The post Networking Events in Cleveland: 6 Groups Worth Checking Out appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Cleveland’s not one to be left behind in the Rust Belt region’s decline. The city’s startup scene is growing, and young professionals can make valuable career moves in this lakefront city.From the city’s healthcare industry hub to advanced manufacturing facilities to academia, professionals are finding meaningful roles in the Cleveland area. Here are six groups that’ll help you meet the right crowd for you. (Click here to tweet this list.)
The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club offers programming in four areas: social, networking, philanthropic, and educational. A weekly networking breakfast on Friday mornings can help you ease into this active network. Nervous about approaching fellow attendees? Networking Committee members are happy to make an introduction.
Mobile Monday hosts events around the world, but Cleveland’s growing tech scene makes its speaker series worth attending. Featured guests share their experiences in the business-meets-tech space, but you might also find yourself sounding off in mobile tech discussions. There are only six events each year, so register early!
In the early stages of your career? Engage! Cleveland will help you explore ways to grow in the local professional community. Take a nonprofit leadership workshop, visit public art events, or sit back and listen at the Young Professional Speaker Series. Seasonal mixers remind you to take time to relax.
Choose a unique volunteer opportunity! But first: your group of local professionals will learn a practical skill to assist you in your task for the day. You’ll go home with business cards in your pocket and an appreciation for your newly-practiced skills.
Neighborhood Connections hosts this monthly meetup to encourage networking on a hyper-local level. Keep an open mind as you explore ways to connect with locals in your industry — or in vastly different fields. Neighborhood Connections partners with community groups to offer volunteer opportunities and job fairs: two more great ways to network.
There’s no programming or long-term commitment. Just pick at monthly event and grab your name tag — color-coded to help you find your industry — and get ready to meet a few hundred professionals at some of Cleveland’s hottest downtown watering holes. Tickets for each event cost under $20. Arrive early to these all-evening events and you’ll be able to enjoy some light appetizers on the house.
What other networking events in Cleveland would you add to this list?
Lisa Rowan is a writer and editor in Washington, D.C.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/07/14/networking-events-cleveland-6-groups-meet/feed/ 0The post Networking in the City of Brotherly Love: 9 Must-Attend Philadelphia Events appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> In case you haven’t heard the buzz, Philadelphia is gaining a ton of recognition lately as a hotbed for innovation, startups, jobs and more. In other words, for young professionals entering the workforce or looking for cool opportunities, Philly’s the place to be.Named one of the top 20 happiest cities for young professionals by Forbes and CareerBliss.com, there’s no shortage of worthwhile groups to join and networking events to attend here in the city of brotherly love.
Get out your calendar! Here are nine can’t-miss networking events in Philadelphia.
Save the date for a magically techy week here in Philadelphia every April. Philly Tech Week, hosted by Technical.ly Philly, brings together thousands of people for more than 140 events in the span of one week. With different tracks including media, development, civic, business, access and creative, you’re sure to find at least one event to pique your interest. Plus, you can play Tetris on the side of one of Philadelphia’s largest skyscrapers (seriously). Technical.ly Philly also puts on their own regular networking events year-round, so be sure to stay tuned to their site for details.
With more than 500,000 members in 42 locations throughout the country, Philadelphia After Work is part of the popular national group Networking After Work. With upcoming summer events from at some of the city’s hottest bars, come grab a drink and enjoy a relaxed, casual setting for networking with some of Philly’s top business minds. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive a color-coded name tag by industry, so you can easily find those you might have a connection with. Philadelphia After Work meets monthly from 6-9 p.m.
Chambers of Commerces are usually a good place to start when looking for great networking opportunities, and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is no exception. With a super active Young Professional Network (YPN), this niche group of the Chamber offers networking events, educational seminars (they recently hosted one on personal branding), volunteer opportunities and more.
With monthly-ish happy hours, Social Media Club Philadelphia is your go-to group for the latest chatter on all things social media. Bonus: this organization has a pretty active and interesting Facebook group filled with daily commentary on the latest social media tips and trends.
The ultimate geeky networking event is the annual Philly Geek Awards, put on by Geekadelphia, which honors Philly’s vibrant geek scene at the most perfect venue possible: the Academy of Natural Sciences. Philly’s brightest minds come together for this black tie affair complete with cocktails, delicious food and a night of honoring some of the coolest geeky things happening in the city. Rub elbows with the winners of awards like scientist of the year, startup of the year, comic creator of the year and more. The 2015 awards are coming up on August 16.
Networking events aren’t just for after hours! Start your day right with a networking event over breakfast every month at Drexel University with like-minded techies, startups and businesses. Modeled after existing TechBreakfasts all over the country, this group meets monthly to demo the latest technologies with a “show and tell” approach to networking. No more boring PowerPoint presentations here!
A global startup community designed to “educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs,” Startup Grind came to Philadelphia in 2013 and has been hosting insightful monthly events ever since. Hosted each month, network with fellow entrepreneurs and hear from some of the area’s most prominent startups, fireside chat style. While you’re there, get a glimpse at one of Philadelphia’s unique coworking spaces, as all of Startup Grind’s events are hosted at Benjamin’s Desk.
Gather together with some of Philly’s most creative minds each third Thursday of the month for a casual networking happy hour with the young professionals subset of the Philly Ad Club. If you work in advertising, marketing or communications, this group is for you. Plus, you’ll get to make the rounds of some of the city’s coolest bars and event spaces.
