Kansas City Job Search/Networking Events for Week of Oct. 22-28

Below are the networking events for the week of October 22-28 in the Kansas City area. As always, if you know about other career fairs, meetings or events that would benefit job seekers, please send a note to markvanbaale@gmail.com. Thank you.

It is my hope that the information provided on this blog will help you to find a new job or make connections with people at the various networking events. Remember, there is also a Job Leads page where new jobs are posted every day or every other day. 

You can also follow @kcjobseekers or @markvanbaale to get the latest updates.

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Any Day of the Week

Watch or Listen to New Landings Job Chat Interviews brought to you each week by Hector Silva and the rest of the New Landings Job Chat Team. Five most recent podcasts are “Freelancing – Available Training,” “Freelancers: How To Be Successful,” “Freelancing, Another Option to Consider,” “Employment Dating And Beyond,” and “Employment Dating.”

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Monday, October 22

TEDxCrossroads Weekly Meeting

Location:
AIA Kansas City
1801 McGee St.
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Free to attend.

TEDxCrossroads is a weekly, hour long TEDx salon hosted Mondays at AIA Kansas City – 1801 McGee. Our focus is conversation, the community exchange that happens after watching a TEDtalk. Our format is simple: watch one 20 min recorded talk, have a 40 minute conversation.

Please RSVP to chel@curiousoptimist.com. We are ‘free and open to the public’ (but please RSVP), and do feel free to share this invitation forward and bring your friends and colleagues (but please RSVP). 

More Information about TEDxCrossroads on Facebook

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Monday Geek Night

Location:
Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen
1526 Walnut St.
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

What is Monday Geek Night? It is a weekly Monday night gathering of geeks who enjoy topics including, but not limited to, application and web development (code of all kinds), entrepreneurship, gaming, marketing, design, movies, the current state of all things tech, and usually beer and other cocktails. This Meetup is very much unstructured – feel free to come and geek out on just about ANYTHING. Laptops more than welcome.

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Resumes – It’s All About You Workshop presented by New Landings

Location:
Central Resource Library
Carmack Community Room
9875 W. 87th St.
Overland Park, KS
Google Map

Free to attend.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Has it been a while since you updated your resume? Are you not getting the interviews for the jobs you are interested in? Do you use the same resume for every job application? Join professional development consultant Efren Mojica of “All About You Consulting” to learn how to enhance your resume to be impactful, dynamic, eye catching, and unique to better position you for job hunting success. 

Registration is not necessary.

Registration for Workshop

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#JobHuntChat on Twitter

Time: 9:00pm CDT

Job Hunt Chat is a community where job seekers, recruiters, human resource professionals, career coaches, and hiring managers can connect. Discussion/questions shared on Twitter.com using the hashtag #JobHuntChat.

Here is how you can participate in this chat:
1. Search for hashtag #JobHuntChat on Twitter when the chat starts at 9pm CST.
2. Introduce yourself when the chat begins.
3. Read, ask questions, comment, re-tweet. Participate!

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Tuesday, October 23

Biz2Biz Connect Networking Meetings

First Tuesday Morning Meeting Info:

Location:
Edward Jones Office
5725 Nieman Rd., Suite D
Shawnee, KS
Google Map

North of Johnson Drive on the East side of the street. If using the North parking lot, park on the East side of the lot only. More parking available across the street to the West and to the North.

Time: 8:00am – 9:00am

$5.00 entry. Job seekers and Non-profit staff can come for free. Coffee and hot tea is provided.

Second Tuesday Morning Meeting Info:

Location:
Scooter’s Coffeehouse
11106 Antioch Road
Overland Park, KS
Google Map

Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm

$5.00 entry. Job seekers and Non-profit staff can come for free. 

More Information about the Group

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The Best Interview Strategy for Results Webinar

Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm CDT

There is excitement when people say, “I have an interview!” Everything it takes to get to this important point in the job search, all of the work and effort of finding your target, planning, knowing your unique value, networking, writing your resume, finding the ideal positions, sending your resume, following up….and now…. you have an interview! 

Preparation takes time. You have to know what kind of research to do about the company and the role, and it takes practice so you are clear about what you want to cover in the interview. Bottom line, you must be mentally and physically ready if you want to do well in the interview. 

