This may seem ultra obvious but experienced networkers got where they are because of their experience networking. Whether you're a novice networker or a seasoned pro, only one thing is going to make you better: Networking more. For the newbie networker networking is probably a pretty uncomfortable act. So was driving when you first started. Over time you did it over and over again and now you probably don't even think about it anymore. With enough consistency and effort over a period of time your networking skills can become just as second nature. Nearly all of us learn best by doing. You could read everything there is about driving, but until you get behind the wheel and do it for yourself you're not going to be very good at it. The same is true of networking. You could read all of the networking books and blogs out there and still not be a very good networker until you get out there and do it for yourself. Now I'm not telling you to stop reading my networking blog, but I'd much rather you actually go out and network then sit there at your desk reading this. If you're a more seasoned networker the same still holds true. You can read this blog and get some great suggestions (if I do say so myself), but if you don't implement any of the tips or strategies I suggest they won't do you a bit of good. In other words... Get out there and network. You'll be better for it. Happy Networking! Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com

If you're in Austin, Texas you're probably working from home like me today rather than trying to slide your car around on the hills and bridges of Austin. Today face-to-face meetings are impractical and all of the regular meetings that you would usually attend have been cancelled. Plus you probably have even more time available than usual since you didn't have to hassle with any type of commute. Therefore and henceforth by the lack of power vested in me by some non-existent authority I decree today to be: Follow-up Day! What a great time to pick up the phone and reach out to all of those people you've been meaning to follow-up with, but haven't had a chance. I'm even a little ashamed to admit that I have a number of them myself. (How else do you think I came up with such a great idea?) If the people you'd like to follow-up with are also here in Austin or Dallas or Waco or you get the idea, then they're probably more reachable than they might ordinarily be. Only have an office number and they're not in the office? Start with an e-mail and ask if there's a number that they can be reached at. I'm willing to bet you'll get a pretty quick reply in most cases. Take advantage of this adversity to take your 2007 goals and networking to the next level. Make today your own Follow-up Day! Happy Networking! Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com Did you need to follow-up with me? Feel free to give me a call: 512-689-5595

The difference between a great networker and a bad networker can be minute. The good news is that you can really set yourself apart by doing very basic things. I decided to write this post after reading Liz Handlin's post: "Manners Make a Difference." I highly recommend you take 2 minutes to read her entry before reading the rest of my commentary. Click here now. Ok. Now that you're back you can see the Liz had an experience with a great networker and a bad networker in the exact same scenario. The only difference between great and bad was the 3 minutes it took to write a quick thank you note to Liz. Now I'm sure that Liz would have been just as satisfied with a quick 30 second phone call or even voicemail simply acknowledging the help she provided and a simple "thank you." That's literally all it takes. That's the difference. Thank you notes are one of the most powerful tools available today. Between the card, envelope and stamp you'll probably spend a whole dollar ($1.00). Literally I don't think you can possible get more bang for a buck. How do you feel when you get a hand written note in the mail? It's probably the first thing you open and the last thing you forget as you go through your mail opening routine. You can have that kind of impact for the investment of $1 and a few minutes of your time. This is very unscientific, but based on my experience networking here in Austin I'd say that 3% of networkers regularly use thank you notes. Are you in the top 3 percent? Happy networking! Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com

After suggesting repeatedly in my last post that you create your own networking plan I thought I'd share a little of my 2007 strategy with you. Over the last several years I've literally met thousands of people in the Austin business community. However, just meeting someone and exchanging cards does NOT make them part of your network. So my own 'real' network consists of several hundred people. I personally believe that I'm at a point that I will get the best return on my networking investment of time and money by focusing on deepening my existing relationships. Not that I will stop meeting new people or attending new events. But, I've built my personal network to a point that a lot of that happens automatically. My network continues to grow by itself as others in my network connect me with more and more great people. When I say I'll be deepening my existing relationships I don't mean ALL of those relationships. First I'll focus on my core network. The total number is roughly a few dozen people who frankly I like a lot and who've made a difference in my life. They represent the quality portion of my network. My core network is not a static list of folks. The dynamics of relationships change over time and some will come and others will go. That's half the fun. Once the focus has been put squarely where it belongs comes the real meat of my own strategy. Making a difference in their lives. My job is to find ways to make a contribution to their success and the completion of their goals. Sometimes it'll be small contributions, other times I'll be able to make a huge impact. The important thing is to build the relationship by helping them. It's also important to help them help me. I have to be able to articulate what they can do for me. Relationships are bi-directional. This strategy of focus, quality and contribution also applies to events. I will probably attend fewer events this year than I have in the past. I can get just as much if not more value by focusing on the events and organizations that have proven to provide me with the most benefit (quality). Then I'll again make a contribution by getting more involved in those organizations. My hope is that by sharing some of my own strategies you'll have an easier time devising your own. So... What's YOUR 2007 networking strategy? Happy Networking! Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com