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!
The first NetworkInAustin Gives project is here! We will be partnering with The Capital Area Food Bank for the next month. Between now and the end of February we will be running a Virtual Food Drive online, culminating in 2 days worth of volunteer opportunities at the Food Bank.
Hopefully you'll begin to hear about this effort from numerous sources, and help us spread the word.
The real kick-off of this project will follow the NetStorming event on Monday, February 9th. That event runs from 4:00 - 5:30pm at the Norris Conference Center. Starting at 6:15pm David Davenport, the CEO of CAFB, will give a short presentation. You'll learn a about the Food Bank and how it works, the various ways to get involved in this initiative and the impact your involvement can have on our local community. [David's presentation is open to ALL regardless of whether or not you are attending the NetStorming event prior]
The Virtual Food Drive is up and running NOW! We hope you'll consider making a contribution directly to the Food Bank and asking your friends, family and co-workers to consider doing the same. Give as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. What's most important is your participation, and every contribution matters.
During David's presentation you can also learn about how to setup your own food drive in your office if you'd prefer to get involved that way.
Finally the part I'm most excited about is the chance for us to volunteer and work together at the Food Bank on Thursday, February 26th and Friday, February 27th. There will be 4 different shifts available:
Thursday, February 26: 6-9pm
Friday, February 27: 7:30-9:30am
Friday, February 27: 9:00-12:00
Friday, February 27: 1:00-4:00pm
Space is limited, so please let us know which shift(s) you're interested in. For now you can just leave a comment on this blog post.
Thank you in advance for your willingness to participate and all of your hard work for this important organization.
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.
The most excited part of the new NetworkInAustin.com monthly meetings is the NetStorming format that we've spent the last couple of months refining.
Most networking events don't provide a structure for truly productive networking to occur. Most just throw a bunch of people in a room together, perhaps they apply some alcohol and then hope for a successful networking experience. Others give everyone an opportunity to stand and give an elevator pitch. That's not networking. That's advertising to each other. Not exactly productive.
I think many people become frustrated with networking or find that it isn't productive and doesn't produce the results they were looking for. That's because they're not really networking. They might be going to networking events, but they're not getting enough opportunities to really network.
NetStorming fixes all of this. You'll have an opportunity to provide value, get value, demonstrate your unique expertise and begin building real profitable relationships.
This is about experiencing what networking really is. Not talking about good networking, or learning about it from a speaker. No, we're talking about experiencing productive networking in real-time.
In a nutshell you'll be seated at a table with 7 others. Each person will have 5 minutes to do whatever they like with the group. Those who don't know better will probably pitch for 5 minutes. The good news for you if there's someone like this at your table is that you only have to put up with them for 5 minutes. The real networkers will provide 30 seconds to a minute of background and context and will ask for very specific advice or specific introductions from the others at the table. All of this advice and follow-up items will be captured and e-mailed back to the group to provide a level of accountability for the follow-up items that were committed to. Plus you don't have to stress about taking a bunch of notes and can remain fully engaged.
I'm not going to explain every nuance of the format here. Those who register for our events will receive a NetStorming primer prior to the event where you'll learn more about how the format works and how to get the most out of it for yourself.
The results from my initial tests of this format were phenomenal! I tried NetStorming with a small group that's been getting together consistently for the last 3 years. This is a very productive group based on real revenue results from our relationships. After just one demo we agreed that this was the single most productive meeting we'd had together. As in the best of over 150 meetings!
Come join us and experience for yourself what NetStorming is all about.
Recently I asked my network through LinkedIn: "What are the visible attributes of a 'Nasty Networker?'"
Over 30 people responded through LinkedIn (others replied via e-mail, but I've not included their responses in this post). I encourage you to read the complete question and all of the answers here.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this list. You were all incredibly helpful! I've boiled the answers down into some common categories ranked by the frequency of their appearance
Signs of a Nasty Networker
Selfish. Not interested in helping others.
Doesn't ask questions. Talks too much.
Bashes or otherwise acts inappropriately towards competitors.
Uses high pressure and other bad sales techniques.
Abuses contact information. Sends spam and other unwanted communication.
Ignores business card etiquette.
Social climber. Always looking for somebody better to talk to.