Here is a sneak peek of this webinar’s agenda:

• Create an effective Interview Strategy 
• Be a Master of Building Rapport 
• “Best of You” Summary Statement 
• Strengths you should Share about Yourself 
• The Most Powerful Questions to Ask in the Interview

Register for FREE

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Johnson County Referral Networking Lunch

Location:
Granite City Food and Brewery
15085 W. 119th St. 
Olathe, KS
Google Map

Time: 11:45am

Guests will have a chance to introduce their companies and learn about others.

Johnson County Referral Network provides a quality networking opportunity for business owners and representatives. For business owners and representatives who want to make new contacts, our events will help you continually meet new people while keeping in contact with those you have already met. 

Membership is open to business owners and representatives who offer products and services, business to business or to consumer, in the Johnson County, Kansas area. Members pay annual dues of $40.

Non-members may attend one event before joining. 

Register for Event

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How to Apply for a Government Job Workshop presented by New Landings

Location:
New Landings HQ
11320 W. 79th St.
Lenexa, KS 66214
Google Map

Free to attend.

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Projecting to hire 193,000 new employees over the next two years, the U.S. government is a great place to look for your next career opportunity. 

Many who have applied for a government job say, “Simply completing the application should win me some kind of award!” Some of the forms are lengthy, confusing and comprehensive.  The intent of this workshop is to help simplify the process for you.  You will learn tips and tricks for ensuring that your application is complete when filed and gets through the system as expeditiously as possible.

If available, bring your laptop as you will be accessing the government employment website.

Registration for the Workshop

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Business Development Club Social Event hosted by American Club Association

Location:
Jose Peppers
1667 NE Douglas St.
Lee’s Summit, MO
Google Map

Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Bring your business cards, a client, your spouse and enjoy the evening with the American Club Association.

The American Club Association (ACA) Business Development Club is a professional organization dedicated to building businesses through the power of relationships.

More Information about Business Development Club with American Club Association

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Everyone’s an Entrepreneur: How to Manage Your Career Like a Startup Webinar

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm CDT

In today’s business world, we’re all entrepreneurs. Every single one of us is a free agent. We can stick with the job we have because we love it, or we can move on to the next opportunity if it’s going to help us achieve our career goals. The typical career advice like, “climb the ladder” and “pay your dues,” is no longer relevant. Because of this, we all need to learn how to manage our careers like a successful entrepreneur manages a startup.

In this live presentation, Ryan Healy, Co-Founder and COO of Brazen Careerist, will show you what it means to manage your career like a startup and will discuss a number of interesting career paths for entrepreneurial people.

This kick-off event will be two-fold. First, you’ll hear directly from your speaker at a live web conference. Then, following the live web conference, you’ll participate in an exclusive online networking event for the conference attendees, where you can meet and build your network of fellow entrepreneurs — one of the best things you can do for your career. You’ll also get the chance to engage directly in one-on-one chats with representatives from the State Farm team and chat about some of their exciting entrepreneurial opportunities.

You’ll learn:

• How to test your career change before taking the big plunge.
• Why you need to constantly “pivot” in your career to stay relevant.
• How to be a generalist, and still build strong specialized skill sets.
• Why not taking a risk is the riskiest thing you can do in your career.
• How to find your personal “Product-Market Fit.”

Please note the live web conference will take place on WebEx. To make sure you can access WebEx on your computer, click on this test event.

Register for FREE

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Kansas Feet Up Network Meeting

Location:
Sharks Billards
10320 Shawnee MIssion Pkwy
Shawnee, KS
Google Map

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Feet-Up Network is a group of business professionals who like to get together, kick their feet-up and have a drink together. 

Our meetings are come as you are, and RSVP is not required.

Most of the weekly meets have anywhere from 15-25 people at them. The smaller size of the group allows us to really get to know each other quickly and create those relationships and trust that get you referrals.

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Wednesday, October 24

Power Chics Power Coffee Meeting

Location:
Latteland Briarcliff Village
4115 N. Mulberry Dr.
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time: 8:00am – 9:00am

The Power Chics Power Coffee is a new venue for the person who prefers to meet in the morning. We will meet at 8 AM and get to know each other with introductions and  a discussion topic.

