Social Media Enthusiasts Meetup

Another way of meeting people in industry that I've found helpful is social events.  One of the tools out there is a web site called meetup.com.  This page is full of groups that have a common interests and invite guest speakers to events.  One of my current favourites in Toronto is a group called Third Tuesday This group talks about how to use tools like Twitter, Blogger and Facebook to good effect. 

Tonights meeting is at the Hard Rock Cafe across from the Eaton Centre.  The cost is only $10 and might be worth a look.  Tonights speakers include people who write reviews online.

People I used to know....and still do

One of the best ways to generate leads is by contacting people with whom you have dropped out of touch with.  Blow the dust off some of those old notes and files and see if you can find out where people are now.  Some pointers that may help that first phone call / email:

• Don't call up and tell them you are looking for job.  No one I've ever met has a few spare jobs in their back pocket waiting to give out.  This turns people off like a switch for a light bulb.
• Do say you're interested in hearing what's going on in their career, get some pointers as to what's working well for them and what's not.  Remeber, you're trying to get a feel for what's happening outside your own corner of the world, to do this you want some perspective.
• Do see if you can meet them in their office, or failing that, offer to buy them a cup of coffee after work.  You are asking for their time as well as knowledge.
• As the conversation progresses, try to garner names of people, companies and projects going on.  Don't immedialtely dismiss anything as you are trying to generate ideas to help get your next job.  Sometimes a really silly idea can seem brilliant after you've had time to think about it.

Networking and primary research

Over the past several months, I've been reaching out to talk to old colleagues, class mates and friends to get a feel for what's happening in the market place.  As an analyst, I enjoy meeting with people one on one to get a feel for what's happening in their jobspace.  It allows me to gather data and start doing some of my own analysis. 

Any time there has been an economic down turn in the past, there have also always been opportunities if you can identify them.  This involves performing your own research and being ready to act on the opportunities as they arise.

As we're all aware, the job numbers are grim these days and many people are looking for new opportunities.  This blog is a journal of my job search efforts and I'll be posting some tips and techniques that have worked for me as I go, including:

• networking with people you know
• getting warm referrals to other people in the industry
• doing cold referrals
• finding and attending various local events that will help keep you current in the market place