LEGAL ALIEN'S GUIDE. Building a Career and Life in Chicago, Illinois.

Are you good on the phone?

2010-09-14T19:15:00.001-07:00

A lot of job seekers think that I am an employment agency so they call me with job enquiries very often. What I have learnt from dozens of these phone converstions is that people CANNOT TALK ON THE PHONE. They think I am a prospective employer and yet they sound unprepared, unprofessional and lost. The ability to lead a professional phone conversation is an important skill and IT IS NOT THE SAME AS CHATTING WITH YOUR MATES! It is important because in your job search you will have to make many calls to your networking contacts or prospective employers to get information about a position. A lot of companies hold phone interviews before they invite you to a face-to-face one. If you screw up on the phone there is no way to recover so here are some tips I can give you from employer point of view:

1. If you call and no one answers - leave a voice mail! I am never calling back if I see a missed call without a voice mail. For what I know you might be an annoying sales person and I am not going to spend my time and money calling you back if this conversation was not important enough for you to bother leaving me a voice mail.

2. When you leave a voice mail, briefly but clearly indicate the purpose of your call. This may seem obvious but more often than not I receive voice mails that sound as follows: "Hello, I am Pete Smith, please call me back". For what I know Pete Smith can be an annoying sales person and you already know what I do when I think that's the case.

3. When we finally get a chance to talk do not start the conversation by asking what I do. Your goal is not to interview me but to find a job. Introduce yourself, explain what you are looking for and I will give you answers to your questions tailored to your needs.

4. When I explain something to you - LISTEN. Do not just wait for me to finish, it offends people. It is very easy to figure out whether a person paid attention to what you were saying or not by asking a couple of questions regarding what was just discussed.

5. Most of the people loose interest when they think that the person on the other end of the line cannot help them with the very specific problem they have in mind. They try to wrap up the conversation as soon as possible. I might not be able to help you with this specific job enquiry but I might know someone who can or I might be helpful in another job search avenue. The point of networking is not getting help right there, on the spot but to get support from people who will lead you to your goal step by step.

6. Please, do not call from a car, or a restaurant or a noisy street or generally on the go. This shows to me that this converstaion was not important enough for you to put aside 10 min on your schedule to talk form a quiet room without doing anything else on the background. Treat a phone conversation as a face-to-face meeting.

7. PREPARE! Write down what exactly you want to find out. Play out a worst case scenario: I am not able to help you at all, you are upset but you need to find a way to learn where I CAN help you vs. where I CANNOT help you. Do not concentrate on negative, find the positive.

8. Finish a conversation on such a note so that next time when I see your caller ID I will be glad to pick up the phone and talk to you again.

Chicago Job Fair

2010-09-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Attend the Chicago South job fair on Tuesday, September 28 and take this opportunity to meet face to face and stand out from the crowd!

Career experts onsite will provide FREE Resume Reviews!

Over 200 positions will be available at this event!

For a list of attending companies, click the link below and fill out the brief registration form: http://chicago.localhires.com/job_fairs/view/1318/Chicago+South+Job+Fair+September+28%2C+2010utm_source=30day_iContact&utm_medium=iContact_email&utm_campaign=Chicago_South_9_28_2010_iContact-30day

Free to Attend!

Date: Tuesday, September 28
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Holiday Inn Select & Convention Center - Tinley Park
Address: 18501 S. Harlem Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Can't attend the job fair? No problem- add your resume to the ChicagoHires database on the website above so recruiters can find you.

U.S. cultural guide

2010-07-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have recently published my 1st book from the "Unforgettable Christmas" project - "Unforgettable Christmas: Activities, Events and Resources Guide to 25 Days of Christmas". And guess what? - it turned out to be an excellent cultural reference guide to living in the U.S.

If you are an expat living in the U.S., especially if you have a family with children, this book is a must have. There is so much going on in America in December, the variety of events and activities is amazing, which is sure to please anybody and everybody. Participation in these events have several benefits:
1. You will learn a lot about the culture and the country you live in
2. It's a great opportunity to network in a casual atmosphere (CEOs take their children to a Breakfast with Santa too!)
3. FUN!

Here is a link where you can learn more about "Unforgettable Christmas" guide and purchase it if you like it: http://www.unforgettable-christmas.com/Unforgettable-Christmas.html

Chicago job fair

2010-07-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Attend the Chicago job fair on Friday, August 20 and take this opportunity to meet face to face and stand out from the crowd!

Career experts onsite will provide FREE Resume Reviews!

Over 200 positions will be available at this event!

For a list of attending companies, click the link below and fill out the brief registration form: http://chicago.localhires.com/job_fairs/view/1288

Date: Friday, August 20
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: The Allerton Hotel
Address: 701 N. Michigan Avenue , Chicago, IL 60611
This is a FREE event!

Can't attend the job fair? No problem- add your resume to the database so recruiters can find you. Click here to upload your resume to ChicagoHires: http://chicago.localhires.com/job_fairs/view/1288! Right now there are thousands of jobs available in Chicago- and ChicagoHires brings them all to you in one simple search! There is no need to spend time searching on multiple job sites- ChicagoHires has postings from newspapers, corporate sites, local boards and big job boards all in one place.

Website for expats

2010-07-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to share with you are useful website for expats relocating to the U.S. It will not only be helpful to people relocating to Chicago, it actually has information about 7 major cities in addition to the Windy City: New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, Hartford, Boston and San Francisco.

Here is Chicago page: http://www.expatarrivals.com/the-usa/chicago/moving-to-chicago (from which you can navigate to other destinations).

The site provides you with a wide variety of information: cost of living, education, safety, healthcare, working, taxes, etc. It also has a forum for expacts to interact and share experiences while helping each other.

If you dread a networking call, read this article

2010-07-20T06:30:00.001-07:00

Today I received an interesting newsletter article from TheLadders.com website and I want to share it with you:
"Even if you're a sociable, gregarious, people-loving person, the "networking" phone call can be a dreaded task in the job search. You feel like you're imposing, and it feels awkward to ring up your friends, former colleagues, and college buddies to ask for a favor from such a helpless position.

So here's how to stop worrying and learn to love the networking call.

The tip, which I picked up from John Lucht in his book "Rites of Passage", is this:

"Don't ask for a job, ask for a reference."

Asking someone to be a reference is an easy way to make networking a positive experience.

You see, everybody hates to say "no" to a request from somebody they know. And when you call your contacts and ask if they know of any jobs out there, you're putting them in the position where they have to say "no" to you. Because, as you've found out in your job search, digging up information on where the jobs are is tough (that, by the way, is why I invented TheLadders seven years ago). And it's pretty unlikely that your friend has been spending as much time as you have hunting high and low to find out about new openings.

So asking for job information or job leads makes networking uncomfortable for both of you.

To make it easy for them to say "yes", you need to ask them for something that is easy to say "yes" to.

So when you call your old colleague or contact, ask them if, when the time is right in your job search, it would be possible to use them as a reference.

It doesn't cost them anything to say "yes" to that request, it's an easy way for them to feel like they are being helpful, and it makes the call much more comfortable for both of you.

And now that you've turned the networking call from a negative conversation to a positive one, both you and your contact will feel better about the interaction.

That's important, because positive interactions make your contacts more inclined to help you. They may even feel a little bit honored that you think highly enough of their opinion to ask them to be a reference.

So now, as they go about their business, they'll not be screening your calls to avoid further awkward interactions, but instead they'll be a little bit more inclined to keep their eyes and ears open for opportunities that might make sense for you.

If they overhear something at the club, if their cousin mentions a corporate expansion, if there's some trade rag gossip on positions opening up, they're much more likely to want to reach out to let you know that there might be an opportunity for you.

So my best advice, handed down to me from an expert with forty years of recruiting experience, is this: don't ask for a job, ask for a reference.

And you may never dread a networking call again."

Hope it helps!

Another career fair

2010-06-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Attend a National Career Fair and Meet Face to Face with over 30 local hiring managers. Register now and get access to the company list. Click here to Register

Meet face-to-face with hiring managers at the Chicago Career Fair on Thursday, July 15. Applying online to jobs can get frustrating- meeting face-to-face is your chance to stand out from the crowd!

Date: Thursday, July 15

Location:
Marriott Chicago - Oak Brook
1401 West 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Free to attend!
Over 200 positions will be available at this event!

Career experts onsite will provide FREE Resume Reviews!

For a list of attending companies, click the link below and fill out the brief registration form:

http://chicago.localhires.com/job_fairs/register_now/1272/Chicago+West+Job+Fair+July+15%2C+2010?utm_source=30day_iContact&utm_medium=iContact_email&utm_campaign=Chicago_West_7-15_iContact-30day

Bring at least 25 resumes to the event!

ETS Job Fair

2010-06-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

ETS NETWORK JOB FAIR

June 24, 2010, 12pm to 4pm

Living Hope Community Church, 15712 Church Drive South Holland, IL 60473

The purpose of the ETS Job Fairs is to provide a consistent venue where businesses can showcase there products, services and employment opportunities. The Empower To Succeed Network mission is to provide quality programs and services to assist individuals in becoming self sufficient and improving their quality of life.

There is no charge to job seekers. Those who are seeking employment should dress for success and bring several copies of their resumes.

Other: ETS Network 2010 Job Fairs
Thursday August 19th and Thursday October 21st

If you would like to become a vendor please call 708-362-3125 or request a registration form by email at workministry@yahoo.com

Immigration Demystified

2010-06-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Not necessarily a networking event but a great seminar for newcomers to the U.S.:

IMMIGRATION DEMYSTIFIED. Seminar sponsored by BENNU Legal Services. Presentation, by Andrew Sagartz, Executive Director, BENNU Legal Services, will focus on the basics of immigration.
When: July 17, 2010, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Where: BENNU Legal Services, 28835 North Herky Drive, Suite 104,
Lake Bluff, IL.
Fee: $10; advanced registration appreciated. For information & registration, please
e-mail: info@bennulegal.org, or call 847/478-8200.

LinKed N Chicago - free networkign event

2010-04-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Group: Linked N Chicago (LiNC)
Subject: Spectacular Invitation celebrating the 3 Year Anniversary of Linked N Chicago (LiNC) at 33 Club, from Linked N Chicago founder, Mary McFarlin

Join us in celebrating our 3 Year Anniversary of Linked N Chicago at the 33 Club
Exclusive Networking and Anniversary Party Wednesday, April 28th from
6-8:00pm

Win VIP Passes to Dinner and a Show at Horseshoe Casino
Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres
Meet Professionals and Entrepreneurs across industries
Support Chicago children through "Enhance Educational Foundation"

Date: Tuesday, April 28th from 6-8:00pm
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Location: 33 Club (1419 North Wells Street)
Cost: Free event, request donation to "Enhance Educational Foundation"

The event is being held at Jerry Kleiner's premier venue, the 33 Club, which combines contemporary American fare with a European-inspired setting that echoes the elegance of private hotels and clubs of the 1930's. Located in the heart of Old Town, you will be treated to extraordinary networking and delectable hors d'oeuvres.

Linked N Chicago (LiNC) is the largest professional networking group within the Chicago metro area exceeding 26K members. Linked N Chicago's mission is to enhance the relationships of our network membership by focusing on personal, professional, business, civic and charitable ideals by promoting a vibrant "sense of community".

Enhance Educational Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that raises funds and resources for Chicago Public School Students. Through book drives, internships, special events and fundraisers, Enhance provides support for students in need. Founded by Chicago physician, Steven H. Dayan, M.D.,

Enhance encourages children to set goals and challenges them to dream. By working closely with the Chicago Public Schools and local businesses, Enhance is able connect with students of all ages and make a lasting impression on Chicago's youth. To date, Enhance has been able to raise over $130, 000 in scholarship funds in the four years that the foundation has existed. (www.enhancefoundation.org)

A little shamesless self-promotion

2010-04-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

This may have nothing to do with networking at the moment but I wanted to let my blog readers know about my knew books project since I will be planning a couple of events related to their launch in the future where you will be welcome to come and network.

I am planning to publish 3 Christmas-themed books:

1. "Unforgettable Christmas" - a unique reference guide to great activities and events for 25 days of Christmas - your Christmas Yellow Pages and a planner in one book.

2. "The Night Before Christmas" translated in Russian - this classic Clark Clement Moore book is a great gift for all your Russian speaking friends - Скоро выйдет в печати:"В Ночь Перед Рождеством" Кларка Клемента Мура на РУССКОМ ЯЗЫКЕ!

3.Collection of Russian Folktales about Winter in English - 20 wonderful tales featuring exciting adventures, magical creatures, unusual landscapes - taking you on an unforgettable journey from winter's beginning to the end.

Here is the official website of this new project: http://www.unforgettable-christmas.com

I will post up-dates for the events there.

Cutting Edge Events

2010-04-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Cutting Edge Events website http://cutting-edgeevents.com/ is useful to know if you are interested in business and social networking in Chicago. They organize what I would define as "jazzy" or entertaining and fun events and attract younger crowds.