Power Chics is a personal growth organization, developed by women and for women. Power Chics is dedicated to helping “chics” from all professional arenas grow and develop, both personally and professionally. Come see what we are about. 

Please do register for this event so we have an idea of how many to expect.

Register for Event

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Biz2Biz Connect Networking Meeting

Wednesday Morning Meeting Info:

Location:
Scooter’s Coffeehouse
11106 Antioch Road
Overland Park, KS
Google Map

Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm

$5.00 entry. Job seekers and Non-profit staff can come for free. 

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Landing a Great Job After 40 Webinar

Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm CDT

Finding a job is tough for anyone nowadays, but it’s particularly hard if you are 40 or older. Despite the difficulty, landing a great, well-paying job after 40 is possible … if you take steps to improve your odds.

In this free webinar led by Kathy Bernard, you’ll discover 50 ways to improve your chances of getting hired (and we’ll even send you all of the tips in an easy, printable format so you can get started implementing them right away).

In this fast paced FREE 60 minute webinar, you will discover how to:

• Position yourself as the solution to a company’s problems. 
• Play up your strengths and shore up your weaknesses.
• Identify organizations that actively seek out seasoned workers. 
• Convince younger hiring managers that your experience is a plus and not a threat.
• Demonstrate your passion, vitality and accomplishments in a way will impress hiring companies and much, much more.

Register for FREE

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Linking Professionals Live Marketing(r) Happy Hour

Location:
77 South
5041 West 135th Street 
Overland Park, KS
Google Map

Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Cost: $15.00 in advance. Registration is required.

Every guest receives their choice of a FREE SMALL PLATE MEAL from the menu.

More Information and Registration

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Leawood Chamber After Hours Networking Event

Location:
Durrie Vision 
5520 College Blvd., Suite 201 
Overland Park, KS
Google Map

Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Cost: Non-Members are $10.00.

If you are between the ages of 21 – 39 years old and wish to build your professional network and give back to the community, Leawood Young Professionals is the group for you.

Leawood Chamber members, their guests, and ‘future’ Chamber members are invited to join us at our After Hours event.

Registration deadline is Monday, October 22nd by 5:00 pm.

Registration is Closed

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Social Media – Building a Valuable Online Presence Panel Discussion

Location:
Terrace on Grand
1520 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Cost: $35.00 for non-members, $15.00 for students. Your ticket includes 2 drink vouchers, appetizers and panel discussion.

Fashion Group International (FGI) Kansas City hosts a panel discussion “Social Media – Building a Valuable Online Presence” presented by The Pitch and Adcuda. Features local industry leaders in online marketing, social media, web design and advertising. Network with business professionals during the rooftop cocktail hour and participate in an interactive business discussion featuring Casey Copeland and Tom Jenkins of Adcuda, Adam Fichman of Lifted Logic, Jennifer Hermon of Suburban Catwalk and Melanie Knopke of Your Style Scout. 

The speakers for “Social Media – Building a Valuable Online Presence” possess vast knowledge in being seen online and will share their insight on this ever changing way to brand businesses.

It is a great opportunity to network with business professionals and learn insider information regarding social media and its role in the fashion industry.

Register for Event

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Career Connection KC Northland Meeting

Location:
Pleasant Valley Baptist Church
1600 N 291 Highway, Room 212
Liberty, MO
Google Map

Time: 6:30pm

Topic: Year In Review and cover a little from every topic from 2012, from writing a great resume to salary negotiation and every phase in between.

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Thursday, October 25

Biz2Biz Connect Networking Meeting

Thursday Morning Meeting Info:

Location:
Fig Tree Cafe
817 NE Rice Rd.
Lee’s Summit, MO
Google Map

(East outer Rd of 291 Hwy between 50 Hwy & I-470 across from Office Max & next to the BP gas station) 

Time: 8:30am – 9:30am

$5.00 entry. Job seekers and Non-profit staff can come for free. 

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Olathe Chamber Coffee meeting

Location this week:
Bud Brown Volkswagen, LLC 
925 North Rawhide Drive 
Olathe, KS
Google Map

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00am

Open to job seekers to attend free of charge. 