Love watching TED talks on YouTube? Watch them in real life at the all-day event put on by an independent not-for-profit group each year in Philadelphia. Last year’s theme was “The New Workshop of the World” and the event sold out well before the much-anticipated date. Speakers ranged from a high school junior to the CEO of a Philly hospital to a Project Runway winner, giving attendees a wide variety of inspiring and insightful content throughout the conference. A date hasn’t been set for 2015, but watch their website so you can snag a ticket before they’re all gone.
Jessica Lawlor is a public relations professional and freelance writer in the Philadelphia area. Her work has been published on Ragan’s PR Daily, Muck Rack, Brazen Careerist, Mediabistro, Business Insider and AOL Jobs. She blogs at JessicaLawlor.com about getting gutsy- stepping outside your comfort zone to reach your goals and live a life that makes you truly happy.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/07/07/networking-city-brotherly-love-9-must-attend-philadelphia-events/feed/ 0The post Work (or Want to Work) in Digital? Join Us for This Free Networking Event appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Want to meet some of your fellow Brazenites? Eager to network with your peers, but have trouble fitting face time into your schedule?We’ve got an event for you!
On Thursday, June 19th, at noon EDT, we’re hosting a FREE networking event for the Brazen community, with a focus on DIGITAL CAREERS.
That means if you work in digital or you want to work in digital, you should join us!
Click here to register.
Our community is full of ambitious young professionals — hustlers, creatives and entrepreneurs who understand the importance of having a job you love. We want to help you meet one another, so you can rely on the support of your peers as you navigate your own career. We’ve organized this networking event online and during your lunch hour, so you can attend whether you work for an employer or have your own business.
Most importantly, this will be FUN! Remember, Brazen Careerist originated as a social network, and we still believe relationships are the foundation of a successful career. As an added bonus, this is an opportunity to try out Brazen’s software, the same awesome platform we use for recruiting events.
It couldn’t be easier to join this event. Register now, and we’ll send you a link to join us on Wednesday, January 15.
During the event, you’ll be paired with multiple participants from around the region, country and world for several rounds of seven-minute, text-based chats. We’ll even save those conversations for you so you can revisit them later. After the event, we encourage you to connect with any interesting people on your favorite social networks; that will help you turn your chat into a mutually-beneficial relationship.
It’s like online speed dating, minus the awkwardness.
Hope you’ll join us!
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/06/13/work-want-work-digital-join-us-free-networking-event/feed/ 2The post Want to Work for a Startup in Seattle? Check Out These Networking Events appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Building relationships is key to landing a startup job or founding your own company. The good news? Most startup communities are pretty close-knit, and Seattle’s is no different.You don’t have to wade through dozens of generalized networking nights. These seven Seattle startup-specific events will put you on the path to making the right connections: (Click here to tweet this list.)
If you’re going for big numbers, your best bet is the monthly Seattle Tech Meetup. The event regularly draws hundreds of people, from aspiring engineers to seasoned marketers. For your $10 ticket, you’ll get some food, some drinks and five presentations from Seattle companies doing cool things with technology.
If you really want to dip your toe in slowly, you can start by following their very lively hashtag (#STMeetup) or watch their livestream of the event before committing to the event in person. (That said, you should probably just go in person! That is the whole point of the “networking” part. …)
Cost: $10 per event
If you’re looking for a jam-packed experience of what it’s like to be an entrepreneur — the lows, the highs! — Startup Weekend is for you.
Startup Weekends are popping up across the globe, but the structure is always same: All participants pitch their startup ideas and get feedback. Then builders, designers and marketers form teams around the top ideas and “it’s a 54-hour frenzy of business model creation, coding, designing, and market validation,” the site says. “The weekends culminate with presentations in front of local entrepreneurial leaders with another opportunity for critical feedback.”
This can be the perfect place to make strong connections, fast. Fifty-four hours of insanity has a way of really bringing people together!
Cost: $99 to participate, $25 to watch the Demo Day
The Startup Grind has a different focus: Each month they bring in one speaker to share his or her startup story. You get to hear what worked, what didn’t and what that person will do differently next time. Hosted at the utilitarian Dice Cabana downtown, you can count on some noshes, drinks and interesting people.
Cost: From $14 to $23 per event
If you’re interested in the content/marketing/communication side of startups, Content Strategy is a good choice to meet like-minded people. You can expect food, beverages, an interesting meetup location (like the Makerhaus in Ballard), and wide-ranging topics — “Sexy Content for Boring Industries” was a recent favorite.
While the focus is, obviously, on content strategy, the people you meet there include UX designers, product planners, marketers and beyond.
Note: There’s typically a cap at 35 people (with a wait list), so you’ll have to move fast to guarantee a spot.
Cost: Usually about $10
Founded in 2002, Seattle Entrepreneurs is one of the older groups on this list and that’s not a bad thing at all — over the years, they’ve found their groove. You can count on attention-grabbing content (from how to build your startup team to how to market your next app) and 20 to 50 people at each event.
Fun fact: The revenue that’s generated from ticket prices benefits the Global Music Project.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to uniting people through music and cultural awareness. Kind of cool, right?
