The Hub Concept

I have just returned from an exclusive sneak-peek event in Halifax called "open hub." I've been following this story since it appeared in the Sept. 10th edition of the Globe and Mail (page R14 - "A Place to Lay Your Laptop."

I've been keeping in touch with the principal developers as plans for the hub - Halifax have been taking shape. Today I got to see the 2nd floor loft space and meet the four principals in person. A slide show of other international hubs played on one wall while guests sipped hot apple cider and mingled. Guests were invited to draw their vision of an ideal floor plan, which is to be finalized with the architect in the coming week. What is all the buzz about?

Business travellers who come to Halifax to do business, meet with clients, network, etc. have had few choices for a suitable place to meet. the hub answers this need. It is located centrally in downtown Halifax within easy walk of many of the big hotels. There are coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and bookstores, all within a block or two. Clients can use the space for an hourly, daily or monthly rate, depending on their needs.

How is something like this useful to the career hunter? First off, it gives you a place to arrange a meeting with a potential job contact that is a step up from the coffee shop on the corner. Second, it has a great deal of potential as a place to meet new contacts covering a broad spectrum of the business world. Strike up a conversation with another hub visitor; who knows where it could lead? Third, the hub concept is already operating in major cities in North America and Europe. Many of the hubs are interconnected. Are you thinking Internationally? Should you be?

Wherever your career hunt takes you, think beyond the Internet cafe where juggling your coffee, muffin, papers and laptop on a tiny table can lead to disaster, or at least, frustration. Have a look at a place where business travellers can really connect!