February 2022 Orange County Networking and Business Events Calendar

Two business women sit on a couch and chat, similar to what you may encounter at an Orange County networking event.

Your One Stop Shop for Upcoming Orange County Networking and Business Events

What you know is critical when starting a business; however, who you know is also an essential part of the process. That is why networking plays a crucial role in business growth. You should take advantage of every chance you get to increase the visibility of your brand and help your business thrive. In Orange County, the networking opportunities are endless.

Here are 9 great opportunities to network with the Orange County business community, look for a new job, or learn from experts in their field.

Business Networking Group

When: February 2nd from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Where: Colleary’s Bistro & Spirits

Hosted by the Orange Chamber of Commerce, this event occurs on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. It is a great opportunity to get to know other businesses and spread the word about your own business. Everyone will have an opportunity to introduce their company to the group.

Pricing: $20 for Members and $30 for Non-Members

Power Networking Dinner

When: February 3rd from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Where: Urban Workshop  

This event will help your business get seen, heard, and found. You will learn how to get your valuable message and mission out to the world. Tracy Hazzard, CEO and Founder of Podetize – the platform that covers video, podcast, blog, and social sharing, will provide an outline of what he believes are the key to creating successful content in the upcoming year.

Tickets: $25 – $35

The Santa Ana Young Entrepreneur

When: February 4th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Where:  525 Cabrillo Park Drive, Suite 280, Santa Ana, CA 92701

If you want to become self-employed and generate an income by solving problems this event is for you. This group of aspiring young business-minded individuals meets twice a month to learn the fundamentals of becoming a successful entrepreneur. During the meeting, you will brainstorm business ideas, talk shop with like-minded people, collaborate, provide referrals, and sort ideas in a supportive environment.

This event is free to attend.

How to Create Financial Freedom Workshop

When: February 7th at 6:30 PM

Where: 2111 Business Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92612

This workshop will teach basic principles of saving money and help you to develop a growth plan. It will help you understand how money works. You will also learn easy ways to invest and generate other streams of income. You can also join the workshop via Zoom.

This workshop is free to attend.

Lunch & Learn with Steven Thomas

When: February 8th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: Hot Rods & Handguns, Huntington Beach

Economist Steven Thomas will provide his outlook for the upcoming year during a ‘lunch and learn’ session. Topics include a general forecast for 2022 along with an update on the housing market.

This event is free to attend.

Irvine Virtual Job Fair

When: February 14th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Where: Virtual

JobFairX assists people in finding their next great career move on an annual basis. Past employers at the Irvine fair have included the TSA, Apple, and Amazon.

Career Edge: Effective Business Communications

When: February 19th from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Greater Irvine Chamber

In this event, you will learn the value of building critical thinking skills and how to apply these skills to individual and organizational situations. You will also explore the ethics and core values associated with decision-making. All this will help you gain confidence in tackling problems, developing alternatives, and assessing solutions and risks.

Free, but must register to attend.

New Year, New Rules for Growth

When: February 23rd from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Virtual

This event is being held by the Executive Next Practices Forum (also known as the ENP). It is a virtual event discussing the value of strategic retreats and is open to both guests and existing ENP members.

Free to attend.

Network After Work

When: February 23rd from 6:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Where:  Mesa Lounge, Costa Mesa

An evening out with Network After Work members only where you can increase your brand’s visibility, keep up with the latest trends, build business relationships and learn from experts across fields.

Free for Members

Membership: $39 per year to attend all events for free.

There you have it, My OC Bookkeeper’s February 2022 Orange County Networking and Business Events Calendar. Know of a great event we missed? Let us know and we’ll add it. Who are we? We are Southern California’s premier bookkeeping, accounting, and outsourced CFO firm, so if you are looking for a partner to help your business thrive reach out to us today. Click on the surfer’s to learn more!

January 2022 Orange County Networking and Business Events Calendar

A group of people mingling, like what you might see networking in Orange County.