Their events are usually for a fee (price range between 15 to 50 USD on average) but you are bound to get something extra than just networking from more expensive events. For example, a whole evening of pampering for women will be provided at May 6 "Day as a Goddess" event (see details on their website).

Great networking event for all women

2010-04-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

"International Opportunities - Women Hold Up Half the Sky"

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

8:00 am – 9:30 am

Mid-America Club

200 E Randolph St, 80th Floor

Chicago

An expert panel discussion moderated by

Noeleen McGrath, McGrath Communications

Featuring:

Catherine Lee: President, CDL & Associates

Pek Lee Choo: Managing Director, Discernen

Cynthia Biggs: Foreign Commercial Service Officer, U.S. Dept of Commerce

"What if everyday could be called International Women's Day? Women have celebrated moderate successes in the 21st century. Still, there are miles to go before we sleep. These experts will discuss obstacles in such areas as education, safety & finances. They will provide insights into methods to overcome roadblocks to economic empowerment locally & globally."

$25.00 until 4/12/100 $35.00 beginning 4/13/10

$20.00 Women of the World Members

Advanced Registration required: www.womenwotw.org/events.php

Social media links:
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dgutman2
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59770322303

Twitter: www.twitter.com/womenwotw

Read about women you know & topics of interest at our blog

http://wotwwomen.blogspot.com/

Women of the World is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization based on purpose and passion to bring awareness that safe healthy educated women are the cornerstone to abundant economic development.

Small business forum

2010-03-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a good even for entrepreneurs (small business owners) - an excellent opportunity to network FREE OF CHARGE:

WHEN: April 5, 2010, 10 AM - 1 PM
WHAT: ILLINOIS SMALL BUSINESS EXPORT PROMOTION FORUM. Event hosted by Illinois Senator Richard J. Durbin.

This Forum will highlight the benefits of exporting for small and medium-sized
businesses in Illinois to support job retention and growth.

Topics include: Identifying Target Markets and Business Partners; Trade Finance; Export Credit Insurance; Export Working Capital Loans; Exporter Success Stories.

Speakers include: Karen Mills, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration; Ron Kirk, U.S. Trade Representative; Fred Hochberg, Chairman, Export-Import Bank of the U.S.; Gary Locke, Secretary of Commerce.

WHERE: University of Chicago Gleacher Center, 450 North City Front Plaza Drive, Chicago.

No charge; advance registration required. For information, please call 312/353-4952; for registration, please e-mail: registration@durbin.senate.gov.

Women Career Fair

2010-03-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

Do you think most job fairs are worthless? That you stand in line for hours for your chance to shine—only to have a recruiter direct you to a website? That you leave feeling worse than you did before?

Women For Hire career expos—the only events geared specifically to professional women—are different.

It is a day-long experience for women, a safe haven for you to meet with great recruiters, get four hours of FREE advice, inspiration and services and leave feeling like your chances of success are far better than when you arrived.

You may glean a helpful career tidbit or two. You could end up getting a thorough primer on what it takes these days to launch your career, find another job or reinvent yourself in these tough times. But no matter what reception you get from any recruiter, you'll leave our expo feeling more empowered, optimistic and enthusiastic about your career.

Start your day early on Thursday, April 8 by attending Tory Johnson's popular Early Morning Seminar. In this inspirational 90-minute session, the CEO of Women For Hire discusses her own fired-to-hired story and talks about the latest job trends and tactics that inspire millions of viewers each week on ABC's Good Morning America. More details below.

Once our expo doors open at 10 a.m., there is a variety of FREE services designed to empower you in your job search.

Resume Critiquing: Every resume can use a second set of eyes. Seasoned professionals are here to provide customized feedback to make your resume stand apart from the rest.

Mentor Match: New this season, benefit from mini mentoring sessions with professionals who will listen to your career goals and give you their best, on-the-spot advice.

Power Seminars: Experts offer 20-minute sessions throughout the day covering a wide range of topics and themes quickly but directly, chock-full of information on topics ranging from how to use social media to find a job to what to say in an interview after that first "hello." Look for more details in our upcoming newsletters.

Whether you're currently looking for a job, considering a career change or simply interested in meeting with other smart and savvy professional women, Women For Hire is here for you.

Women For Hire Chicago Career Expo

Thursday, April 8
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Free Admission
Free Resume Critiquing
Free Powerful Career Seminars
Free All-new Mentor Match Program

*Registration at the door
*Resumes required for admittance
*Business attire required

Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza

2010-03-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

The annual Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza is the premier business networking event in Chicagoland, bringing together the business community for an incredible evening of mixing, mingling, education and fun. It will feature an abundance of business-development opportunities and informative presentations from two of Chicago's preeminent relationship-building experts, Lillian Bjorseth and Jason Jacobsohn.

Date: April 6, 2010
Time: 5:30-8:30pm
Location: The Metropolitan Club, Chicago
Hosts: Lillian Bjorseth of Duoforce Enterprises and Jason Jacobsohn of AEGIS Professional Services
Sponsors Include: CK Interactive Design, The Metropolitan Club, Keller Graduate School of Management, and Wheatle Peart

For more information and to register, go to http://www.greaterchicagonetworking.com.

Learn to work with recruiters

2010-02-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

Would you like to work more effectively with recruiters this year? Learn how at the BNC Human Resources Group Meeting
Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 8 am - 9:30 am

Location: Wells Fargo Advisors, 222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 300, Chicago,IL 60606 at Union Station

What to expect:

8:00– 8:15 Welcome & Networking

8:15– 9 :00 "How to Work Effectively with Recruiters to Achieve Your 2010 Objectives" Presentationand Discussion by recruiters Shabeena Khan, Thomson Reuters Legal Recruiting,and Michelle Carl Rizal, Accenture SAP Recruiting.

Join us for an insider's view of recruiting and learn

How to effectively incorporate recruiters in your job search strategy if you are looking for a new position
How to choose recruiters and determine the costs associated with search and staffing if you are a hiring manager or HRprofessional

Plus, hear specific recruiter tips for

Interview questionsthat evaluate candidate's most critical skills and capabilities, and interviewdo' s and don'ts
Current resume "must haves" and insights for format and content to stand out from the crowd
Interview do's and don'ts.

Our speakers offer a broad range of experiences from theircorporate and recruiting firm backgrounds.

Shabeena Khan is a recruiting professional with 14 years ofstaffing and corporate recruiting experience. She delivers strategic and tactical recruiting solutions to high performing corporate clients. Shabeena is currently recruiting for Thomson Reuters in their Legal division, Intellectual Property Solutions. Past notable clients are HubbardOne, a division of Thomson Reuters, Booz Allen, LexisNexis InterAction, Citadel Investment Group, Accenture, and Draft Worldwide. Shabeena started her careerin staffing as a Staffing Manager with Robert Half International. Shehas a BS degree in Marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her professional interests are Global HR, Talent Management, and career coaching.

Michelle Carl Rizal has 12 years of recruiting and human resourcesexperience in global and client-driven environments. Michelle has almost 6 years of recruiting experience at Accenture and is currently focused ontechnology positions within the SAP practice. Prior to Accenture, she worked as an HR Generalist for Cardinal Health (formerly Syncor) in areasencompassing employee relations, compensation, and training. Michelleearned her BS degree from the Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California. She is passionate about career services anddiversity. Michelle currently volunteers and shares her knowledge onresume development, interviewing, and job search for a non for profit organization.

Bringyour questions and experiences to add to the discussion.

9:00 – 9:30 Networking and SpecialRequests

Following thepresentation you'll have time to network and make specific requests to otherparticipants for information, introductions, and problem-solving suggestions. Practice sharing your knowledge, connections, and compassion to the extent you feel comfortable, to help others achieve their dreams, as Tim Sandersrecommends in "Love is the Killer App."

Logistics:

Pre Registration is Required – Seating is limited – Please register by Weds, March 17 10 am at http://bnchr03182010.eventbrite. com

On the morning of the meeting, enter 222 S Riverside from Adams Street –please have your ID ready for the security desk and give the desk attendant thename of our Wells Fargo Sponsor, Bill Reap, or mention "Wells FargoAdvisors. "

Please check the BNC website events calendar regularly for information on our group's activities. If you have continuing interest in theHR group, please come to a meeting and then join the new BNC-HR Linked Ingroup.

If you have any questions please contact Marcy Jenkins at mjenkins@bnchicago. org.

Ladies, don't miss this event!

2010-02-18T08:08:00.001-08:00

CW-Network's "Spa Pampering & Networking Night Put"

Join CW-Network (Chicago Women Network) & Mario Tricoci Oak Brook on Wednesday, February 24th for an incredible night of mega-networking, pampering, making invaluable business contacts and meeting new friends!

Network while getting your hair cut and styled, your makeup done and your winter-weary spirits lifted! It’s an incredible way to get a jump start on Spring, get a new look, meet prospective clients and employers and expand your networking circle!

This event is limited to the first 75 people who register. (Spa Night networking events have always sold-out within a couple of weeks or earlier so reserve your spot today!) Just $40 in advance for members for and $45 for non-members for mega networking, food, wine and the royal treatment fit for a queen or industry icon at Mario Tricoci Salon! Of course, men need a little pampering too so they are most welcome to attend!

To Register and Prepay go to http://www.cw-network.org/events.asp

In order for your registration to be finalized pre-payment must be made at the time of registration. Registration will close once capacity is reached.

We'll meet in the spa cafe for networking. Services start at 6 pm so be sure to arrive at 5:30 pm to sign up for the following First-Come/First-Serve complimentary services:

Haircut with Blow Dry or
Hair Color (single process/significant change only)
Makeup application
Mini-facial with skin consultation
Mini manicure
Mini massage
Goody Bags for Everyone!
Raffle

Decadent Food and Refreshments all included in price of registration.

Event Sponsors: Mario Tricoci Oak Brook, Chicago Women Network and CareerWalk CG (Wine)

Register now for only $40 for members and $45 for non-members and remember...registration is limited to the first 75, so sign up now! Gratuities NOT Included; please remember to tip your service provider as they are offering their services for free.

WHEN
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

WHERE
Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spa
284 Oak Brook Center
Oak Brook, Illinois

The salon is located in the Oak Brook shopping mall next to Bloomingdale's.

Chicago Career Fair

2010-02-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

Chicago Career Fair

Thursday, February 25, 2010
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
350 West Mart Center Drive
Chicago, IL 60654

This is a FREE event.

TO REGISTER GO TO:

http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/details/IL/Chicago/February/25/2010/?utm_source=15day&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Chicago_2-25-2010

Career event at Federal Reserve Bank

2010-02-03T07:04:00.001-08:00

Here is a FREE event you must not miss if you are looking for a job in the following fields:

Analysts
Banking
Finance
Marketing
Technology - Project Managers
Internships (University)

Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement and Federal Reserve Bank are organizing a recruitment event at the Bank's facility in Chicago:

WHEN: March 18, 2010

Dale Carnegie Training Session

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Federal Reserve Bank Latino Recruitment Series

6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Federal Reserve Bank, 230 South LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60604

For security reasons, we strongly recommend registering and arriving 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth entrance. All candidates planning to attend MUST

bring a state photo ID. No exceptions.

To register go to: http://hace-usa.org/events.htm

Please, don't be discouraged that this event is organized by a Hispanic Alliance. If they only wanted Latinos at this event the post on their website would have been in Spanish! I have been to several HACE events and they have a diverse mixture of attendees there. And it is FREE- what do you stand to loose???

Great event for all women

2010-01-28T09:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Ladies,

Please, don't miss the following event: this is not just the opportunity to network but showcase your business too!

Chicago Celebrates International Women's Day

The International Visitors Center of Chicago, the International Trade Club of Chicago and the Union League Club of Chicago cordially invite you to attend the Ninth Annual Chicago Celebrates International Women's Day International Fair and Luncheon.

Monday, March 8, 2010
10:30am- International Fair
Noon- Luncheon featuring Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Dina Bair, Medical Anchor/Reporter, WGN TV

The Union League Club of Chicago
65 W. Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL

"The International Epidemic of Antibiotic Resistance: Women are the Key to Protection and Prevention"

Featuring keynote speaker: Ms. Maryn McKenna

Maryn McKenna is an independent journalist and author who specializes in public health, medicine and health policy. She writes features for national magazines and news stories for an infectious-disease website. In addition to her new book, Superbug: The Fatal Menace of MRSA, about the rise of drug-resistant staph around the world, she is working on projects on polio eradication and on emergency room overcrowding.

From 1995-2006, she was a national desk writer at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she was the only U.S. journalist assigned to full-time coverage of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and embedded with a CDC investigative team during the 2001 anthrax-letter attacks. She has reported from the Indian Ocean tsunami and from Hurricane Katrina, as well as from Southeast Asia, India, Africa and the Arctic. She has covered pandemic influenza since 1997, when she wrote the first story in the American media on the potential threat posed by avian flu H5N1.

