Business Networking Tips in "personal"

Networking OnFire! Austin B2B Networking

posted on June 21, 2009

Networking OnFire!If your primary networking aim is B2B sales because you're either in sales, business development, marketing or are an entrepreneur or business owner you may find traditional networking organizations to be missing something. Typically this challenge comes from the lack of focus and attention on the needs of business to business service providers. This is a particularly pronounced challenge in tight referral/leads groups where one person per industry or profession is allowed. These groups like BNI (Business Networking International) are coveted by by several core industries that benefit heavily from this type of group (Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Brokers, Insurance Agents, Financial Advisors, Chiropractors, etc.). None of these primary industries are B2B, and this typically means that more than half of the group is not consistently in a position to refer you opportunities with other businesses. Even before the organization launched in 2007 I've worked loosely with the founders of Networking OnFire to help them create a  compelling solution for some of these problems in the B2B space. I even lead one of their teams that supported me in my sales efforts when I was working with ADP, and it was literally the most productive group I've ever been a part of. Most recently Networking OnFire and NetworkInAustin.com have formed a strategic partnership, and I am personally involved in helping them develop strong B2B only networking teams. There are several things that really set this organization apart that I want to share with you. B2B Only - These teams are far more productive in the B2B space because of their focus. The synergies that are created when everyone is calling on similar organizations are powerful. Flexible Structure - Ad hoc groups tend to fall apart or become less and less productive over time because they lack structure. The right structure for the group keeps meetings productive. However there is also flexibility in that structure so that it continues to support the function of the team, not inhibit it. Additionally most groups meet bi-weekly as this seems to be the ideal interval for highly productive individuals. Weekly is just too much, but monthly isn't nearly enough. Committment & Accountability - In a one person per industry networking group it's exceptionally important for everyone in that group to be committed to the group and be producing consistent opportunities. Minimum accountability standards insure that the group as a whole is maximizing opportunity creation for each member of the group. On the other hand good highly productive sales professionals are a very competitive breed. Competition and rewards help top producers produce even more. Technology - Missed opportunities are prevalent in other formats because of the reliance on scraps of paper or members taking their own notes and forgetting to follow-up. Networking On Fire offers several web based tools to make sure that no opportunity falls through the cracks. You'll even have the opportunity to track your personal ROI based on your own closed business generated by your team. No MLM - Just like the value of the exclusive focus on B2B not allowing MLM helps keep the level of professionalism in the group at a very high level. Training & Education - It's so important for those generating revenue for their organization to continually hone and refine their skills. The group structure offers time in each meeting to do just that, as well as providing plenty of information to jump start the process. I've created and been a part of many focused networking groups over the years. They've all had their issues over time, and nearly all of those issues are solved by the Networking On Fire model. From what I've seen, even a very productive group that's been humming along for a while on their own can easily be 15-20% more productive (productive in this sense means Revenue generated by the group), using the systems and technology the Networking On Fire employs. If you're an above average producer in generating B2B revenue, and you think being part of a group like this would benefit you please give me a call (512-646-2701). I'd be happy to visit with you to discuss what might be possible. Happy Networking! -Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com

Author: Scott Ingram

My Leadership Austin Experience

posted on June 9, 2009

With the next Essential Class application deadline looming (Monday, June 15th), and the final recruiting reception scheduled for this Wednesday evening at Whole Foods I thought it only appropriate that I write a little bit about my experience as a member of the 2009 Leadership Austin Essential class. Before being accepted into the class last year, which is sort of like applying to college (Big fat envelope = good, skinny envelope = bad. I should know I've received both kinds), I had heard consistently incredible things about the program. I was actually a little aprehensive after being accepted, because it had been positioned as such a great thing by several people that I have a whole lot of respect for. My concern was that this would be like a good movie that gets a lot of buzz and great reviews and everyone tells you that you just have to go see it. Then you end up being let down because it's been so built up. That was my fear going in, and fortunately that fear was never realized. I'm not going to talk a whole lot about what actually happens in the class because the discovery of that is half the fun. Besides most of the experiences just can't be described. For those who know, no explanation is needed; for those who don't, no explanation is possible. You just have to trust that after doing this for 30 consecutive years Leadership Austin does darn near everything just right. In a nutshell though all of the activities are designed to help in three areas: Relationships, Issues and Skills. For me the most amazing part of Leadership Austin is the quality of people they attract, and the impressive job they do in their selection process. It is an unbelievably humbling experience the first time you read through the bios of your fellow classmates. Perhaps more incredibly is that they've selected 30 classes like ours and the things Leadership Austin alumni go on to do afterwards is nothing short of awe inspiring. The thing that absolutely makes the class is the quality of people. Hands down. The diversity of the class  is truly amazing, and I'm not even talking about the ethnic, age or socioeconomic type of diversity either (although they do a great job with that as well). I'm talking about the diversity of experience and interest. One of my biggest learnings from our whole class experience is the way we as individuals tend to live in silos. If you're a professional you may know lots of folks in the professional world, in your industry, and those who share similar interest and hobbies (think kids or running for example). However, there are so many of these different broad silos. Business, healthcare, education, government, arts, etc. etc., and often times there's not a lot of cross polination. Leadership Austin brings them ALL together. Out of our class of 54 people there's almost nothing, no matter how obscure, that somebody in just our class had some type of connection to. I can't think of another organization that brings this diversity of talent and leadership together into a single place, and has such a significant and lasting impact on all of them. When Leadership Austin says "Igniting Passion," they're really not kidding. Certainly some of the reason I decided to leave a really good corporate job and go back to NetworkInAustin full time was because of what I learned and experienced through Leadership Austin. There are other word for it, but my passion was ignited for sure! So here's the point. I can't endorse an organization more than I do Leadership Austin. They offer a huge range of programs that are all impressive. The flagship Essential class is a major committment, and is not for everyone, and if you're ready I highly encourage you to apply. Leadership Austin needs you, and you need Leadership Austin. They also have an Emerge program for budding leaders. This is a smaller committment, and a very valuable program for the right individuals. You can also get involved through Experience Austin or their Engage breakfast series which don't have a selection process to get into. If you haven't already download an application now and RSVP for the Recruiting Reception on Wednesday: www.LeadershipAustin.org Are you a Leadership Austin Alumni? I'd love to hear your thoughts on your experience. Comment away! Happy Networking! -Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com