With the new year comes new business and networking opportunities. To help your business thrive, check our January 2022 Orange County Networking and Business Events Calendar. This is your go-to guide for great business events in Orange County, CA.

Here are ten great opportunities to network, learn, and have fun with your fellow members of the OC business community:

How to Get Your Business on Social Media

When: January 4th from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Where: Online Meeting (Live)

In this class, you will discover why social media matters and how social media works. You will also learn how to get your business on social media. Essential questions, such as using Facebook or Instagram and what you should post, will also be answered.

This workshop is free to attend.

Ladies First Tuesday Networking

When: January 4th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Where: Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, 240 S State College Blvd · Brea, CA

In this networking and socializing event, you can discuss your big business plans for 2022 and how you and other attendees can support each other’s businesses.

This event is organized by Ladies First Tuesday Networking. It is a group for women who are looking to connect, refer, and work with other business professionals. As the name implies, they meet on the first Tuesday of the month.

Orange County Professional Networking for Targeted Business Referrals

When: January 7th from 7:00 am – 8:30 am (Every week on Friday)

Where: Online Meeting (Live)

Don’t miss out on the importance of getting referrals from your fellow professionals. Taking part in this event will help you witness and understand the power of referral marketing.

This event is organized by South OC Business Networking Leaders, which is comprised of business owners and professionals who want to work on expanding their business while surrounded by like minded individuals.

Orange County Employment Fair

When: January 7th from 10:00am – 2:00pm

Where: 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd, 1000 East Santa Ana Boulevard, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Organized by America Works of California, Inc. and the Office of Senator Tom Umberg. The Orange County Job Fair is free to attend and open to all.

Stanford Angels Orange County Happy Hour

When: January 11th from 5:30 pm 7:00 pm

Where: Irvine CA (details available after RSVP), Cash Bar 

An opportunity to meet fellow Stanford entrepreneurs, start-up enthusiasts, and investors. You can mingle and discuss the latest start-up trends, news, investing opportunities, local companies, and future activities.

Virtual Speed Networking

When: January 17th from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Where: Online

Connect with industry leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs nationally. This is a unique virtual event where you will experience fast, fun, and effective ways to make quality business connections.

Organized by the Social Register Network, a premier business networking organization. It specializes in delivering programs and events to support the ongoing success of businesspeople of all types.

Cost: Free

Breakthrough Mastermind

When: January 18th – 20th

Where: Newport Beach, CA

Participating in this event will help you become a part of an exceptional business network. There, you will build key relationships that will help you accelerate your business growth. You will also get introduced to top investors and entrepreneurs in the country. Top speakers, trainers, and thought leaders will provide you with exceptional training.

One time preview fee: $2,997

Jumpstart Your 2022 Marketing Plan – A Strategy Class to Grow Your Business

When: January 19th from 11:00 am

Where: Zoom Webinar

This workshop will aid you in planning your 2022 marketing goals and finding out how to best achieve them using advanced digital tools. You will also learn how to identify and set marketing goals and develop a successful strategy. As a bonus, you will get a free Marketing Checklist to help you plan a more successful marketing strategy in 2022!

Liz Harsch of Tailor-Made Advertising is the presenter. She has been helping small businesses get the most out of their marketing efforts since 1988. Liz has been awarded by Constant Contact as an All Star e-mail Marketer. She is also Master Certified and an Authorized Local Expert to present marketing, e-mail marketing, and social media workshops.

Cost: Free

Business Networking Group

When: January 19th from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Where: Colleary’s Bistro & Spirits, 2143 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865

This event takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. There, you will have an opportunity to get to know other businesses and expand your own business. You will get to share information about your business and also hear about what other local businesses are doing.

Organized by Orange Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit voluntary membership organization.

Fees for members: $20 and for non-members: $30

Network After Work

When: January 27th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Descanso Restaurant, 1555 Adams Ave #103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

An exclusive, members-only dinner with other local movers and shakers. Networking events like these can take your career to the next level!

