detroitnet.org, Happy Hour Networking

MyFox Job Shop - It's slogan is "Networking Detroit, One Beer at a Time."

Dave Phillips is a self-described geek and one of the founders of what is currently a networking platform for I-T professionals. 

"detroitnet.org " was founded in 2001 by a group of Information Technology professionals as a kind of anti-establishment movement in the career networking arena.

On a monthly basis, the group hosts happy-hour type events where patrons can hold a martini in one hand and a resume in another.  All the events are free.  The booze will cost you.

Why do they do this?  The original motivation as posted on the web site : "They simply wanted to attend networking functions where they were surrounded by like-minded people. They didn’t want to wake up at 7AM to give leads to florists. They didn’t want to pay $20 for a $7 lunch. They didn’t want to pay $15 to watch someone promote their company. And most importantly, they didn’t want to be hounded by MLM people."

In today's tough economic times, the service has taken on a more self-actualized approach, now the group wants to help people find work.  As Dave puts it, "I feel like a mentor."

In the Fox 2 Job Shop we talk about the importance of networking all the time.  If you're an I-T or related professional, it's likely worth checking-out these guys at least once.

Click the video player for detailed information from Dave's segment on Fox 2 Mornings.