Are you looking for work? Ready to take most anything that comes along? Discouraged and disgusted by hacking away at Monster all day, applying for jobs you know hundreds of others are also applying for?
And getting nothing?
If Asheville had a grassroots job fair, how could that work? What would we bloggers and engaged local citizens do to connect local jobs with local people--friends, family neighbors?
Could there be a grassroots job fair for small local businesses? For freelancers looking for admin help and assistance? I think there might be a demand for something like this. The problem is getting it to work.
People need work DESPERATELY, and there ARE jobs out there. How could we use the grassroots power of Asheville citizens and Asheville social media to make this happen?
I (Jennifer Saylor, one of the BlogAsheville admins) envisioned a job fair. One friend said a general meetup (Tweetup?), maybe a bimonthly meetup managed with social media.
But how would we learn about job oppty's? How can we successfully reach out to and attract small businesses looking for help?
We have people who need jobs, but we need the other half of the equation: small local businesses and entrepreneurs/freelancers looking to fill local positions.
I know one thing for sure: this won't happen unless people get behind the idea and send ideas and offers of help to make this happen.
Asheville, I am putting this out to you. What have you got?
7 comments:
Jennifer, I'm with you. I wonder if there is a way to frame it differently. I know tons of businesses that have needs that need to be filled, and I know tons of people with skill sets to be applied to these needs. More than that, I know there are tons of "white space opportunities" that businesses don't even know about yet, but with a little generative dialogue (with people who have a lot of time on their hands), maybe these opportunities could be identified and exploited (in the best possible way, for the good of all involved.)
I work in economic development, and I have had discussions with people across the nation who lament the potential "lost generation" of our national workforce. I have stated repeatedly that there are entrepreneurial opportunities to tap this human capital and everyone wins. The results may not be the typical "job gains" that are the metrics of economic development, but who knows what can happen
Mountain BizWorks might be a good resource for either contacts, or as the organizing hub. Seems as though BizWorks would have the business contacts.
GREAT IDEAS. Thanks you two.
Anyone know who best at BizWorks to contact?
That is a great idea.
I joined MBW a short time ago and am now into the last two weeks of their Foundations class. Great vibe going on there for sure.
I don't know him personally but Stephen Jones is listed as the Development Director and might be a good place to start with finding out if they are interested in being a part of an idea like this. His email is stephen@mountainbizworks.org
: )
Hi Jennifer,
Jobbitz.com is a local website where individuals, as well as businesses, can post odd jobs or temporary jobs. I realize you are suggesting an effort that addresses more part-time or full-time employment. I do know, however, that some of the temp. jobs that have been posted on Jobbitz.com have lead to more permanent work. I just wanted to let you know that this is a resource that can hopefully provide some "filler" income until people can land more appropriate and long-term positions. Best of luck with your efforts!
Post a Comment