The event is free for members to attend. Network After Work is a leader in networking events. Becoming a member will give you access to various networking opportunities and live workshops each month.

Taking part in these events will help boost your business opportunities. For an extra boost, search no further than My OC Bookkeeper. Our bookkeeping and business advisory services can take your business to the next level. We are always ready to partner with Orange County businesses. For more information, reach out to us today!

Before heading to your next business or networking event, check out some essential networking tips in the video below.

Orange County, CA Business Networking & Events Calendar – Dec 2021

A business person in a suit, symbolic of the businesspeople who attend networking and business events in Orange County.

Upcoming Orange County Networking and Business Events

The end of the month is coming fast and it’s time for the December Orange County Business Networking & Events Calendar – your premier guide to this month’s best opportunities to mingle with Orange County’s best. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, network, and pitch your products, services, or great ideas – so strap yourself in and get ready for the best business events of December across Irvine, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and beyond.

The Orange Chamber of Commerce Business Networking Group

When: December 1 and December 15th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Where: Colleary’s Bistro, 2143 N Tustin St, Ste A-6, Orange, CA 92865

The Orange Chamber of Commerce Business Networking Group convenes every first and third Wednesday of the month. It is an excellent opportunity to meet with local entrepreneurs and share ideas, find leads, and make connections. Tickets cost $20 for Commerce members and $30 for non-members and can be bought here.

Women in Business Breakfast

When: December 2 at 7:30 am

Where: The Center Club, 650 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Shawn Andrews from Andrews Research International and author of The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide, will be leading a discussion on ways that women sometimes hold themselves back in their professional lives. The event costs $8 to join.

First Friday Social Networking Mingler

When: December 3rd from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Where: The Country Club Nightclub, Costa Mesa, CA

Hosted by the Modeling Network, this is an opportunity for models, actors, photographers, agents, agencies, influencers, and those looking to get into the beauty and fashion industries to meet and mingle among great cocktails and a great environment.

Youth Business Market

When: December 4th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Where: Masuda Middle School, 17415 Los Jardines W, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

The Orange County Children’s Museum Youth Market is an opportunity for local children to refine their business skills by setting up a booth and selling their products to guests at the market. If you have a young entrepreneur in your family be sure to sign up, and if you want to support our county’s youngest business people be sure to stop by. Booths cost $20.

The symbol for Masuda Middle School, which is having a great business event.

Irvine Startup Mentorship Program

When: December 4th from 8:00 am to 9:00

Where: Virtual

Hosted by business coach and investor Lakshman Singh, this is an opportunity to learn anything and everything about fostering a successful startup business. Tickets range from $30 to $75 and can be purchased on Eventbrite here.

OCIACC Annual Holiday Party

When: December 4th at 6 pm

Where: Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails, 2607 Main Street, Irvine, CA

The OC Iranian American Chamber of Commerce’s annual holiday party is finally here. This fun event will include dinner, drinks, music, and some standup comedy and is a great opportunity to celebrate all of the winter holidays. Tickets cost $150 for members of the OCIACC and $175 for non-members, with the proceeds supporting the OCIACC’s ongoing work to assist the local Iranian American business community. (Tables of 10 cost $1,400 for members, and $1,600 for non-members.)

TIEcon Southwest 2021

When: December 5th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Where: Sheraton Cerritos

Hosted by the TIE SoCal Angels, this all day event involves workshops, panel discussions, speakers, and plenty of networking opportunities. Tickets cost $75 for TIE Socal Angels members, $125 for non-members, and $175 for non-members with a one year membership to the group included.

Leads Groups at the Greater Irvine Chamber

When: December 6th from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm

Where: Greater Irvine Chamber, 36 Executive Park, Ste. 100, Irvine, CA 92614

Irvine and Orange County’s best salespeople meet monthly to share leads, make strategic contacts, and learn from each other. Participation is limited to Chamber of Commerce members, (although non-members may attend once only for a $25 fee), and only one person is allowed to participate from each industry.