Cost: Typically from $12 to $25 per event
This meetup is billed as having “good company and geeky conversations.” True to their word, you can drink, chat, and network with 60 to 70 information architects, librarians, usability experts, user experience designers and interaction designers at this monthly event.
While not exclusively focused on startups, you’ll meet a large swath of people who work in the Pioneer Square startup world. The format is casual and there is always pizza — two major pluses.
Cost: Usually about $10
This Open Coffee is great if you’re looking for a more relaxed setting with a smaller crowd — think 8 to 15 people. At this weekly staple at Louisa’s Coffee in the Eastlake neighborhood, you can grab your latte and kick back to chat about new startup ideas, access to funding and startup resources. Warning: It meets at 8:30 a.m., so you’ll need to be an early-ish riser, or just rely on the delicious Louisa’s Coffee brews to keep your eyes open.
Cost: The price of a cup of coffee
Annie Rose Favreau is a Seattle-based digital marketer and startup problem solver. You can find her Twittering away at @A_Favreau.
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The post Want to Work for a Startup in Seattle? Check Out These Networking Events appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/06/09/want-work-startup-seattle-check-networking-events/feed/ 1The post Networking in Atlanta: 7 Opportunities to Meet Interesting Professionals appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Atlanta’s status as a global hub for a variety of industries means one thing: plenty of interesting people to meet.From the tech scene to the nonprofit world, here are seven solid networking groups worth an introduction.
The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) of Atlanta supports future leaders in the region’s nonprofit sector through social events and professional development opportunities. Many of the monthly networking events are free, and extra fun events—like “speed geeking,” where you learn how to use your personal interests to develop professional connections—mix up the routine.
Hoping to meet local businesswomen in a non-competitive environment? Maybe you’d like to find a mentor, but don’t know where to start. The Atlanta Women’s Network, founded in 1979, hosts a variety of mixers and discussions with the area’s business leaders. A mentoring program is available for members (dues run around $150/year).
Atlanta Under 40 hopes that a bit of mingling can lead to friendship — and maybe a little business, too. Monthly networking happy hours hosted by this “no strings attached” group are just $10 if you pay in advance, and a few appetizers are usually provided. The crew rotates among favorite watering holes and new venues.
The Women in Technology (WIT) Atlanta Women Business Network understands that it takes a lot to balance work and life. That’s why they schedule their events at varying times—early mornings, lunch hour, or after work—to host monthly forums and development opportunities. No membership is required, and volunteer opportunities are available for tech women wishing to work with future STEM stars.
This members-only Meetup caters to Atlanta’s stylish side. Boasting nearly 2,000 designers, bloggers, photographers, stylists, and other professionals, the group seeks to connect the many elements that intersect to keep us looking sharp.
Atlanta’s active branch of the Social Media Club welcomes all types of online communications professionals. Sign up for a topical “lunch ‘n learn” session or try something a little more creative: for example, a social media case study cage match. If the competition is too intense for you to take the stage, you’re still sure to make some great connections in the audience.
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals brings together those who work to build and strengthen their communities. Just one example of an interactive event: an idea hackathon to help fellow young professionals brainstorm solutions for community issues. You’ll be so wrapped up in the goal that you’ll barely realize you’re making connections.
If you live in Atlanta, what other groups would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
Lisa Rowan is a writer and editor in Washington, D.C. Her typical sin at networking events: getting distracted by the hors d’oeuvres.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/06/04/networking-atlanta-7-opportunities-meet-interesting-professionals/feed/ 1The post Live in San Francisco? Don’t Miss These 10 Hot Networking Events appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Networking doesn’t mean throwing around you business cards like confetti or cold-emailing strangers asking them to be your mentor.Networking is about friendship, true connection and building mutually beneficial relationships. (Click here to tweet this thought.) Whether you’re looking to expand in your current career or explore a new and exciting industry, it’s the people you meet who will lead your way.
Luckily, San Francisco is a hub of all things career, and not just tech. It’s a city that encourages you to always improve, to disconnect as a way to truly connect, and it’s a place that’s almost overwhelming in its options for how to spend your free time.
So why not kill all three birds with one stone? Here are 10 networking events in San Francisco that can help you accomplish all of the above.
This national business event company has more than 500,000 members in cities across the country. Their goal is to help professionals expand their network and create new opportunities. In San Francisco, their events happen at popular spots like roe, The Grand and Manor West.
Network without networking. Digital Detox is about “creating balance in the digital age.” Their events include retreats, device-free drinks and analog zones at conferences. Or, dive in head first by attending one of their summer camps for adults at Camp Grounded.
Hosted every other Wednesday at 6pm, Airbnb offers talks for the tech folk in all of us. If you live in San Francisco and work on a computer, these events should be on your must-attend list. Past talks include “using technology to build a better food system” and “engineering lessons from famous projects.” There’s always something to learn here and it doesn’t hurt that the Airbnb offices are gorgeous.
If you’re intimidated by mingling in a room full of strangers over punch, head to Makeshift Society. This coworking clubhouse classes like DIY Public Relations, book launch parties, mixers and open office hours with their talented members. Makeshift is a great place to build a network as well as leaning on their many opportunities for peer learning and mentoring.
Impact Hub is a global network with more than 7,000 members, but each location has deep community roots which not only offers shared workspace, but amazing events and programs. They really want you connect with other members. Their Berkeley location offers a bi-weekly Lunch and Learn, which covers topics like marketing and app development. Bring your own bag lunch and questions!
