LinkedIn Live is a somewhat informal event.  There are no guest speakers.  There is no specific agenda.  It is based on the simple thought of “Pay it Forward”.    Let me explain.

A few years ago, Chuck and Stephanie Hester were in need of a helping hand.  And several times good friends, acquaintances and even strangers offered a little help.  Based on that outpouring, Chuck and Stephanie started LinkedIn Live here in Raleigh.  It is about meeting new people, and instead of asking them to help you, you ask them “What can I do for you”?

This format has always helped people in need, even in better economic times.  People have found new jobs, made a career change, got to go to dinner when things were tight.  Sometimes simply listening to another person and saying “you should talk to XXXX” is all that is needed.

These events are held every other month on the second Tuesday of that month.  The first few meetings attracted 40-50 people.  Recently, due only to limited space size, that number has grown to 300+. 

But the Summer Edition of LinkedIn Live proves to be very special.  Compuware is the title sponsor for this LinkedIn Live meeting.  This gives us easy access to the RBC Center to hold the event.  (For those of you who don’t know, Compuware’s CEO Pete Karmanos owns the Hurricanes).  With expanded room we expect there to be 500 attendees.  There are also more than $2500 in door prizes to be given away.   Everyone who attends is eligible to win by simply dropping your card in the door prize bowl.  Prizes range from gift certificates to dinners to tickets to local events.  Training, consultations and even home made cookies are given away.  And this time there will even be a door prize for the sponsors.  Food is supplied and there is a cash bar too.

Come on out and see who you might bump in to.  Or how many new contacts you can make in the area.  Again, it is on July 14th, from 6-9PM at the RBC Center.  You must RSVP, so contact Chuck Hester at chuck@icontact.com.

I look forward to seeing you there!

I want to give you a few details so you know where this is coming from.

I spent six years in the US Navy, then a few years in semi-technical jobs.  In 1994 I began working as a Technical Recruiter at a third party agency.  I do like the word headhunter when the positive connotations are used.  But like any profession there are good and bad apples.

For about 11 years I ran a full desk, sourcing my own candidates and developing relationships with different companies.  My focus was permanent placement of IT Professionals in the DC Metro area.  Two years of that time was spent working with people who hold high level security clearances, placing them with various Federal/DOD contractors.

In 2005 I was looking for an internal position with an IT company.  I started with Compuware in our DC office.  In 2007 I transferred with Compuware to our Raleigh/Durham branch. 

I have recruited and placed or hired every skill set at every level.  College graduate, help desk, junior level to Sr Architect, QA Analysts, services and software sales people,  Directors and VP’s.  All with IT expertise.

I have helped people with their resumes, interviewing techniques, trained them on LinkedIn and various desktop applications.   I try to stay current using social media tools.  I know something about this business.  But what you will never see me claim is to be an “expert”, “guru”, or “best” in this business.  I’m not.  But I feel I have something to offer to some people.

I hope everyone that reads this and future articles comes away with something.  I will also offer this:  If you think I can help you in any way, please ask.  If I can assist you directly, I will.  If I cannot, I may be able to refer you to someone who can.

Thank you for your time, and I hope to see you return.