Thank you to our Event Partners-
American Association of University Women-Illinois, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter, Heartland International, The Musicians Club of Women, National Association of Women Business Owners-Chicago Area, Organization of Women in International Trade-Chicago, Professional Women's Club of Chicago, The Union League Club of Chicago Authors Group, The US National Committee for UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) Chicago Chapter

Cost-
$60- Luncheon Cost
$75- Display table at the International Fair (non-profit organizations); includes one lunch ticket
$100- Display table at the International Fair (for-profit organizations); includes one lunch ticket
$650- Display table at the fair and 10-top luncheon table

Sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information and to register by Monday, March 1st, please visit www.chicagowomensday.org, or contact Lexy Sobel, International Visitors Center of Chicago, 312-254-1800 x102 or Lsobel@ivcc.org.

Great international event next week

2010-01-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

I am sorry I've been silent for some time because I've been traveling a lot and working hard too but my New Year's resolution is to keep this blog up-date as often as possible.

So here is information about an excellent event for all internationals (I realize it might be a little bit expensive but it is sponsored but various international organizations which promises a really good turnout):

The 2010 Annual Economic Forum Luncheon (presented by Swiss-American Business Council)
Together with The German American Chambers of Commerce, the Representative of German Industry and Trade, Washington D.C. and other organisations, we invite you to attend the 2010 Annual Economic Forum Luncheon Thursday, January 28, 2010 in Rosemont, IL

The Annual Economic Forum is an interactive Roundtable Discussion debating the critical economic outlook for the year 2010. The panel of industry experts and transatlantic trade representatives will focus on macro and micro-economic topics relevant to the German American business community in the US.

Confirmed Speakers:

Michael Backfisch - Handelsblatt - Bureau Chief Dubai (Moderator)
Prof. Dr. Hans Heinrich Driftmann - Peter Koelln KGaA - Pres. &
CEO (Keynote Speaker)
Dr. Joachim Scheide - Kiel Institute for World Economy - Head
Forecasting Center and Research Economist
Matthias Schoenberg - Continental Tire North America - CEO
Klaus-Peter Statz - Deutsche Telekom, Inc. - President & CEO
Diane Swonk - Mesirow Financial - Sr Managing Dir. & Chief
Economist

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2010
Time: 11:15 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Rosemont Hotel (former Sofitel)- Rosemont, IL
Cost: $85 for SABC members; $100 non-members
Registration and more information at: www.gaccom.org; (312) 644 2662

For SABC members, please contact the German American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago to RSVP and mention your SABC membership for the discounted rate.

This event is sponsored by:
Baker & Mckenzie, Fifth Third Bank, Fragomen, Kostal, Lufthansa, Mesirow Financial, XL Insurance, Audi USA, HDI Gerling and is supported by: The Austrian Trade Commission, Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, Midwest Danish American Chamber of Commerce, Goethe Institute.

The Swiss business community is the sixth largest foreign investor in the United States and employs over half million Americans, many of them in the Midwest region, and in the Chicago area in particular. Become a member today and start enjoying a wide range of benefits, including participation in one of the best international networking forums in Chicago. For membership information, send an e-mail to: events@sabcnow.com

Tales form Entrepreneurial Trenches

2009-09-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

Summer time is over, alas, and with busy autumn coming a lot of interesting events are being scheduled - here is one of them, a great event for entrepreneurs and those who are just thinking to start a business:

“Tales From the Entrepreneurial Trenches”

In this panel discussion, hear first hand from several entrepreneurs on how they successfully started and grew their businesses. Learn how they did it and come away with some new insights into running a business.

The discussion will include the following topics
• The “Aha” moment when business idea was formed
• Raising capital to fund the growth of the business
• Landing the first client and growing sales thereafter
• Hiring the right staff
• Fine tuning products and services
• How business has evolved from beginning to today

After the discussion, guests will be able to participate in a Q&A session with the panelists. Open networking will take place before and after the panel discussion so you can interact with other entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur Panel
• Rick Mazursky, The Executives Profit – www.theexecutivesprofit.com
• Kim Shambrook - Bespoke Cuisine – www.bespokecuisine.com
• Julia Stamberger, GoPicnic – www.gopicnic.com
• Patrick Stakenas, ForceLogix – www.forcelogix.com

Moderator: Jason Jacobsohn, The Executives Profit

Date: October 8, 2009
Time: 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Location: 120 N. LaSalle Street, 11th Floor Conference Room, Chicago
Cost: $20 (includes continental breakfast)
Sponsors: The Executives Profit and American Chartered Bank

For more information and to register, go to http://tinyurl.com/m8b36y or contact Andrea at 847-317-9296 or
andrea@theexecutivesprofit.com.

Some tips - from recruiter's side of the fence

2009-08-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Recently I had to move to “the other side of the fence” – I had to become a recruiter for a couple months. The project I am working on now needed an assistant and I was given a task to hire one. I always informed people in my book and in my blog about everything useful that I know from the point of view of the job seeker and now having tried the opposite role I felt I had to share what I’ve learnt in the process.So here are some tips:
1. Never start your e-mail to a recruiter with “Hi!” If you don’t know the name just say “Dear Sir/Madam”. You’d think everybody knows this but I got a ton of applications starting from “Hi” and the worst part - my FULL NAME was on the job post. People, show some respect! Honestly, I only looked briefly at the resumes of people who wrote to me in that manner I never considered them seriously for the position.
2.Even if the job post does not ask for a cover letter always submit one. It gives you an opportunity to draw the recruiter’s attention to specific aspects of your experience. You wouldn’t believe how difficult it is to figure out from just the resume why a person thinks he/she is qualified for the job. At the end of the day, I figured out, all qualified resumes look the same (there are standards and templates and more or less the same work experience) but it’s the cover letter that made the difference for me. It opens up the real person behind the resume template

3. Do not standardize your resume: create a resume for each position you apply for. If I am looking for someone with certain computer skills don’t devote just 1 line to this experience and 5 lines to your leadership experience in Church Camp ABC. And sure your wrote on that line that you actually spent 5 years doing that job which, I guess, relates to what I am looking for but don’t make me GUESS, write more about it, put it in bold and delete your Church Camp experience completely- it just distracts my attention!

4. If you are applying for a position and you can show some examples of your work – do it, even if they don’t ask you for it in the job post (may be they thought it is self-explanatory that you have to send them) I asked about certain experience with video making in my job post and only about 20% of applicants sent me examples of their video work with their resume! I didn’t ask for them specifically but I ASSUMED that anyone in his right mind who will try to “sell” his skills to me and impress me WILL attach the videos. May be I am not a perfect recruiter and I cannot create a good job post but do you think all others can??? Never rely 100% on the job post!! Do what you think is logical and what will help market you better. Send whatever extras you think relevant (but don’t send junk!)

5. When you are asked to submit some names of people for references don’t just submit the names, submit a complete reference. It saves my time and if I have a question the name and phone number of the person who gave you the reference is right there. And you know what? Even if you are not asked for references it still won’t hurt to submit a couple that make you look really good.

6. And, finally, NEVER start your cover letter with “I am not entirely sure if I qualify for this position…” I am not going to read beyond that line. If you are not entirely sure I am entirely unsure you qualify!

Foreign Diploma Evaluation

2009-06-23T12:55:00.001-07:00

Recently I have received a number of requests to advise on foreign diploma evaluation services so I decided to post this information for everyone to read.

If you have a foreign diploma some employers and most of educational institutions will require for you to send them a foreign diploma evaluation report, i.e. a comparison of your diploma to an American equivalent so to speak.

Many agencies in the U.S. are licensed to do these evaluations and as I heard some of them charge astronomical fees. However, it is not necessary that you PAY these huge fees, I and all my friends did our diplomas evaluations through Educational Credentials Evaluations organization www.ece.org

I will cost you just 85 USD to get the general evaluation which will be good for most purposes (unless you are a health professional, in this case the fees are a bit higher). There are also some specific reports that they put together and fees are very transparent and reasonable.
Hope this information helps you!

Business After Hours networking event

2009-06-03T11:59:00.001-07:00

Here is a good event for people living in the subirbs of Chicago for a change:

WHAT: Business After Hours Networking
WHEN: June 23, 6.30 - 9.00 pm
WHERE: D.O.C. Wine Bar, 326 Yorktown Center Lombard, IL 60148

PRICE: 13 USD early bird, price includes admission, 1 complimentary glass of wine, assorted Flat bread pizza.

D.O.C. Wine Bar in Lombard will be hosting W.B.T Promotions, After Hours Business Networking Event.

Space is very limited.
No Speakers
No Sponsor tables
Just networking,Drinking,Eating and Fun
Bring Business Cards

Phone: 630.627.6666 for directions only; for more information contact mike@wbtpromotions.com or 630-299-4459

Not affilated with B.N.A.

To register: http://afterhoursnetworkingjun-emailinvite.eventbrite.com/?invite=MTUzMDk5L3Rhc29yb2tpbmFAZW1hZHZpY2UuY29tLzE%3D%0A

Breaking into the Fashion Business

2009-05-14T13:04:00.001-07:00

Title: From Style To Publishing - Breaking Into The Fashion Business
Host: E.Factor
Date: June 4, 2009
Time: 6-9pm
Location: Mid-America Club, Aon Center, 200 E. Randolph, 80th Floor, Chicago
Cost: Free for premium members, $40 for basic members and guests (if you sign up as a Knowledge Member, you can attend all events for free)
More Information/ RSVP: http://www.efactor. com/p/events/ id=81

After the models have cleared the catwalk, The E.Factor has a show that will leave you wanting more! Join them for an exclusive behind the scenes look at what it takes to make IT in the Fashion Industry. With industry experts in the fields of Styling, Modeling, Design, Photography, Publishing and PR this one night event will answer all the questions you ever had putting you at the top of the A List!

Speakers include Chicago entrepreneurs:
- Sandy Rueve, Founder, SheBeads
- Jenny Dombroski, President, Evolve Lingerie
- Lee Allison, Founder, The Lee Allison Company

Jason Jacobsohn
773-368-0229
jason@jacobsohn. com

Open House for job seekers

2009-04-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

Walker's Talkers Toastmasters Club of Plainfield will be hosting a special open house on Thursday, April 30th. The open house will have a special focus toward helping those who are unemployed by providing information that job-seekers need. As part of this open house, a special panel discussion will be held with panelists answering questions on resume writing, interviewing, networking, health insurance, career transitioning and coaching, and other topics of importance to job-seekers. Panelists are experts in their fields and will be answering questions from guests.Panelists:
Ken Mitchell Real Skill Builders Networking
Lara Elgin Navistar On-Line Applications
Eric Wilson Wilson & Associates Cobra & Health Ins.
Peggy Killian Elmhurst College Career Transitions Career Coaching
Karyn Fuller Resume Writing
Anita Quinlan Plainfield Library Library Resources

Toastmasters can help you in your job search by not only improving your confidence in an interview, but also while networking with others. Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving professional and personal communication and leadership skills through performance, evaluation and mentorship. The Open House will be held at the Plainfield Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport St, Plainfield, IL. The meeting will start promptly at 7:00pm. Refreshments and networking will follow the meeting. The event is free but registration is required for this event. To register and get more information, please go to the club's website at www.walkerstalkers. org.

PS. Ken Mitchell was hired at 8 jobs without ever sending out a resume. He did it all through networking. Contact Tom Nosal at 815-609-1446 if more information is needed.

PPS While you will learn why and how to network at this event, "The Legal Alien's Guide" is your best guide on where to network: it lists organizations, associations and groups by gender, background, profession, etc. in Chicago and Illinois. For more information about the book, please, visit www.legalaliensguide.com

Tony Blair at an event organized by Chicago Council on Global Affairs

2009-04-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a truely UNIQUE event that I strongly encourage all internationals (and non-internationals too) to attend :

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009
CHICAGO AND THE WORLD FORUM: Faith and Globalization
SPEAKER: The Right Honorable Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, will discuss “Faith and Globalization” as an addition to the spring 2009 Chicago and the World Forum series “Fault Lines of Faith? Religion and Politics in World Affairs.”

This program is open to Chicago Council members only, but you can join the Council now and attend for free. The Council ortganizes a lot of exciting events during the year so it will be worht while.

Mr. Blair served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1997 to 2007. Since then he has launched the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, which works with Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, to promote respect and understanding between the major world religions and make the case for faith as a force for good in the modern world. Mr. Blair believes that faith will have great influence on how the challenges of globalization will be met.

WHERE: Fairmont Hotel, 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Registration and cash bar reception
6:00 p.m. Presentation and discussion
7:15 p.m. Cash bar reception

Members $30, Nonmembers $60 (includes a one-year membership)

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
• Registration closes at NOON on FRIDAY, APRIL 17TH. '
• Due to strict security procedures, please arrive early.
• You MUST bring a valid photo ID (official state ID/driver’s license/passport).
• Registrations are nontransferable and NO WALK-INS WILL BE ALLOWED.

