This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!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

The Notable & Where I'm Going...
Tell them you heard about it from Todd's blog!

• I'll be speaking (yes, yours truly) on “Effective Networking for Entrepreneurs” at the GroundUP Business Group's Tuesday, March 9th 7-8:30pm, at Zephyr Coffee House, 2419 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107. Free! Everyone will have a chance to give their elevator pitch, plus a round-table to discuss business ideas, and plenty of networking time. Please RVSP via Meetup.com and join us!
• Are these updates helpful to you? Interesting? Time saving? Please consider paying what you feel they are worth. Please use the Paypal Donate button on my site, thank you!
• Join the newly formalized N4 for Networking group and share job search tips and leads at weekly events.
• "Join over 1,000 elite business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs at the 26th Annual Business Growth Conference on Thursday, May 6, 2010 hosted by the USC Marshall School of Business Alumni Association and the Harvard Business School Association of Orange County." www.bgc2010.org Note the Agenda and Registration links don't seem to be working yet. I plan on attending.
• Give a Day. Get a Disney Day. is a "program that celebrates and inspires volunteerism. Disney is working with HandsOn Network to bring you amazing volunteer opportunities to which you can lend your much-needed services. As a way of thanking you for your good work, we'll give you a free ticket good for one day admission to a Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® theme park. "

Summary
Follow these links to find the updates, and follow further for the full listings.