Business Plan Workshop

When: December 9th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: The Yorba Linda Public Library, 4852 Lakeview Avenue, Yorba Linda, CA

Hosted by Jim Chamberlain of SCORE, this is a great opportunity to learn how to create a masterful business plan – a crucial thing for all entrepreneurs to know. In particular, the three financial statements will be discussed. Speaking of which, if you want to learn about financial statements, check out our incredible blog post which will explain everything you need to know.

Int’l Association of Business Communicators – OC Holiday Party 2021

When: December 13th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Where: Two Left Forks Restaurant, 6511 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine CA 92603

A great opportunity to mingle with marketing and communications professionals, this great event involves a three course dinner, random drawings, and a chance for some serious networking. Tickets are $25 for IABC members and $50 for non-members.

Looking for a bookkeeper, accountant, outsourced CFO, or business consultant in Orange County? (Or anywhere in Southern California for that matter.) Look no further than My OC Bookkeeper – we can help you with all of your business needs.

Want to learn about all things business and accounting? Check out the My OC Bookkeeper blog, the best business blog in Southern California. (Possibly the world.)

Want to learn more about how to be a good networker? Take a look at this great article here from the Science of People website, or take a look at the video below.

November 2021 Orange County, CA Business Networking & Events Calendar

Three people chatting at a table - like you would at an Orange County business networking event.

Upcoming Orange County Networking and Business Events

Welcome to My OC Bookkeeper’s November 2021 Orange County Business Networking and Events Calendar, your premier guide for great business events in Orange County, CA. There’s a lot of great opportunities to mingle with SoCal’s best this month everywhere from Santa Ana, to Irvine, to the comfort of your own home, so don’t miss out. Read on for ten great opportunities to network, learn, and have fun amongst fellow members of the OC business community.

Seal Beach Business Networking Meetup

When: November 2 from 7:30 – 9:00 am

Where: Virtual (for now)

An opportunity to network with a diverse group of Seal Beach business leaders and share business referrals.

Rancho Cucamonga Job Fair

When: November 3 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where: Cucamonga Christian Fellowship, 11376 5th Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

A great opportunity for both those looking for jobs and those looking for qualified new employees in Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Upland, Ontario, Montclair, Claremont, Rialto, Chino, and the surrounding areas.

1st & 3rd Am Wednesday Leads

When: November 3 from 8:45 – 10: 15 am

Where: Greater Irvine Chamber, 36 Executive Park, Ste. 100, Irvine, CA 92614

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce’s premier lead generation and referral network. Participation limited to one person per industry and free to Chamber of Commerce members. Visitors may attend one time only for $25.

RBN Live and In-Person Networking Luncheon

When: November 3 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where: Darya South Coast Plaza, 3800 S Plaza Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92704

Hosted by the Relationship Building Network, a great opportunity to network and provide a 30 second intro to your business to a dynamic group of local business participants. Tickets are $40 for RBN Members and $45 for non-members. Lunch will be served but guests are limited to 35 so sign up soon.

Business Connection Lunch – Choosing Your Business Structure

When: November 4th at 11:30 am

Where: The Ebell Club of Santa Ana, 718 Mortimer St, Santa Ana, CA, 92701

Art Huerta will make a presentation describing the various business types (LLC, C-Corp, etc.) available to small business owners and their associated tax implications.

National Women of Influence Awards

When: November 4 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Where: Hilton Irvine-Orange County-Airport, 18800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612

Hosted by the Connected Women of Influence, an opportunity to champion women providing leadership in business, entrepreneurship, and industry.

Orange County Networking Event

When: November 12 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm

Where: 5151 California Ave, Irvine, CA

An evening of casual business networking in an outdoor space. Tickets cost $10 and proceeds support Progress Works, an Orange County nonprofit.

Instagram Masterclass: Solopreneurs and Small Business Owners

When: November 12 from 8 am – 12 pm

Where: South Coast College, 2011 W. Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92868

An opportunity for small business owners to learn everything they need to know about leveraging Instagram for their business. Tickets are $75.