Not open.
Naive and needs education (about proper networking).
More interested in the quantity of connections, not their quality.
Disrespectful.
In the end I think that "Nasty Networking" is driven primarily by either naivete or desperation. I saw a quote recently that suggested that the selfish type of taker networking is not networking at all, but rather Needworking. My hope is that by sharing this list we can help the naive/needworkers get onto the path of true networking.
As we prepare to launch the first NetworkInAustin.com events it also my intention to not allow any "Nasty Networkers" to attend. Hopefully the education provided in this post will dissuade anyone from taking these approaches so that we're not forced to ask people not to return.
Here are many of the consolidated responses to my question grouped by the categories listed above.
Selfish. Not interested in helping others
"Doesn't try to help at all"
"Selfish and self-interested"
"In short, a 'Nasty Networker' is self centered and disinterested"
"Uses every opportunity to speak (including thank you's and announcements time) to give a sales pitch for themselves"
"refers less than is referred to him/her (it is ALWAYS better to give than it is to receive)"
"Someone who immediately asks 'who does your ....' (phone, insurance, payroll, office supplies...) instead of saying 'who are YOU?' and getting to know you."
"100% self-focused -- demonstrations may include: usurping your time while at an event asking for "free" business advice; never offering anything in exchange"
"Rude, disrespectful, fast-talking, is not interested in a mutually beneficial relationship, totally dis-interested in you or your needs."
"My main beef regarding a nasty networker is one with the belief that it's all about them"
Doesn't ask questions. Talks too much
"Doesn't ask questions"
"Talk don't listen"
"Talking not listening"
"A 'Nasty Networker' keeps their own interests secret, they listen, and want to 'know', to own, and control."
"talks more than listens"
"Poor listeners."
"Vomitous from the mouth"
Bashes or otherwise acts inappropriately towards competitors
"Steals from competitors"
"Bashing or being condescending towards competing companies or products"
"Talks down about their competition"
"Some of the most memorable "nasty" networkers that I've come across made an (unfavorable) impression because they were publicly trashing a competitor"
"A nasty networker is somebody that comes to an event sponsored by another company and stands next to the host the whole night scarfing their contacts."
Uses high pressure and other bad sales techniques
"They launch into their sales pitch as part of introducing themselves."
"Asks for a one-on-one meeting to get to know you, gives you a sales presentation."
"Asks for a meeting because he/she is interested in YOUR business, gives you a sales presentation."
"if there is no relationship there, I'll go to the internet before I'd go to a pushy salesperson!"
"people will ask you questions about your business at a networking function in a way that seems geared specifically to put you on the defensive--these sort of questions are perfectly appropriate at a pitch meeting or the presentation of a proposal, but I'm not sure a networking event is necessarily the best venue" Abuses contact information. Sends spam and other unwanted communication
"Uses the majority of all communications (personal interactions, e-mail, blog, twitter etc.) to try to sell you something"
"I've had a couple of nasty networkers that asked for my information and promptly signed me up for their weekly newsletters (or worse, their promotional pieces!) without even the 'great to meet you' email followup to our initial meeting."
"I find especially annoying those who add you to a distribution list without asking"
"Follows up with email/call that is all about the"
Ignores business card etiquette
"They give you extras of their business cards so you can pass it on to someone who might need their services ... the first time you meet them!"
"Grabbing everyone's cards and then leaving early"
"Networks like a bull in a China shop - runs up to everyone with the intro/handshake/business card routine - never listens or asks about anyone else"
"Only interested in collecting business cards"
Social climber. Always looking for somebody better to talk to
"The person who scans the room looking for for new targets while trying to engage you in some sort of dialogue."
"The 'look past you' networkers just nodding until they can talk to someone else."
"Lack of eye contact. If a person isn't focused on you, they are 'elsewhere'. They are probably looking for better alternatives vs. talking to you."
Not open
"They talk only to people they know at networking events."
"those who aren't willing to invite new people into their ongoing conversations."
"Talk to only people that they know."
Naive - Needs Education
"I trust that all of these attributes will either be retooled by the novice as they mature and learn ethics or they will be weeded out."