• 8 New and 4 Updates in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.
• No updates for Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.
• No updates for SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.
• No updates for Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: N4 for Networking (N4)
Sites: linkedin.com/groups?gid=2836027
Self-description: "We are a job search/business networking group on the L.A. West Side. Our members include artists, engineers, writers, business administrators and executives. We share job leads, encouragement, and anything that can help one another."
Frequency/Location: They have two types of meetings, weekly Monday mornings with the exception being the first Monday of every month when they have an Monday evening happy hour. Monday Mornings: 10:00- 11:00am or so at Whole Foods in West LA at the corner of National and Barrington, "We meet inside in the cafe area, for those who are new or if the weather is nice we sometimes sit out on the patio." Monday Evenings: 5pm to whenever, usually a couple hours or more, Lobby of the Culver Hotel, 9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City. It's always "Martini Monday happy hour with $5 martini's and half priced appetizers. There are city parking garages just north of Culver Blvd. on Watseka Ave. and Cardiff Ave. and east of Trader Joe's on Culver Blvd. The Culver Hotel management suggested not parking in the lots adjacent to the hotel, which are not owned by the hotel."
Cost: Free
Review: It's a small but lively group of job seekers that originated as Right Management alumni that's been meeting for months and has now decided to formalize themselves. I've been a couple Monday Mornings and Evening Happy hours. Join the LinkedIn group to get the meeting schedule, and both confirm if meetings are happening and RSVP. Usually 4-12 people attend.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Ignite (LA)
Sites: ignite.oreilly.com, www.ignitesandiego.org, Ignite LA mailing list, Ignite LA Facebook group, facebook.com/IgniteLA, twitter.com/ignite2la, Ignite LA hashtag #igniteLA
Review: I attended the 3/1/10 event held in the theater area in the back of Cinespace - it's a in a dinner-theater seating style. Local parking in Hollywood is always expensive; I paid $8 - the Cinespace valet is at the west corner of the block on Hollywood. With your printed ticket, security at the entrance would let you past the rope and up the stairs you needed to wind your way back to the theater. Just outside was a small table with name tags but no greeter. The bar (beers ~$7) was fairly crowded and lively - there was time for networking before the presentations but it seemed like many people already knew each other. The theater area was fine but a bit small for the number of people they had and while some had comfortable seating in booths, most seem to be on folding chairs. The men's room was described as one attendee as he walked in as "like something out of Fight Club" with broken faucets and urinals. Attire ranged from t-shirts and jeans to button-up shirts with coats, with a handful of some funkier attire. It was a definitely a "geeky" audience. Some pesky AV issues persisted but none were too bad. Judging from the hashtag twitter traffic and the heads-down phone-illuminated-faces I saw in the crowd there was a high social-media user ratio. Some of 12 presentations were really well enjoyed and received, others elicited a so-so response by the audience of approximately 100 people; check the hashtag for content reviews and videos (once posted). The event "ran late" and we were all herded back to the bar area. About 30 people including some of the presenters lingered, but were joined by eager attendees of the next event: "Live Band Karaoke" with Reno 911's Cedric Yarbrough (which seemed tempting but I had other commitments).
Updated 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Challenger Networking Group (CA)
Review: There's a different speaker at every meeting. The Orange County meeting is new for 2009, and while the following is true for the LA meeting the OC one is probably similar: You pay as you walk in, meet the organizers, get a name tag, fill a plate from the buffet, and then find a seat, family style, with the other approximately 100 networkers. Commence eating and networking. They have a different speaker each week, usually announced a couple weeks prior, starting about 30mins in and speaking for perhaps 45mins. General (standing) networking occurs after that and can linger for a couple hours (so long sometimes that people will get more food). While the majority of the people attending are job seekers, because of the speakers and high quality of the attendees, some are employed professionals. Dress is business casual. This is a friendly and helpful lot! Recommended.
Updated 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: French Tuesdays (FT)
Sites: www.frenchtuesdays.com
Self-description: "In 2003, a small group of people gathered in New York who desired a more sophisticated alternative to the nightlife options available. That gathering planted the seeds for what has become a nationwide social movement called French Tuesdays! Today, it is expanding internationally and is known as a classy social networking phenomenon and lifestyle brand. Its success in New York quickly led to French Tuesdays being established in Miami in 2004, Los Angeles in 2006, San Francisco in 2007 and Paris in 2009. Now numbering more than 18,000 members in the U.S., French Tuesdays offers contemporary men and women entrée to a network of successful individuals and a world of couture nightlife and entertainment.
Frequency/Location: Once to a few times a month per city / various venues in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, and Sao Paulo.
Cost: Events are basically free, as is "Web Member is the first level of FT membership and is attainable by invitation only." Web Member access is very limited, but Guest of Members less so.
Review: I attended the LA Anniversary party at the beautiful Andaz Hotel on 3/2/10. It was called for 7pm but I arrived at 9:30 to long valet and entry lines. Security controlled the line behind the ropes, and the entry personnel were very pleasant. Pre-registration and Photo ID required. Dress code is strictly enforced. "No jeans, t-shirts or sneakers; jacket and [sometimes] tie for men." The attendees were well dressed and attire was that of upscale Hollywood events. Women were mostly in skirts and dresses. I've been told that black is the popular attire color, although I hadn't notice. There's a strong European influence. Most I spoke to seem to think this event was exceptional although some felt the theme events (such as the "White" and holiday parties) were just a bit better. There were a few hundred attendees as far as I could tell. The event took over the first floor, second floor (which I never saw), and the penthouse/rooftop pool and patio. By 10:30 the dance floor in the penthouse was very active to a DJ along with two live musicians - the electric violinist was particularly engaging. On a couple small stages around the dance floor were performance artists dancing in unique costumes - one women was doing yoga-ish inversions and poses that were quite amazing. Throughout the venue there were plenty of deserts and by the pool they had grill and endless sliders. The food was free but a glass of wine would set you back $12. The elevator queue was tough and some who left the top floor were unable to return - it was very crowded. At one point a few fireman appeared to be checking crowd control and emergency exits. A female attendee "M" commented "Eclectic crowd, lot's of hot people, and a good guy to girl ratio." I happened on a number of people I knew and was introduced to some interesting people. I even gave out a few business cards. Professional photographers had pictures posted in about a day or two. Music off and lights on at 1am and everyone headed out. Elegant fun.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Champagne Hiking Club (CHC)
Sites: Olesya posts as private Facebook event with all pertinent info (directions, route, hiking difficulty, contact information, etc).
Self-description: Dean "X" and Olesya Romm started this group at the beginning 2010. It’s a tight, committed group of casual hikers looking for fun, laughter and to meet interesting and educated people. Hikes are about 2 1/2 hours followed by a nearby late lunch/early dinner and drinks (venue chosen during hike.) Olesya frequently brings homemade or other treats (like Russian chocolate or Champagne). Hikers are single and she tries to keep a balanced gender ratio. Membership is strictly controlled ("no drama - must play well with others", etc) by Dean and Olesya, but "we're looking forward to accepting new members."
Frequency/Location: Every 2 weeks, usually Saturdays at 12:45 or 1:45 pm. / Often in Pacific Palisades/Malibu, and almost always with an “ocean view.”
Cost: None (pay own meal)
Review: This isn’t really a networking event – it’s almost all social. Have fun!
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Unemployed Americans Action Meetup
Sites: www.meetup.com/Unemployed-Americans-Action
Self-description: "We come together to take action to get jobs and make America a better place. We are not affiliated with the tea party movement. We want to empower and encourage you, promote ideas that will help America deal with the economic crisis, and share job leads."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Free?
Review: First meeting 3/8/10 3pm - see site for details.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Active Young Professionals (AYP) - LA/OC Chapter
Sites: www.liferollson.org/site/pp.asp?c=egLLKTNJE&b;=5116267, LA/OC Chapter Facebook group
Self-description: "Active Young Professionals are vital to the mission of Life Rolls On—Improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury through action sports. Help us educate, advocate, and fundraise for spinal cord injury through networking events and social mixers with your friends and colleagues!