The purpose of San Francisco’s UX Book Club is to “enhance the abilities and knowledge of user experience professionals” while building a local community. They host regular meetups where the authors of said UX books attend the talks, as well as senior managers at various companies across the city. These events are both an incredible networking experience, but one chock-full of new learnings.
There’s something incredibly supportive and encouraging about women’s only networking. PWN aims to encourage women women in business as employees, entrepreneurs, licensed professionals and small business owners. Their events include monthly luncheons, after work networking and Saturday morning coffees. You can attend up to three while you decide if membership is right for you.
This growing educational institution hosts a variety of events from happy hours to panel discussions to hackathons. They’re always well-attended and are a great way to meet the community and feel empowered to pursue the work you love.
Nonprofit StartOut is dedicated to creating business leaders by fostering LGBT entrepreneurs. Their San Francisco events offer traditional networking mingling, speed networking and more structured demo days where you can learn about getting access to capital.
This Meetup is always organizing jam-packed talks and events. If you’re in any way involved in the creation and delivery of content (from copyediting to content management), these guys meet monthly to share in their commitment to creating more effective online and interactive content. This group always has amazing speakers, like the content strategists at Pinterest and Code for America.
Marian Schembari is a blogger, traveler and all-around social media thug. She landed in San Francisco via New Zealand via London via New York, where she’s now the Marketing Manager at Thumbtack.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/05/07/live-san-francisco-dont-miss-10-hot-networking-events/feed/ 1The post 4 Reasons Online Events Are the Future of Networking appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Learn how you can host your own online networking event. Request a demo here >>It’s no surprise that as technology advances, we’re spending more time online — and less time socializing offline. Even when we are offline, we often have our eyes on a smartphone.
Guess what’s finally catching up with our online lifestyle? Networking. (Click here to tweet this thought.) We still have the nametags and handshakes in crowded conference rooms and bars, but online events are becoming increasingly popular, making it easier for companies, universities and organizations to bring their members together regardless of geographical distance.
And it’s only getting better! Here are four reasons online events are truly the future of networking:
Isn’t that what we all want? For online experiences to foster real-life relationships?
Mobile devices, texting and social media have blurred the lines between the physical and the online. Being present is still important, but our online interactions make it far more convenient to show up and interact.
Most in-person events seem to attract two types of people: those who miss half the event because they’re called away to respond to phone calls or messages, and those who have their heads buried in their devices most of the time. The latter group is already exchanging ideas and feedback online through hashtags, email threads and Facebook comments — so why not take that online chatter and bring it to the forefront?
Social media has redefined networking by allowing us to connect more easily to people we know. Online events are an extension of that trend, but allow us to find new, receptive people to add to our networks.
Adding someone on Twitter or LinkedIn is pretty easy. But converting conversations into valuable contact during a physical networking event is difficult. When we start to rub elbows, our memories often fail us. Paper business cards flow freely, but are easily lost or forgotten. Asking someone to “bump” phones usually brings strange looks, but it’s not even as awkward as trying to type someone’s email address into your phone without botching the spelling.
When events take place online, all the information you could possibly want is available in the cloud. Plus, connecting on LinkedIn or other social networks feels more natural and can be more meaningful after an initial online interaction.
We’re so used to face-to-face interaction that it seems hard to replace. But online events can make it easier for participants to exchange information without ever leaving their homes or offices. In that way, online networking events are not only less expensive for companies, organizations and individuals; they also offer a better return on investment.
Potential participants are no longer discouraged by travel costs or tight schedules. If you have an Internet connection, you can attend from your home, office or even the road. For both hosts and attendees, taking events online can return major savings.
As more of our interactions take place online, we’re gaining more trust in our networks. We’re building personal brands instead of hiding behind screen names. In fact, you often need that online brand to move forward with your career.
As a result, the value of online events is increasing. One survey reported that people were even willing to pay more to attend an online event than they would for a physical one. And when people actually want to attend networking events, that’s where you should show up, too.
What do you think? Would you rather attend an online or in-person networking event?
Ryan Healy is COO and Co-Founder of Brazen Careerist.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/03/06/4-reasons-online-events-future-networking/feed/ 3The post 7 Reasons the Smartest Recruiters are Flocking to Online Networking Events appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Learn how you can host your own online networking event. Request a demo here >>We’ve come a long way from crowded hotel ballrooms and folders stuffed with resumes. More and more recruiters are using online events to find qualified candidates for the positions they want to fill. Suddenly, your best candidates are all in the right place at the right time, which means you can save time finding them.
If you haven’t caught onto this trend yet, it’s time to add online networking to your recruiting schedule or replace some of your in-person events with online ones. (Click here to tweet this thought.) Online networking allows you to go beyond your social media strategy and promote one-on-one engagement with potential hires. Even better, the convenience of online networking will win you over in a flash.
Not convinced? Here are seven reasons to try online networking to fill openings at your company:
Forget booking travel, schlepping boxes of swag and getting mediocre sleep on hotel mattresses. Online networking events allow you to connect with candidates without ever leaving your office — or even your house.
The candidates you’ll find at online networking events are tech-savvy and willing to try new methods of communication. Now, aren’t those exactly the kind of people you’re hoping to hire? We thought so.