"I think most people who are bad networkers are just ignorant and uneducated. I've only met one person in 5 1/2 years at the Chamber who was deliberately hateful."
"I guess the 'Nasty Networker' walks the line of desperation. 'I have to make my numbers now so I am going to impose myself on each and every prospect I run across.'"
Quantity vs. Quality
- is out for quantity versus quality
Quantity verses quality
Disrespectful
I also think networking gets a bad rap from people who are condescending
It seems that everyone I talk to lately is incredibly busy. I know I am. This causes us to look more and more at how we're spending our time to try and find ways we can be most effective. In the last few weeks I've had several opportunities to combine networking with other activities. Each of these different events were fantastic and I'm sure I'm not the only person who'd like to find more ways to do this.
As I was thinking about writing this blog post it dawned on me that I already combine networking with other activities quite well. Being that I do a huge portion of my networking during lunch is the perfect example. For some combining coffee and networking would count, but being that I don't ordinarily drink coffee doesn't exactly put this in the win column for me. Golf is another tried and true combination networking opportunity utilized by many.
This morning I went on a great 20+ mile bike ride with CJ Romberger and Brian Massey. I can't think of many other ways to combine burning 800+ calories with great conversation and relationship building. In fact I'm pretty sure we're on our way to working together in a meaningful way on a project (stay tuned for details).
A couple of weeks ago Chris Garrigues put together the second Twitter Playdate where he helped gather a number of local professionals who use Twitter at Zilker Park with our kids on a Sunday afternoon.
In both of these examples networking was combined with activities that are important by themselves, and serve to bring us even closer together via our shared interest (cycling/kids).
Here are a few other ideas:
Networking and many types of exercise: Running, Cycling, Walking, Golf, Weight Lifting, etc. (Swimming... Not so much)
Volunteer - Bring a group of people together and do some good in the community together.
Put together a dinner party and include spouses/significant others.
Wine Tasting - Do you have a love for wine? What a great excuse to bring people together
Favorite Hobby? Bring others who share your passion together around this special interest
These aren't exactly unique ideas. I'd be willing to bet that some of your closest friendships have been developed around activities or interests that you share with another person. These are a major source of accidental networking connections. I'm suggesting you be just a bit more intentional about the activities you love and the people you'd like to build better relationships with.
What other experiences and activites can you combine with your networking efforts? No really, I want to know. Please add your own comment, story or suggestion to this blog post. Thanks!
A few weeks ago I blogged about the concept of Passionate Involvement. On November 5th there is an incredible opportunity for you to find your own passion and get involved. Next Wednesday Greenlights for NonProfit Success, The Junior League of Austin, Leadership Austin along with Comerica Bank and Vinson & Elkins will present the Fall 2008 Board Summit.
This event will be held from 5:45 - 8:00pm at Vinson & Elkins (2801 Via Fortuna #100) and Registration is only $35.00
You'll have the opportunity to network with 150+ business professionals and listen to business and community leaders talk about nonprofit board service.
The best part is you'll have a low-risk opportunity to learn about 20 diverse, pre-screened local nonprofit organizations that are actively looking for board members just like you.
There are so many reasons you should attend this event. Do yourself a favor and Register Right Now!
Here is a little more information and links to the websites of each of the 20 participating nonprofits: AIDS Services of Austin, Inc.
Mission: AIDS Services of Austin responds to the HIV needs of the Austin area by providing services that enhance the health and well being of individuals and the community in the face of an evolving epidemic.
American YouthWorks
Mission: Building productive lives and better communities.
Anthropos Arts
Mission: Anthropos brings professional Latin and jazz musicians into low-iincome public schools (Grades 6-12) to lead students through free music programs: workshops, individualized lessons, concerts, and master classes.
Austin Child Guidance Center
Mission: To improve the mental health of children and their families through early intervention, diagnosis and treatment to help them develop the emotional skills for meeting life's challenges.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Mission: To help children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships.
Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas
Mission: To be a centralized source for breast cancer information, education and support that enables women to become active, knowledgeable, participants in their healthcare.
Camp Fire USA Balcones Council
Mission: Camp Fire USA builds caring, confident youth and future leaders by engaging children and their families in inclusive, coeducational activities.
