Networking in Milwaukee

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

There are many opportunities for formal networking. You can find opportunities with an internet search or look in the Business Journal or local newspaper for a listing of networking events. Also check with local professional societies and the placement office of your college. Most schools have an active network of loyal alumni.
     The  listing provided here  will give you an idea of some of the opportunities in the Milwaukee area. Networking events can be a great way to meet other professionals in the area. Some groups are set up especially for job seekers. Try one out to help you find contacts for your marketing plan and letter.
40+ Networking
http://www.40pluswi.org/
Every Wednesday 7 PM-9PM. See web site for locations.
Also offer small support groups. Check web site for details.
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Employment Networking
1st Monday of the Month 7:00 p.m.
Marian Hall Meeting Room
http://archmil.org/Events/ShowEvent.asp?ID=3640&date=7/6/2009
Brookfield 40+ Job Networking Support group
Sat, Mar 28, 2009 8:00 AM - Sat, Mar 28, 2009 9:00 AM
18255 W. Capitol Dr Brookfield, Wi
40+ Brookfield Job Networking Support Group Saturdays 8:00 AM St. Dominic Parish, Harry Hawthorne Marcy Center, 18255 W. Capitol Dr Brookfield, WI (Take Mountain around to the back of the Church, enter under overhang right hand door, go down to basement, open door at foot of stairs) Arnot Heron 414-915-0866 arnotheron@mail.com

Elmbrook Crossroad Career Network
Third Thursday of every month 6:30-9:30
http://www.elmbrook.org/resources/crossroads.asp
First Business Network
Sponsors speakers with an opportunity for networking
Check web site for events.
http://www.firstbusiness.com/milwaukee_banking/events/latest/
Hales Corners Lutheran Crossroads Career Ministry
Second Monday of the month 6:30-9:00 in Fellowship Hall
Speaker then breakout sessions on employment topics.
http://www.hcl.org/crossroads
Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee
http://www.hpgm.org/
$50 fee to join. Members are notified bi-weekly by email of upcoming events.
Lumen Christi
11300

N St. James Lane Mequon

Every Wednesday 7:30-9:00 Church Library.
Mayfair 40 Plus Job Networking Support Group
Mon, Mar 23, 2009 - Tue, Mar 24, 2009
2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, WI
40+ Mayfair Job Networking Support Group Mondays at 9:00am Business Dress Attire Requested Mayfair Mall 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 2nd & 4th Monday 2nd Floor Center Food Court (near Cinnabon) 1st, 3rd & 5th Monday Lower Level Room G150 (access in hall near Williams Sonoma) Bill Hufschmidt 262-789-9190 Bill.Hufschmidt@FunctionPoints.com
Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals
http://www.tmulyp.org/
The website lists upcoming networking events.
National Association of Women Business Owners
Must be a member to get notice of meetings.
Every meeting has a networking table for exchange of business information.
http://www.nawbo-gm.org/network.htm
North Shore 40+ Job Networking Group
Fri, Mar 27, 2009 10:00 AM - Fri, Mar 27, 2009 11:00 AM
8737 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point WI 53217
40+ North Shore Job Networking Support Group Fridays at 10:00am Business Attire Requested Chase Bank River Point Village Shopping Center (just east of I-43 and Brown Deer Rd) 8737 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point WI 53217 (go in the front door, turn right down the hall, turn right again, open the door, we are in the basement) Ellie Mixter-Keller 414-801-8883 e-mix-keller@sbcglobal.net
Lisa’s List
Gets professionals together for fun and networking.
Member ship is $99 and is on sale right now for $50.
Membership gets you into events free or at a discount.
http://www.lisaslist.org/
Fuel Milwaukee
Supported by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Member ship is $50 a year or free if your company has a corporate membership.
4500 members on the mailing list, around 250 to 300 for an event.
Mostly young professionals in 25-35 range.
Events are on the second Thursday of the month at a local bar or restaurant.
http://www.fuelmilwaukee.org/

UWM Alumni Association
Sponsors networking events for alumni.
http://www4.uwm.edu/alumni/events/networking_events.cfm
Next event:
April 16 6:00-8:30
UWM Union Ballroom East
There will also be a session prior to the event to brush up on networking skills.
Register on line.
http://www4.uwm.edu/alumni/events/networking_events.cfm
 
     Give some of these meetings a try. It is important to establish a network even if not unemployed.  Start building while you are still working. If you are unemployed it is important not to get too isolated.  Social contact is important to help you keep a positive attitude during your job search. In my next article I will talk about some informal whays you can network.
Copyright 2009 @ Summit Training Publications