Avoid getting stuck chatting with a candidate who just doesn’t fit your mission. Use the timed structure of online networking events to your advantage. With just a few minutes to connect with each candidate, you (and your potential hires) will be forced to get down to business.
Online networking puts qualified candidates at your fingertips. You may even find you have access to a wider range of candidates — including those who may not be able to sneak out of their current jobs to meet you or attend an in-person info session.
Ready to recruit? When you host an online networking event, your company’s visual branding will be front and center. Candidates will get a taste of what your brand is all about just by attending the event.
Job fairs and recruiting events can be nerve-wracking at best (and social anxiety nightmares at worst). Online networking takes the pressure off attendees, who can then focus on what matters most: their qualifications and experiences.
Look at you, using the latest technology to reach potential employees through the Web. You know the power of the old-fashioned meet-and-greet, but you’re willing to embrace new methods as well. Candidates will appreciate your willingness to experiment and admire your accessibility. And guess who might also be impressed? Your boss. That can never be a bad thing.
Ryan Healy is COO and Co-Founder of Brazen Careerist.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/02/25/7-reasons-the-smartest-recruiters-are-flocking-to-online-networking-events/feed/ 0The post 6 Networking Events in Washington, D.C. That are Actually Enjoyable appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> We’ve dubbed February “Get Off Your Butt and Network Month”! If you or your organization are interested in hosting your own online networking event, request a demo here >>Networking often gets a bad rap, and to a certain extent, it makes sense — it conjures images of disingenuous business types in bad suits in a generic hotel ballroom, all of them just continuously sidling up to each other and saying, “Eyyyy. Help me help you. Here’s my card.” Then they do that finger-gun gesture with both hands and make that clicking noise and sidle off. (Or maybe that’s just how I picture it?)
But networking doesn’t have to be another necessary evil in your work life. (Click here to tweet this thought.) Networking events can be places where real work gets done and real connections are forged.
Here are six networking events in and around Washington, D.C. that are actually worth going to:
This event wins points for being regular and big. Networking and Social Events, a national networking firm, holds Network After Work meetups bimonthly around the city.
Events can be packed with participants from a wide range of fields, but don’t get intimidated; name tags are color-coded by industry, in case you want to target your networking to a specific area. The events go for three hours, but if you show up early, you can take advantage of the complimentary drinks and appetizers in the first hour.
The DC Tech Meetup welcomes techies as well as investors and entrepreneurs to its huge networking events. Organizer Peter Corbett, who’s also the CEO of Web development and social media strategy firm iStrategylabs, says events average around 800 attendees. That’s not all that sets these events apart, though. “Aside from sheer size, what sets us apart is our focus on showcasing innovation at the super-early stage,” Corbett says.
Events — which are held roughly every other month — are often more than simple drink-and-mingle affairs. Many times, they involve attendees giving short product demos or lectures, which can help facilitate networking; if walking up to someone and shaking hands isn’t your style, it can be way easier to approach someone and say, “I liked your talk.”
This organization puts on all sorts of events, including regular, industry-specific networking receptions — upcoming focuses include government workers and international affairs professionals.
This group tends toward an older crowd, says WNG Chairman Bill Stokes. He says the youngest attendees at WNG’s last event were around 35. However, that doesn’t mean younger people shouldn’t feel welcome. “I think the smartest people at the events are the young people,” he says, given that the older workers tend to be more likely to have hiring and budgetary authority.
Networkers must be members; applications are on the group website, and membership is $90 per year. Once you’re a member, register early for your events, as attendance tends to be capped (making for a more intimate atmosphere). At many receptions, says Stokes, attendance is between 80 and 100.
Yes, we’re including it in a networking article, but it’s not exactly a networking group; organizers call it a “coworking” group. Around 25 to 60 people (out of the group’s impressive 1,440 members) show up to each of the group’s weekly events with their current projects to get (and give) ideas and help.
Like the title suggests, this group meets well after the 9-to-5 workday is over. Events often start after 8 PM and take place at various venues around the D.C. metro area. Because people use this time to work on their own projects, attendees tend on the independent side: entrepreneurs, freelancers and hobbyists are often among the people who show up, says organizer Andrew Conklin. It’s also a diverse group, with people representing all sorts of occupations, from coffee roasters to healthcare professionals.
It started as a farewell party to Sex and the City, but this has become a networking force in the nation’s capital. Success in the City organizer Cynthia de Lorenzi threw a party for the HBO show’s finale in 2004, and afterward, realizing the bonds the attendees were forming, decided to turn her get-together into something more. Ten years later, Success in the City is still going, putting on events that are open to men and women alike.
De Lorenzi says the events are meant to be unique learning experiences, different from typical drinks-and-mixing events. “We’re not about cocktails. We’re about life. We’re about putting that space together where you learn something and connect in a meaningful way,” she says.
Events feature local leaders like CEOs, as well as lectures on diverse topics, from social media training to how quantum physics can help you grow your business.
GovCon is unique for several reasons, including that as a network of government contractors, it’s very much a D.C.-specific networking group. The group holds regular networking events, often with department- or industry-specific focuses — the latest, for example, featured a congressional liaison from the Department of Transportation.