Citizen Schools
Mission: To change the life trajectories of low-income students. We challenge them to be producers, leaders, and stewards of their own futures. We strive to move them onto a “success track,” heading toward high school graduation, college attainment, and positions of leadership in their careers and communities. Citizen Schools also seeks to lead the nation to reconsider the traditional school day and to re-imagine a new “learning day.”
Crime Prevention Institute
Mission: To break the cycle of crime and strengthen individuals, families and communities by supporting individuals with education, information, resources and case management as they transition from incarceration to communities.
Down Home Ranch
Mission: To build a rural, self-reliant community for adults with intellectural and developmental disabilities, offering training, housing, recreation, and dignified employment, as well as opportunities for growth in mind, body, and spirit.
EmanciPET
Mission: To provide services and advocacy that will result in a more humane and effective approach to controlling our pet population.
Girls Rock Camp Austin (GRCA)
Mission: Girls Rock Camp Austin is dedicated to empowering girls and women of all backgrounds and abilities through musical eduation and performance.
Heart House of Austin
Mission: Heart House is a safe place for under-served children to be every day after school where free programs teach them how to be successful in school and in life and to think critically and be self sufficient, kind and responsible citizens.
Launch Pad Job Club
Mission: To present programs that lead to employment of its members through networking, training, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Mission: Cure Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Mobile Film School
Mission: The Mobile Film School is committed to bringing media arts education to rural and underserved communities; creating long-term mentoring relationships by pairing students with seasoned industry professionals and educators, and cultivating a unique appreciation of local history and culture using storytelling in film.
SAHELI for Asian Families
Mission: SAHELI helps and empowers Asian victims and survivors of domestic abuse, improves their access to services and increases community awareness of various forms of violence and oppression.
Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering
Mission: Enabling Texas students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) by creating partnerships among educators, industry, government, and families to inform, educate and motivate students with particular focus on underrepresented populations.
The Care Communities
Mission: Provide practical, compassionate, non-medical care through our volunteer care teams to people with AIDS or cancer so they may live in their homes for as long as possible.
Waterloo Counseling Center
Mission: To provide affordable mental health counseling services and training with an expertise in gender and sexual diversity.
Wonders & Worries
Mission: Wonders & Worries helps children cope when their parent or caregiver has a chronic or life-threatening illness.
YMCA of Austin
Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
I was hoping to post all of this in the discussion section of the new NetworkInAustin.com group on LinkedIn. Unfortunately I discovered the hard way that there is a 2000 character limit. I’ve moved the content to my blog, but would like everyone with an interest in this topic to post their comments to the discussion on LinkedIn. All are welcome to join the NetworkInAustin.com group on LinkedIn.
First let me say thank you for joining the NetworkInAustin.com group here on LinkedIn. I'm very hopeful that this will be a good venue for us to share meaningful thoughts and ideas.
The most common question I'm asked about NetworkInAustin.com is "When are your events." My answer has always been that we don't have events. NIA was designed to be the hub of networking in Austin and I thought that if anything there might already be too many events and the last thing we need to do is create another vent. People just need help finding the events that are most appropriate for them. Apparently I’ve been wrong for a long time...
Recently the demand for events for NIA members has been just overwhelming and I think it's time to give in. Based on all of the feedback it seems that people need to have some type of physical relationship with NIA outside of just the website.
That being the case I want to know how to make these events wildly productive and valuable. Something that you'll look forward to attending and want to bring all of your friends to because of how useful it is for you.
The feedback I'm looking for is your ideas on how to make this happen. First let me share my own thinking that you can either agree with or shoot holes in and provide your own suggestions. I'm open to it all because these events are really going to be about you, not me.
First I'm thinking of doing a monthly event, and based on the feedback I have heard a breakfast meeting would be most appropriate (One person told me that their liver couldn't handle another happy hour!)
I don't want these events to duplicate anything else that's out there. Otherwise what would be the point?
I hope that most NIA members are on an ongoing quest to become better networkers. So why not have a networking breakfast focused on the who, what, when, where and why of better networking?
Of course we need to have facilitated networking opportunities, but I also think that we can learn about the various facets of networking from the multitude of local experts we have right here in Austin.
