New twist on networking pays off for local businesses & job seekers
Paul Winters sees himself as a Sheppard of sorts, but this Vancouver strategic planner could just as easily be called a matchmaker.
For about a decade, Winters has found himself working informally with out-of-work Clark County executives. These are talented folks who, though their job searches and networking, have found themselves immersed in conversations with him over cups of coffee. He’s coached, passed on resumes and helped to place these lost sheep with local organizations in need of their talents.
“More recently, there’s been a number of these lost sheep wandering around,” Winters said.
With coffee dates increasing, Winters realized he still wanted to help, but needed to rein in the informalities and craft something a bit more structured and less time consuming for him. Enter Clark County Professional Alliance Group – organized a couple of months ago to match experienced management and professional talents with organizations in need, with no cost to either party. The 15-member group meets over coffee for an hour once each week.
Geared toward seasoned professionals, the group meets to talk about opportunities, practice elevator pitches, swap stories, share job hunting successes (and frustrations) and network to that next career opportunity.
“I’m basically facilitating the meeting for them,” Winters said. “There is a cost – they have to buy their own coffee.”
Allianceprofessionals are also offering something free for their talents – up to six weeks of unpaid service for local organizations who need executive experience and are in the market to hire.
“At the end of the six weeks, it’s up to the organization and the lone executive if they want to continue [into an employment arrangement],” Winters said. “This is kind of a no-risk situation.”
For the talent, it’s an opportunity to keep skills fresh. And the unpaid arrangement doesn’t risk unemployment or severance packages. For organizations, many of which are spooked to hire after making painful staffing cuts, it’s a chance to test drive a professional, get a sense of their working style and get some much needed help without the long-term obligation.
Scott Milam is part of Winters’ Alliance group. Unemployed for two years, he just landed a job but still takes part in the group because he said he believes in it.
In addition to the networking opportunities, Milam said Alliance offers social support.
“After a period of time, you start questioning your own self worth and it’s very demoralizing,” Milam said. “So much of our identity is tied in with our profession.”
For information about joining Clark County Professional Alliance Group or working with one of its members, contact Paul Winters at paulw@wintersassoc.com.
