I got a "candidate packet" for the Right Management Austin Job Fair last night, but couldn't view it until this morning, before I was on my way. So I didn't research companies before I went (bad job seeker, bad!!). 

But I also knew that few if any would have positions for me, and I had decided to bring only a few resumes and assume it was really just networking and in support of the Right team, especially the effervescent Lesley. 

I got a great big hug from her when I was walking up to registration, which was a great sign.  I haven' t seen the woman in years, but she knew who I was, despite the hundreds of people who walk through the doors at her company every year.  She's so fabulous, I let her take my picture today!

I also caught up with another recruiter friend, and made some new ones. 

Here's my point; I was just talking to folks, and I got some fantastic ideas.  Not job leads, but ideas to get me to more targeted leads.

My recruiter friend asked me if I'd consider doing recruiting again; she got me into my short term gig for it last year.  Then she said, you know what, you should go into Outplacement Services.  Talk about a light bulb moment.  That's really what I've been doing the last year and a half, is helping others with outplacement, as much as myself.  I know LinkedIn, I'm giving a talk on resumes, and probably one on The Job Seeker's Tool Kit (both in August).  That's a seriously good lead. I need to consider it, because the market is so soft, and local employers are really not paying market rates for tech writers these days.

Another two people recommended some networking sources, one of which I knew about and hadn't pursued, another of which I hadn't heard about.  And yet another is interested in being a sponsor of events for Launchpad and for Austin PMI Job Fair. Not too shabby! 

When I got home last night from the Austin PMI Job Fair team meeting, I started drafting the second workshop. I've already got the first one drafted.  I love doing this.  And I network all the time.  I was talking to the VP for the local Right Management office, and we were talking about connections, and mutual benefit, and it really made me think that's a possible option for me.

As long as I still get to write. I like doing training, but I really need to create, and writing of any sort is very creative.