What about a 50/50 model for these events? Half of the time will be devoted to some type of facilitated networking. The other half will be a speaker or panel discussing some facet of building a truly powerful professional network.
Here are some of my ideas for topics. In your feedback please let us know which you’re most interested in, least interested in, and feel free to suggest your own topic ideas for areas you and others would be interested in learning more about:
Networking – the basics
Advanced Networking – best practices
Personal Branding
Social Media
LinkedIn/Facebook/Twitter
Leadership Development (someone suggested a “taste” of Leadership Austin)
Selling for the Networker
Marketing to support Networking
Public Relations/Working with the Media
It’s also been suggested that we do some level of segmentation in the facilitated networking sessions. Grouping B2B and B2C or doing small group pairings based on probable synergies or other common interests, etc.
That’s it for my own brain dump. What are YOUR thoughts???
I am really excited to tell you that on December 2, 2008 a truly impressive event will be coming to Austin. Zig Ziglar, General Colin Powell, Rudy Giuliani, Suze Orman, Tom Hopkins, Dr. Robert Schuller and more will all be coming to Austin to speak live and in person.
This event will be at the Austin Convention Center from 8:00am to 4:45pm.
Dr. Robert Schuller
America's Best Inspirational Speaker
Zig Ziglar
America's #1 Motivator
Suze Orman
America's #1 Personal Finance Expert
General Colin Powell
Legendary Soldier-Statesman
Rick Belluzzo
Legendary President of Microsoft
Tamara Lowe
Motivational Expert and Author of Get Motivated!
Tom Hopkins
America's #1 Authority on Selling
Here's the best part. Members of NetworkInAustin.com who wish to attend will receive 2 free tickets!
Somehow it gets better. Those who attend will also receive Zig Ziglar's 5 Keys to Igniting Motivation & Success DVD and CD Set, plus one year of Best-Selling Book Summaries via e-mail (an additional $495 value).
If you're already a member you'll receive the Member's Only e-mail with instructions for claiming your tickets.
One of the biggest traps many networkers fall into is the "busy" trap. Often times this is in direct proportion to the success of their networking efforts. However, being "busy" is not a good reason to neglect your relationships and let your network whither and die. If you fall too deeply into this trap you'll have that much more work ahead of you when you're not busy and really need your network's help. If you suddenly need a new job for example it's too late to 'start' building your network, it needs to already be in place.
The most common symptom of busy networker syndrome is not attending events regularly or at all. In the beginning your absence might be conspicuous. Over time though people won't even think about you. Out of sight, out of mind. It's really hard for people to think of you for referrals and other opportunities when they're not thinking of you at all.
In the worst stages of busy networker syndrome the afflicted will fail to nurture any of their relationships. They're too busy working to quickly touch base with even their most important contacts. They are soon completely forgotten, and in extreme cases written off because they fail to return phone calls and e-mails from those who don't represent a current paying client.
I paint a dire picture and in most cases it doesn't get this bad. The really good news is that it's easy to fix.
Beginner networkers or those building a new network in a new town or new industry frequently over commit on the number of events the can attend in a sustainable way. In and of itself this isn't that big of a problem. As their network begins to grow and time is less available it's important to determine which groups and events are the most important. Focus on those singled out, and commit to attending regularly even if regularly for you means monthly or even quarterly.
If you've been out of the loop nearly everyone will be happy to see you back. Again, determine where you should be focused and how much time you realistically have available. Then get those meetings on your calendar well in advance.
Busy networker syndrome happens to all of us from time to time. I can tell you that in some ways I've been there myself for a while with 2 little girls under the age of 3. The important thing is to recognize it when it's happening. Make sure you're not neglecting your core network, and work to do the best you can with the time that you do have available. [Hint: You may need to make some time]
Your networking efforts are not just about events either. You've already built relationships and those need to be nurtured. Pick up the phone and make a quick call to catch-up. Send an 'I was thinking about you' note. Put together an impromptu happy hour and invite your core network. It almost doesn't matter what you do, just keep the lines of communication open.
If out of sight is out of mind then the solution is really quite simple. Don't be out of sight, in fact be as visible as you can be. Work to be highly visible and top of mind.