What is AYP?
Active Young Professionals (AYP) empowers young business leaders with the opportunity to enhance their professional development while serving their community through fundraising, volunteerism and community outreach activities. The goal is to provide active young professionals with an ever-growing community in which they can network, communicate, grow and socialize.

Why AYP is Important
Currently, there are more than 1 million Americans living with spinal cord injury and every 49 minutes, another spinal cord injury occurs in the United States. As more than half of these injuries occur between the ages of 16 and 30, and the average age of injury is 39.5-years-old, educating young professionals is of critical importance to not only prevent future injuries, but also to serve as a resource and support for those with SCI.

Benefits for Young Professionals
Beyond the inherit values of doing good for others and learning the skills of being a community leader, all active chapter members benefit from the opportunity to network with other active professionals in many varying industries as well as participate in workshops for professional and personal growth. As well, those applying for graduate school will receive community service hours and letters of recommendation from Life Rolls On Foundation. "

"We launched on Fri, May 1, 2009 and have grown to over 500 members already and 100% of everything we do and all the $ we raise goes directly to Life Rolls On. It's a great networking for like minded people that want to network, but also give back to such an awesome foundation."
Frequency/Location: Unknown / Varies
Cost: Varies by event
Review: None, but I like it already.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Jelly (LA)
Sites: workatjelly.com, Find Jelly in different cities around the world, meetup.com/jellyla, twitter.com/jellyla, facebook.com/jellyla
Updated 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: Windmill Networking in Southern California "So Cal Sushi" - Open Networkers and Social Media Fans
Sites: windmillnetworking.com/resources/what-is-so-cal-sushi, www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=969757, facebook.com/WindmillNetworking, www.linkedin.com/in/nealschaffer, twitter.com/nealschaffer, facebook.com/NealSchaffer
Review: In December '09 Neal re-started his LA-local meetings (they were primarily in OC) and of course there was an interesting selection of people. Neal Schaffer's concept/book "Windmill Networking" put into practice. Great format, from Neal's introductory statement, the table of biz cards, name-tags, round-table introductions (sometimes video recorded), to lunch (generally prix fixe). I've been to a few and also had excellent interactions with Neal - he knows LinkedIn like no other. Recommended. In March '10 he renamed the group from "So Cal Sushi".
Updated 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: LA Green Drinks
Sites: www.lagreendrinks.org
Self-description: "LA Green Drinks is part of a worldwide organization that enables anyone concerned about environmental issues to get together over a drink. LA Green Drinks events are simple, informal, and help connect the green network while having a drink or two. LA Green Drinks started in Los Angeles in 2005 and quickly expanded to offering events all over the LA area. With weekly events throughout the city, LA Green Drinks has the most monthly events of all the U.S. Green Drinks cities."
Frequency/Location: "1st Thurs West Side, 2nd Wed Pasadena, 2nd Thurs South Bay, 3rd Thurs WeHo/Silverlake, 4th Wed Downtown, 4th Thurs Valley" / Varies - check the website
Cost: Free (no host bar)
Review: None
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Association of Information Technology Professionals (LA)(AITP-LA)
Sites: aitp-la.org
Self-description: "As the industry has evolved, so has the association. Starting as the NMAA, evolving into the DPMA, and then into our current evolution in 1996 of the ASSOCIATION of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS (AITP), the association has kept pace with the changing needs and interests of our members. AITP members span every level of the IT industry from mainframe systems, to micro systems, to PC based LAN and WAN systems, to virtual systems and the internet. AITP has special niches created that cater to the special interests of our members. Our members are found in every facet of society as well. They're in colleges and universities; banking; industry; retail; the armed forces; local, state and federal governments; hospitals; etc."
Frequency/Location: Varies / Varies
Cost: Events vary, but membership is $160
Review: None, but they have an upcoming event 3/25/10 in West Hollywood, CA.
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Name: San Diego Software Industry Council (SDSIC)
Sites: www.sdsic.org
Self-description: "Formed in 1994, the San Diego Software Industry Council is building a future for the region's high tech industry. Our members enjoy exceptional networking and educational opportunities, critical workforce development programs and valuable company benefits. Whether you are a start-up, established industry leader or a provider of services to the industry, your company will benefit from a SDSIC membership.

