Mac Prichard's Blog, page 12
September 18, 2019
Your Guide to 34 Portland Coworking Spaces
Are you looking for a Portland coworking space where you can work alongside other professionals? As you conduct your search for a coworking space, it’s important to compare locations, amenities, pricing, and the culture of each spot to find the right match for you. This is your guide to Portland coworking spaces, from East Portland to Vancouver, and beyond!
Downtown Portland Coworking Spaces
Industrious Portland
As one of many Industrious locations across the country, Portland’s space offers ultra-fast Internet, unlimited free printing, wellness rooms, member events and parties such as curated speaker panels and wine tastings, and a mix of spaces for collaboration and productivity. Community memberships start at $387 per month, with private offices ranging from $666 to $4,640 per month.
More information
NedSpace
Founded in 2009, NedSpace fosters a community of creative founders, entrepreneurs, startups, and nonprofits by offering affordable space at a flat rate without hidden fees. Along with a large communal kitchen with coffee, tea, and filtered water, member amenities include wifi, printing, community events, networking, locked bike storage, secure 24/7 elevator access, showers, and cable in the lounge. Prices start at $175 per month for a hot desk and run up to $2,750 per month for a private office.
More information
Urban Office
Urban Office is home to down-to-earth entrepreneurs, startups, and freelancers. Memberships range from coworking hot desks starting at $295 per month to private offices starting at $995. All memberships are month to month and include 24/7 access to the space, full use of amenities such as the latte machine, wellness room, beer, cider, and kombucha on tap, and a strong, supportive network.
More information
WeWork (Multiple Downtown Locations)
With an international network of coworking spaces, WeWork has grown to three locations in Northwest and Southwest Portland, with a fourth location coming in Northeast. Each location offers personal assistance from community managers, month-to-month flexibility, access to a worldwide network of professionals, and personal and professional events. Prices range from $295 for a hot desk to $630 for private office space.
More information:
Portland Eastside
Desk + Mug Coworking
“Sip, hustle, sip.” is Desk + Mug’s neighborhood coworking mantra. This productive, cozy, and inviting work environment has benefits that include 24/7 access, a security and alarm system, a shared printer-copier-scanner, superfast wifi, a community of creatives, and free locally roasted coffee. Prices range from $195 per month for a flex desk to $450 per month for a corner desk.
More information
Hatch Lab PDX
A home for visionaries and realists working for a better world, Hatch Lab PDX is brimming with a social entrepreneurial spirit. Along with office equipment and meeting spaces, members have access to monthly community gatherings, events focused on social enterprise and innovation, a panel discussion series, and The Social Pitch, a popular semi-annual program. Desk spaces start at $325 per month and private office spaces start at $600 per month. Hatch Lab also has a membership model ranging from $95 to $300 per month.
More information
openHAUS
openHAUS seeks to create an inclusive community and help members flourish in their work. Benefits include a dog-friendly space, an art and design library, a boutique photo studio, neighborhood discounts, and access to a community of freelancers and business owners. Prices start at $195 per month for a hot desk and go up to more than $300 per month for a dedicated desk space. Drop-in and digital memberships options are also available.
More information
The Encorepreneur Cafe
With a mission to help people launch encore careers, The Encorepreneur Cafe offers a coworking space for all generations. Amenities include high-speed Internet, office furniture and equipment, a storage cabinet and locker, and shared kitchen space. The cafe offers memberships ranging from a one-day pass for $40 up to a monthly pass for $280.
More information
The Perlene
A social club and workspace for ambitious, diverse women, The Perlene is a members-only space. The carefully curated community of supportive women offers a variety of benefits such as classes, business discounts, a dedicated Slack channel, and a feminist library. The Perlene social memberships start at $175 per month, with dedicated desk memberships running up to $450 per month. Applications to The Perlene are considered on a monthly basis.
More information
Vida Coworking
A coworking community designed by women, Vida offers onsite amenities that are curated to support modern life. Its member benefits include fitness and wellness classes, a drop-in childcare center, a community concierge, and monthly coaching. Additionally, Vida offers onsite health and wellness providers, fresh snacks, and parking. Prices range from $250 a month for part-time access to more than $800 for private office space.
More information
North Portland & Vancouver Coworking Spaces
North Portland
Clean Slate Studios
With a spacious, laid back atmosphere, Clean Slate Studios is a refreshing place to be productive year-round. Benefits include 24/7 access, a security and alarm system, a shared printer-copier-scanner, superfast wifi, a community of creatives, and free locally roasted coffee. Prices range from $200 per month for a flex desk to $350 per month for a corner desk.
More information
Pep Coworking Shop
A small-scale coworking community, Pep is a cozy environment with seven desks and 300-square-feet of space. Amenities include office essentials, shared resources, and a dry kitchen. Four desks are flex at $175 per month, while three desks are permanent at $300 per month.
More information
Remote.ly
A commitment-free remote workspace, Remote.ly features guaranteed seating and outlets, a free in-house barista, and more than 700 indoor plants – for just $20 per day ($15 for students). Other amenities include free street parking, strong wifi, easy wireless printing, a bike storage room, and a picturesque city view. Float desks are $299 per month, while dedicated desk space is $399 per month.
More information
The Weller Society
At the Weller Society, membership includes access to an open plan, community-focused workspace and curated services, resources, and amenities designed to help you be your best self. Along with a plethora of events, benefits include access to a photo-video studio, coaching and professional support, and classes, workshops, and conferences. Memberships range from $200 to $250 per month.
More information
Vancouver
CoLab Coworking – Pac Tower
Right across the Columbia River from Portland, Pac Tower is a shared office for anyone looking to join a community of people who love to work. Pac Tower offers a number of membership options including private offices, glass pods, dedicated desks, and open desks in its 20,000-square-foot space. Prices range from $175 for an open desk to $2,000 per month for a private office space.
More information
Washington County Coworking Spaces
Beaverton
SkyPoint Millikan
With a bevy of amenities, SkyPoint Millikan is a refined modern office space that offers productive, hassle-free workspace solutions. Conveniently located next to Nike headquarters, spaces range in price from $175 per month for a coworking desk to more than $595 per month for private office suites.
More information
Hillsboro
FourForty Six
Located in downtown Hillsboro, FourForty Six offers amenities including a conference room, off-street parking, package service, and indoor and outdoor common areas. The space is designed to accommodate a variety of work styles. Membership is month-to-month, with no long-term commitments. Prices range from $75 per month for a virtual desk to $300 per month for a dedicated desk.
More information
HillHub
For startups and business professionals who are seeking a place to collaborate, learn and grow, HillHub provides a modern and functional environment to build business connections, receive mentorship, and seek additional support. Amenities include high-speed wifi, close proximity to transit, onsite parking, printing, and professional and social events. Prices range from $71 per month for a virtual desk to $950 per month for a private office.
