Notes from 2/11/2011 - A Branding Presentation

We didn't have a large group this week. I'm not sure how we got on the topic of presentations, but we did.

I ended up pulling out and presenting a deck I haven't worked on in a while. It explains a model of branding especially useful for "Personal Branding". Since I haven't actually seen this deck since November, I rambled. But Mark felt it was valuable and suggested I post a slide here on the OCA website and give people a taste of what they missed.

Above is the slide I use to illustrate the point that people are only curious about what they are curious about. They aren't interested in you because you want them to be. Pushing yourself on them, and yelling your merits may get attention but it won’t get a following. Draw people in, involve them, appeal to their natural curiosity. Then they'll come to you. In marketing speak we'd call this developing and presenting a compelling value proposition. When herding cats or fishing we call it using the right bait.

As I have time I'll continue to work on this, and will re-present it if there's interest.

Notes from 2/4/2011 - Podcasting with Michael Surkan

Michael Surkan was our guest at last week's OCA meeting. Michael, a 20-year technology business vet, has recently turned his attention to the technique and power of podcasting - as a way of building a valuable, credible network.

Podcasting is not new to Michael. He's been getting together with friends to talk about and share ideas on economic topics, but after a round of layoffs ended his 9-year career at Microsoft, Michael started Entrepreneurs Northwest to create a new network of career-building relationships.

His easy-to-follow recipe for starting your own podcasting channel is a sure-fire methodology for increasing your connections while learning more about a particular subject. And by sharing that knowledge with others, you not only give back, but you begin to be seen as an authority on the given subject. If you're looking for work, and in today's economy many people are having to reinvent themselves to do so, this could be a valuable way to open new doors.

I took great notes at the meeting, but why don't we have Michael tell you everything you need to know to start podcasting.

A reminder to check the calendar

Couple big events this week.
Check at the bottom of the page for info.
(Why not subscribe to the calendar while you're down there.)

Jan 21, 2011

This Friday's OCA meeting.
Kathy Clayton will be on hand to present, "Surviving the malaise of unemployment." Regardless of how long you've been looking for work, a job search can run the gamut from relaxing and rejuvenating to frustrating and downright maddening. One thing that is fairly constant, however, is how unsettling it all can be.

Join us this Friday, 10:30, at the SVC and hear from Kathy - corporate, team and personal coach. www.kathyclayton.com - "Enhancing effectiveness in business and life through awareness, conscious thinking and intentional action for lasting, reproducible results"

Also... Mei Lu, from Jobfully, will also be at our meeting later in the morning, to answer any questions people may have about her 3-month complimentary offer. (see below)

JOB NEWS
Marci Zervizi just landed a contract job with AT&T, where she'll be doing marketing planning for them. And in the spirit of OCA, she got the position through a connection's referral.
Congrats, Marci!!

January 14 2011 - welcome back

This week's meeting:
We're back! and are actually entering our third year. 10:30 am at the SVC. No speaker this week; just good ol' fashioned networking and catching up after the holidays.

Job news!
I'm very happy to announce that Sean Linton has just started a new job as a Sales / Account Manager for Life+Gear, a new consumer-focused company based out of California.
Congrats, Sean!

Upcoming Speakers:
January 21st - Kathy Clayton will talk about "Surviving the Malaise of Unemployment"
February 4th - Michael Surkan will visit us to talk about podcasting as a marketing (and self promotion) tool, as well as blogging. http://surkanstance.blogspot.com/search/label/tales

Notes from 12/3/2010 - volunteering and alumni connections

At our 12/3 OCA meeting, we talked about volunteer opportunities that job seekers can take advantage of - to give back, to widen and sometimes deepen your experience, to network, and to pursue a particular passion - all while you have the time. Every city has a multitude of opportunities where you can provide time or expertise to help others. The city of Seattle's web site provides ideas for ways to contribute around town or in your community, and it also has a calendar of events which can be viewed to show only volunteer opportunities.(Under event types, click 'None', then click 'Volunteer'.)

At our meeting, we also talked about the importance of tapping into your alumni network(s). It's an easy connection to make with someone while networking if they went to the same college and rooted for the same team. As different as they may actually be from you, there's almost an instant connection where they can relate to you from the simple fact that you both chose to attend the same university.

In addition, schools brand themselves by the quality of the alumni they produce. Many companies tout the education of their management team, so why wouldn't a university want to help promote its "leaders of industry" who once walked their halls and campuses? Reach out to the career center of your school to see if they can offer any job search assistance or advice.

One Connection Away is taking a break

The School of Visual Concepts will be closed each Friday until mid-January, giving everyone the opportunity to spend time with their friends and family and maybe have a one-on-one coffee or two.

We'll be back on our regular schedule January 14th. See you then!