Networking 2.0

As most of you know, we're big believers at Compass in the power of networking to help you get connected to the people, information, and opportunities needed to find a good work fit. We also know that networking isn't everybody's favourite word and that most of us have had some less-than-ideal experiences in its pursuit. So we (in conjunction with Compass alumnus and super-connector, Connie Augustus) have decided to try out our own spin on the concept by organizing an event that embodies Compass values in hopes of creating the right atmosphere for some authentic, useful synergy to occur.

Here's the gist:
1. We're going to open up the Compass Centre on Wednesday, October 19th from 7-9 PM to host a low-key but networking-focused get-together.
2. Attendance will be capped at 20 people to ensure that everyone gets their share of quality connection time (and to encourage some Introverts to attend).
3. After a short introduction and brief visualization to get in the right headspace, each attendee will have 60 seconds to articulate what they have to offer others (specific industry insight, skills, connections, etc) and then ask for what they are looking for (specific work opportunities, information, people connections, etc).
4. Following this stage, attendees are able to circulate and connect with others who they might be able to assist and who might be of assistance to themselves.

In order to make this most effective, we are asking that attendees have a fairly concrete idea of what they have to offer and what they are looking for. An example of a 60 second schpiel might be:

"I'm Bill and I have experience in the teaching and career development fields and can speak to those industries or offer people connections to anyone curious about working in those areas. I also have a relatively large network, much of it through my Compass role, and can usually access information interview prospects in just about any industry that someone might want to explore. I am looking for information and connections to people or organizations that do teacher or trainer development work or related roles. I am also interested in speaking with a Co-op Coordinator, should anyone have a contact in that area."

Please consider attending this event if:
1. Are looking to attend a networking event (ie. this is not a Compass reunion nor a purely social event).
2. You are as interested in helping others as you are in getting assistance yourself.
3. You have a fairly concrete idea of what you have to offer and what you want (ie. this is not a job idea brainstorming session).

If interested, please contact me at bill@northshorecompass.com or 604-984-4567 to book a spot. The first 20 responders will be allocated seats and then we will start a waiting list, in case someone drops out at a later date.

Looking forward to seeing what the collective buzz of a roomful of passionate, motivated Compass keeners might produce.

~Bill

Walk 'n talk

Howdy, all!

I trust you're making good use of the late summer heat and trying to squeeze in plenty of solar aliveness before the Fall brings a change of temperature/scenery.

As most of you know, the good ship Compass will be pulling into port come March and we Compass crew-members will all be trying to sort out our own next work iterations. Considering all my tough classroom talk about the wisdom of tapping one's network to help uncover useful new possibilities, I'm going to override my usual reticence in using the Compass megaphone for personal use and make a humble (and somewhat humbling) request.

While I'm not sure exactly what my next role will be, I'm currently most interested in the idea of working with teachers/trainers/instructors to help them hone their craft and be most effective in helping others learn. Two places I currently know of where this happens are school-teacher training programs at universities (such as UBC and SFU) and the Provincial Instructors Diploma program at VCC. Unfortunately, my inquiries into those arenas have indicated that it's unlikely that I'll be able to access them directly without first gaining some experience teaching at the post-secondary level. As such, here is my (two-prong) request:

1. If you have any contacts at these or other organizations that do instructor training (or something akin), would you consider connecting me so I might continue my exploration of this industry to see if there actually would be a good fit in there somewhere?

2. If you know of any alternate roles/organizations/industries that might involve similar attributes to the ones I'm seeking and might give me the opportunity to "promote hope through understanding" (my work purpose), can you please float those ideas my way for consideration (nb: no idea too silly, no suggestion unappreciated)?

Thanks, in advance, for considering my requests and I sincerely hope to return the favour for anyone who's still trying to refine their own next career step.

All the best with your own respective adventures and I look forward to catching up with you all in the Fall.

~Bill (bill@northshorecompass.com)