Late last week I attended the kick-off meeting for a new networking group concept called: Networking On Fire!
I really liked what I saw. There are quite a few issues with the way most structured networking groups operate. The founders of this organization have spent the last 3 years working on this new concept. On the surface they appear to have found solutions for nearly all of those issues.
This was only an overview meeting and not a regular meeting, so the proof will be in an actual meeting. If they're able to deliver on even half of what they talked about then checking out these groups will be well worth your time.
You can learn a little more about their philosophy and get additional information from their website: www.networkingonfire.com
For those of you who read about the first meeting of the Austin Business Bloggers Club you now have a chance to join us.
We'll be meeting next Monday, February 5th at Guero's Taco Bar on South Congress at 5:30pm.
I'll be inviting as many local business bloggers as I can find. If you haven't started your own blog and have been thinking about it this is your chance to learn from some other more seasoned vets who've been doing it for years.
Thanks to a terrific business blogger who doesn't even live in Austin a new group was formed over dinner at Guerro's last night.
Thanks to the initiative of Jason Alba, founder of JibberJobber.com, 5 of us got together for some great food, networking and of course lively discussion and debate about blogging. Jason was on vacation in Houston, but went out of his way to connect face to face with just a few of the bloggers he's been networking with all over the country (The most important ones, the ones in Austin). This guy has taken blogger networking to a whole new level.
Thanks to Thom Singer who suggest we do this regularly the Austin Business Bloggers Club was born. We're hoping to include a few more local business bloggers at next months dinner. For those of you who fit the profile; consider this an open invitation.
The founders of this new group are pictured above. From left to right:
Jason Alba - JibberJobber Blog
I'll be talking more about JibberJobber.com very soon. For a sneak peak take a look at his website and read his blog. This is especially valuable if you're looking for your next job.
Thom Singer - Some Assembly Required
The 'other' must read networking blog here in Austin. This is my personal favorite blog, and not just because Thom and I are good friends. His posts are quick, concise and always on point.
Liz Handlin - Ultimate Resumes
Meeting Liz was a blast. I've just started reading her blog, and again if you're a job seeker this is an excellent read. She is unbelievably passionate about what she does. She's about a lot more than just a great resume.
Scott Allen - The Virtual Handshake Blog & Linked Intelligence
This was my second chance to get some face time with Scott and it's always a learning experience. Scott is clearly the most prolific writer in the group with multiple blogs and books.
The Austin Business Bloggers Club will meet regularly on the first Monday of each month for dinner at Guerro's starting at 5:30pm. Details will be provided on the calendar of NetworkInAustin.com
Thom Singer and I did another presentation for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce this morning. This was our second breakfast in the series and we facilitated everyone’s networking by helping them to share their “signature stories.”
I’ve expressed my dissatisfaction in the past with elevator pitches. For the most part I think that most are ineffective, forgettable and just take up valuable networking time in group meetings. Rather than just complain Thom and I worked on an alternative solution. We asked people to tell a couple of different stories.
A client story:
Rather than explain what you do, tell a story about how you’ve helped one of your clients. First identify the client by name or type of company (this should represent your target market), then explain how you helped them (what you do), finally talk about the outcome or results that they experienced (this should explain why someone would want to work with you or refer you).
Your Austin story:
Nearly everyone in Austin is from somewhere else, and we all came here for different reasons. Yet we all have one thing in common. We love Austin! So tell your story about Austin. What brought you here, what keeps you here, etc. This is a great way to make a connection with almost anyone in this city whether you’re native or you’re brand new to Austin.
Your background story:
What did you do before you did what you’re doing now? Everyone brings unique talents and perspectives to any industry or occupation. Most often that’s developed by the type of work you’ve done in the past. What was that work, and how does it contribute to what you do today and make you better than your competition?
Think about how you might be able to use these types of stories in place of the traditional elevator pitch. It’s a great way to set yourself apart, and really show your passion in what you do.
Once again the feedback from this event was wonderful. Thank you those of you who took the time to come up to Thom and I afterwards and thank us. Hopefully you’d like to see more of these in the future. I’d encourage you to call the Chamber and tell them how much you enjoyed the presentation.