TO REGISTER: http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/promotion_details.php?promotion_id=49

Networking seminar

2009-04-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Saper Law’s Media Practice in Chicago is organizing an excellent event: it will teach you netowrking and, of course, you get to know people who will attend this seminar:

WHEN: Wednesday April 22, 2009, 11-30AM - 1.30PM
WHAT: Social Networking 101 seminar: How to use websites like Linked In, Twitter, and Facebook to develop new business, seek strategic partnerships, or simply establish yourself as an expert in a particular industry.

The keynote speaker will be Steve Fretzin, President of Networkingmonkey.com and Sales Results, Inc. Daliah Saper will also highlight some of the legal pitfalls associated with using social media to promote your business.

WHERE: Saper Law Offices, LLC 500 N. Dearborn , Suite 1200 Chicago , IL

Cost $15 with online registration, $25 at the door.
Lunch will be provided.

TO REGISTER: http://www.eventbrite.com/find-events?keyword=saper+law+offices

Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza

2009-03-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a very worthwhile event, it's a yearly event in Chicago that usually draws a good crowd:

Title: Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza
Hosts: Lillian Bjorseth of Duoforce Enterprises, Inc. and Jason Jacobsohn of Sales Results, Inc.
Date: April 29, 2009
Time: 5:30-8:30pm
Location: Mid-America Club, Aon Center, 200 E. Randolph, 80th Floor, Chicago
Cost: $50 pre-registration, $60 at door, includes light buffet and cash bar
RSVP: http://www.greaterchicagonetworking.com/

Sponsors: midVentures http://www.midventures.com, Owlish Communications http://www.owlishcommunications.com, SOHObiztube.com, The Mid-America Clubhttp://www.clubcorp.com/club/scripts/section/section.asp?NS=PCH&MFCODE=MIDCL , Compass http://www.mylifecompass.com/CoachingNetwork-MoreInfo.aspx, Garrett Consulting http://www.garrettconsulting.org/Gatekeeper.aspx, MyReferralDirectory.com, NetworkingMonkey.com, SpeedNetworking.com, The Entrepreneur's Sourcehttp://www.theesource.com/ , The National Networker http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/

The annual Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza is the premier business networking event in Chicagoland, bringing together the business community for an incredible evening of mixing, mingling, education and fun. The 2009 event features an abundance of networking opportunities and informative presentations from top experts on improving networking skills and growing your business network.The eighth Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza is the foremost event for business development. There will be ample opportunities to network before, during and after the event. Come meet our marvelous sponsors and exhibitors who will be featuring products and services to accelerate your business.

For marketing professionals

2009-03-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Marketing Mixer - free- 5:30-7pm on Mar.10th in Rosemont

Who: Chicago's chapter of the American Marketing Association, the largest in the U.S., invites marketing, PR, advertising, and other creative professionals to its first MeetUp Mixer in the suburb of Rosemont located near O'Hare Airport.

What: The feature for the March MeetUp will be "Hot Seat Solutions." Individuals will offer a marketing-related problem that all other attendees will probe and analyze to offer practical solutions.

Where: RAM Restaurant, 5801 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018. Call RAM at (847) 692-4426. Located 0.5 mile from the CTA Blue line.
When Tuesday, March 10th. Program from 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Networking to follow from 6:30 - 7:00 pm.

This launches the first Suburban MeetUp Mixer that will be held on the second Tuesday of every month. City MeetUp Mixers held in Chicago's Loop are held every third Thursday from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Panera Bread at 250 S. Wacker Dr.

Why: To better serve our suburban members, Chicago AMA is introducing a new Rosemont MeetUp. Chicago AMA is committed to providing local Marketing Professionals with additional opportunities to "Meetup" outside of our monthly programming and also in varying locations around the Chicago area. These Meetups can be tailored to best address your burning questions, issues, and hot topics relative to marketers today.

How much: Free. Pay as you go for food and drinks (please order at least something)
Register Sign-up for free with the Chicago AMA and then be sure to RSVP. http://marketing. meetup.com/ 229/

International Women Day Luncheon

2009-03-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

Here is an event that I enjoy every year because it is truely international and it gathers a lot of wonderful women:

8th Annual International Women's Day Luncheon
Friday, March 6, 2009
10:30 a.m. International Fair
12:00 p.m. Luncheon

Union League Club
65 West Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL

For more information and registration see
http://www.chicagowomensday.org

It's an excellent opportunity to network in a very friendly environment.

Media, Entertainment, Technolgy Summit

2009-02-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

University of Chicago is organizing a great event tomorrow for those interested in media, entertainment and technology. The unique thing about this event is that they offer 50% discount for students. Here is there poster:

Media, Entertainment and Technology Summit 2009

Chicago Booth Harper Center, Hyde Park, ChicagoFebruary 27, 2009

Competing for Attention: Setting the Pace of the Media Space

IT'S TIME TO EXPLORE. . .
How the way you experience media and entertainment is changing
How technology is enabling these new experiences
How businesses and academics are thinking about these changing experiences and new technologies
IT'S TIME TO EXPERIENCE . . .
New types of media
New forms of entertainment
New technologies
IT'S TIME TO MEET . . .
Great business minds
Great academic minds
Interesting business colleagues across a wide spectrum of companies
Students keen on technology, media, and entertainment from a wide variety of disciplines and schools

More info and registration: http://www.metsummit.com/

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association

2009-02-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

If you are a marketing/sales professional interested in hospitality industry - this article is for you. I found out about a good organization defenitely worth checking out: Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International http://www.hsmai.org/Americas.cfm They are very active all across America but especially in Chicago since it is a major tourist and business destination. They organize various events as well as provide useful resources for industry professionals as well as beginners, students, for instance (free resume posting and free resume critique will be very helpful).

I strongly suggest checking out their Resources and Education and Events pages.

What's also unique about this organization is that they have subgroups - Special Interest Groups that provide some extra resources for people of certain interests in hospitality area.

For women only

2009-01-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

I prefer events where you not just meet people but learn something as well. Here is an interesting and an unusual one for women: a one time self-defense class!

You will be able to meet some great women from various backgrounds in downtown Chicago and learn importnat (and may be even life-saving) skills - if you are a woman and new in town there is no one to rely upon, just yourself! It's just a one time event so there is no commitment on your side to attend several classes. This class is for all sizes and all levels of strength.

Here is the registration info:
$49 ($45 if registering 5 or more)

Wednesday, January 28th, 6:30-9:00pm

Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago, IL 60647)

For more information or to register call (847) 334-6589

2009-01-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYBODY!

I hope 2009 will be the year when you achieve your career goals and objectives and it will bring you a lot of joy and happiness!

I am back from my lengthy winter vacation and I will keep providing you with important information to help you in your job search, business start up and networking in general this year as usual.

Here is a good organization that is worth investigating if you are living in Chicago Loop, want to open a business or work in the Loop: Chicago Loop Alliance http://www.chicagoloopalliance.com This organization represent businesses located in the Loop and it "supports and advances the interests of its members through advocacy, networking, partnerships and promotions."

CLA organize a lot of intersting networking events, which you can find at http://www.chicagoloopalliance.com/events.php

Holiday season networking

2008-12-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

Traditionally in the U.S. December is the month of multiple Christmas celebrations. Most of networking, community and other organization will be organizing their holiday parties, soirees and other types of gatherings that are excellent opportunities not just to celebrate but to network since a lot of people show up for these festive events.

Some of them will be free of charge, others – for e fee (quite often part of the proceeds will go to a charity so you are not just doing good for yourself but also helps someone else too). You can just Google your location and easily find what’s happening.

Here are a couple of examples of what will be going on in Chicago in December:

1. Streeterville Chamber of Commerce Allegresse, 12/9/08: http://www.streetervillechamber.org/

2. Step Up Women Network Networking Event 12/11/08: http://www.suwn.org/eventDetails.aspx?d=cd7df438-68c6-c467-6349-761f88356f55

Have fun, network and enjoy the holiday season!

Holiday networking event for women

2008-11-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

Here is an great event for women: you will enjoy a Holiday Wine Tasting/Reception and the opportunities to learn and connect. There will be a free netwworking session and 4 formal presentations on the following topics:
1. Declutter Your Closet, Find Your Style with Noelle Cellini, Personal Stylist
2. Back to Basics: Living with Greater Meaning with Julia Rahn, Ph.D.
3. Financial Empowerment for Women with Laurie Barry, CFP
4. Wake Up Inspired in 2009 with Marian Baker, Master Certified Coach

WHEN: Tuesday, December 9th, 6:00 – 8:30 pm (Reception from 6-6:30 pm)
WHERE: Flourish Studios, 3020 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

Price: $25 ($40 for two) Net proceeds will be charitably donated

RSVP: Online at http://www.icanflourish.com/ (Got to the calendar at the TOP and click on Dec. 9th)

*****************************
Most helpful Chicago Guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Toy Building networking event

2008-11-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

I have just learnt of an exciting event that will take place tomorrow in Chicago: Corporate Event Interactive organizes annual Toy Building charitable event. You can come and network with Chicagoland professionals while building toys for less fortunate children. If you don't want to spend time on building a toy you can just bring one with you and devote your time meeting people.

As far as I understood the event is FREE but you should bring a toy.

WHEN: November 18, 2008, 5.30 - 8.00 pm
WHERE: 401 N. Michigan Avenue (beautiful location!)

There will be complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

RSVP: Santa@corpevent.com

Additional Info: http://www.corpevent.com/eventdisplay.php?id=15#

*****************************
Most helpful Chicago Guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Women networking and learning

2008-11-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

"Smart Women and Their Money" Networking Event
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Franklin Center, 222 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois, Second Floor
Sponsor: Jeffrey C. Simon, CFP®, Vice President - Financial Consultant, RBC Wealth Management

Please join Chicago Women Network at the CW-Network Fall Professional Development and Networking Event: "Smart Women and their Money".

Confused about where to invest in today’s shaky economy? With the market as turbulent as it is, many investors are questioning their investment strategy. Or, if you are a first-time investor, you might be unsure as to the different types of investments and the various options available to you – especially in today’s volatile markets. No matter where you are in your financial life, you will leave this event armed with knowledge and financial ammunition.

Join us for a very timely panel discussion on different ways to invest in today’s economic climate and learn innovative concepts that you can use to manage your investments and help you take control of your money and your financial future.

You will learn:
How to balance investment risks and rewards
How to optimize your investments in volatile markets
How to incorporate different investments into your portfolio
How to invest in alternative energy
How to identify your financial personality

And…what does every successful women need besides money smarts? A BlackBerry full of great contacts! Bring plenty of business cards and meet prospective clients and business partners, potential employers and key business contacts and professional connections.
Complimentary appetizers, wine and refreshments are all included in the price of admission.
COST: $30 Member Price/$35 Non-member Price Advance Reservations
This is sure to be a sellout event and early registration is advised. Registration will be closed once capacity is reached.

TO REGISTER: http://www.cw-network.org/event/register-vb.asp

*****************************
Most helpful Chicago Guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Alliance Francaise

2008-10-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Alliance Francaise http://www.af-chicago.org/app/homepage.asp is Chicago’s French cultural and learning center dedicated to the study of French language,cultural exchange, and friendship between Americans and French speaking people. But actually everyone is welcome: if you like France, events with French flavour or just would like to meet a nice international crowd you will definitely enjoy AF events.

AF organizes classes, cultural events, presentations, etc. which are good both for social and business networking (you can meet various types of professionals at the events) You can find the calndar of events on AF's website.

AF also organised a Facebook group which will help you in online networking with members. (the link to it is on AF's homepage)

*****************************
Most helpful Chicago Guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Excellent seminar for job seekers

2008-10-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Seminar: How to Effectively Get a WIA Grant for Job Training
Sponsor: MicroTrainLocation: Lombard, IL (see below)

The "Workforce Investment Act" (WIA) provides for grants that can help you offset the costs of job training. In this seminar, Dennis Muller, President of Microtrain, will speak about the opportunities for training grants.

Topics:
1. What grants are available for Job Training? (WIA, ITA, TAA )
2. What are the requirements and criteria for WIA job traininggrants? (Laid-off, on unemployment, when, where)
3. What types of training programs and certifications are available?(Technology, Microsoft, Cisco, Project Management etc.)
4. Where and how to apply. (The process)

A portion of MicroTrain's business comes from providing training viathe WIA grants; therefore MicroTrain has had several years of experience helping people effectively preparing for the grant application.

Here are the seminar details:

Seminar: How to Effectively Get a WIA Grant for Job
TrainingDate: Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Time: 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
Address: 720 E Butterfield RoadSuite 100 Lombard IL 60148(Just east of the Yorktown Mall)Cost: FREE
Lunch: Free pizza lunch will be provided.

