If you haven't already heard the buzz surounding Catalyst 8:

The mission of Catalyst 8 is to spread awareness about the Long Center for the Performing Arts and the arts in Austin. To provide opportunities for social and professional access and involvement and to develop future leaders for the Austin community.

Tomorrow, December 31, 2005 is the last day to become a founding/charter member of Catalyst 8. Your pledge of just $500 will take care of your membership for 3 years instead of one. In addition to your charter membership and recognition as a founding member you'll also receive invitations and free admission to all monthly Catalyst 8 events.

I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity before the end of the year and join me as a founding member of Catalyst 8

For more information and the pledge form: www.catalyst-8.com

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

We're continuing to build the networking and business events calendar on NetworkInAustin.com and I need your help.

In 2005 from April to December we had over 4,000 events listed. My feeling is that this is maybe 25% of what's really out there in our community. It's my personal goal to make sure that the free calendar that you find here on NetworkInAustin.com be as complete as possible.

NetworkInAustin.com covers the Greater Austin Texas area from Georgetown to San Marcos and all parts in between. We list ALL networking events, and most business events.

If you are involved with events or know about events that are not listed we'd like to know about them. We're in the process of developing an event submission form. In the mean time please e-mail the following details to events@networkinaustin.com:

Event Name
Date of the event
Start and finish time
Event frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, varies, one time, etc.)
Cost
Organization
Location name
Location address
Contact name
Contact phone number
Contact e-mail
Website address

Also, we're happy to include a description of the event. These descriptions may be edited.

Thanks for your help in making NetworkInAustin.com one of the best business resources available in Austin, Texas

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

Colette Marie Ingram

Born: Saturday, December 17th at 4:11am
5 lbs, 8 oz., 19.5" long

Both Emily and Colette are doing great. We had some challenges in the first week when Colette lost a little too much weight, and had some jaundice issues. Thus the delay in this post. Those have now been cleared up and everyone is healthy, and of course a little sleep deprived.

We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present.

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

Business networking is very similar to investing in many ways. 

 
Networking like investing works best as a long term strategy. If you invest for the long term, and contribute regularly your chances for success increase exponentially, and so do your gains for that matter. It is extremely rare for anyone to double their money in 30 days or 90 days. Building a strong business network that pays dividends is also a long term strategy. It’s not something that you can work really hard on for 1 month and expect to get more business than you know what to do with.

The most successful investors are those who invest consistently over time. The same is true of successful networkers. They’re committed, and show up consistently over a long period of time.

Most good investors are diversified. They choose several different investments in several different industries to insure that if one of them should fail the growth of the others should more than make up for that one loss. Good networkers build relationships in diverse areas. They’re involved with their local chamber of commerce, an association group or two, and maybe a non-profit board or pure networking type group. They find that having a diverse network allows them to add more value for everyone in each of their individual groups.

Investors can increase their likelihood of success by doing their research. They learn all about the particulars of the companies they invest in. They look to understand the industry and the opportunities and threats they face. Networkers increase their likelihood of success and their value to other networkers by doing their research. They talk to those in their network to understand what they need, and what their challenges are. They constantly read to understand what’s happening in their local economy and in their industry.

Experienced investors know that there will be ups and downs, successes and failures, and eventually they’ll come out ahead. Experienced networkers know that economies change, people come and go, and over time as they build and solidify their relationships they will be successful.

Look at your networking efforts as a long term investment strategy. Network consistently over time with a diverse sampling of your community. Do your research, and know how you can add value to those you meet. Know that there will be set backs, and incredible surges. Do all of these things and your investments in networking will pay off.

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram

NetworkInAustin.com

Sometimes the results of your networking efforts go beyond your wildest expectations. On page 14 of the December 2005 issue of Living Magazine's West Austin Edition is a full page story about my greatest networking success... My wife! Also, this article is the result of networking and "showing up."

Read the full story: West Austin Living Magazine Article

It's really an honor to be considered "Mr. Network." Of course I couldn't do it without a little help from my friends. That's what networking is all about. Thanks to all of you who consider me part of your network.

Special thanks to Tweed Scott, Andy Choquette and Debby McCray for making this article possible.

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

I just realized this morning that only those of you who've been reading my blog for several months, and those who see me regularly know that my life is about to change in a major way.

Emily and I are expecting out first child, a baby girl, in 5 or 6 very short weeks. We're due January 9th, 2006.

I thought this might be a good opportunity to have a little fun with those of you who are reading my blog. How about a contest?

Send an e-mail to: ingrambaby@networkinaustin.com, and pick the exact date and time that you think Emily will deliver. The person who comes the closest to choosing the correct date and time will get some type of really cool prize... I just don't know what that is yet.

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com