More information
Tigard
CoLab
A flexible coworking space for start-ups, creatives, freelancers, remote offices, and off-sites, CoLab serves communities on the edge of coworking Portland. Amenities include 24/7 access, light-speed networking, free parking and bike storage, natural light, three kitchens, an onsite gym and showers, and high-speed color print centers. Plans range from $35-per-day passes to the $3,295 per month eight-desk office.
More information
Coworking Spaces with Multiple Locations
ActivSpace
ActivSpace has been in Portland for more than 15 years, designed and built for the needs of local artists, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists. Each location features 24/7 access with parking and nearby transit connections. With simple lease terms, ActivSpace offers competitive rent including utilities and building services. Contact ActivSpace for more information about pricing.
More information:
CENTRL
CENTRL strives to offer creative, productive workspaces for career-minded professionals. Their Portland coworking spaces offer a number of amenities and events, including on-site staff, food and drinks, office basics such as printing and high-speed Internet, showers, bike parking, and community events. Prices range from $295 per month for an open desk to more than $1,295 per month for a private office.
More information:
Collective Agency
Collective Agency invites you to work alongside other people doing what they’re passionate about and committed to. Amenities at each location include nearby restaurants and public transportation, conference rooms and phone rooms, showers, bike parking, natural light, and office supplies. Prices range from $100 to $320 per month, depending on the type of membership and payment plan.
More information:
TENpod
TENpod goes by the saying, “No walls, good people.” Each of its Portland coworking spaces are vibrant and unique in its setting and amenities, from St. Johns’ intimate space to the inner eastside’s colorful environment to beautiful, residential Beaumont. Prices range from $195 to $375 per month for membership and desk options.
More information:
Urban Flex
Urban Flex offers a dynamic, contemporary workspace for Portland remote workers, college students, and freelance entrepreneurs. Amenities at each location include high-quality office furniture & desk spaces, soundproof video-conference phone booth, wireless printing, scanning, and copying, a kitchenette, professional meeting rooms, and high-speed internet access. Urban Flex offers memberships packages that range from Drop-Ins starting at $25 a day, to Hot Desks starting at $200 a month, to Dedicated Desks starting at $300 a month. You can select a membership plan that aligns with your budget and needs.
The post Your Guide to 34 Portland Coworking Spaces appeared first on Mac's List.
Your Guide to 33 Portland Coworking Spaces
Are you looking for a Portland coworking space where you can work alongside other professionals? As you conduct your search for a coworking space, it’s important to compare locations, amenities, pricing, and the culture of each spot to find the right match for you. This is your guide to Portland coworking spaces, from East Portland to Vancouver, and beyond!
Downtown Portland Coworking Spaces
Industrious Portland
As one of many Industrious locations across the country, Portland’s space offers ultra-fast Internet, unlimited free printing, wellness rooms, member events and parties such as curated speaker panels and wine tastings, and a mix of spaces for collaboration and productivity. Community memberships start at $387 per month, with private offices ranging from $666 to $4,640 per month.
More information
NedSpace
Founded in 2009, NedSpace fosters a community of creative founders, entrepreneurs, startups, and nonprofits by offering affordable space at a flat rate without hidden fees. Along with a large communal kitchen with coffee, tea, and filtered water, member amenities include wifi, printing, community events, networking, locked bike storage, secure 24/7 elevator access, showers, and cable in the lounge. Prices start at $175 per month for a hot desk and run up to $2,750 per month for a private office.
More information
Urban Office
Urban Office is home to down-to-earth entrepreneurs, startups, and freelancers. Memberships range from coworking hot desks starting at $295 per month to private offices starting at $995. All memberships are month to month and include 24/7 access to the space, full use of amenities such as the latte machine, wellness room, beer, cider, and kombucha on tap, and a strong, supportive network.
More information
WeWork (Multiple Downtown Locations)
With an international network of coworking spaces, WeWork has grown to three locations in Northwest and Southwest Portland, with a fourth location coming in Northeast. Each location offers personal assistance from community managers, month-to-month flexibility, access to a worldwide network of professionals, and personal and professional events. Prices range from $295 for a hot desk to $630 for private office space.
More information:
Portland Eastside
Desk + Mug Coworking
“Sip, hustle, sip.” is Desk + Mug’s neighborhood coworking mantra. This productive, cozy, and inviting work environment has benefits that include 24/7 access, a security and alarm system, a shared printer-copier-scanner, superfast wifi, a community of creatives, and free locally roasted coffee. Prices range from $195 per month for a flex desk to $450 per month for a corner desk.
More information
Hatch Lab PDX
A home for visionaries and realists working for a better world, Hatch Lab PDX is brimming with a social entrepreneurial spirit. Along with office equipment and meeting spaces, members have access to monthly community gatherings, events focused on social enterprise and innovation, a panel discussion series, and The Social Pitch, a popular semi-annual program. Desk spaces start at $325 per month and private office spaces start at $600 per month. Hatch Lab also has a membership model ranging from $95 to $300 per month.
More information
openHAUS
openHAUS seeks to create an inclusive community and help members flourish in their work. Benefits include a dog-friendly space, an art and design library, a boutique photo studio, neighborhood discounts, and access to a community of freelancers and business owners. Prices start at $195 per month for a hot desk and go up to more than $300 per month for a dedicated desk space. Drop-in and digital memberships options are also available.
More information
The Encorepreneur Cafe
With a mission to help people launch encore careers, The Encorepreneur Cafe offers a coworking space for all generations. Amenities include high-speed Internet, office furniture and equipment, a storage cabinet and locker, and shared kitchen space. The cafe offers memberships ranging from a one-day pass for $40 up to a monthly pass for $280.
More information
The Perlene
A social club and workspace for ambitious, diverse women, The Perlene is a members-only space. The carefully curated community of supportive women offers a variety of benefits such as classes, business discounts, a dedicated Slack channel, and a feminist library. The Perlene social memberships start at $175 per month, with dedicated desk memberships running up to $450 per month. Applications to The Perlene are considered on a monthly basis.
More information
Vida Coworking
A coworking community designed by women, Vida offers onsite amenities that are curated to support modern life. Its member benefits include fitness and wellness classes, a drop-in childcare center, a community concierge, and monthly coaching. Additionally, Vida offers onsite health and wellness providers, fresh snacks, and parking. Prices range from $250 a month for part-time access to more than $800 for private office space.
More information
North Portland & Vancouver Coworking Spaces
North Portland
Clean Slate Studios
With a spacious, laid back atmosphere, Clean Slate Studios is a refreshing place to be productive year-round. Benefits include 24/7 access, a security and alarm system, a shared printer-copier-scanner, superfast wifi, a community of creatives, and free locally roasted coffee. Prices range from $200 per month for a flex desk to $350 per month for a corner desk.