But GovCon is also unique in that it offers much more than networking. The organization’s website features constantly updated streams of news in any number of specific contracting areas, like defense, marketing and law. Go to their website, peruse their fantastic wealth of information and find out where their next event will take you.
Danielle Kurtzleben is a writer based in Washington, D.C. She is pro-networking and ambivalent about Sex and the City.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/02/20/6-networking-events-in-washington-d-c-that-are-actually-enjoyable/feed/ 1The post 9 Fabulous Networking Events in New York City appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> We’ve dubbed February “Get Off Your Butt and Network Month”! If you or your organization are interested in hosting your own online networking event, request a demo here >>New York City may have a large population, but it doesn’t make networking any less intimidating. Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start.
Break the ice by attending one of these regular events that attract a variety of movers and shakers. Most have reasonable entrance fees, and membership is rarely required. All you need is a willingness to shake a few hands! (Click here to tweet this list.)
Monthly Demo Nights draw as many as 800 attendees, so grab a friend and get your ticket early to hear from some of the city’s hottest startups. Ten-year-old nonprofit NY Tech Meetup hosts a slew of other events throughout the year, including demo nights and discussions especially for women in tech.
This student-friendly nonprofit supports women in every area of the communications industry. Monthly Cocktails & Conversations allow ample time to meet and greet before discussing current industry topics with guest speakers. While membership offers programming discounts and access to members-only events, there are plenty of opportunities for non-members to get a taste, like speed mentoring and a weekly Twitter chat.
Small business owners, execs and B2B service providers meet at the monthly Grade-A Networking Mixer, which regularly welcomes more than 100 professionals. This one is freestyle, so grab a beverage and dive in.
You don’t have to be a member of the Online News Association to attend ONA’s regular panels and workshops. Reporters and editors will find programming particularly relevant, but attendees are a mix of newsroom veterans, freelancers, photographers and data enthusiasts. Mingling is encouraged at presentations, and some are capped with happy hour.
Hate striking up conversation? Skip the small talk and get down to business at High Speed Networking. Shy types and those who seek structure will appreciate these two-hour programs that force you to mingle. The group also hosts monthly Shakers and Stirrers events for networking at a more relaxed pace. Bonus: you can scope out confirmed event attendees and their positions ahead of time.
No clue how to get to SXSW? Start with Tech Cocktail. The Mixer & Startup Showcase (11 cities strong!) is a must-attend for entrepreneurs, tech fans and anyone who wants to scope out the next big things. You’re bound to leave with a few good ideas and a few business cards in your pocket.
The Freelancers Union offers everything from yoga to popup coworking events in its hometown. Monthly happy hours in Brooklyn provide a low-pressure opportunity to connect with other solopreneurs. Not sure how to break the ice? Crack a joke about working in your pajamas all day. That’ll be sure to start a conversation.
Here’s a chance for early birds to shine. This twice-monthly breakfast club has no agenda or budget (it’s buy-your-own-breakfast) but has the admirable goal of fostering the neighborhood’s growing tech community. If your work involves coding and Web development, start your day here.
Open to do-gooders in every industry, Be Social Change helps nonprofit, education and entrepreneur professionals amplify their social impact. Monthly Change Makers Happy Hours help you dip your toes into the social change scene. Ready for a deep dive? Take a Makers Institute class, where topics range from business plans for startups to crowdfunding for social good.
Lisa Rowan is a writer and editor in Washington, D.C. During networking events, you can find her within arm’s reach of the snack table.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/02/06/9-fabulous-networking-events-in-new-york-city/feed/ 2The post The Best Networking Tips to Capitalize on Any Situation appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Networking. Some people call it a guaranteed way to meet influencers in your industry. Others believe it’s the best way to market your skills, brand and accomplishments.You may dread networking and try to avoid at it at all costs. Unfortunately for you, networking is still considered one of the top techniques not only to sell yourself, but also to land new opportunities, projects and jobs.
But there’s a key to networking success that many people don’t talk about: knowing how to conduct yourself in different situations. (Click here to Tweet this thought.)
While handing out business cards may work wonders for you at a designated networking event, the same strategy might not work in a different atmosphere. Is there a way to know what’s going to work and what’s going to fail?
Let’s look at a few common — and some not-so-common — networking scenarios and review what your plan of action should be in each situation.
Work events come in all shapes and sizes, from professional development courses to off-site meetings with colleagues. These events tend to be more formal and not a place where you should directly whip out your networking skills, mostly because there’s a specific purpose for the event.
How to play it: Although you may know most people at a work event, you can subtly network by bringing up recent accomplishments or hurdles you’ve jumped. This helps people in your internal network see where you shine, and where you can help them — or someone else — in the future.
Conferences are a great way to meet those awesome connections who can help you expand your network. Sometimes the premise of a conference is entirely centered around networking. Other conferences are developed for you to learn more about your industry by listening to speakers, taking classes and meeting those with similar professional interests.
How to play it: This is one of those obvious networking situations where you’ll need lots of business cards, copies of your resume, portfolio items, etc. Since there will be a plethora of industry members, you never know who you’ll run into. It could also be a good idea to refresh your LinkedIn profile before the event so that once you connect with people you meet at the conference, they’ll see your most updated information.
Events like the annual holiday party or your boss’s birthday don’t usually scream “networking.” Oftentimes, you may be too busy socializing or talking about your personal life to think about business. While these are still great conversation starters, office parties can be an awesome place to reiterate why you’re a rockstar.
