Transforming
the Art of Networking
 Thursday, 15 March 2007
By Patty Cruz Lopez
Clcik here for online article
Cesar Plata, the Bay Area’s own networking guru, graduated
from UC Davis with a degree in mechanical engineering. After working at several
Silicon Valley companies for many years, he took
the leap of faith to pursue his vision of becoming an entrepreneur and a catalyst
for business. Plata founded the website now known as InfoBayArea.com, an onlilne
business directory and Bay Area resource that is accessible to all and easy to
navigate.
According to Plata, quite often infoBayArea.com webpages appear in
the top 5 to 10 rankings on Google, MSN, and Yahoo search engines. He’s
been in the business of connecting people for eight years now and says, “This
is the largest Bay Area website (formally known as muybueno.net) targeting the
professional Bay Area Latino community.” Hand
in hand with the site are the infamous infoBayArea.com business/networking mixers.
The business mixers he puts together create a space where people can meet to
exchange services and ideas. Typically business mixers are dry events full of
boring introductions, corny icebreakers, and the ritualistic exchange of business
cards. Plata has taken the idea of a mixer and added his own personal twist.
He says, “The
best business is personal business, we give it that personal touch.”
 Using
his natural talents and ability to connect people he has created the ultimate
business exchange experience that creates a bridge from cyberspace to real venues
where people meet face to face. Plata consecutively brings together people from
all facets of the community and from every business level. Last week he organized
The Silicon Valley Business Expo, also touted as a 'mega mixer'.
With over 500 people in attendance it was a good place to find a mentor, launch
an idea, or support other local entrepreneurs. This event also boasted multiple
caterers, a casino area, chocolate and tequila tasting, fashion show, dance performance,
and live music. A highly energized environment, minus the long-winded
speeches, this ambiance allowed people to feel free to chitchat about business
over a game of blackjack or while tasting some delicious food.
Having hosted
mixers at venues such as The Tech Museum, The San Jose Museum of Art, The Computer
History Museum, The Chidren's Discovery Museum, Hotel Valencia on Santana Row,
to name a few, it was no surprise when he announced his latest endeavor. On March
14, 2007 Plata organized one of the most unique mixers to date at the Rosicrucian
Egyptian Museum & Planetarium
which offered a Spring Equinox Star Show inside the planetarium, and an opportunity
to gaze at the stars outdoors through professional telescopes, all while enjoying
gourmet appetizers, and lively conversation.
The service Cesar Plata provides
fosters a bond between busy professionals who rarely have time to take a break,
let alone take a break and conduct business at the same time. He continues to
encourage people to connect with others through his website and by providing
fun, upscale, relaxed, informative and memorable environments at his mixers.
To find upcoming Bay Area events, jobs, business
directory listings, discounts and offers, articles, volunteer opportunities,
and community and professional resources, simply log on to www.infoBayArea.com
and contact Cesar
Plata, Founder of InfoBayArea.com. |