Opportunity to mingle with Olathe area business owners and network to your next job. Expect to meet 150-250 people. There is a special sign-up area so job hunters and employers can meet.

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Linking Professionals Lunch for Women

Location:
77 South
5041 West 135th St.
Overland Park, KS
Google Map

Time: 11:15am – 1:00pm

Cost: $25.00 includes lunch and door prizes

Linking Women is a networking and professional support for women in business by women in business. There’s no commitment or fee to be a part of this circle of strong, driven women. If you’re here, you’re part of the group! Currently Linking Women hosts one luncheon each month; offering a variety of motivational and inspiring speakers while raising awareness of our community needs. Your $25 admission fee helps to bring support and exposure to area organizations.

Our speaker is Cathy Weaver. 

Please register in advance. 

Agenda:
11:15 – 11:30: Check in and network
11:30 – 12:30: Lunch is served, announcements, program
12:30 – 1:00: Closing, questions, network  

More Information and Registration

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Internet Job Search Workshop

Location:
New Landings HQ
11320 West 79th St.
Lenexa, KS
Google Map

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Free to attend.

Learn successful techniques to manage all aspects of your Internet job search campaign from a multi-certified resume writer, career and personal branding coach.

The following topics will be covered:

• LinkedIn and Twitter and optimizing their usage in your networking
• Social networking and specific strategies for your job search
• Job searching online (including online classifieds)
• Keywords and their usage
• The reason you need an electronic resume
• Performing company research and what you need to know

Attendees will need an ability to navigate Internet sites effectively and have an understanding of Microsoft Word.

Register for Workshop

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Christian Business Connections Network Meeting

Location:
Panera Bread
20120 West 153rd St.
Olathe, KS
Google Map

Time: 1:30pm

Join us! It is an all-inclusive and non-denominational group and our focus is networking/friendship/outreach.

More Information

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WordPress KC Happy Hour and More

Location:
Tomfooleries on the Plaza
612 W 47th St.
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time: 5:30 pm

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An Evening with Becky McCray – Small Business Survival and the State of Now Event hosted by SocialIRL

Location:
Lawrence Public Library
707 Vermont St.
Lawrence, KS
Google Map

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Free to attend.

Becky McCray is a small town entrepreneur, with a cattle ranch, a retail liquor store and other businesses in Woods County, Oklahoma. 

A recognized small business and social media expert, she has spoken internationally to over 100 conferences on small business, rural issues and social media, including SXSW Interactive, BlogWorld Expo, the International Economic Development Council, 140 Characters Conferences, Revitalize Washington, and the Michigan Small Town and Rural Development Conference.

In April 2012, Becky co-authored Small Town Rules, a book that shows how the business world is like a global small town, and how even the largest companies must compete for customers as if they were small, local businesses.

During this special evening at Lawrence Library, Becky will share valuable highlights from Small Town Rules, give a special preview of this year’s 140 Local conference and explain why the event recently changed names to be known as “The State of Now.” There will be audience Q&A and informal networking. We’ll also have door prizes and light refreshments.

Register for Event

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Friday, October 26

Biz2Biz Connect Networking Meeting

Location:
City Union Mission (Executive Offices Chamber Room)
1100 E. 11th St.
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am

No cost to attend if you are a job seeker or from a non-profit. Otherwise, first-time guests are free and beyond that, there is a $5 attendance fee. 

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Smart Connect KC Coffee Connections Meeting

Luann Feehan, the Business Mixologist for SmartConnectKC, provides a morning business social hour “Wake up at meet over coffee” — a mix and mingle in the morning with 60 to 70 KC area businessmen and women.

Location
The Archer Foundation
5250 W 116th Place #200
Leawood, KS
Google Map

Time: 8:30am – 9:45am

Cost: $10.00

Whether you’re a networking pro or new to the game, you can trust that you’ll walk away from this lively event with a number of new contacts and budding relationships. Expect to make connections, expect to gather new resources, expect the unexpected, but mostly, expect to have fun.