More information
Pep Coworking Shop
A small-scale coworking community, Pep is a cozy environment with seven desks and 300-square-feet of space. Amenities include office essentials, shared resources, and a dry kitchen. Four desks are flex at $175 per month, while three desks are permanent at $300 per month.
More information
Remote.ly
A commitment-free remote workspace, Remote.ly features guaranteed seating and outlets, a free in-house barista, and more than 700 indoor plants – for just $20 per day ($15 for students). Other amenities include free street parking, strong wifi, easy wireless printing, a bike storage room, and a picturesque city view. Float desks are $299 per month, while dedicated desk space is $399 per month.
More information
The Weller Society
At the Weller Society, membership includes access to an open plan, community-focused workspace and curated services, resources, and amenities designed to help you be your best self. Along with a plethora of events, benefits include access to a photo-video studio, coaching and professional support, and classes, workshops, and conferences. Memberships range from $200 to $250 per month.
More information
Vancouver
CoLab Coworking – Pac Tower
Right across the Columbia River from Portland, Pac Tower is a shared office for anyone looking to join a community of people who love to work. Pac Tower offers a number of membership options including private offices, glass pods, dedicated desks, and open desks in its 20,000-square-foot space. Prices range from $175 for an open desk to $2,000 per month for a private office space.
More information
Washington County Coworking Spaces
Beaverton
SkyPoint Millikan
With a bevy of amenities, SkyPoint Millikan is a refined modern office space that offers productive, hassle-free workspace solutions. Conveniently located next to Nike headquarters, spaces range in price from $175 per month for a coworking desk to more than $595 per month for private office suites.
More information
Hillsboro
FourForty Six
Located in downtown Hillsboro, FourForty Six offers amenities including a conference room, off-street parking, package service, and indoor and outdoor common areas. The space is designed to accommodate a variety of work styles. Membership is month-to-month, with no long-term commitments. Prices range from $75 per month for a virtual desk to $300 per month for a dedicated desk.
More information
HillHub
For startups and business professionals who are seeking a place to collaborate, learn and grow, HillHub provides a modern and functional environment to build business connections, receive mentorship, and seek additional support. Amenities include high-speed wifi, close proximity to transit, onsite parking, printing, and professional and social events. Prices range from $71 per month for a virtual desk to $950 per month for a private office.
More information
Tigard
CoLab
A flexible coworking space for start-ups, creatives, freelancers, remote offices, and off-sites, CoLab serves communities on the edge of coworking Portland. Amenities include 24/7 access, light-speed networking, free parking and bike storage, natural light, three kitchens, an onsite gym and showers, and high-speed color print centers. Plans range from $35-per-day passes to the $3,295 per month eight-desk office.
More information
Coworking Spaces with Multiple Locations
ActivSpace
ActivSpace has been in Portland for more than 15 years, designed and built for the needs of local artists, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists. Each location features 24/7 access with parking and nearby transit connections. With simple lease terms, ActivSpace offers competitive rent including utilities and building services. Contact ActivSpace for more information about pricing.
More information:
CENTRL
CENTRL strives to offer creative, productive workspaces for career-minded professionals. Their Portland coworking spaces offer a number of amenities and events, including on-site staff, food and drinks, office basics such as printing and high-speed Internet, showers, bike parking, and community events. Prices range from $295 per month for an open desk to more than $1,295 per month for a private office.
More information:
Collective Agency
Collective Agency invites you to work alongside other people doing what they’re passionate about and committed to. Amenities at each location include nearby restaurants and public transportation, conference rooms and phone rooms, showers, bike parking, natural light, and office supplies. Prices range from $100 to $320 per month, depending on the type of membership and payment plan.
More information:
TENpod
TENpod goes by the saying, “No walls, good people.” Each of its Portland coworking spaces are vibrant and unique in its setting and amenities, from St. Johns’ intimate space to the inner eastside’s colorful environment to beautiful, residential Beaumont. Prices range from $195 to $375 per month for membership and desk options.
More information:
The post Your Guide to 33 Portland Coworking Spaces appeared first on Mac's List.
September 12, 2019
Patience and Perseverance in a Job Search: Jessica Ridgway’s Success Story
Knowing what you want, and knowing what you’re willing to compromise is critical to determining your next move. Jessica Ridgway discovered that approaching her job search with patience and perseverance was the best approach, instead of jumping into a new role that was not a great fit. In the end, she found a position that’s the an ideal combination of her passion for helping others and her enthusiasm for writing content.
What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?
I work for Swaim Strategies, a company based here in Portland that helps nonprofit organizations further their missions through strategic event planning and storytelling. I create marketing content for our clients that help them reach, cultivate, and maintain supporters in order to leverage their goals and efforts.
How long did it take you to find this job?
Almost two years from the moment I realized I needed a change from my full-time job.
How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?
I found my job through Mac’s List, and on a whim! But I also had Job Alerts from Indeed set up and would browse Craigslist, JournalismJobs, and Monster from time to time. Looking for a job is practically a job in itself, so I found it helpful to allot some time each week to actively search and review open postings.
What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?
Being patient and not jumping at every open opportunity. When you’re eager for something new, it can make your current job situation difficult to endure. Don’t be willing to take whatever you can get. I constantly had to remind myself that if I was going to leave my job, it had to be for something better and, most importantly, right for me. The last thing I wanted to do was fall into a new situation and feel the same way I felt with my old employer.
What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?
It pays to be diligent with your search, patient with yourself, and to have some idea of what it is you want to do with your career.
Why do you love your job?
My job is the perfect blend of the two qualifications I most desired when starting my search. I wanted to write and I wanted to help people, and at Swaim I get to do that every single day. I feel challenged and motivated to push myself to produce the best work for our clientele who positively impact and push for change in our community.
The post Patience and Perseverance in a Job Search: Jessica Ridgway’s Success Story appeared first on Mac's List.
September 4, 2019
Behind the Remote Work Trend: Finding Remote Jobs in Portland and Seattle
Whether you’ve dreamed of having the freedom to work from your kitchen table or you’ve always wanted to start your day in a coworking space, there’s good news. Remote work is on the rise, continuing to become the norm for modern professionals with more than 43 percent of U.S. workers already working remotely to some degree. The Pacific Northwest has become a prime spot for job seekers to pursue remote job opportunities in a variety of fields and industries. If you’re looking for a career where you can work remotely for a company based in Seattle or Portland, get started by examining the history of remote work in our region, determining how to identify remote jobs, and exploring a few local employers who are hiring now.
Why is remote work trending?
In the Pacific Northwest, 7.7 percent of Portland area residents and 6.3 percent of Seattle area residents work from home. That makes Portland No. 4 and Seattle No. 14 for the largest population of home workers in major metro areas, according to census data. Remote jobs are popular in Portland and Seattle for a number of reasons. Along with their large numbers of self-employed residents, the cities are home to robust creative and technology industries. And as one regional economist says, you can’t rule out the Pacific Northwest lifestyle appeal.
