Attending a conference-no affilliation

May 14, 2009 7:07 PM

I will be attending my professional association's conference this year. I am paying for everything myself because I am now unemployed. What can I put on my badge as my affliliation since I am no longer with a company. I'd like to let people know that I am available and looking for a job or I'd like it to say something about me professionally in 3 words or less :-)
posted by sandra194 to work & money (13 comments total)

"Freelancer?"
posted by Tomorrowful at 7:09 PM on May 14

I'd make a joke out of it, some sort of conversation starter.

So either an imaginary (but funny) company name, or something lik:

Sandra O'ninefour
Ask Me Who I Work For
posted by rokusan at 7:11 PM on May 14 [1 favorite]

How about "Self-employed / Available"
posted by PercussivePaul at 7:13 PM on May 14

This was what was on my tag at the last conference I went to [not by my choice] but it did give people an interesting conversation starter.
posted by jessamyn at 7:20 PM on May 14

Your Company Here
posted by rdn at 7:36 PM on May 14 [6 favorites]

I plan a few conferences, which includes making name tags and asking people what they want on there. Most people in that situation put "Independent Contractor", "Freelancer" or plain "Contractor" on there, or some synonym of independent + their ideal job title ("Freelance Writer", "Security Analyst", "Independent Researcher", etc.), and then use that to indicate in conversations that they are looking for work.
posted by gemmy at 7:36 PM on May 14

I plan a few conferences, which includes making name tags and asking people what they want on there. Most people in that situation put "Independent Contractor", "Freelancer" or plain "Contractor" on there, or some synonym of independent + their ideal job title ("Freelance Writer", "Security Analyst", "Independent Researcher", etc.), and then use that to indicate in conversations that they are looking for work.

This is good advice. It's best not to be coy or roundabout, or to make a joke about your situation.

You could also create your own company name, too, and if people ask about it, you can say you provide contract services to larger companies, and then use the opportunity to broadcast you are looking for contracts.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:38 PM on May 14

What gemmy said. If you make a joke or comment about your availability on your conference badge, it can come across as being a bit too needy.
posted by Joh at 8:44 PM on May 14

Mercenary
posted by rhizome at 9:40 PM on May 14

Job Hunting.

Or The freelancer/contractor/independent thing if you're actually looking for freelance/contract/independent work.
posted by Ookseer at 9:43 PM on May 14

I'd like to let people know that I am available...

I repeat and underscore: a joke is fine. You're there to engage people. Make them talk to you.

I go to too many conferences. The badges glaze over after awhile, especially all the titles that I don't believe anyway.

You want to attract strangers in ways that lead to discussion and eventual employment?

Step 1: Make me notice you.
posted by rokusan at 12:04 AM on May 15

thanks for the good advice...I am not really looking for freelance or contract work...I am looking for a position with a company or university.
posted by sandra194 at 10:32 AM on May 15

"At Liberty."
posted by clavicle at 11:53 AM on May 15