HOW TO REGISTER
Two methods: Either...1. Send email to http://us.mc4.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=requests%40microtrain.net or...2. Call 888-737-8512

*****************************
Most helpful Chicago Guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Young Professional Networking

2008-10-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

French-American Chamber of Commerce will be organizing monthly networking events for your professionals:

When : October 15 - 5:30-7:30 pm
Where : Madame Tartine, 22 East Hubbard Street, Chicago

FACC Young Professionals Committee's monthly cocktail offers valuable business networking opportunities in a fun atmosphere - it's a monthly networking event designed especially with younger members in mind that will take place every 3d Wednesday of the month.

Admission is free for FACC members and $5 for non -members.

*****************************

Most helpful Chicago Guide

http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Webinars for new employees

2008-09-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

WHEN STARTING A NEW JOB, YOU MAY BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT YOUR NEW EMPLOYER IS NOT AS… PREPARED AS YOU MIGHT LIKE

The truth is most companies spend a great deal of time and energy recruiting and even convincing a candidate to join them, and very little time and energy preparing them to succeed once they walk through the door.

In short: your new employer’s expectations of you are high even if the level of support they provide is not. WHAT YOU DO IN THE FIRST FEW DAYS IMPACTS WHETHER YOU ARE LOST, MERELY SURVIVE OR THRIVE IN YOUR NEW JOB!

In order to get ahead of the learning curve and become more productive more quickly, you need to look at your new job from your employer’s perspective, so you can prepare to go above and beyond their expectations.

Recently I came across a company that organizes webinars for new employees: it is called Novita and it is based in Chicago. I think the webinars they organize may be especially useful for foreigners because they definitely need to know how to adjust to an American employer.

Here is what their regular 60-minute webinar covers:
􀂉 The ideal new employee: what every employer wants and expects
􀂉 Why companies so poorly “onboard” a new employee
􀂉 Getting ahead of the new employee learning curve
􀂉 Questions you need your manager to answer, and what not to ask
􀂉 Your job begins now – preparing for the first day
􀂉 Before the weeks fly by – objectives for your first month
􀂉 Top 10 resources to search out (you’ll need them!)
􀂉 Befriend these people! (the keepers of information)
􀂉 How to integrate, and then innovate

You can find more information here:
info@novitaunique.com
www.novitaunique.com

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Sheque Chicago

2008-09-17T11:25:00.001-07:00

The other day I found an interesting organization for the Ladies - Sheque Chicago http://www.shequechicago.com/
SHEQUE'S MISSION is to make women "Feel Beautiful" and "Look Beautiful" by providing a pampering nightlife experience which is unique and unlike anything else in Chicago.

Sheque was established in May of 2003 to provide women with the ultimate girls night out experience. They offer monthly events at a variety of bars, nightclubs, spas, and lounges throughout the Chicagoland area. Sheque events include 4 signature beauty services (manicures, massages, makeovers, and waxing) and three hours of an open martini bar which means good 3 hours of networking with fellow women in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

They have recently incorporated other events such as boat parties, fashion shows, wine tastings, bellydance lessons, salsa dance lessons, etc. You can contact Sheque at: (312) 638-9033 or email at info@shequechicago.com and visit the Events page on their website - they have several interesting events planned in September, october and November 2008.

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International Business Cards Exchange

2008-09-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here is an excellent event for everybody - THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CARDS AND INFORMATION EXCHANGE. Event sponsored by The World Trade Center Illinois.

WHEN: September 17, 2008 5 - 7 pm
Presentation on Chicago’s Competitiveness for Inbound Investments by Tom Bartkoski, Director of International Business Development, World Business
WHERE: 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 2200, Chicago.
PRICE: WTCI Members - $25; Non-members - $35; advance registration mandatory.
For information & registration, please see:
www.wtcillinois.org/wtcieventsdetails.aspx?id=148.

This event takes place about once every 6 months and I personally attended 3 of them. It draws a good and big crowd and it's a perfect opportnity for networking for internationals

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Book discussion and netowking

2008-09-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is over networking will be back on track in Chicago! There will be a free business book discussion, "America's Corporate Brain Drain", and (right afterwards) a networking event on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 pm at Barbara's Bookstore, 1218 S Halsted at Roosevelt, Chicago.

There have been more than 20 groups and 800 people invited, so it's a great networking event. The author is a Chicagoan who is discussing why the best people have left big companies. If you are thinking about working in a big company or already do this will be interesting for you. The author traveled in 78 countries, and was a senior exec at GE, Citibank and Kawasaki. The presentation will reveal a lot of interesting info about corporate America.

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Chicago Fair Trade

2008-08-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting international event:

WHAT: Luncheon and Talk by Women Artisans from Thane, India
WHEN: Sept 18th at noon4th Presbyterian Church at 126 E. Chestnut (across from the Water Tower Place)
PRICE: $10 includes light lunch

To find additional information about the cooperative please go to http://www.chicagofairtrade.org/

I decided to bring this event for your attention first of all, because of its international flavor, second of all, depending on what business you have you might see some trade/business development/partnership opportunity. In addition, whatever you do the sponsoring organization, Chicago Free Trade (see the website above) is worth checking out. If you are interested in starting a fair trade business or are already running one this organization will be of great help.

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Show and Tell: the Interactive Way to Network

2008-08-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

WHERE: Black Jade Creative & Flourish Studios, 3020 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
WHEN: Wednesday, August 27, 4:30PM to 7:00PM
Phone: 773-485-5815
Cost: $15 per person

Looking for an event where you can get to know more about a person than the usual 5 minutes of conversation and one business card later? Then join Show and Tell: the only gallery-style networking event centered around art and your business providing the opportunity to interact among your fellow networkers.

Show and Tell portion promptly begins at 5:15 pm.
$10 Members
$20 Non-Members, At the Door

Featuring the urban photography of Rose Mulroney"Manhattan Found", a recently uncovered body of work exploring the scenes of New York City http://www.blackjadecreative.com/ Hosted at the fine art gallery of Flourish Studios http://www.icanflourish.com/ Fine wine and food provided by Vines On Clark www.cubbybear.com/vinesonclark Live jazz provided by Megan Hathaway, Special Events Vocalist megan.hathaway@marykay.com

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"The Legal Alien’s Guide" is now available in the library!

2008-08-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Great news!!!

I just found out that "The Legal Alien's Guide" is now available in the Chicago Public Library! You can see the infomration on the book at http://www.chipublib.org/search/details/cn/8309954?branch=128 You can also place it on hold on the website if you need to.

The website mentions that the book is located in the following branch: HWLC 4th Floor. This is the central Harolnd Washington Library Center conveniently located downtown Chicago in the Loop, 400 S. State street 60605, tel 312-747-4300

Hours:
Mon 09:00 AM-09:00 PM
Tue 09:00 AM-09:00 PM
Wed 09:00 AM-09:00 PM
Thu 09:00 AM-09:00 PM
Fri 09:00 AM-05:00 PM
Sat 09:00 AM-05:00 PM
Sun 01:00 PM-05:00 PM

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Immigration lawyers - are they really helpful?

2008-08-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to share with you another personal observation. I meet a lot of immigrants and I went through the immigration process myself and I know that out of all organizations there is only one with which an immigrant deals most closely and sometimes for a very long period of time, not just months but years - this is the office of their immigration lawyer. Since every immigrant spends so much time (and money) dealing with an immigration lawyer from the point of view of the former the latter is considered to be an expert on a wide variety of issues related to immigration and generally life in the U.S. Immigrants seek advice from their immigration lawyers beyond their visa or green card but how willing are they to help? - Not very much.

When "The Legal Alien's Guide" was published I sent an official letter and press release to all immigration lawyers in Chicagoand that I could find in an official legal directory on the Internet. I believed that they should see the value of it and make sure each there client knows about it and may be have access to it in their office if the need be. Not a single lawyer responded! Not one wanted to learn more information to provide their clients better service and help them with a friendly advice on life after green card. Nobody wanted to deal with something they are not paid for.

The only immigration lawyer that expressed interest and understood the value of the guide was Tony Kim whom I met at one of the networking events and now his profile is featured on "Best of Chicago" page on the "Legal Alien's Guide" website http://www.legalaliensguide.com/BestChic I guess he was the only one interested because he really new what hardships immigrants endure since his parent immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea.

So I would challenge every immigration lawyer (and you can challenge yours too) to open their minds beyond legal matters and not do their job with just with one goal of making money but with a goal of helping people they bring into this country as much as they can.

I would qualify every immigration lawyer working in Chicagoland according the following grade system:
Grade 1: he/she heard about "The Legal Alien's Guide" and can give some advice on life after green card
Grade 2: he/she has a copy of "The Legal Alien's Guide" in their office so that a client can have a look at it and find the information he needs
Grade 3: he/she presents each client with "The Legal Alien's Guide" for FREE as a "thank you" for spending thousands of dollars in THEIR legal office. This to me would be the highest level of customer service.

So ask your lawyer and see where he/she stands. I think lawyers became too money focused and would not move their finger for anything you have not covered by your check and I believe it's time to do something to make them become more customer-focused.

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Another interesting international event

2008-08-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

This event will be of interest especially for women.

International Visitors Center of Chicago organizes a reception honoring the 2008 U.S. State Department Middle East Partnership Initiative Fellows(a/k/a the "MEPI Ladies")

WHEN: Tuesday, August 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: the hospitality suite and rooftop terrace of the MDA City Apartments 63 East Lake Street, Chicago

Join the party and mingle with outstanding business and professional women from the Middle East and North Africa,with a special performance by the SIFA Africa Children's Choir of Ugandaand refreshments by the award-winning chefGloria "The Hat" Hafer

PRICE: $25.00
RSVP by August 15 at the IVCC website: http://www.ivcc.org/

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Celebrate Olympic Games!

2008-08-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Join young professionals, members and friends of the International Visitors Center of Chicago and the International Trade Club of Chicago to celebrate the start of the Olympic Games! This is a unique opportunity to mingle with international community in Chicago. There will be opportunity to network with a great group of professionals.

WHEN: Friday, August 8, 2008 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dave and Buster's 1030 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60610
Cost - $30

The festivities include a buffet dinner, cash bar, trivia games & prizes, and lots of socializing. We will enjoy our party in a private room with a huge TV screen airing the Opening Ceremony.

RSVPs required. To register, please contact Lexy Sobel at (312) 254-1800 x102 or Lsobel@ivcc.org

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July Monthly Entrepreneurship Social

2008-07-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Please join the Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center, the University Technology Park at IIT, and Wexford Science + Technology for their monthly networking event on Thursday, July 31st!

The monthly social brings together the entrepreneurship community both within IIT and the greater Chicagoland area and provides them with the opportunity to network and share experiences with fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you are currently an entrepreneur or are considering starting a business, this event can help you make the connections you need to get your new venture started or grow your existing business. Come explore what the Knapp Center, University Tech Park, Wexford and IIT have to offer!Refreshments will be served.

There is absolutely no charge for this event, but RSVPs are requested and should be made to keplinger@iit.edu.
WHEN: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. July 31, 2008T
WHERE: Technology Business Center AtriumUniversity Technology Park at IIT, 3440 South Dearborn, Chicago IL

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Internet networking

2008-07-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone should be aware of the fact that networking not onloy happens face-to-face but on-line too. Even if you don't do any on-line networking, chances are your prospective employer does and you have to be ready to present you best "on-linw image". Here is an interesting article form ComputerWorld.com:

"Perform an Internet search for your name. You might be surprised by what you find - an offensive comment, a negative blog post about a previous employer, or even unflattering pictures taken at a party. If you find such material, contact the Web site's owner or webmaster and ask to have the content removed.

If you find that you can't have the negative content removed, make sure you're prepared to address the matter if an interviewer brings it up. In most cases, employers will understand as long as you're honest. The best way to limit the effect of any negative material about you is to make sure it's counterbalanced by a substantial amount of positive, professional information.

Consider launching a polished website or blog related to your career. Feature your accomplishments, skills and certifications, and link to any professional associations you belong to. Controlling your online image doesn't mean blotting out any evidence of individuality or creativity. Employers know that you have a life outside of work and that a lot of online information should be taken with a grain of salt. But as more and more companies turn to the Web to learn about their potential hires, it makes sense to control what information they may find. "

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Networking dinner

2008-07-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

The event below will be of interest to the international crowd, especially if you are in business. Also it is a great opportunity to get to know these important Chicago organizations that hold a lot of interesting events: International Trade Association and Swiss-American Business Council.

THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ASSOCIATION OF GREATER CHICAGO
with the Swiss – American Business Council
Invite you to a dinner program:
THE U.S. DOLLAR’S FUTURE AGAINST THE EURO,
SWISS FRANC, JAPANESE YEN AND CHINESE YUAN

Presentations by:
Angie Kappel
Vice President, Foreign Exchange
KeyBank

Nicholas Savramis
Senior Vice President, Currency Risk Mgmt.
Charter One Bank

The U.S. dollar lost 15% of its value against major currencies over the course of last year.
Our experts will discuss the recent movements of the U.S. dollar and provide an outlook
for importers and exporters to plan for currency movements through the balance of 2008.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
ROSEWOOD RESTAURANT
9421 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, IL
5:30 p.m. – Registration
6:00 p.m. – Program
7:00 p.m. – Dinner

ITA/GC and SABC members and their guests - $40; Non-members - $50

Please Make Your Reservations Early: Contact the ITA/GC by 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 18
Tel: 773/725-1106 rsvp@itagc.org Fax: 773/725-2294

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Search Engine Optimization

2008-07-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

So there you are ready to implement "my own business" dream in the Land of Opportunity. Whatever that business might be you will get nowhere if you don't have Internet presence. Internet can give you limitless opportunities if you know where to find them. For that you need to address 2 issues:
1. Internet marketing strategy for your company
2. Your website SEO (search engine optimization)

Getting an MBA in Marketing, successfully running my own 2 businesses, thorough research and subsequent work with my clients and NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) members where I sit on the Advisory Board as a Marketing advisor made me an expert in Internet Marketing and if you ever need help on that side of the business my company will be very glad to assist you: http://www.emadvice.com/marketingtools.html

But the SEO dilemma was never really solved for me until yesterday. "SEO" is now a buzz word and plenty of companies claim to be the best in the field. Unfortunately many of them don't go beyond the claim. I read many articles about SEO scam where you pay a lot of money but don't get real results or the methods used by the SEO company are not always ethical.

However, yesterday I found a company that really stood out of the crowd. They are simply called The Search Engine Guys http://www.thesearchengineguys.com/ I don't normally write about for-profit companies but I believe this is the one useful resource all small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs should know about.

What did I like about them? First of all, their principles and exclusive partnership policy: they work only with one client per practice area, per geographic area, i.e. they won't work for your competitors. Second of all, they were the first company ever that didn't tell me: "We can do it, you just pay". They honestly said that the service I wanted would be too expensive and having analysed my business they saw it would be hard for me to bring enough income to make a profit. Instead of ripping me off they game me some great free advice on what I can do instead of investing money in the service I thought I should get. They could have landed a great project but they were concerned about my budget, not theirs. How often do you see that?

Starting a new business is a stressful matter. It requires substantial investment and along the way you will have to rely on certain partners who will work together with you: your suppliers, your legal advisors, your business consultant. You'll need to find the ones you trust and I am glad I could share with you the information about one of such trustworthy partners.

P.S. The Search Engine Guys is a Austin based company but they do have an office in Chicago. Here are the contact details:
Graham Smith
Partner, Web Strategist
The Search Engine Guys, LLC
312.480.5840 direct
800.267.1704 office
312.896.1443 fax

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Order "The Legal Alien's Guide" at wholesale prices on my website

2008-07-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Great news!!!

Now you can buy "The Legal Alien's Guide. Building a Career and Life in Chicago, Illinois" wholesale on my website: http://www.legalaliensguide.com/wholesale ! Before this day wholesale of the guide was only done through Ingram Booksellers, that is if you had an account with them. Now even if you don't have account with Ingram you can enjoy wholesale prices on my website if you need to buy 9 books or more for your organization or book store:

20% discount if you order 9 - 49 books
30% discount if you order 50 - 99 books
If you want to order 100 or more copies, please, contact me at info@emadvice.com for a VERY SPECIAL discount!

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Looking for partnership

2008-07-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

It's been 8 months since "The Legal Alien's Guide" has been published and those people who had a chance to read the book find it extremely useful (you can read comments and reviews on my website http://www.legalaliensguide.com ) The book has won a number of awards and support of the local Chicago government however it has been an up-hill battle for me because I am a "one person show": I self-published the book, I do the marketing & PR and it's been very difficult to reach out to wider audience. It is a shame because this guide could really help so many people!

I am looking now to partner with organizations who work with immigrants and people relocating to Chicago. If you represent such an organization or know of one that might be interested, please, send me an e-mail at info@emadvice.com

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SummerDance

2008-07-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

In summer in Chicago there are less business related activities but much more opportunities for social interaction. The best way to meet people if you are new in town is to attend numerous FREE outdoor events, like concerts and festivals. My personal favourite is Chicago SummerDance which is going on from June 12 to August 24 this year.

This summer the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park becomes a unique outdoor urban dance space – the largest of its kind in the United States. Locals and visitors dance to the sounds of 43 top notch bands playing everything from swing, salsa and afrobeat to reggae, funk and klezmer, all on one huge dance floor. This year’s festival will feature an even wider range of music and dance styles than ever before, including polka, country, Argentine tango and zydeco.

Chicago SummerDance is an eleven-week festival featuring one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by two hours of live music and dancing on a 4,600 square foot open-air dance floor in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave. SummerDance events occur every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, 6 to 9:30 pm, and Sunday afternoon, 4 to 7 pm, weather-permitting. Chicago SummerDance is formatted into themes featuring world music ensembles on Thursdays; “popular nights” including jazz, Latin, country and funk on Fridays and Saturdays; and ballroom/big band on Sundays.

For more information, call the Chicago SummerDance Hotline at 312.742.4007 or visit http://www.chicagosummerdance.org/

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A letter from Chicago Mayor Hon. Richard M. Daley

2008-06-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received a surprise letter by mail: my photo with Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley... autographed with best wishes! It is really a great feeling to be called "Honorable Tatiana Sorokina" and get a recognition of all my efforts!

The photo has an interesting story: end of May I was lucky to be invited to the Asian-American Leaders Reception hosted my the Mayor. He gave a passionated speech about how Chicago is the best city for immigrants. The Mayor was very excited that Chicago has always been a very welcoming city for immigrants and he seemed to be very proud that, according to him, in early 1930s "no one in Chicago spoke English!" Well, at least that's what he believes in. It felt like the Mayor is really doing his best to create a good atmosphere for all newcomers.

At the end of the reception I got second time lucky as I was offered to be photographed with the Mayor to commemorate the occasion. I new I would get the photo from the press office but I didn't hope to get it autographed in such a nice way!

I guess the Mayor really enjoyed and appreciated my book, "The Legal Alien's Guide", which I presented to him. In a letter I received earlier he wrote that it was "very thoughtful of me" to create such a Guide and present it to him. On my side, I really appreciate that Chicago Mayor appreciates what I am doing for Chicago and its residents.

You can see the infamous photo on my website http://www.legalaliensguide.com/ (where else would it be? :-)

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Russian Women Magazine

2008-06-24T14:05:00.001-07:00

Among tons of information for immigrants with Hispanic and Asian background I finally found a great resource for my countrymen - everyone who speaks Russian and lives in the U.S., especially women. It is called Russian Women Magazine http://www.russianwomenmagazine.com/ This website is non-for-profit and has 4 objectives:
1. Exchange of information among Russian women who live abroad
2. Communication
3. Self-expression
4. Sharing of experience
The editor and producer, Olga Sapp, is a Russian herself living in USA. She says that her goal is "to help women to find themselves in a changing world". The Russian version of the site now has 600 pages full of advice and useful information.

The English version of the site was created for American men who either want to help their current Russian wife or are looking for a Russian wife.

I hope everyone can find something useful for oneself on this wonderful website.

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"Healthy" networking

2008-06-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

My friend is organizing a fantastic event tomorrow (well, all her events are great but this one is really special): you will learn tips about healthy lifestyle, see fitness demonstration and have FREE healthy lunch. This is also a unique opportunity to network with variety of business professional in downtonw Chicago. You don't need to RSVP, just show up!

Access to the Boys Club - career related event for women

2008-06-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting is a "national, non-for-profit professional association that creates opportunities, adds value, and builds relationships for its members, the community and its business partners while expanding Latino Leadership in the global workforce". ALPFA organizes various interesting events and here is information about one of them:

Access to the Boys Club

Come join other female professionals at this year's Women of ALPFA events as we explore traditional male characteristics that women can use to advance their careers. The night will consist of intimate table discussions revolving around topics such as taking risks, emphasizing your achievements, and communicating effectively in a male dominated environment.

Date
June 19, 2008 (Thursday)
Time
06:00 P - 09:30 P
Location
University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe Street Chicago IL 60613
Cost
Professional Member
$45.00
Professional Non-Member
$60.00
Student Member
$20.00
Student Non- Member
$30.00

Attire
Business Professional

For tickets and more information go to http://www.myalpfachicago.org/content/pe_woa.php
Contact
info@chicago.alpfa.org

If you don't manage to get to this events check their calendar, this organization is definitely worth keeping in mind even if you are not from Latino background.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
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Resume services and future seminars

2008-06-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I conducted another exciting seminar with a colleague of mine, Charlotte Weeks from Weeks Resume Service http://www.weeksresumeservice.com/ If you are looking for a job in Chicagoland she is a great resource for you. She is a Human Resources professional with experience writing achievement based resumes and targeted cover letters for a variety of fields.
She has experience "on the other side", i. e. she knows exactly what recruiters are looking for.

In addition Charlotte is just a very nice and compassionate person and has excellent "people" skills. Her rates are very reasonable too.

Finally, Charlotte is also a person who has a passion for helping others: she is doing it not only through her resume services but also through donating 10% of her proceeds to charity (United Way).

Her website is definitely worth checking out next time you are applying for a job.

We will continue to organize seminars together with Charlotte on the topics of networking + resume writing. Stay tuned for the up-coming dates! If you want to receive information about the up-coming dates of our seminars via e-mail, please send me a message via "Contact us form" http://www.legalaliensguide.com/contactus and I will add you to my distribution list.

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Federal Government is hiring

2008-06-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

I have recently read an interesting article in one of the career-related newsletters I receive. The job market may be tight in some places, but the federal government, is recruiting new employees. Two million people work for the federal government, and many are baby boomers. As baby boomers retire, federal jobs open up and are becoming available to new job seekers.

By the year 2013, the federal government expects that 40 percent of its workforce will retire, leaving 800,000 jobs to be filled. The federal government has a broad range of opportunities for job seekers of any discipline, from biology to engineering. The official Web site for federal employment is .http://www.usajobs.gov/ More than 100,000 jobs are currently listedwith salaries between $48,000 and $69,000 per year.

Good luck working for Uncle Sam! :-)

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June FREE networking opportunities

2008-06-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

June will be a great month for FREE networking opportunities:

EURO 2008 - EUROPEAN SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 IN SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA will kick off on June 7. Swiss-American Business Council, Goethe Institute and Austrian Consulate General in Chicago will be organize events around several games (see the schedule below). And each event will be a great opportunity for meeting people, social interaction but also business networking because a lot of the people who are on the distribution list of, say, Swiss-American Business Council are businessmen, entrepreneurs, etc. They will draw a good international crowd to these events so it is definitely worth checking them out!

OPENING MATCH of EURO 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
10:30 AM
(Kick-off time 11.00 AM)
SWITZERLAND : CZECH REPUBLIC
LIVE FROM THE ST. JAKOB STADIUM BASEL
Light Hors d’Oeuvres will be served
Cash Bar
Prizes will be raffled off during the intermission
ADMISSION FREE
Lobby, 323 East Wacker Drive, Chicago
RSVP by Friday, May 30, 2008. Email: http://b4.mail.yahoo.com/ym/emadvice.com/Compose?To=chi.culture@eda.admin.ch or call: 312 915 4528

Switzerland : Turkey
on Wednesday, June 11 beginning at 6 :00 PM
Austria : Germany
on Monday, June 16 beginning at 6 :00 PM
Emmit’s Irish Pub
495 North Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
http://www.emits.com/ or phone 312 563 9631
Hosted by the Austrian Trade Commission
Swiss-American Business Council (SABC)

Eleven Minutes – SOCCER short films
on Thursday, June 12
beginning at 6:00 PM
Goethe Institut Chicago
150 North Michigan Ave, Suite 200, Chicago
www.goethe.de/chicago or phone 312 263 0472
Hosted by the
Goethe Institut
Consulate General of Switzerland
Austrian Consulate General

EURO 2008 FINAL
on Sunday, June 29
beginning at 1:15 pm
Goethe Institut Chicago
150 North Michigan Ave, Suite 200, Chicago
www.goethe.de/chicago or phone 312 263 0472
Hosted by the
Austrian Consulate General in Chicago
Please note: all EURO 2008 soccer matches can be viewed live at the Goethe Institut Chicago. For information, see www.goethe.de/chicago or call 312 263 0472.

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REMINDER: seminar for jobseekers, June 12.

2008-06-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder that I will be organizing my next seminar for job seekers (people in career transition, graduating students and newcomers to Chicagoland) It is called "A to Z of Successful Networking". The seminar will include Resume Writing Techniques session.

WHEN: June 12, 2008, 5.30 - 7.00 pm
WHERE: 111 West Jackson Boulevard, suite 1108, Chicago, IL 60604

Topics to be covered:
-why networking
- where to network
- how to network
-how to prepare for the event including how to create a perfect resume

Learn all tools and techniques to network comfortably and successfully on your own, connect with people, build relationships and acquire new customers.Also learn DOs and DON'Ts of resume writing.

