If you've been reading my blog for any length of time you know that I consistently write about finding ways to add value to your network. A couple of ways that you can quickly add lasting value to those deserving individuals in your network are through award nominations and testimonials.

If you pay attention to it you'll notice quite a few requests for nominations for a variety of different awards through out the year. Here are just a few examples:

• Austin Business Awards - Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
• Austin Under 40 - Young Men's Business Leage (YMBL) and Young Women's Alliance (YWA)
• Entrepreneur of the Year - Ernst & Young
• BiG IDEA Awards - BiG AUSTIN
• Best Places to Work - Austin Business Journal

Keeping an eye out for these calls to nominate and spending just a few minutes to think about the one or two people in your network who are really deserving of this type of recognition. Investing just a few minutes of your time to fill out a nomination form can bring some great recognition and publicity to your nominee. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that somebody else will nominate them. Worst case scenario there is nothing worse than for them to receive multiple nominations. How do you think these awards get won?

The most deserving of recognition in your network might not fit a particular award category. That's ok, you can always write an unsolicited testimonial. Again, this act takes just a few minutes but can be incredibly valuable to the person you're testimonializing. Best practice: make the testimonial public. An easy way to do this is to write the Testimonial on LinkedIn. That way the person you've written it for has the choice of whether or not to display what you've written (they'll be thankful either way). If they do choose to add it to their profile both your entire LinkedIn network and their network will be made aware of your kudos.

The next time you see a nomination request take 2 minutes to think of someone you can nominate.

Right now, choose the one person in your network most deserving of a testimonial (the name should pop into your head almost immediately). Now take just 5 minutes to write a quick testimonial and send it to them. I promise you'll make their day.

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com