 resource for connecting and promoting women and their businesses on both a local and global scale.

Here you can post your own personal profile page with all your contact information.

Tell your own story in your own words and display three graphic images of your choice.

Accessed by our fast and easy search engine, under "Connect to Resources, Businesses and Members," this profile page will be your direct contact with all the members and guests of eWomenNetwork.com

Not only can they find you, but also you can find them. Search by name or by business category from our entire membership.

eWomenNetwork.com is unique! It is unlike any other listing web site or business leads group you have ever encountered."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Membership is $290 yearly. Some events open to guests.
Review: None.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: FORE Networking
Sites: http://www.forenetworking.net/, www.facebook.com/pages/FORE-Networking/35246911849
Self-description: ""It's great to meet you!" That's what our participants hear when attending our events.

FORE Networking® is the world’s fastest growing member only golf networking organization for business professionals. Offering structured events enabling opportunities, we bring people together out on the golf course.

In the past year alone, our events have been attended by thousands of business professionals who all share a common interest: GOLF.

Our members pass sales leads, business referrals and golf connections to each other while making introductions to prospective clients on the golf course.

Golf networking has always been a tool in business, now it is finally offered in an environment specifically designed for business.

Find a local event in your area. Attend an event if you are interested in:

* Playing more golf and cold calling less.
* Meeting business peers who share a common interest.
* Networking with a very targeted demographic."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Varies
Review: They appear to have local chapters in Irvine and Central OC. This is an interesting idea!
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Professional Videographers Network (PVN) - Southern California
Sites: pvn.org
Self-description: "The Professional Videographers Network (PVN) is an organization of professional videographers, producers, and editors in Southern California. Our members provide services in event, commercial and industrial video production.

We meet monthly in Irvine to discuss issues of interest to our members and keep up with the latest technology. The meetings provide a forum for education, networking and the sharing of ideas, opinions and jobs."
Frequency/Location: "2nd Wednesday for breakfast" / Unknown
Cost: Membership is $120 yearly. At the door payment is available also.
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: South Orange County Women’s Network Group (socwng)
Sites: socwng.org
Self-description: "The mission of the South Orange County Women’s Network Group is to build relationships and provide business education which, in turn, will create networking and business referral opportunities resulting in business development as well as to help those less fortunate in our community through service work and/or donations."

They have 2 different networking groups:
Frequency/Location: A.BSOLUTE M.OMENTUM Group, "2nd and 4th Wednesday each month", "9:00am - 10:00am, arrive by 8:30am to order breakfast" / Carrow's Restaurant, 23952 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Frequency/Location: P.ROFESSIONAL M.ATTERS Group, "2nd and 4th Wednesday each month", "11:30am - 12:30pm, arrive by 11:00am to order lunch" / Lone Star Steak House, 24231 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Cost: Annual membership is $100
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Team Women
Sites: http://www.teamwomen.com/,
Self-description:"Team Women opened in January, 2005 with the first meeting held in Murietta in Riverside County, CA. Since that time we have opened more than 100 chapters and have enrolled over 1000 members. We are committed to being the Number One Women Only, leads based networking group in the world and we are well on our way.

Each Team Women Chapter is limited to a total of thirty members. This is enough women to provide plenty of business leads for each member, but is intimate enough that lasting relationships can be built and each member has plenty of opportunities to promote her business. Each chapter is limited to one person per core profession so each member is ensured exclusivity.

Team Women is about celebrating successes of each member and working together to create more prosperous businesses for everyone. The purpose of Team Women is for each member to provide highly qualified referrals to other members in their chapter. A qualified lead is one in which the person being referred is expecting to hear from the Team Women member and has provided all of his/her contact information.

Each Team Women Chapter meets for one hour every other week. Local chapters have morning, mid-day and evening meetings on various days to accommodate everyone ’s schedules."
Frequency/Location: "every other week" / Various across most US cities.
Cost: Annual membership $269.
Review: None.
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Technology Professional Association of Orange County
Sites: http://www.4tpa.org/
Self-description: "The Technology Professionals Association (TPA) is a not-for-profit networking organization association serving technology professionals, including independent dealers, value-added resellers, systems integrators, manufacturers and distributors in the business equipment and systems industry.

Vision & Mission Statement
TPA helps members grow and successfully manage their businesses through networking, partnering and education. Our missions is to build an organization that supports the growth and successful management of information technology member companies by providing educational programs and facilitating their strategic partnering." "...networking followed by dinner and a guest speaker. Meet our members and guests, and find potential new business and partners."
Frequency/Location: "We meet the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm" / Doubletree Club Hotel, 7 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA
Cost: "Meeting dues are $30, and includes dinner"
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Connectors Network
Sites: http://www.theconnectorsnetwork.com/
Self-description: "“The Connector’s Network presents a new way to network. We focus on having members help one another build their business through creating connections.”

ALL Orange County professionals, are invited to make connections and generate business.

Debbie Lewandowski, networking and marketing consultant with Spotlite, and Catherine Miale, publicist are now hosting the “Connectors’ Network” luncheon at Newport Rib Company in Ladera Ranch."
Frequency/Location: "meetings have been placed on hold until the first of 2010."
Cost: Pay for your own lunch
Review: None
Added 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

Special Note: Hill's Career Consulting Services FREE 45 minute "Interviewing 101" Teleclass
November 30th from 5-5:45pm (PT). Register jhccs.com/Teleconferences.html

Name: The Link System - Free Fridays Networking Tips
Review: I attended at the beginning of Nov and it seems to have limited attendence (about 2 or 3) which isn't really a problem for a teleconference. Mindy spoke about general networking tips ("Don't bring resumes to business networkig events" which I agree with completely), venues for networking, and about her forthcoming book. There was plenty of time for questions.
Updated 11/23/09 by Todd Zebert

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

Get social - network everywhere. Find an event - something you're interested in - suddenly you and the other attendee's have something in common, and a place to start a conversation.

 

• USC's Arts and Events Calendar
• UCLA's "Happenings" Events Calendar
• Caltech Today Calendar

 

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

• Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.
• Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
  • http://www.naymz.com/: very similar to LinkedIn, but can't find a specific events link. I just started using it. They stress recommendations, reputation, and RepScore "evaluates your reputation versus others on the network." There's an $8/mon Premium Subscription available.
• Outplacement Firms.
• YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
• More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
  • http://www.eventbrite.com/ hosts general event listings. Search by city or zip.
• Volunteer - Network while doing "good".
• Other - keep your mind open.
  • Read your local business journals, such as the Los Angeles Business Journal or San Diego Business Journal or San Ferando Valley Business Jornal to find out abut business events, where the job market is going, who's hiring, and say on top of your target companies' news.
  • California EDD (Employment Development Department) Jobs and Training check for networking events and job fairs and training opportunties.