For years resisted the idea of NetworkInAustin.com hosting events. I originally started the site to help people find appropriate networking events for themselves and we've built a huge calendar of business networking events in and around Austin, Texas. I always thought there were already too many things going on, why would we want to create another.

After 3 years of hearing "when is your next event," and "how can I meet your members." I finally decided to listen. We started working on this several months ago. I reached out to members, newsletter subscribers and those who'd joined our LinkedIn Group and asked how we could create the most productive networking events in Austin.

I honestly think we've found the answer! What started with those initial comments turned into dozens of conversations that have lead to a format that you should be incredibly excited about.

My first issue was speakers. I frequently make fun of myself when I speak to organizations. I'll ask how many people attended event with one of their primary motivations being "networking." Typically 70%-90% will raise their hand. The problem is that they probably had 10-15 minutes to network before the event started. Then they're expected to sit down, shut-up and listen to me while eating some form of rubber chicken for 40 minutes to an hour. How is anybody doing any networking? Then the event ends and most run off to re-engage their incredibly busy lives.

Our answer is to still have speakers, but to have those speakers present an executive overview of their topic in 20 minutes. Light on details, but heavy on concepts. Then for those people who want to learn more about that topic we'll be offering a 1 hour teleseminar with the speaker(s) the following week. This will be free to members and those who attended the event. It should also give people a chance to think of really good real world questions for the speakers, and have a chance to try out some of their suggestions before the teleseminar.

Timing was also a big concern. All of the traditional networking event times seem to have issues. Austin is NOT a morning town. Making breakfast a challenge which is compounded by traffic and those who have to get kids to school etc. Lunch meetings seem to be hard as they cause you to cut your morning short and most want to bolt back to work as soon as the events is over. Then there are mixers. One person told me that if there was another mixer in Austin they might lose their liver. Not to mention those of us with families can have a tough time making too many of these.

The solution? Tea Time Events! Our initial events will be held the second Monday of each month from 4pm - 5:30pm. Most people aren't super productive at 4pm anyway, so you're not losing much by leaving a few minutes early. Then if you have a family or another event to get to afterwords we'll be done early enough that this shouldn't be an issue.

Finally I'm most excited about the format that we've created for the last hour of the event once the speaker is finished. It's a concept called NetStorming. I'll write a whole blog post about this, and those who register for the event will receive a special NetStorming primer to take full advantage of this format. In essence this is a model that teaches REAL networking by doing it, real time. A combination of Networking and Brainstorming I've found that it's nearly impossible not to get value from this structure. It forces people to focus on giving to each other, which also means they'll be focused on giving to YOU. It also provides a level of accountability when it comes to follow-up which is the biggest area where would be networkers fail.

If you thought you knew what networking was before I hope you'll attend these events and experience what it's really about.

Get the details and Register Today!

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com