Author: Scott Ingram

We'll Miss you Grandma

posted on July 13, 2008

I learned this morning that my Grandma had passed on last night at the age of 92. In many ways this was a big relief. She'd been in pretty bad shape for quite a few months with a very low quality of life. So I'm glad to know she's finally in a much better place. When I was younger my younger brother and I were fortunate in that we got to spend quite a bit of time with all of my grandparents. Both sets of grandparents lived a mile apart about 40 minutes from our home in Southern California. Unfortunately my Grandma on my Dad's side, Jane Ingram, was the last one to survive. While we're all saddened by her loss I was so lucky to have all 4 of my grandparents growing up until I was 18. Grandma Ingram was always a lot of fun. She was the biggest spoiler of them all. I'm sure my parents loved all of the ultra sweat cereals and cookies that she would always have an unlimited supply of when we were around. There was never any doubt that she loved her Grandchildren. She also had the biggest heart. I'm not sure that my Grandma ever missed a Sunday at church. The same church where my parents were married and she was a Deacon before her health really started to decline. Then after church she volunteered for Meals on Wheels for as long as I can remember. She never missed, and every now and then she'd bring me along. That was a gift. Sharp and whitty were her middle names. Much earlier in her life she worked at a Women's Prison. There was an incident that she would occasionally joke about. She would say that she was very quick with the trigger, but a little slow on the draw... That was the time she shot herself in her own leg. I would hope that she counts her son, my dad, and her grandkids as one of her greatest accomplishments. If the way that we turned out is any testament to the kind of woman she was (especially my Dad), then I know she'll go far and enjoy her new home. We'll miss you Grandma, I love you. -Your Loving Grandson

Author: Scott Ingram

My Rediculously Cute Daughters!

posted on June 8, 2008

Emily took the girls to get some pictures taken on Friday... This process was difficult enough with 1. Now trying to get the two of them to cooperate simultaneously is a near impossibility. Not the case on Friday. They must have both been in a great mood. Emily came home with a stack of pictures and a CD with 160 more. They were all good. I couldn't believe it. I've been given a hard time more than once for now having pictures of the girls with me. Now I have absolutely no excuse! For those of you who've been asking for pictures here they are. I've pulled out the best of the best and uploaded them: Scott Ingram's Picasa Site                 Happy Networking! Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com

Author: Scott Ingram

Can Somebody blog about not blogging and still not be a blogger?

posted on February 28, 2008

I've been having an internal debate for months about whether or not I'm still a blogger since I haven't written a new post in almost 6 months. I thought for a long time that I should at least have the last post be something a little more relevant and on topic than ultrasound pictures of my, at the time, yet to be born daughter.   After all this time I think I've decided that rather than writing a blog post about not blogging that it's time to just start blogging again. I'm not ready to committ to the 2-3 posts a week schedule that I tried to maintain for the first couple of years that I blogged, but there is still a lot of knowledge and experiences to share. I just hope that there's more time to execute.   In the next few weeks I'll work to give you a life update. The most important and significant event has been the birth of my second daughter: Adelaide Jane Ingram. Just like her younger sister she couldn't wait to be here and made her entry into the world over 4 weeks early.   I also want to start doing something I wish other bloggers would do more frequently. That is writing about the books that they read. I read quite a bit and am always curious about what others are reading, and what they think about what they've read. The suggestions of others is my favorite starting point for deciding what I want to read next. I figure I'll lead by example and share my thoughts on some of the things I've been reading recently.   Stay tuned...   Happy Networking!   Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com

Author: Scott Ingram

Ultrasound says... It's a going to be a Girl!