Why PNW employers want remote workers
It’s a win-win, creating more flexibility for employees and lowering cost for employers.
With so many technological advances in the past decade and a growing movement to make workplaces more inclusive, many employers are embracing remote work policies. When you pair remote-working tools such as video conferencing with a hardworking team of employees, offering remote work options makes sense. That’s especially true with remote work trending in the Pacific Northwest and the next generation advocating for more flexible working policies. It’s mutually beneficial for employers to save overhead office costs while giving employees the freedom to create their own schedules.
The rise of traffic and commute times reduces productivity.
For those living in the Pacific Northwest, it’s no surprise that Seattle and Portland have some of the worst traffic rates in the country. In a recent traffic report, Seattle was listed as the fifth-worst U.S. city, with Portland as the 15th. With increasingly longer commutes in the Emerald and Rose cities, employees face long workdays and feel the impacts on their productivity. Research indicates that working from home boosts productivity, minimizing interruptions and helping employees to maximize their days. If you can do 80 percent or more of your daily tasks from a phone or computer, working remotely is a logical alternative to a traditional office environment.
With more companies moving here, commercial office space rent has gone up in price.
Portland and Seattle are home to dynamic creative and tech industries, and with these booming scenes come an influx of companies choosing to relocate or open up shop here. Growing demand for space has driven up costs and made commercial real estate more competitive. On top of this, 2019 legislative changes to commercial real estate have spurred companies to seek alternative office options in an effort to save money.
How to find and secure remote work
Tailor your elevator pitch
If you’re ready to find remote job opportunities, it’s important to start tapping into your professional network. Start by crafting an updated elevator pitch that highlights your background and skills. Then, use this pitch to communicate the types of remote work you’re looking for and the value you can bring to a remote-based employer in Portland or Seattle. Your network will be able to keep you apprised of remote opportunities that match your skills and interests. In order to jump-start your remote career, consider taking on projects that will demonstrate your skills and ability to deliver work that’s done remotely.
Serve an employer’s needs
Despite research that indicates how telecommuting increases productivity, some employers are still reluctant to implement remote or flexible schedules. You can alleviate an employer or potential employer’s fears by anticipating their needs. Regardless of your field, being tech savvy in areas such as web design and social media management is an advantage. Consider enrolling in online courses to expand your arsenal of skills. Taking the time to invest in professional development will put you in a more competitive position both in terms of your skillset and your ability to operate out of a virtual office. Along with tech skills, think about honing your expertise in a particular field to make yourself a more competitive candidate.
Ask about remote and flexible schedule options
While you may work in a conventional office environment right now, don’t forget that you can approach your current employer about the possibility of remote work. It may feel intimidating to initiate this conversation, but it could lead to a schedule that better suits your life. By demonstrating your time management and workflow efficiency, you can build up trust in an employer to request a work-from-home trial run. If you can prove yourself as a self-starter, make a plan, and pitch your vision, you can make your dreams of a more flexible work schedule a reality.
Employers with Remote Jobs
Ready to start making the switch to remote work? Researching Pacific Northwest employers with remote work opportunities is one of the first steps you can take to begin transitioning into a remote career. Read up on these local employers with remote opportunities.
10Up
As a location independent team, 10Up provides web design and development consulting services. The team makes finely crafted websites and tools for content creators, doing its part to create a better web for clients such as Microsoft, Time, ESPN, and Adobe.
Location: Everywhere, including Portland!
Company careers page: https://10up.com/careers/
AuthO
With a global team operating throughout the world, AuthO provides authorization and authentication technology for mobile and web applications. The company works with thousands of customers in more than 70 countries, securing millions of logins each day.
Location: Bellevue, Washington
Company careers page: https://auth0.com/careers
Automattic
Passionate about making the web a better place, Automattic is a global, remote-based team that includes employees throughout Oregon and Washington. Automattic is the developer of tools such as WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Simplenote, Longreads, VaultPress, Akismet, Gravatar, Crowdsignal, Cloudup, and more.
Location: Everywhere, including locations throughout Oregon and Washington
Company careers page: https://automattic.com/work-with-us/
Ookla
Ookla is the team behind Speedtest®, a global leader in internet performance testing. Ookla believes the more information people have about their internet performance, the better they can advocate for speed and service improvements.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Company careers page: hhttps://www.speedtest.net/about/careers
Xealth
Xealth enables healthcare teams to order digital content and services as easily as they do medications today. Patients can then access these digital health prescriptions from the provider’s portal so that they can actively manage their health.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Company careers page: https://www.xealth.io/careers.html
The post Behind the Remote Work Trend: Finding Remote Jobs in Portland and Seattle appeared first on Mac's List.
August 21, 2019
Your Guide to Salary Negotiation: Owning the Money Conversation
The prospect of salary negotiation can feel daunting but it’s a crucial aspect of making sure a job is right for you. According to one study, 71 percent of U.S. workers didn’t try to negotiate salary in their current or most recent role, and that number is even higher for women. Whether you’re entering your first job or a seasoned professional, it’s never too late to own the money conversation and implement effective strategies to find salary success.
Your starting salary serves as an anchor throughout your career. When you know what you’re worth and base that value in proven accomplishments, experience, and results, you’ll be in a great position to negotiate the salary you deserve. This guide will walk you through how to negotiate your salary, follow up with next steps, and maintain strong relationships with employers, no matter the outcome.
Preparation for the Negotiation
Strategy: Address & get past anxiety about asking for money.
Tactic: Give yourself a pep talk about your worth as an employee!
If you’re negotiating a salary for a new job, remember: by the time an employer has gone through the hiring process and decided to make you an offer, they are invested in you. And if you’re negotiating at your current job, remember you’ve already had the opportunity to prove yourself as a valuable employee. It’s important to frame the salary negotiation as a conversation instead of a confrontation. Even though it might feel scary and presumptuous, negotiating may improve your standing in your manager’s eyes.
Strategy: Prove your ROI as an employee.
Tactic: Connect your accomplishments to your ask with supporting details.
By taking stock of your previous accomplishments, you will illustrate why you’re qualified and worth the money you’re asking for. These hard facts must speak to your value as an employee. Keep track of your career performance, including revenue generated, projects completed, and other notable contributions. These tangible, concrete metrics will come in handy during salary negotiations. The more value you’ve created, the more money you can reasonably request.
Ask yourself:
How much have I brought to the company or a previous employer in terms of affecting the bottom line?
Have I made the company money? How can my achievements be tied back to the company’s overarching business goals?
How have I directly affected the organization’s progress in measurable ways?
Strategy: Identify your market value.