Business Etiquette 1 Day Training in Irvine, CA

When: November 12 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Where: Regus – California, Irvine – Irvine Spectrum, 300 Spectrum Center Dr Suite 400, Irvine, CA 92618

A day long training on key aspects of modern business etiquette and how they apply to business success – both in an in-person and remote context. Tickets range from $545 to $795.

OC Made – Small Business Saturday

When: October 30, November 6, November 13, and November 20 from 9 – 11 am

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Hosted by the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, in partnership with the Original OC Swap Meet, an opportunity for start ups to learn about planning, marketing, financing, and how to obtain an Original OC Swap Meet vendor booth. Approximately 25 people will be selected to participate in this program, which is free.

So there you have it – the November 2021 Orange County Business Networking and Events Calendar. A lot of great chances to mingle with and learn from Orange County’s finest. Know of a great local event that we should add to our list? Reach out to us and let us know!

Need a great bookkeeper, accountant, or CFO to help take your business to the next level? You’ve come to the right place. We’re always ready to partner with more exciting Orange County businesses. (Or businesses throughout Southern California for that matter.) Reach out to us today!

Last but not least, check out the video below for a testimonial from some local OC business people regarding the relationship they formed through Orange County business events. That’s it for this month. Check back in December for some more great networking opportunities.

Hiring Employees in California

How do you hire employees in CA?

What Does a Company Have to Do When It’s Ready to Hire Employees in CA?

So, you are wondering what a new company has to do when it is ready to begin hiring employees in California. First of all, if your company has grown enough that you are planning on hiring employees, congratulations, you are clearly doing something right. Bringing on staff is an exciting time for a business, but, like everything else it involves some important steps that you don’t want to miss.

My OC Bookkeeper, the best accounting and bookkeeping firm in Orange County, has put together this handy guide to walk you through some of the basic things that you need to know when hiring employees in California. (Please remember, we are not lawyers, so this is not legal advice. Rather, this is a quick guide to make your life easier and save you some time! Believe us, wandering through a million websites trying to find info on state regulations can be quite frustrating.)

First things first, if you employ one or more people and you pay over $100 in wages during a given quarter you have to register as an employer with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). This is fairly easy and can be done online via the e-Services for Business portal. There you will get your employer payroll tax account number. (This is important so file it away somewhere safe.) The e-Services for Business portal is worth remembering. A lot of the information you will have to file with the California government can be addressed there.

Another useful site is the EDD’s Employer Portal. This is a great place to go to search for information and learn more about California’s various regulatory requirements.

Requirements for hiring employees in CA

As it turns out, there are a number of other things that you will need to do once you hire employees. Other ongoing responsibilities include:

  • Reporting wages paid and State Personal Income Tax (PIT) withheld from wages.
  • Paying Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Employment Training Tax (ETT) on employee wages, as well as withholding and remitting State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Personal Income Tax (PIT). (Refer to Rates and Witholding Schedules.)
  • Reporting all new employees to the New Employee Registry within 20 days of their start-to-work date.
  • If you use the services of independent contractors, you may also have to report them. Refer to Independent Contractor Reporting.
  • Posting notices in your workplace and providing employees with benefit information. Refer to Required Notices and Pamphlets.

If you can remember all of this you will be well on your way, but be sure to read through the EDD’s website, in particular the aforementioned Employer Portal, to make sure that your business is entirely compliant given its unique circumstance and the ever changing regulatory landscape.

So there you have it, My OC Bookkeeper’s quick guide to hiring employees in California. Have follow up questions or need help from the best accounting, bookkeeping, and business consulting service in Orange County? Reach out to us today!

Interested in learning more about setting up a business in CA? Check out our blog post on how to register a new business in CA. Or, better yet, watch  our Comprehensive Guide to Starting a Business in CA, (this is the one below) or our Quick Guide to Starting a Business in CA. If you like them, please don’t hesitate to ‘like’ and ‘subscribe’ – you will get good karma.

Best of luck with your business!