How to meet IT people in Canada, and other stuff

TECHNOLOGY - Don't know why it is, but the best place to meet people in the IT business is the local archery range.

Seriously, archery.

Its like golf for nerds... I don't know how else to explain it.

Of course at the archery range they are probably already gainfully employed and not looking for work, so I suppose if you were looking to hire IT staff you would be better off looking for companies which handle IT staffing...

I think it would be significantly easier to find Toronto accountants, lawyers, ESL tutors, etc.

Its become a complicated thing these days to find something or someone. There is so much information these days it has become difficult to navigate through the maze of information.

Its one of the reasons I created my new blog: "Product Reviews Canada", which specializes in me just ranting about products I hate, services I like, things I would like to see...

For example I have this awesome idea for a company called "The Workshop", which operates on a monthly fee like a gym membership, but instead of gym equipment on the inside there is a carpentry, welding and construction workshop where people can build things using the tools available to them. They can also take classes, buy materials, tools and safety equipment, ask advice from staff technicians, get private lessons... and to join they of course have to pass a safety seminar.

The problem however is that I don't have a huge wad of cash to start such a business. (Any investors out there wanting to start a business with me?)

The beauty of such a business is that it could be built as a franchise and the next thing you know we have The Workshop in Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and other locations.

Sure, there are professionals out who could do your construction/carpentry stuff for you... ie. If you are looking for sunrooms its probably best to hire someone in the business right? Or lets say you have a home in Ottawa, the roof is leaking and the windows are drafty... and worse, you're afraid of heights. Probably a good idea to hire someone who does Ottawa roofing and windows.

But lets say you're a sculptor and you want to do it yourself, but you need all the machinery and equipment. Or likewise you're a carpenter and like building chairs for fun... but you live in an apartment building and don't have room for all the machinery. It makes sense that a place like The Workshop would be quite popular in major cities where there is abundance of people living in apartment buildings or condos.

Anywho, back to the main topic, how to find specific people and things...

I suppose you could post on craigslist, scour websites like LinkedIn or even Facebook... but the best way is to actually go out to places and meet people in person, and really TALK to them. Stake out locations (ie. the archery range, comic book stores, Dungeons & Dragons conventions, etc.) where that type of person is likely to hang out. This may be trickier depending on the type you are looking for.

And take some business cards and a pen with you so you can exchange information with the people you meet.