How to play it: Put the alcohol down and get to know colleagues you don’t know too well, especially those in different departments. You don’t have to brag about your accomplishments, but you can weave in your expertise. Chances are, one day they may need your skills on a project. Be memorable and show what you can do for them.
You probably believe family events are the last place to whip out your resume and market yourself, but these events are a networking goldmine. Think about it. Your family wants you to do well in your career. It’s like preaching to the choir. You just have to know what songs to sing.
How to play it: While members of your family may not work in your industry, they may know someone who does. That’s why it’s advisable to speed network, or chat with as many people as possible at your annual family reunion about what you do. Hand out business cards if you need to. If one of their contacts needs someone with your skills, you’ll be the first person on their radar.
Picture this: You’re at the grocery store when you see an influential member of your industry. You don’t want to throw business cards at them, but you do want to make a connection. How do you approach a power player without throwing your milk on the ground and seeming too desperate?
How to play it: Introduce yourself and relay why you admire them. Try to mention a recent article they wrote or compliment them on a recent accomplishment. Then, close quickly by asking if you can sit down with them or connect on a social network. This opens the door to future conversations while downplaying what could have been an awkward situation.
The ability to market yourself in any given situation is a skill that needs to be honed and practiced. You never know who you’ll bump into and how they could help you out in the future. Look at every situation as a chance to boost your network and provide a possible stepping stone for your career.
What do you think? How else can you market yourself in any given situation?
Lynn Dixon is the co-founder and COO of Hourly.com, an employment network that quickly matches people who are interested in flexible positions with the right opportunities. Connect with Lynn and Hourly on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2013/11/22/the-best-networking-tips-to-capitalize-on-any-situation/feed/ 3The post Get Recruited: Upcoming Brazen Recruiting and Networking Events (October) appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> You probably know Brazen has an incredible community of go-getters, young professionals who have rallied together around finding a job they enjoy. Many of you have been with us since back when we were a social network — and we love helping you continue to grow.But did you know Brazen also partners with popular employers and universities around the country to put on virtual career fairs and networking events?
Our platform allows talented candidates to connect directly with recruiters, hiring managers and other decision-makers to see if there’s a match with a particular company or organization. Doesn’t that sound more civilized than applying to a standard job listing and never hearing anything back?
Many of our partners ask us to bring the best job candidates to these events, which means YOU have a chance to get recruited. This is your opportunity to take a step up in your industry and transition into your dream job.
Want an invite to our next event? Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll keep you posted!
This month, an impressive roster of employers, universities and organizations are hosting events on the Brazen platform. We’re excited to partner with Deloitte, Raytheon, Dice, Gannett Digital, Corporate Executive Board, Women for Hire, American Express and many more impressive employers who are looking to chat one-on-one about open positions — as well as make hires.
On the university side, we’re working with Temple University, Penn State, University of New Hampshire, George Washington Business School, University of Pittsburgh and more to host networking events that help alumni and students make valuable connections.
Don’t you want to be in on this goodness?
Sign up for our newsletter to get on the invite list!
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The post Get Recruited: Upcoming Brazen Recruiting and Networking Events (October) appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2013/10/14/get-recruited-upcoming-brazen-recruiting-and-networking-events-october/feed/ 0The post Get Recruited: Upcoming Brazen Recruiting and Networking Events (September) appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> You probably know Brazen has an incredible community of go-getters, young professionals who have rallied together around finding a job you enjoy. Many of you have been with us since back when we were a social network — and we love helping you continue to grow.But did you know Brazen also partners with popular employers and universities around the country to put on virtual career fairs and networking events?
Our platform allows talented candidates to connect directly with recruiters, hiring managers and other decision-makers to see if there’s a match with a particular company or organization. Doesn’t this sound more civilized than applying to a standard job listing and never hearing anything back?
Many of our partners ask us to bring the best job candidates to these events, which means YOU have a chance to get recruited. This is your opportunity to take a step up in your industry and transition into your dream job.
Want an invite to our next event? Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll keep you posted!
This month, an impressive roster of employers, universities and organizations are hosting events on the Brazen platform. We’re excited to partner with Cablevision, Dice, Accenture, Canon USA, Federal Aviation Administration, Bayer, The Wounded Warrior Project in partnership with Raytheon and many more impressive employers who are looking to chat one-on-one about open positions — as well as make hires.
On the university side, we’re working with Columbia Alumni Association, George Washington Alumni Association, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Pennsylvania State University and more to host networking events that help alumni and students make valuable connections.
Don’t you want to be in on this goodness?
Sign up for our newsletter to get on the invite list!
Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!
The post Get Recruited: Upcoming Brazen Recruiting and Networking Events (September) appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2013/09/10/get-recruited-upcoming-brazen-recruiting-and-networking-events-september/feed/ 0The post 5 Essential Tips for Surviving Awkward Networking Events appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Networking events are awkward. And when you don’t go to them often, you might have no idea what to do or how to act.Use these tips to save yourself from potential embarrassment:
If you have to wonder whether or not your outfit is appropriate for a work function, it isn’t.
This is important. If you even have to think about it for one second, turn around, go to your room, open your closet and change. When you’re going to a work event, the last thing you want to do is look like you’re going clubbing afterwards. GenY has a hard enough time being taken seriously in the workplace as it is.