SDSIC offers a variety of events - and members enjoy reduced rates for each event. The presentations on current industry subjects also offer superb opportunities for you to network with other professionals.

Monthly Events
SDSIC Business Interest Groups are peer-to-peer networking groups that hold monthly BIG Meetings providing technology and IT professionals an effective networking environment as well as a forum for important industry developments. These meetings focus around marketing issues as well as technology issues. There are approximately six of these meetings per month. Due to the broad reach and ever-changing nature of the software industry, these groups change with the markets and technology. Take a look at the current list of Business Interest Groups, where you can sign up for those of interest.

Other Events
The Special Events focuses on issues of interest to the entire industry. Each month, programs look at the latest opportunities presented by new technology, changes in the marketplace and changes in the law. Panelists and speakers take a forward-looking view and identify the best directions for company growth. Notable speakers at this event have included: Scott Cook, Chairman of Intuit; John Warnock, Chairman of Adobe Systems and Jeff Jacobs, President of QUALCOMM Global Development.

SDSIC Entrepreneur's Forum We have created a forum for technologists, sales and marketing executives, managers, researchers and industry experts to accelerate business formation and growth. The key audience for the event is technologists, business people and entrepreneurs (and some who are all three) whose goal is to participate in an early stage or startup company on a full time basis, as well as those who invest in early stage companies. Those wishing to sell services to such companies should not attend.

Bull's Eye Sales Coaching. This allows senior sales professionals to polish their formal sales presentations in front of a panel of experts and potential customers. It is fast paced, interesting and always rewarding.

Yearly Events
Special annual events provide special member assistance, visibility, and recognition.

In order to highlight the significance of the analytics cluster in San Diego, SDSIC began its forum on Analytics in 2007. This event attracts participants and attendees from throughout the United States. This event is produced in association with the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering.

Networking and Education
An important goal of the SDSIC is to build a large network of companies and individuals to ensure high tech organizations in our region have access to critical resources. For the past several years, SDSIC member organizations have worked together to create high-quality programs, events and resources that benefit developers and service providers region wide."
Frequency/Location: Monthly, Yearly and otherwise / Varies
Cost: Varies, but membership starts at $150 annually.
Review: None
Added 3/7/2010 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

No updates this week.

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

No updates this week.

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

• Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.
• Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
• Outplacement Firms.
• YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
• More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
• Volunteer - Network while doing "good".
• Other - keep your mind open.