Resume writing session is conducted by Charlotte Weeks who is a professional resume writer and owner of Weeks Resume Service. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University, and spent over three years working in Human Resources. While experienced in all types of resume writing, her specialty is writing for people making career changes.

All participants will get a FREE copy of "The Legal Alien's Guide. Building a Career and Life in Chicago, Illinois" - the unique guide that has detailed listings of networking organizations, associations, groups and clubs in Chicago and suburbs.

Price: 37 USD

Please, register at http://www.legalaliensguide.com/Seminars

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Illinois Recruiters Association event

2008-05-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

The next Illinois Recruiters Association Extreme Networking Event has beenset for:

Date: Thursday, June 19th 2008

Time: 5:00pm to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Goose Island - Clybourn1800 North Clybourn Chicago, IL Phone: 312-915-0071 http://www.gooseisl%20and.com/pubs/%20clybourn.%20asp

Agenda: Power Networking - Build your network, Extreme face to face style,meet with hundreds of Illinois' top human capital professionals in one spot

Price per person: $40.00

Purchase your ticket: Visit http://www.illinois%20recruiters.%20org/

Benefits for attending: each guest will receive - Build your recruiting network with hundreds of Illinois' besthuman capital management professionals - Receive two drink tickets good for alcohol or soft drinks- Food will be served (buffet style) - You will receive a complete attendees list; including LinkedInURL's and e-mails.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

The truth that all immigrants should know

2008-05-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Before I published my book, "The Legal Alien's Guide", I thought that the main problem was that the information was not readily available to people and it was hard to filter it down to find organizations that would really help you to find a job or start/develop your own business in Chicagoland if you are new to the city. I naively believed that when I collect all the information and put it in an easy-to-use guide all problems will be resolved. I was wrong.

The biggest problem is that a lot of private and government organizations set up to help people actually prevent you from getting to the information you need and this is how it happens:

1. Some of the organizations will not move their finger if it is not financially beneficial to them. I came to several organisations working with international communities in Chicago and they appreciated the value of my book but they said that they will inform their members about it only if I pay them. Which means that those immigrant that signed up as members with them and in some instance paid (!) for membership are prevented from getting the information which they are entitled to get.

2. Some organizations are afraid of competition. I have about 200 associations, groups and clubs listed in my book so that every person can find something for his/her own needs, which may mean much better and more tailored services than they are getting currently (in case they are already receiving help from an organization). So I had a situation several times when an organization refused to post a link to my book on their website saying that "they already have all useful links their members may need". In reality they usually have 5 to 10 links that after my thorough investigation usually turn out to be non-competitive "nominal" links that don't threaten to take away members from this group because they provide similar (and may be better services)

3. Some organizations were created by one individual and though this person did a great job helping at least some people it would be too ambitious to think that 1 person can help everybody. However this type of organizations do not let the information about resources in my book to reach people because they consider themselves really good at networking and it seems to me that it bothers them that the idea to write a guide similar to mine didn't come to them first. They ignore all my requests to help in communicating to their members that new resources are available and feels like a dead end.

4. Not all government organizations are helpful either: one Illinois organization specifically set up to help immigrants refused to use my book to help the people they work with because... they simply didn't like the title of it.

And I am not asking them to sell my book, I am just asking them to let people know that it exists. I never expected that there will be such a resistance from all these organizations because they all claim on their websites that they were set up to help, inform, educate, etc.

So what can you do? Spread the word about the Guide - people have the right to know about resources available to them. If you are a member of any networking, immigrant, student or any other organization - ask them to send out the information about the book to their members, especially if you paid for membership, you paid to get information which you are not actually getting. If your organization has a resources library ask them to have a copy or two of the Guide there, again, you have the right for it. It will take a lot of effort to change people's selfish mentality but together we can do it!

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Windy City Social

2008-05-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Windy City Social / REP Chicago Power Networking

Date: Tuesday, June 17th

Location: English 444 N. Lasalle, Chicago

Description:Windy City Social and REP Chicago are teaming up to create a networking event that will connect you with other professionals from Chicagoland.

Enjoy the first drink and appetizers compliments of English while your meet and connect with other quality Chicago business people.

Ticket Price $10

More information at: http://www.windycitysocial.com/

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

FREE English language classes

2008-05-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

Truman College in Chicago offers FREE adult education classes including English as a second language (ESL).

ESL program provides instruction for non-native speakers of English. ESL courses range from providing basic language and life skills for complete beginners to helping advanced students refine their English in preparation for higher education, vocational training, or a career. Reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar are included at all levels of instruction. Supplemental ESL classes are available in areas such as conversation, writing, and career development.

To enroll you have to be 18 years old or older.

For more information, please, visit their website: http://www.trumancollege.cc/adulted/ae_esl.php

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

The Instituto Cervantes

2008-05-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

The Instituto Cervantes http://chicago.cervantes.es/en/default.shtmhas the same functions and provides the same services relative to the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking countries as Goethe Institut to German language and German-speaking countries (see my earlier posts).

The Institute Cervantes organize Spanish classes and various cultural events. The main activities include:

- Organizes the DELE (Spanish as a Foreign Language Exams).
- Issues official Spanish Language Certificates and Diplomas to our students.
- Organizes Spanish courses: general, skills, enrichment, specific purposes, for corporations, etc
- Offers professional development classes for teachers of Spanish.
- Supports Spanish Language and Culture researchers.
- Promotes cultural activities and events together with other organizations. In Chicago they cooperate with different institutions from Illinois, Spain and Latin America.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

My next seminar - June 12, 2008

2008-04-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

My next seminar, "A to Z of Successful Networking" will be in JUNE for job seekers (people in career transition, graduating students and newcomers to Chicagoland) and it will include Resume Writing Techniques session!!!

WHEN: June 12, 2008, 5.30 - 7.00 pm
WHERE: 111 West Jackson Boulevard, suite 1108, Chicago, IL 60604

Topics to be covered:
-why networking
- where to network
- how to network
-how to prepare for the event including how to create a perfect resume

Learn all tools and techniques to network comfortably and successfully on your own, connect with people, build relationships and acquire new customers. Also learn DOs and DON'Ts of resume writing. Resume writing session is conducted by Charlotte Weeks who is a professional resume writer and owner of Weeks Resume Service. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University, and spent over three years working in Human Resources. While experienced in all types of resume writing, her specialty is writing for people making career changes. Charlotte is a member of the National Resume Writer's Association and the Professional Association of Resume Writers.

All participants will get a FREE copy of "The Legal Alien's Guide. Building a Career and Life in Chicago, Illinois" - the unique guide that has detailed listings of networking organizations, associations, groups and clubs in Chicago and suburbs.

Price: 37 USD

To register, please, go to http://www.legalaliensguide.com/Seminars

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

FOX News will film my seminar!

2008-04-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

Great news! Since I started organizing networking seminars several organizations expressed interest in me doing these seminars at their location - to train their sales/membership development staff who in line with their work are responsible for meeting a lot of people and attracting new customers (it is indeed more convenient for companies, various membership organizations, educational institutions, etc. because I can tailor the seminar to their audience and it will be much cheaper because the price of the seminar will not include the cost of renting the office space).

FOX News really liked the idea of organizing "customer tailored" seminars and on May 1, 2008 they will be coming to my seminar to film it and to create an educational segment based on it. It should air on TV within approximately a week but I don't know the date and time yet - stay tuned!!!

It will be a great opportunity to view the seminar and see how it can benefit you or your organization!

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Illinois Congressman Danny K. Davis endorses "The Legal Alien's Guide"

2008-04-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

I am very happy that local politicians are now starting to appreciate the real value of my book and how it can help many people, both Americans and immigrants, living in Chicagoland!
Illinois Congressman Danny K. Davis, 7th District, (http://www.house.gov/davis/) endorsed "The Legal Alien's Guide" today, April 23, 2008:

"Tatiana Sorokina came to the United States in 2005 to start a new life, and a new job and a new family. By any measure that is serious change. Tatiana has distilled her experiences in making that transition into this slim volume aimed at professionals pursuing a similar life path. Tatiana has promised to keep the data in the book up-to-date by devoting a website to updates for the Guide. Tatiana clearly learnt a great deal about Chicago in just two years...we can only thank her for sharing!"
-Congressman Danny K. Davis, 7th District

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Network and learn

2008-04-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

WHAT: A Workshop for Women Ready to take control of their lives and their finances.

Learn about achieving a healthier balance between work and personal life. This workshop is for women "ready to take control of their lives and their finances". It will also cover:
• Importance of having a life you love
• Making your dream life a reality
• Prioritizing your finances

PRESENTERS:
- Barb Heenan, CEC, ACC and Megan Walls, CEC, ACC of A Fresh Connection Coaching & Consulting
- Jeffrey C. Simon, CFP®, Financial Consultant, RBC Wealth Management

WHEN : Wednesday, April 23rd
Times: 12:00pm to 1pm for lunch
5:30pm-6:30pm for wine & cheese

WHERE: 500 W. Madison, Suite 2500, Chicago, Illinois

This event is FREE OF CHARGE

Please RSVP to Jeff Simon at 312-559-1704. Seating is limited

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Diversity Job Fair

2008-04-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

WORKPLACE DIVERSITY JOB FAIR
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
3:00 - 6:00 PM
The Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601

Diversity creates a match between the company and all the customers they service.
There will be a variety of industries represented: finance, technology, sales and general office. All levels of skills are welcome, entry or experienced.

RECRUITING FOR:Customer Service, Management, Retail Management, Accounting, Banking, Technology, Finance, Sales, Engineering, General Business Skills, Insurance, Marketing, IT/IS, Human Resources and more
To Register submit your resume at:

http://jobfairsofamerica.com/jobseeker/_register.cfm?eventid=2418 erica.com/jobseeker/_register.cfm?eventid=2418

PLEASE NOTE: You'll need to set any spam filters you are using to allow email from ccuconfirmations@ resumescanning. com, or you may not receive the confirmation messages.

DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES TO: contactus@jobfairsofamerica.com

This is a professional event so please dress accordingly.

For more details go to http://www.jobfairsofamerica.com/

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Women. Identity. Purpose.

2008-04-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Another good organization for women:

Women. Identity. Purpose (W.I.P.) http://womenidentitypurpose.org/index.php is focused on empowering working single mothers. By providing financial awards, their goal is to promote career advancement, economic stability and the quality of life for their children. One of W.I.P. core goals is to guide women in obtaining profitable, yet fulfilling employment.

W.I.P currently has in Memphis and in the Chicagoland area, but plan to have sister locations in Atlanta, Cleveland, Seattle and the Washington D.C.

W.I.P. offers 2 main programs:

The Buddy Networking Training Series
They provide personal and professional training in a workshop or seminar setting to assist their members in gaining invaluable information for effective career and life success. These public programs are facilitated by trainers in their Success Network.

"Success Partner Network" Program
For many years there has been a lack of role models, which has been cited as a barrier of success for many women. The Women Identity Purpose Organization's Success Partner Network program will offer mothers the opportunity to foster trusting relationships for networking, coaching, counseling, life lessons and for the best way to share their own knowledge, experience and expertise. Their Success Partner Network program" is made up of volunteer life, career coaches and mentors.

The organization also provides a number of awards and grants.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

View educational videos on how to save more and spend less in the U.S.

2008-04-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

It is very difficult to relocate to a new country because you need to learn a lot about ways of living, how not to be fooled in certain situations, for instance, especially when you deal with issues related to your finances, job, small business, etc.

The famous American Emmy Award winning program, Money Talks, broadcasts consumer/personal finance news series. As they say, they "help America to save more and spend less". They provide news that help you to keep more money in your pocket with simple informative stories.

Now you can view some of their educational series on my video player on my website: http://www.legalaliensguide.com/videos.html . I've put in very useful video clips on the topics of starting a small business, working from home, deducting your vacation expenses (i.e. have them tax free), how to avoid banks scam, etc. I am sure these videos will be helpful not only to immigrants but to locals too (after all, Money Talks was created for American audience)

The videos rotate on the player so come often to see the new ones!

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

FREE networking event - just mention "The Legal Alien's Guide"!

2008-04-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

World Financial Group is organizing a nice formal networking event this Saturday and they let me know that the first 25 people who mention my book will be registered for FREE!

WHEN: Saturday, April 12, 2008 @ 9:30am-11:30am (please be prompt, doors close around 10:00am)
WHERE: The Wyndam Lisle, 3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532
HOW TO REGISTER: call the office and ask for Velma Brazelton @ 708.957.1800 from 9am - 3:00pm (Mon -Fri) to confirm your reservations. If you don't reach her directly, please leave a telephone number, mention my book and she'll get back to you to confirm their reservation. This is a first come first serve offer.

It will be a great networking opportunity for entrepreneurs: they expect people from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin!

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

FINAL REMINDER+UP-DATE: My seminar 04/14 + great food will be served!