Tactic: Research the local job and labor market. Identify your worth based on facts and well-documented sources, not emotions.
It’s important to approach the negotiation as objectively as possible. Build an evidence-based case for your desired salary by focusing on market statistics and the value you bring to the organization. You can establish a baseline market value for what professionals like you are worth by researching comparable job postings and salaries. For your negotiation, you should have a range that you want to land in but ask for the top of that range. Ready to find your market value? Check out Mac’s List’s Salary Research Guide to find reliable online sources of salary data.
Strategy: Understand the company’s big-picture goals.
Tactic: Present your ask with the company’s challenges in mind.
If you can figure out your manager’s pain points, or even better – what keeps them up at night – you can establish your value relative to those challenges. Generally speaking, it’s going to be more difficult to get a raise if the organization is on a tight budget, but there are still opportunities for negotiation in these situations. The more you understand the needs of the organization, the better you can empathize with an employer’s priorities and position yourself as a valuable employee.
TIP: It’s also a good idea to draft an email before your negotiation that includes all of the above information. That way you can follow up after your meeting with your talking points and document the outcome of your conversation.
Post-Negotiation Strategies
Strategy: Outline your counteroffer.
Tactic: Start your counteroffer by outlining the accomplishments and research that support your ask.
It might be impossible to over-prepare for your first salary negotiation. Even if you love what an employer is offering, it’s important to take at least a day to review the offer and prepare your talking points for a counteroffer letter. You’re probably going to be nervous in the conversation, so it’s especially helpful to document what you want to say and bring it to the meeting. One helpful salary negotiation tip is to imagine you’re negotiating for a friend. Studies show that people tend to do better when they negotiate for someone else. Emphasize why you are a strong candidate for the position and why this counteroffer is a reasonable request.
Strategy: Have a plan B and a plan C.
Tactic: Think about the whole package! Don’t forget you can negotiate your benefits.
If your employer offers a salary lower than your ask, counter with a request for more vacation, flexible schedule options, or other opportunities that might be easier on their budget but would still improve your life. Your salary is more than a deposit in your bank account – it’s also how a company supports your work-life balance with professional development, work flexibility, and health-related perks. Be creative in your thinking about a solution that will work for both you and the employer. Once you’ve made your ask and given the employer a chance to respond, be open and receptive to their response.
Finally, be gracious. It’s important to keep your relationship with an employer or potential employer positive, polite, and friendly. Regardless of the outcome, be understanding, appreciative, and grateful for the opportunity to negotiate your salary. If you don’t receive the response you’re hoping for, ask for feedback on how to improve your work moving forward and request a salary review for a later date. The more practice you gain with these conversations, the more you will feel at ease taking ownership of how to negotiate salary offers.
The post Your Guide to Salary Negotiation: Owning the Money Conversation appeared first on Mac's List.
August 8, 2019
Overcome Applicant Tracking Systems: Keenan Casavant’s Job Search Success Story
Keenan Casavant embarked on a new job search with a clear focus. He knew that mentoring students and working in an educational environment were his ultimate career aspirations. It took him seven months to overcome applicant tracking systems, identify a new career direction, and secure his next opportunity. Keenan recommends staying persistent and finding tools to keep you focused and help you de-stress to unlock a successful job search.
What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?
I work in financial risk management, business continuity, and process improvement at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.
How long did it take you to find this job?
One could argue it has taken me almost four years to get here if we count graduation from my business program in 2016. However, this type of position in particular took almost seven months.
How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?
Know the places you want to work, what you want to do and why. This will narrow your tactics and tools. For me, I mentor business students and really came to enjoy being on a college campus. Thus, I focused on what I could do and where I could go.
The tactic was to apply and then apply again… and again. Rinse and Repeat. Hiring today is so impersonal and inefficient. You have to keep applying, have to keep looking for possibilities to interview – even if it is clearly something you are unlikely to get. Hardest part here? Keeping sane. Tools to destress are a must.
I gained information and resources from Harvard Business Review podcasts and the Mac’s List podcast. Networking through the College of Business at OSU has been valuable. It did nothing to get me close to this position – but it was how I realized this is where I want to be.
What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?
It’s increasingly difficult to narrow a multi-faceted problem down to a single maximum difficulty. However, if I had to choose it would be the Applicant Tracking System.
What started as an effective way to organize and track applicants has grown into a passive hiring nightmare. Algorithms negate hours of application work in a fraction of a second, and we’ve even gotten to the point where if applicants reach out to human resources or a hiring manager they are thrown out of the process.
How did I overcome this exactly? The answer is, I am not really sure I did. My resume was formatted multiple ways, tried through many filters, tweaked by recruiters… you name it. Despite all of these changes, my resume would still hit a wall.
Each system and company has a proprietary methodology. Where one would rank me on specific keywords, others would rank on job title or filter by some sort of university list. Recruiters would become hopeful, only to dump me on the roadside when the ATS shot me out. Quite frustrating.
What kept me going is just hitting my quota of ten applications a day at a minimum.
What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?
Everyone has advice, and there really is too much advice out there – particularly bad or (even worse) outdated advice. Over time, I found it useful to actually tune advice out and only seek what I needed for my specific situation – risk and data analytics.
Informational interviews are a sound way to gain knowledge (learned that from Mac’s List) but be ready for rejection. Many folks are doing this, and all it takes is one person before you to turn off that point of contact and anyone moving forward can be viewed as an annoyance. When you do go, try not to be surprised at how little they know how hiring works at their firm. While I did gain some value, this tactic didn’t really suit my needs.
Change direction, when you need to, and when it makes sense. While I have some real horsepower behind business analytics, companies did not see that. No matter the attempt to do so, I could never escape my job titles or find a single soul to take me seriously.
Of course that stinks and was a hard realization. But, I quickly realized that I could easily leverage my enterprise risk management and insurance background instead. So, I quit bothering with business and data analytics and shifted my focused to enterprise risk management.
What do I literally do everyday? Data analytics and business intelligence! However, not having a clear focus or direction was dragging me down. I was facing rejection and investing valuable time in a pursuit that was not working out for my career. Having a clear vision and cutting out what is not working is key.
Why do you love your job?
I am given the freedom to do what I was hired to do and I have access to mentors when I need advice and guidance.
The post Overcome Applicant Tracking Systems: Keenan Casavant’s Job Search Success Story appeared first on Mac's List.
August 7, 2019
Seattle Tech Jobs: Your Guide to Work in a Booming Tech Scene
If you want to work in the tech industry, head to Seattle. With nearly 11 percent of its workforce employed in tech, Seattle’s tech job market is one of the strongest in North America, second only to San Francisco. You can build a great career in Seattle’s tech industry, but you’ve got to know your stuff and become known by others who are already doing the work. Luckily, there are lots of great networking opportunities focused on tech careers in Seattle. Read on to learn about Seattle’s tech history, get a sense of local tech’s big names, up-and-comers, and trendsetters, and get a list of great Seattle tech networking events.