Make sure to dress the part. There’s nothing wrong with being trendy—just don’t give people a reason to say anything negative about your attire. You want to be remembered, yes. But you don’t want to be remembered as the one with the teeny tiny skirt and skin-tight shirt. (No matter how good you look in it.)
This is a big one. Most people avoid networking events like the plague. But of the people who do actually attend, many go for the free booze. Recent grads often don’t have a lot of money. And we’re thirsty. It’s hard to turn down free alcohol.
But at these events, you should do just that.
When you get there, grab a glass and get to know it. Become its friend. Because it’s the only alcoholic beverage you should have while there. A lot of people enjoy alcohol because it gets them to loosen up and makes these awkward situations a little more bearable, but you don’t want to make a fool of yourself. Not here.
Make a fool of yourself later, with your friends. Somewhere where your actions aren’t going to affect future potential job offers. Those free drinks could end up costing you much more than they’re worth.
Do. Not. Be. Boring. Most people at networking events are kind of stiff. Personality level? Zero.
Be yourself and don’t be afraid to talk about things unrelated to work. You like to go scuba-diving? Sweet! Talk about it. You studied abroad in college? Talk about your favorite place to eat in Italy.
If you want people to remember you, you need to be interesting. Simply reading off a script and reciting your previous work experience will most likely bore everyone to tears. And at the next event, they’ll make sure to avoid you.
While it’s important to be interesting and share your experiences with others, don’t forget to be interested, too. Ask people about their lives. Ask them about their experiences.
No one likes the person who just doesn’t shut up. It shouldn’t be all about you. Make sure that the conversation goes both ways. It’s only polite.
The most confident person in the room holds the most influence. If you go to a network event and you’re not sure what to do, you’re not confident, you’re feeling super awkward and you ultimately spend the whole night just standing next to that tree, people will notice.
Own the fact that you’re there. You have just as much a right as anyone else to be there. You are interesting. People do want to talk to you. And there’s nothing awkward about this.
So, make an effort to be confident, even if you’re pretending a little. Don’t just go to eat the food.
Kayla Cruz, founder of Gen Y Girl, is a young 20-something just entering the workforce who’s hoping to share her experiences with other young professionals. She’s not bratty, just opinionated, and writes at www.lostgenygirl.com.
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]]> http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2013/07/29/5-essential-tips-for-surviving-awkward-networking-events/feed/ 6The post Ideas for Making the Most of Your Next Networking Event appeared first on Brazen Life.
]]> Have you ever had one of those terrible networking event experiences? You know the ones—where you sit in the corner the whole time because nobody is interested in talking. Or perhaps you strolled in and suddenly realized everyone was more prepared than you. You didn’t even bring business cards!Networking events can be great experiences if you approach them correctly; otherwise, they can be the stuff of nightmares. If you implement the following tips, you can help ensure that everything goes smoothly. In fact, you could expand your business in ways you never imagined. It’s all about being prepared.
No matter how many members of your team are going, it always helps to get everyone on the same page. While you may not all be doing the same thing or talking to the same people, you want to make sure you have a common goal and ultimate prize in mind.
That’s why it helps to know beforehand who will be at the event and what you want to get out of it. It’s not that you’ll know every single member of the crowd, of course; it simply means you want to tailor your message and conversations to your fellow attendees.
For example, if you want to expand your offering to restaurant owners, you wouldn’t go in looking to talk to all the real estate agents you can corner. Not that you want to exclude anyone, but keep your eyes on the prize. You have limited time, so be sure to speak with the people who can help you achieve your goals.
You’ve done your research so you know what you want out of the event. Now it’s time to put your preparation to work!
Arrive early at the event. You’ll have more quality time to meet and mingle, and people won’t be broken up into intimidating cliques yet.
Once you arrive, you may think you should just jump into the first group you see. However, it’s a better idea to canvas the place so you know who is there. For one, you’ll notice the various personalities in attendance: the quiet loner, the loud braggart, the “Hi, here’s my card—see ya!”, the social butterfly and so on. Knowing who is there can help you figure out which folks to approach first.
Another plus to canvassing is that you may run into a familiar face. While there’s really no point in hanging out with a bunch of people you already know, they may be able to introduce you to some new contacts. They may even know what your goals are and have ideas to set you on the right path.
Don’t skip out on talking to the quiet loner types, either. We’ve all been that person at some point, and you remember how frustrating it can be. They may have a wealth of information, yet no one is talking to them.
Now it’s time for the follow-up. This can be a little tricky. Everyone you talked to knows you were there for business purposes, but they also don’t want to feel like a number in a crowd.
So you have to figure out how to make everyone you follow up with feel like they’re the only person you’ve contacted after the fact. We’ve all been part of that post-event “cattle call,” and it never goes well. Did you ever contact any of those people back? If you did, did anything come of it?
During the conversation at the event, you likely talked about some other interests. It could’ve been about something you both mutually love, like a sport, or pet theories you have about business philosophy. Whatever it is, make it part of your follow-up conversation.
This way, a friendly conversation about the World Cup and business ethics also serves the purpose of moving your business forward. Plus, you may have made a long-term business contact instead of one you talk to once or twice and then ditch.
Jennifer Dunn is blog editor for WePay, the easiest way to accept credit cards online.
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