Report on contractors’ meeting June 10th
Posted: 11 June 2008 10:44 PM   [ Ignore ]
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We had another fun gathering last night at The End Cafe on Commercial. Each of us shared our experiences (pros and cons) of working for agencies in Vancouver and most people seem to have positive things to say. There was a consensus in our group that tech writing work in Vancouver could be slowing slightly, but that it is still remains quite healthy. We spoke about the necessity of having a “30-second elevator pitch” for prospective clients/networking events and we agreed that we will “trade” pitches and evaluate at our next gathering. We also talked about using Linked-In as a networking tool.

Question of the evening: Are BBQs better than job fairs for finding the next gig?

General action items arising:
* Preparation of “reserve” program topic for speaking events
* Use of on-line surveys to keep in touch with membership
* Agenda for Fall AGM - opportunity for membership to meet chapter executive

Tuesday, August 12th is the tentative date for next contractors meeting at The End Cafe. Bring your elevator pitch.

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Posted: 17 June 2008 01:59 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 1 ]
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Sorry I missed the meeting. The pitch practice sounds like a great idea, and also a super way we can get to know each other better. Have a great summer, everyone!  See you in August…

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Tracey Martinsen
Documentation & Process Mgmt Lead for Tantalus Systems (http://www.tantalus.com)
also Sole Proprietor (http://www.tmartinsen.ca)

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Posted: 24 June 2008 10:35 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 2 ]
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I like that “Are BBQs better than job fairs….” discussion. Most people agree that casual networking is more effective than following the pack to job fairs. I’m curious if we’re still getting hits through any of our online personae. Most of us have a contractor profile, a linked in profile, a content wrangler community profile, a website, maybe facebook, myspace, plaxo, etc. Has anyone been scouted through these?

The chair of the technology committee found my profile on LinkedIn when he was looking for someone to spot the stcforum.org site. http://www.linkedin.com/in/tonychung—visit me and click the link to join the STC CWC group.

Paul said that he got proposals through his contractor profile.

Rahel mentioned we have an outdated database of contractors in online help format. Does anyone know where this is and if it’s still being promoted??

That’s enough for me tonight.

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Tony Chung: Creative Communications
http://tonychung.ca

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