Register for Meeting

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#HFChat (#HireFriday Chat) on Twitter

Time: 11:00 am – Noon CDT

#HireFriday is the only stream on twitter that focuses solely on job seekers strengths, knowledge and abilities. Discussion/questions shared on Twitter.com using the hashtag #HFChat

Here is how you can participate in this chat:

1. Sign up for Twitter if you are not already on Twitter.
2. Search for hashtag #HFChat when the chat starts at 11am CST.
3. Introduce yourself when the chat begins.
4. Read, ask questions, comment, re-tweet. Participate!

More information on #HFChat and Hire Friday

If you are in the KC area and are searching for a job, send a note to Mark Van Baale at markvanbaale@gmail.com to be listed on the Featured Job Seekers page. Everyone listed on this page has a #HireFriday tweet sent out on Fridays about what they are looking for.

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Christian Business Connections Network Friday Meeting

Location:
New Life Ministries
1828 Walnut St., 4th floor
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time: 11:00am

Join us! It is an all-inclusive and non-denominational group and our focus is networking/friendship/outreach.

More Information

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Freelance Exchange of Kansas City Luncheon (“Horror Stories: How To Dig Out From the Freelance Grave”)

Location:
Manny’s
207 Southwest Blvd.
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time:
Networking & Registration: 11:30am – Noon
Lunch & Discussion: Noon – 1:00pm

Cost: $30.00 for non-members (includes lunch)

It’s October! And things are getting creepy. So, join us for all the fun and spookiness that this month’s roundtable discussion is sure to bring! On Friday, October 26th, we’ll share stories of those who’ve tried to trick us, including:

• Late (or non) payments
• Design by committee
• Big eyes, small (or no) budgets
• Multidimensional client personalities

At this luncheon, we’ll also share what’s worked and what hasn’t worked in digging out of these situations. You’ll walk away with treats of how to address these scary situations and best practices of how to prevent them in the future.

RSVP by Tuesday, Oct. 23. Space is limited, so to ensure your seat, please make sure and register no later than the deadline. Late reservations may not be able to be accommodated. 

Registration has closed

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Habitat for Humanity Kansas City Young Professionals Movie Night

Location:
Californos
4124 Pennsylvania Ave.
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time:
4:30pm – 6:30pm for Happy Hour at Californos
6:45pm for movie at Tivoli Cinema

Cost: $8.50 for movie ticket to Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?

Californo’s is offering us some great happy hour specials from 4:30 to 6:30. You will be able to pick up your movie tickets during this time. 

Special introduction for the movie is 6:45 and the movie begins at 7:15 pm. 

We need you to purchase your tickets in advance to reserve seating. 

Registration has closed for tickets purchase

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Saturday, October 27

Catholic Career Panel Roundtable Meeting

Location:
Good Shepherd Parish
12800 W 75th St.
Shawnee, KS
Google Map

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am

Dress is Business Casual.

CCR holds a ’Panel Roundtable’ the last Saturday of each month. Panel Roundtables are a refreshing venue for business owners and hiring managers to share company culture and employment opportunities for 2012 with qualified and professional job seekers with no fees or cost to the job seeker or the business owner as well.

Our panel this month will include representatives from Commerce Bank, UPS, Russell Stover’s, and Yusen Logistics Inc.

More Information about CCR

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Civilian Career Workshops for Military Service Members and Veterans

Location in Kansas:
The Home Depot
5700 Antioch Road
Merriam, KS
Google Map

Location in Missouri:
The Home Depot
111 E Linwood Blvd.
Kansas City, MO
Google Map

Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Unlike a job fair, these Civilian Career Workshops focus on helping service members and veterans transition successfully into the workforce in any industry. 

Register to participate in our Mission:Transition event and hear directly from hiring managers, human resources professionals and former military leaders currently working at The Home Depot.

Attendees will learn:

Resume Optimization:

• Define your goals.
• Translate your military experience to civilian skills.
• Topics include: Key words, action words, cover letters, formatting and common mistakes.

Job Search Strategies:

• Your brand.
• A solid strategy for searching for jobs in today’s challenging markets.
• How to effectively use social media.

Interview Techniques:

• Polish your existing interviewing skills.
• Learn new techniques.
• Prepare for various interview scenarios.

Advance registration is required.

Register for Workshop in Kansas

Register for Workshop in Missouri

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