2008-04-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is a FINAL reminder and invitation to my networking seminar:

WHAT: "A to Z of Successful Networking"
WHEN: April 14, 2008 5-6.15pm
WHERE: 111 W. Jackson Blvd, suite 1108, Chicago IL
REGISTRATION & MORE INFO: http://www.legalaliensguide.com/Seminars

At my seminar you will learn how to network successfully and most importantly where to do it in Chicago and suburbs depending on your goals, gender, age, ethnic and professional background.

All participants will receive a FREE copy of a unique Chicagoland guide - "The Legal Alien's Guide. Building a Career and Life in Chicago, Illinois"

This seminar will include a session of structured networking so prepare your elevator speech and bring plenty of business cards!

GREAT NEWS for those coming after work or from the suburbs: a selection of wonderful complementary refreshments will be provided by I Love Food Group (http://www.ilovefoodgroup.com/)
COST: 37 USD

You can learn more about my book and seminars from the video filmed by WTTW Channel 11, which invited me as a guest on "Chicago Tonight" program: http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=42,8,4&vid=http://wttw.vo.llnwd.net/o16/wttw/c2n/032608d.flv

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Jewish Living in Chicago

2008-04-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a useful resource for jewish people relocating to Chicago: "Jewish Living in Chicago" http://www.juf.org/guide/ It is an on-line guide put together by Jewis United Fund organization. It offers a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of Chicago-area Jewish organizations, resources, products, and services. Examples of the organizations listed include educational organizations, medical institutions, welcome centers, youth organizations, etc.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

The video of my interview on Chicago Tonight show

2008-04-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

For those ones who didn't catch me on TV last week on WTTW (PBS) Channel 11 "Chicago Tonight" show here is a direct link to see my interview with Phil Ponce:

http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=42,8,4&vid=http://wttw.vo.llnwd.net/o16/wttw/c2n/032608d.flv

BTW, Phil is a great host. It was my first experience on TV, it was exciting as well as scary to be on a live show but he made me feel so comfortable as if we were just chatting in his living room. I am really grateful to him for that!

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Great Chicago Networking Extravaganza

2008-03-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

Good networking event in the suburbs:

Great Chicago Networking Extravaganza

Host: Lillian Bjorseth - Duoforce Enterprises; Jason Jacobsohn - KMG Enterprises

Date: Thursday, May 08, 2008

Time: 5:30 PM-8:30 PM

Location: The Carlisle, 435 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard

Cost: $50 in Advance, $60 at Door

Contact: Jason Jacobsohn, http://b4.mail.yahoo.com/ym/emadvice.com/Compose?To=jason@jacobsohn.com, 773-368-0229

Details and Sign Up: http://www.duoforce.com/GC2008/network.htm

Sponsors: The National Networker, My Referral Directory, DuPage Woman Newspaper, Benedictine University, The Entrepreneur's Source, SendOutCards

The event helps you grow your network and your networking skills in a fun-filled evening through structured and unstructured opportunities to connect. You will have time to mix and mingle on your own as well as learn and mingle - a combination for more career and business success.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

My book signing VIDEO

2008-03-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

March 21, 2008 when I had my book signing event was an awful day in Chicago in terms of weather. Those of you who couldn't make it to the event because of the snow storm can now watch the summary of the event on VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoNbuQiYm8E

This 10,5 minutes video will give you a very good idea of what my book is about, how I came about to writing it, what I do at my seminars, etc.

Overall it was a fun event and I am very grateful to my dedicated friends and fans who stopped by in such a weather and to Barnes & Noble bookstore on Diversey which hosted it.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

WATCH ME ON TV!!!

2008-03-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

Great news: I will be a guest on WTTW-TV (PBS) Chicago Tonight's program Wednesday, March 26 to promote my book, "The Legal Alien's Guide". The show airs live at 7 p.m. on Channel 11. For additional information about the show please visit:http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=1,4.
Make sure you watch me as I discuss my book, networking seminars and interesting facts about myself!

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Organization for single working women

2008-03-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Recently I wound an interesting organization for women - SWWAN - uniting "single working women everywhere" (http://www.swwan.com/) It is a membership organization with headquarters in Chicago especially helpful for entrepreneurs. The benefits offered are cntered around discounts and business promotion. They are as follows:

1.SWWAN membership card gives discounts and/or special services at restaurants, mechanics, car dealers, dry cleaners, banks, and hundreds of SWWAN-approved merchants everywhere. e-2. e-Newsletter provides articles and columns to help you work smarter in your job or be more profitable in your business.
3. Connect with
4. Win prizes: each SWWAN of the month wins something like a lunch or dinner for one at a participating SWWAN vendor restaurant. SWWAN of the year wins a luxurious spa.
5. Small business owners can cut down on your cost for developing marketing materials…save 15% on copywriting, editorial or design/layout services when you work with SWWAN-operated vendors. Get 15% off public relations services to promote your business.
6. SWWAN member also get discounts on other essential business services like shipping, for example. .
7. List your services or products for free on SWWAN’s online store
8. Get listed as an expert in your field in the SWWAN Book of Experts.

As far as I understood they don't have networking events as such but they try their best to cover some other needs of single working women.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

My book signing event

2008-03-20T12:00:00.001-07:00

This is the reminder about my book signing event that will take place tomorrow:

WHEN: MARCH 21, 2008, 7 - 9 PM
WHERE: BARNES & NOBLE bookstore, 659 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago IL 60614

Please, come and join me at this exciting event! Don't forget the spirit of networking: you never know who you are going to meet so bring plenty of business cards! :-)

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Immigration - hot issue in the 2008 Presidential Elections

2008-03-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have recently discovered an interesting article about myself and my book in relation to the 2008 Presidential Campaign: http://www.eyeinpr.com/home/category/politicn-in-the-city. I always said that all eyes are now on illegal immigrants and no one really takes care about people who come here legally. Thousands of families relocate when one spouse gets a job offer in the U.S. Who cares about the other spouse, how is he/she supposed to adjust in a new country and rebuild his/her life?

Thousands of families win Green Card in a lottery every year and a lot of them come here with dreams but without having a clue about how to look for a job or start their business. My voice, my book and my seminars are the only comprehensive resources for legal aliens and I am very glad that others start paying attention to the issues related to legal immigrants.

The article includes an interesting video of the debate between Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton on the issues of immigration.

P.S. The article mentions my seminar on March 10 (oops, too late :-) . The next one is scheduled for April 14, please, visit www.legalaliensguide.com/Seminars for more details

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

"The Legal Alien's Guide" is nominated for the Book of the Year Award

2008-03-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to share the following news: my book, "The Legal Alien's Guide", was selected as one of the finalists of ForeWord Magazine's 2007 Book of the Year Awards!

ForeWord’s book awards program focuses on sparking the attention of librarians and booksellers by recognizing the literary achievement of independent publishers and their authors. A jury of librarians, booksellers and reviewers judge the categories and select finalists based on editorial excellence, professional production, originality and the value the book adds to its genre.

The Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced at the end of May so I am keeping my fingers crossed!

You can read the complete article here: http://www.prlog.org/10056403-twenty-seven-iuniverse-titles-selected-as-finalists-in-foreword-magazine-book-of-the-year-awards.html

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Networking seminar - April 14

2008-03-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Whether you are an entrepreneur or aspire to be one, job seeker, a student or just a newcomer to Chicago you need to excel in networking. Small businesses grow best through referrals, 70% of jobs in the U.S. are found through networking and it is also a great way to meet like-minded people and make connections.

At my seminar you will learn how to network and most importantly where to do it in Chicago and suburbs depending on your goals, gender, age, ethnic and professional background.

All participants will receive a FREE copy of a unique Chicagoland guide - "The Legal Alien's Guide. Building a Career and Life in Chicago, Illinois" which lists all networking organizations, groups and clubs as well as many other useful resources for job seekers, small businesses and newcomers to the Windy City and suburbs.

The seminar will include a session of structured networking so prepare your elevator speech and bring plenty of business cards!

WHEN: April 14, 2008 5-6.15pm
WHERE: 111 W. Jackson Blvd, suite 1108, Chicago IL
REGISTRATION & MORE INFO: http://www.legalaliensguide.com/Seminars

The space is limited!!! The registration will close on April 11, 2008

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

A good informational site for people relocating to USA

2008-03-12T16:12:00.001-07:00

I have recently found another great site for people relocating to the U.S. - http://www.usaers.com/

It provides information per state on the following topics:
- General Information
- Education
- Visa and Immigration
- Business
- Government
- Tourism

The information provided is very detailed, well-structured and the site is very easy to navigate. The site is great as a reference guide, for instance, in Illinois it lists virtually all (nearly 200) newspapers in the state on one page with their web site addresses.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Lycee Francais de Chicago

2008-03-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

This information will be helpful to international families with kids.

The Lycée Français de Chicago is a private, non- for-profit, coeducational day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Their mission is to prepare young people to be responsible global citizens by providing a dual- language education based on the French National Curriculum and complemented by an English Language Arts and American Studies program. The multicultural, dual- language curriculum not only enhances the students’ interpersonal, communications, and academic skills it also helps them distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive world.

In addition their Summer Camp offers immersion programs in 3 languages: English, French and German. It is an excellent international experience. There are multiple programs for kids ages 3 to 18 of all nationalities and levels of language proficiency. Some of them are designed not only to learn languages but also sports, leadership skills, etc.

For more information, please, visit: http://www.lyceechicago.org/

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Networking seminar

2008-03-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

This is a reminder about the NETWORKIN SEMINAR for job seekers I am organizing on March 10:
WHEN: MARCH 10, 2008, 5 - 6 pm
WHAT: "Secrets of networking success for job seekers" seminar. Learn how and where to network to minimize your job search efforts andmaximize the success.

ALL PARTICIPANTS will get:
1. a FREE SIGNED COPY of the unique book about Chicagoland "TheLegal Alien's Guide. Building a Career and Life in Chicago,Illinois" (your comprehensive guide to WHERE to network)2. a FREE "A to Z of Successful Networking" set of rules, i.e. yourHOW TO guide.

WHERE: 111 W. Jackson Blvd, suite 1108, Chicago, IL 60604

REGISTER AT: http://www.legalaliensguide.com/Seminars.html
THE SPACE IS LIMMITED! The registration will close on March 8.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

How to sell to the government

2008-02-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

If you relocated to Chicago and want to start your own small business here is a website you MUST know about http://www.sell2.illinois.gov/ The State of Illinois buys everything from food to trucks to office furniture to consulting services, in fact it buys 10 billion U.S. dollars worth of products every year. However the government is often overlooked as a potential customer.

This website provides not only information on available contractor opportunities but also information on how to get a certification of a Small/Diverse business (which in turn will put your business in a preferential position among other contractors and since most immigrants will fit into the "diverse business" category don't miss this opportunity!)

Finally the website provides information on how to obtain a line of credit for a small business to help manage your cash flow through our State Vendor Working Capital Program.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Free resume review

2008-02-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

WHERE: St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry, 1500 Brookdale rd, Naperville, IL 60563

WHAT: Free Resume Review

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 1, 2008, 9am to 11:30am

Curious about how your resume stacks up with the best of them? You may want a FREE resume review from one of our eight HR professionals that will be visiting St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Reservations are not necessary. Just stop in during the hours stated above (1st come/1st serve) and sit down, individually, with a Human Resources or Search Professional for a FREE twenty-minute resume review. There will be eight professionals on hand and one will work with you, one-on-one, to offer suggestions and ideas on "how to" improve your resume.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

2008-02-20T11:04:00.000-08:00

This information will be very helpful to people of Hispanic background who are thinking about financing their education or education on their children in USA.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) http://www.hsf.net/ is the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. Founded in 1975 as a not-for-profit organization, HSF's vision is to strengthen the country by advancing college education among Hispanic Americans. As an example, during the 2006-2007 academic year, HSF awarded nearly 4,200 scholarships exceeding $26.5 million.

The awards range from 1500 to 5000 USD. General eligibility requirements are simple: your family should be of a Hispanic heritage and being at least a legal resident (Green Card holder, not a citizen yet, though citizens, of course, are eligible by default) is enough to apply. There are also some specific requirements like GPA, for instance, which you can learn about in more detail on the HSF website.

The applications for 2008-2009 school year are now accepeted! So hurry up!

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

NEWS!!! Book website and networking seminars

2008-02-12T21:48:00.000-08:00

I have 2 great NEWS:

1. I have launched a website for my book: http://www.legalaliensguide.com/ Here you will find information about the book, the author and book-related events.

2. I will organize networking seminars for job seekers and small business owners starting March 10, 2008 where I will teach step-by-step the HOWs, the WHYs and the WHEREs of networking. All participant will get FREE COPY OF MY GUIDE! For more information and to register (the sitting is limited), please, visit : http://www.legalaliensguide.com/Seminars.html

I hope to see you at one of my events!

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com