I just finished clearing out over 400 e-mail messages from my inbox. My e-mail inbox works much like an inbox on my desk. If there's a message in there it means I haven't dealt with it. So having 400 e-mails meant that I had 400 things to do. Yuck!

As I was going through my messages I kept thinking that I can't be alone in this e-mail inundation. That means that all of the people that I send e-mails to are just as overwhelmed as I am.

Generally e-mail is my prefered mode of communication because I can deal with it whenever I feel like it. Most often that's really early in the morning. Other times it's in the evening, or on days like today it's in the middle of a Sunday. It's great because nobody is going to get upset with me for having dealt with their issue on a Sunday like they would if I made a phone call.

Unfortunately we're all so bombarded by e-mail that much of it doesn't get the attention it deserves. Plus with all of the spam filters and Internet service providers out there you can never be sure that your e-mail even made it to it's final destination.'

The solution: Don't just rely on e-mail to communicate and follow-up. For those items that are really important, pick up the phone and make a call.

Keep using e-mail. It's a great tool, but don't forget that phone sitting on your desk. It's still one of the best business tools we have at our disposal.

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

Scott Ingram and Randall Pinkett

For those of you who came out to support me at BiG Austin's Big Idea Awards ceremony last week... Thank you! It was a tremendous event.

For those of you who are members of NetworkInAustin.com... Thank you!!! This award and NetworkInAustin.com would not be possible without you. Thanks for your ongoing support and referrals. You're the reason I constantly work to make NetworkInAustin bigger, better and more valuable for everyone.

Rookie of the Year: Scott Ingram – NetworkInAustin.com

Most Creative: Melinda Maine Garvey – Austin Women Magazine

Best Transition: Sharon Mays – Baby Greens

BiG Alumnus: Ryan and Austin Borders – All American Recycling Co. DBA Borders Brothers

Each of the winners will receive a 1 year enhanced membership on NetworkInAustin.com. Congratulations to you all!

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

Networking doesn't have to always be about referrals, job leads and the like. Sometimes it can be as simple as sharing information and resources.

Emily, Colette and I just got back from a nice little vacation yesterday. We went to visit Emily's parents outside of Syracuse, New York. It was the first time we've traveled and vacationed with Colette. It was a dream! Not only were Emily's parents there, my parents were there as well. So was Colette's great grandmother. We all got together for Easter and Colette's christening. It really was a vacation for Emily and I since we were able to pass Colette between 4 grandparents, 1 great grandparent, 2 uncles and an aunt.

When I'm on vacation I love to read. It's about the only time I read fiction. One of the books I read on the flight to New York was one I had borrowed from a friend. The other 2 I finished while I was there I'm going to give to a couple of other friends.

Books like so many other things we typically use once and then set on a shelf forever. Rather then putting a book on a shelf I find it's much more productive to lend or give them to someone else. Especially if you've finished reading the book and know who would really get a lot of benefit from it.

Think beyond books. What else do you have laying around your office that you hardly ever use that someone else would get a ton of value from?

Pass it on!

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

Whether you're attending a brand new networking event you've never attended before, or you're a long time member of a well established group you can benefit by bringing someone with you.

Walking into a new networking group where you don't know anyone can be really uncomfortable. Even after all the networking I've done I still get a little nervous in a big group of total strangers. You can help yourself and one of your customers by bringing them along. I'm not saying the two of you should go to the event and just talk to each other. Instead use each other to get to know new people.

By introducing each other to every new person you meet you can become walking testimonials for each other. It'll make you feel more at ease since you can just worry about promoting your customer. You'll also be a little bit more credible in the eyes of the new folks that you meet since you'll have someone right next to you who will vouch for your work.

This works equally as well if you're very established in a group. Invite a friend or colleague to visit the group with you. You can then take them around and introduce them to the key people that they should know. Your guest will be extremely grateful for your efforts, and the other members of your organization will appreciate your help in bringing new people to the group.

Pick up the phone and invite one of your customers to your favorite networking group, or call a friend who'd also be interested in a networking group you'll be visiting for the first time. It'll be a lot easier than going alone, and you'll both win.

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

 

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

If you are starting a business, you can also continue your education with an online college degree program. We can help you with your education and also your education loans. Don't wait, it is easy to earn a higher degree!

I can't believe it's been 3 months since that last time I posted any pictures of Colette. I'll try and be better about that in the future.
As you can see she's the cutest baby you've ever seen. She's obviously a future networker in the making. Have you ever seen a more inviting smile than that?

Need I say more?

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com