A History Lesson in Seattle Tech
Seattle’s tech scene took flight 40 years ago with the arrival of high-tech monolith Microsoft. Founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen moved the company headquarters from Albuquerque, New Mexico to their hometown Seattle in 1979. A guiding pioneer in Seattle tech, Microsoft began developing what is now known as cloud computing in the mid-1990s. Building on their extensive experience of making computers work together to solve problems, Microsoft veterans built out the cloud for future tech giant Amazon. In the process, they made cloud computing more accessible across the board.
Today, Seattle’s tech scene is defined by Microsoft and Amazon’s big-name recognition and reputation for innovation. It’s no surprise that Seattle has transformed into an epicenter for technology companies of all shapes and sizes. “It’s like Detroit used to be for car companies,” Bill Hilf, now the CEO of Vulcan Inc., told the New York Times in an article about Seattle’s tech boom. “The galactic players are here, and they are creating lots of little companies.”
Seattle tech jobs continue to drive the local economy, with an additional 9,300 positions added in King County between October 2017 and 2018. And the city’s role in the tech sphere is only expanding. Seattle is brimming with companies on the cutting-edge of technology development, with diverse focuses ranging from cybersecurity to healthcare. It’s an exciting time for tech professionals to hone their skills and apply their expertise in this dynamic industry.
Key Players in Seattle Tech: Global Giants, Surging Startups, and Top Trendsetters
Global Giants
Of course, Amazon and Microsoft are the highest-profile tech companies in Seattle. But other big players also call the Emerald City home. Real estate database companies Redfin and Zillow are based in Seattle. Tableau, an interactive data visualization software company, and Smartsheet, a collaboration and work management application, are also based here. If you’re ready to get to work for a global tech giant, learn how to break into Seattle’s corporate job market.
Surging Startups
Major tech companies attract talent to Seattle from around the world. This global clout combined with a world-class computer science program at the University of Washington has helped fuel Seattle’s innovative and vibrant startup scene. The Puget Sound region is home to an expansive network of incubators and accelerators, along with active and committed venture capitalists. Whether you’re interested in entertaining Fido with an interactive toy, helping voice apps navigate language complexities, or ensuring underwater robots stay charged wirelessly, there’s a space for you in Seattle’s exhilarating startup scene.
Top Trendsetters
Outside of its large global companies and startup environment, Seattle is home to a galaxy of growth-stage companies working to solve problems with cutting-edge technology. Trendsetting Seattle tech companies are addressing issues across an impressive array of industries, such as cybersecurity, gaming, cannabis, business operations, and the Internet of Things. These up-and-coming Seattle-based companies are poised to make great advances in the months and years to come.
Seattle Tech Events to Build Your Professional Network
If you’re trying to get started in Seattle’s tech scene, it important to get involved in networking groups. Networking helps you form new connections, enhance your professional network, and learn what hiring companies are looking for. Luckily, you can find a tech-focused networking event happening almost daily in Seattle. Here’s a list of some of the most prominent Seattle tech networking organizations to get you started:
GeekWire
Did you know that along with covering technology news, GeekWire hosts signature tech events? Each year, thousands of industry professionals participate in events such as Sounders Day and the GeekWire Summit. By taking part in GeekWire events, you can learn and do business while building connections and having fun. GeekWire also maintains a community calendar featuring meetups, conferences, startup events, and more geeky gatherings in the Northwest.
Get Connected: Discover upcoming events on Geekwire’s event page.
Here Seattle
If you’re looking to connect with a diverse group of local tech professionals and talk about Seattle tech careers, Here Seattle is the place for you. The group aims to bring together professionals of color to support an inclusive culture in tech and to make a positive community impact. With events ranging from panel discussions at Google to casual coworking Fridays, Here Seattle hosts events almost every month.
Get Connected: Visit hereseattle.com
New Tech Seattle
Want to chat with a variety of people about careers in tech in Seattle? At New Tech Seattle’s monthly happy hour, you can make many new tech connections in one night and learn from the industry’s best. Happy hours offer the opportunity to explore innovative, creative, and inspirational new technology in a neighborhood block party environment. If you’re outside of the downtown Seattle area, New Tech Northwest has you covered with similar networking groups for people living in Tacoma and east-side communities.
Get Connected: Check out their upcoming events on Meetup or get more information on New Tech Northwest.
Startup Seattle
Seattle is bustling with entrepreneurial activity and the startup spirit. Powered by the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, Startup Seattle will help you navigate the city’s sea of startup resources and connections. The online platform offers up-to-date information about Seattle jobs, events, and other startup resources. Startup Seattle also strives to measure the impact of tech startups, to improve diversity and inclusion in tech, and to expand opportunities in the field.
Get Connected: Check out Startup Seattle’s robust list of resources.
Techstars Startup Week
Each fall, Techstars hosts two event series: Startup Week and Startup Weekend, which offer encompass over 150 free events that celebrate Seattle’s startup community. The event is hosted by Techstars, a global network of entrepreneurs that hosts more startup support events in over 700 cities and 150 countries worldwide. Techstars also curates a local Startup Digest that will keep you up-to-date on local tech events and happenings.
Get Connected: Read up about the next Startup Week Seattle and Startup Weekend Seattle.
Washington Technology Industry Association
With more than 1,000 member companies, Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) is the largest statewide association of technology companies and executives in the nation. Through WTIA, you can access connections, resources, and advocacy. From happy hours to tech crawls, WTIA offers a variety of events for technology professionals in Washington.
Get Connected: Learn more about WTIA events or consider becoming a member.
The post Seattle Tech Jobs: Your Guide to Work in a Booming Tech Scene appeared first on Mac's List.
July 17, 2019
3 Things Everyone Should Know About the Changing Workforce
The workforce has changed. Office layouts have been redesigned from cubicles to open offices. Job security seems to have disappeared. You can’t look at the news without seeing something about the increase in remote and part-time work, advances in artificial intelligence (and its older sibling, automation), and the rise of part-time work and the gig economy. The most frequent comment about schools is that the students are being prepared for jobs that don’t yet exist.
The rate of change has increased with improving technology and economic recovery. Recent grads absolutely feel it – automation and the “experience inflation” caused by the Great Recession have gutted the entry-level job market. In fact, a 2018 study showed that more than 60 percent of “entry-level” jobs require three or more years of experience.
Not all changes in the workplace have been for the worse though. The internet has shifted knowledge into the hands of the employee. For example, if you have a question about pay range, you can go to PayScale instead of HR. Most companies have realized that there is a strong business case for diversity and inclusion. Additionally, many states have passed laws giving more protections and benefits to workers, especially women, such as Oregon’s Equal Pay Act of 2017 and Paid Family and Medical Leave Act of 2019.