posted on September 17, 2007

Emily, Colette and I all went to Emily's ultrasound appointment today. Of course you go to the ultrasound to make sure that the baby is healthy and all the measurements are good, blah, blah, blah. The real reason everybody gets excited about them is because you get to find out the sex of your next kid. The verdict is in... It's going to be another Girl! Emily and I are both really excited, while future big sister isn't sure yet. I had kind of hoped for a boy, but after having one girl know that I will definately not have a problem with 2 daddy's little girls. Here she is!   Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com

Author: Scott Ingram

3 Keys to Success: Relationships, Persistence & Integrity

posted on September 14, 2007

I've been having a number of conversations lately about success. (I feel an idea brewing) These conversations have really gotten me to thinking about how and why I've been successful. It really didn't take me long to boil it down to 3 key ingredients: Relationships, Persistence and Integrity If you've read my blog at all or understand the true meaning of networking than the relationships point is obvious. Without all of the great people I've met over the course of my life I couldn't possibly be where I am today. I think this is probably true for most highly successful people. It's just not possible to get to the top by yourself. There is always help along the way. You've just got to keep going. Persistence is probably the hardest success ingredient. Too many people give up before the hard work they've been doing starts to pay off. Related specifically to networking it's not unusual at all for me to just start to see the results of seeds I planted 2 and 3 years ago. As long as you're persistent, care for those seeds you planted and don't abandon them it's amazing the opportunities that grow. There are always rough patches, you just have to realize that they all end. You've just got to keep going and stay in the game... It certainly isn't a sprint. Integrity for me is pretty simple. It means doing what you say you're going to do and doing the right thing. There's also the Rotary Four-Way Test: Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned? Without Integrity your success is built without a foundation... It won't take much to take you down. What does success mean to you? How would you define it and what are your secrets?E-mail me: scott (at) networkinaustin.com Happy Networking! Scott IngramNetworkInAustin.com

Author: Scott Ingram

Focus and Priorities

posted on August 26, 2007

I'm a big believer in focus. I think that you can only be successful when you're focused. If your attention is spread to thin then your likelihood of success in any one area is diminished. Whereas if you're focused on only one or two primary objectives your odds for success increase dramatically. Personally my focus has been almost exclusively in two areas lately. My new career with ADP and my family. Emily is pregnant with our second child (coming next year), and somehow Colette is already 20 months old. Even though I'm working less than I've ever worked in my life (40-50 hours a week) family obligations have quickly taken up the extra time... Which is absolutely fine with me! This is the primary reason I've not been blogging nearly as regularly as I have in the past. I'm hopeful that I'm able to post a little more frequently than I have of late. However, Colette doesn't seem to be a big fan of sleeping which really limits my opportunities. The way that I network has really followed the same path. I find myself much more focused on the relationships that have proven over and over again to be the most productive. Making it a priority to contribute to a smaller group of people allows me to make larger contributions, and the rewards are far greater than when I spread myself too thin. What are your priorities? Do you have too many? Take the time to evaluate what's truly important in your life. What areas are most important, and where do you want to concentrate your success? Until next time… Happy Networking! Scott IngramNetworkInAustin.com

Author: Scott Ingram

Happy Blog Birthday to Me!

posted on June 27, 2007

Somehow it snuck up on me and happened again. Today is 2 years after my first blog post.   I have to admit that this year wasn't nearly as active as my first. There've been a number of other priorities in my life lately. However, the value of the blogging I'm doing and have done in the past continues to pay dividends. Having a regular blog has absolutely been worth the investment of my time.   Another friend of mine, Jason Alba the Founder and CEO of JibberJobber.com, just celebrated his first blog birthday in the last few days. He is doing a really cool series on his blog about the secrets he's learned after blogging every business day for 1 year. It's a great series, and he's only up to Day 2 of the 5 Day series. Jason is another person who came into my life and network because of my blog. I'll tell you more about JibberJobber next week, it's also an excellent resource.     I guess I should go eat some cake?   Happy Networking!   Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com

Author: Scott Ingram

Austin Marathon

posted on February 18, 2007

After getting its start as the Motorola Marathon, then becoming the Freescale Marathon for the first time today this Austin Marathon was finally called just that: The Austin Marathon. Emily, Colette and I got up early to go watch the first part of the race which passed within a block of our house. I'm not sure how many times they changed the course before deciding on the one they used today. The first couple of attempts were very hilly courses and there was an awful lot of complaining from the running community. That's not a good thing for a race that bills itself as a fast race and a good Boston Marathon Qualifier (the pinacle for regular marathon runners). Unfortunately I didn't get to run in today's race. I spent August through December training specifically for the Half Marathon, but after twisting my ankle VERY badly in late December I haven't been able to run since. I was a little bummed that I wasn't able to run the race myself, but watching a Maraton is always an inspiring thing for me. Growing up in Southern California I'd always watch the LA Maraton on TV. It's probably that annual event that lead to my being a runner today. Not having run the race I don't know if the final course was really good or not. On paper it looked like it represented Austin well. Especially with the finish on Congress with the Capital as the background. We also walked about a mile of the course and saw no less than 3 live bands. Gotta love Austin! Congratulations Finishers! Your hard work and persistence have paid off. Enjoy your accomplishment. Happy Networking! Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com

Author: Scott Ingram