Although the freelance and gig economy places many workers outside of the social safety net of workplace protections, it also gives employees more leverage to affect change in the workplace. Instead of Company X competing against Company Z for talent, the companies must now make the case to employees that working for them is better than working for themselves.
The changing workforce is impacting employee retention, salary and job benefits, candidate expectations, and hiring. Here are three major shifts all employees and employers should be aware of in this rapidly evolving new world.
The career ladder has broken.
There was a time, in the not-so-distant past, when the workplace operated under the implicit agreement that employees who worked hard at their jobs and stayed loyal to a company were rewarded with job security, health benefits, and other serious perks like pension. There were literally gold watches upon retirement. People stayed with the same company, sometimes for their entire careers.
That’s not the case today. The new norms are portable HSAs and 401(k)s, job-hopping, and at-will employment. Wages have stagnated for the last 40 years; although paychecks are bigger and the stock market has grown 545 percent, purchasing power has barely budged, rising only 11.2 percent. In contrast, CEO pay has risen to around 936 percent. Also, without defined benefit pension plans, which almost half of companies offered in 1983, more and more people are struggling to save for retirement. In fact, a 2018 report found that 66 percent of millennials have nothing saved for retirement. With mass layoffs during the Recession and shrinking benefits since then, the implicit agreement between employer and employee has been broken.
So, instead of staying at one company for their entire career and climbing the corporate ladder, many employees will make career moves and get promotions by changing jobs. In fact, the average tenure for employees age 25 to 34 is 3.2 years.
Employees who switch jobs can often end up with higher compensation and a broader base of skills than they would acquire by working for only one or two companies during their career. Some experts argue that staying in a job for more than a few years can hurt your earning potential. They compare an employee’s annual 1-3 percent raise, eaten away by inflation, to what an employee could earn by moving companies if they received a salary offer that was 10-20 percent higher. Not every move results in more money, but at many companies, there are limits on increases managers can give their existing employees. Consequently, employees can often earn more money and gain more varied experience faster if they spend less time in one job.
The traditional career ladder has broken; only 19 percent of companies still have them. A career has become less about a steady progression upwards and more about developing skillsets that can translate into many different opportunities. Companies looking to retain their employees should focus on developing them through stretch projects, lateral moves, continuing education, rewards, rehiring alums, or other avenues that allow employees to grow.
Generational changes ripple the labor pool.
Demographics have changed. Currently, Millennials make up ~35 percent of the U.S. labor force. By 2030, they will make up 75 percent. And remember, the youngest of this generation (b. 1996) are 23 and mostly in the workforce already. The changing demographics are less about the number of Millennials entering the workforce and more about the number of Baby Boomers and Gen X workers retiring.
While the global population of Gen Z outnumbers Millennials, the U.S. Gen Z populations of 61 million is about two-thirds the size of the Boomer and Millennial populations. In the next decades, instead of having the larger Boomer and Millennial populations buoying up the workforce around a smaller Gen X population, we’ll have two relatively smaller generations (Gen X and their kids, Gen Z) and one larger one (Millennials).
If you think that the shortage of workers is going to improve, think again. The supply of available workers is going to keep unemployment at record lows for the foreseeable future and provide employees with increasing leverage. Also, immigration, a traditional source of population growth, has been down in the last few years. Companies will need to find ways to grow without expanding their workforce, or get really good at recruiting and retention.
It’s a candidate’s market.
You’ve definitely already heard that the unemployment rate is at a historic low – you might have even heard that we’ve almost hit full employment. This can lead to increasing wages and more full-time job offers for positions that might have been part-time or temporary in labor markets with higher unemployment. In other words, it’s a candidate’s market.
To attract and retain stellar employees, companies will need to do a better job highlighting the benefits of their company and the roles they’re looking to fill. This means focusing on their culture, total compensation, and developing existing employees.
Three great ways employers can improve their recruiting and retention:
1. Sell the opportunity.
Everyone involved in the hiring process should understand what makes a company and position attractive and do their best to convey that to candidates. It’s not enough to tell them about the day-to-day job duties. Companies need to paint a clear and compelling picture about the perks, the benefits, the culture, and the fun at the company. If a company can’t identify positive aspects to the role or company, they’ll need to reevaluate or settle for less qualified candidates, because at full employment, great employees can be picky about where they land.
2. Focus on the candidate experience.
Don’t assume that a candidate who had a negative experience with your company won’t spread the word to other potential candidates. Over 80 percent of candidates won’t apply to your company again if they had a bad experience during any point of the process – and they’ll tell others not to apply too.
What makes a bad experience? If your process takes 6+ weeks, requires multiple forms of testing, or asks a candidate to fill out an application that takes an hour to complete before a preliminary interview, you’re likely asking too much and giving too little. With unemployment edging near 50-year lows, candidates have more choices and access to information than ever. If candidates aren’t excited throughout the application process by your culture and employer brand, you could be losing out on talent.
Also, make sure you’re communicating with candidates at every step of the process! Even a “no” can make a positive impression when the majority of employers don’t reply at all.
One strong rule of thumb is to treat all candidates well, especially the ones who don’t get a job offer. If they interviewed, take the time to call and tell a candidate why they didn’t get the job (and don’t tell them it wasn’t a culture fit).
3. Pre-close other offers and counteroffers.
Companies cannot assume that they are the only fish in the sea, or that they will be able to find another candidate easily. The market has changed too much for that. Therefore, it’s important for companies to understand a candidate – especially their motivations. This means asking about their salary expectations, their ideas about future career moves, why they’re looking to leave their current job, and what they like about their work.
Instead of assuming a candidate will be grateful for an offer and a paycheck, a company should have asked the right questions and wooed them with the truth about their culture and organization. It’s not enough to assume what a candidate wants – and it helps to remind them of the highlights of the role and how that relates to their answers when you make them an offer.
Companies might have had an easy time finding qualified employees in the wake of the Great Recession. However, those days are long over. To be really competitive employers, companies will need to adapt to the new realities of a tight labor market.
The post 3 Things Everyone Should Know About the Changing Workforce appeared first on Mac's List.
July 11, 2019
Catch More Job Opportunities by Casting a Wide Net, Kali Pauling’s Job Search Success Story
Kali Pauling spent over four weeks looking for a new job, and that does not take into consideration the extra month Kali spent submitting additional application requirements. Instead of getting stuck dwelling on missed opportunities, Kali considered every job app and job interview an opportunity for learning and growth. Kali recommends casting a wide net to catch more job opportunities and celebrating the small victories to have a more successful job search.
What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?
I work for the City of New Orleans health department. I started as a Healthy Environments Specialist working on various environmental health issues in the city. I am now transferring over to a different program, where I will be focusing specifically on LGBTQ health and sexual reproductive health for young adults.
How long did it take you to find this job?
I was job searching for over a month to find this job and start the application process, then it took an additional month to complete the needed requirements. It took a lot of time to go through the local government process for being hired, but it worked out in the end! And the transferring roles piece also took some time.
How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?
I used various job search websites. I also went to organizations that I knew I liked to see what openings they might have on their website. I created job application accounts, like with the City of New Orleans and was able to apply for a lot of open positions once I had uploaded all my information.
What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?
Finding the job was the easy part, but the entire application process was a challenge. It was hard not to get discouraged when I did not hear back, or when I thought an interview went well but still did not get offered the position. But I stuck with it, and enjoyed the small victories. Even if I did not get offered the position, each application and interview was an opportunity for growth.
What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?
Cast a wide net and go from there, especially if you have less than five years of experience in the field you are applying for, you never know what opportunities will come from it!
Why do you love your job?
Getting to work on so many different projects has been a great experience. I am so glad I get to see the inner workings of government and being a part of the process. I get to engage with community members on a weekly basis. And my coworkers are hardworking and passionate people who create an inviting work space.
The post Catch More Job Opportunities by Casting a Wide Net, Kali Pauling’s Job Search Success Story appeared first on Mac's List.
July 10, 2019
Build Community: 9 Women’s Networking Groups in Seattle
In today’s workforce, women face unique and ever-evolving challenges. It helps to have other working women in your life to share struggles, brainstorm ideas, and help each other with career opportunities and advice. Build a strong “inner circle” of fellow female professionals, and you’ll reap a community that will help advance your career for years to come. But how do you meet these people? Start by getting involved, and showing up in spaces with other working women. Women’s networking groups are a simple place to start! If you’re in Seattle, we’ve compiled a list of seven groups that host regular events for women at work.
Business and Professional Women (BPWA)
As a nonprofit organization, Business and Professional Women (BPWA) strives to empower women personally, professionally, and politically. The membership-based organization has a goal to achieve equity for all women in the workplace. Local BPWA chapters in the Seattle area host monthly meetings where you can learn about their training and leadership development opportunities.
Keep in touch: @bpw.wa
Connect: Attend a local monthly meeting to find out more about the organization and explore becoming a member. Members take part in an array of educational workshops, networking events, speaker series, and mentorship opportunities.
Lean In Seattle
Seattle hosts the largest chapter of Lean In in the world with more than 6,000 active members. As a multicultural and multigenerational community, the group aims to move women’s leadership forward through interactive monthly events and small group workshops. Lean In Seattle gives women the opportunity to connect, learn, and succeed together in an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Keep in touch: @leaninseattle
Connect: If you’d like to become involved in Lean In Seattle, you can attend one of their events and sign up for their newsletter to stay in the loop. For a smaller group experience, you can look into joining a Lean In Circle.
Women in Business & Leadership Initiative
The Seattle Chamber is a great resource for networking, and offers one of the most robust event calendars around. The Chamber also supports the Women in Business and Leadership Initiative, which is specifically aimed to bring female leaders in to talk about their careers and share advice and resources in the fight for gender equity in the workplace. Past speakers include Washington Senator Patty Murray and Seattle City Council Member Lorena Gonzalez.
Keep in touch:
Connect: Check out their events on the Chamber’s website. Attend the annual WIBLI awards ceremony to get the who’s who of female leaders in Seattle.
GrapeVine
Sometimes all you need is good company and a good glass of wine. While not specifically focused on work, GrapeVine hosts fun events every month or two, all designed to connect and inspire women in the Seattle area.
Keep in touch: @grapevinewomen
Connect: Follow along on Instagram or check out their website for upcoming events.
Women Business Owners
For 40 years, Women Business Owners has helped women entrepreneurs in Seattle develop their networks while connecting them with educational opportunities and resources. If you want to connect with seasoned entrepreneurs and support a women-owned business community, this is the organization for you. Join this membership-based community to access business seminars, a speaker series, and leadership development opportunities.
Keep in touch: @WBOWWA
Connect: Expand your network and participate in monthly events by joining Women Business Owners. The organization also hosts an annual banquet to honor the Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year recipient.
Washington Women’s Foundation
With a vision of changing the course of women’s philanthropy through the power of collective giving, Washington Women’s Foundation inspires hundreds of women to be active leaders in philanthropy. The foundation has hosted a variety of events, including educational forums, skill-building workshops, nonprofit visits, and community celebrations. You can check out one of the foundation’s free monthly Transforming Together events or consider becoming a member.
Keep in touch: @wawomensfdn
Connect: Attend a Transforming Together event and learn more about joining the foundation. You can also support the Washington Women’s Foundation by giving a one-time donation.
Ellevate Seattle
At the core of Ellevate is the idea that when ambitious professional women are able to access more opportunities, everyone benefits. The active Seattle chapter is among a global, cross-industry network of professional women committed to helping each other succeed. Ellevate Seattle has a membership model and hosts a variety of educational webinars and networking events.
Keep in touch: Ellevate Seattle
Connect: Check out Ellevate Seattle’s latest events and webinars and consider joining as a member. With a variety of online and in-person opportunities, there are a number of ways to connect with the network.
Women in Cloud
Women in Cloud is a community-led initiative that supports female entrepreneurs in tech. With a mission to inspire, empower, and accelerate the growth of women-led technology companies, the initiative provides partnership opportunities, programs and alliances that advance the success of women in tech. Along with their network, Women in Cloud offers an immersive six-month business accelerator program and features an annual summit.
Keep in touch: @womenincloud
Connect: Get involved with Women in Cloud by signing up to join their network. If you’re interested in a deeper commitment, you can also become a mentor, volunteer, or sponsor.
Association for Women in Communications Seattle
The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) is a women’s networking group that champions the advancement of women in communications disciplines. As part of a national chapter, AWC Seattle provides women with networking, professional development, job opportunities, and a supportive community. The organization hosts ongoing networking events and get-togethers, along with affinity groups and a mentorship program.
Keep in touch: @AWCSeattle
Connect: You can join AWC as a member, volunteer, or attend a get together open to non-members. The organization also hosts an annual awards dinner and scholarship fundraiser.
More Events for Seattle’s Professional Women
Now, you can start building a strong network of Seattle connections and mentors by attending events and getting involved with these local women’s networking groups. This is just a small sample of the dozens of networking organizations for women in Seattle. Here are some additional resources for women’s networking groups in Seattle.
Seattle Networking Guide hosts a curated list of Seattle women’s organizations that offer opportunities for professional networking, career advancement, education, and community involvement.
MeetUp features an array of professional women’s groups in the Seattle area for women of all ages and backgrounds.
The post Build Community: 9 Women’s Networking Groups in Seattle appeared first on Mac's List.