Of course, both Thom and/or myself are available for other networking speaking engagements whether it’s for your company or department or your association. Feel free to give us a call, we’d love to help.
I’ve been meaning to write this blog post for quite some time. In this post I’ll talk about why I’m a Rotarian, but I’m also planning on starting a series that will probably consist of about 1 post a week that profiles other local business and/or networking groups in Austin. Stay tuned!
I originally joined the Rotary Club of Fountain Valley in California after a good friend pestered me just about every time he saw me for an entire year. I’m really glad he was so persistent; it was probably one of the best things I ever did. That was in 2000. I became a member of the Rotary Club of Austin almost immediately after moving to Austin in 2004, it was one of my biggest priorities after getting here.
I am a Rotarian and will probably be a Rotarian for the rest of my life for several reasons.
The Four Way Test (An ethical test of all things Rotarians think, say and do):
1. Is it the Truth?
2. Is it Fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build Goodwill and better Friendships?
4. Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
The main reason for my attraction to Rotary is this test, and the fact that most Rotarians subscribe to this test. They’re also focused on “Service Above Self.” Clearly these are the type of business professionals I like to associate with. Because of this principle I’ve found some incredible mentors through my association with Rotary. The funny thing is, the more I give the more I get back so I will be forever indebted to Rotary.
I could go on about Rotary for some time. Instead I’ll share 2 quick stories and if you’re interested in Rotary I’ll encourage you to join me for a meeting to see what it’s really about.
I once did a make-up meeting at the Laguna Beach Rotary Club. I sat next to a gentleman who spent 6 months of the year in Laguna Beach and the other half of the year in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In conversation with him I learned that the sister club of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii is the Rotary Club of Hiroshima, Japan. I think that says a lot!
As the Treasurer of the club in Fountain Valley I learned a lot about the Rotary Foundation. It’s probably one of the best run foundations in the world. They take everything the raise in a given year and invest those funds for 3 years. The interest that those investments produce over that 3 year period is what runs the Rotary organization. Then 100% of the principal from 3 years ago is spent on Rotary projects. Typically those projects are fun by Rotarians so we know that our money isn’t wasted. It’s truly amazing!
One last story (can you tell I love Rotary?). If it weren’t for Rotary and the friendships I built there I never would have met my wife. For that whole story you can read this article: My wife was referred to me by a Rotarian!
Again, if you’d like to be my guest at a Rotary Club of Austin meeting, or have other questions about Rotary please don’t hesitate to give me a call.
For most of us the hardest part about networking is getting out there and meeting a bunch of strangers. I’ll admit that even I get pretty uncomfortable in a group where I don’t know anybody. Fortunately, the more you network the less often this happens.
What can you do to get past these networking nerves? Obviously the easy answer that doesn’t take any pre-planning is to get over it and just go up and introduce yourself to someone. Typically they’re there for the same reason you are and will be glad to meet you. This can be REALLY easy if you identify the other nervous networkers standing by themselves looking uneasy. You obviously have something in common with them. Then you can help introduce each other to new folks you meet.
The other solution is to bring a networking ally. If you’re planning on going to a new networking event, invite someone you already know who could also benefit from meeting people at that same event. Then help each other. You’ll never experience the uncomfortable feeling of not having anyone to talk to, and you can say really great things about each other and help build credibility for yourselves.
Are you planning on attending a new networking event in the next week or two? Pick up the phone and call a friend who will also get something out of the event. Better yet; call 2 friends!
When you think business networking do you think of more formal networking groups and events? Things like Chamber of Commerce mixers and luncheons, or some other type of leads group or referral group?
Networking doesn’t have to be formal, structured or organized at all. Networking takes all shapes and forms. You might even hang out at coffee shops and strike up a conversation with random folks who happen by like my friend Steve Harper “The Starbucks Stalker.”
Really what prompted this post was my wife. She has started developing an incredible network and probably doesn’t even realize she’s networking even though she lives with me. The Mommy Network is a powerful thing. She knows about all the best places to shop, free classes, and baby playgroups in Austin. When one of these babies gets sick you should see the reinforcements that get sent in. E-mails fly with help and advice, and offers of additional assistance abound. It’s unbelievable.
Then last week I witnessed a pretty spectacular event. For one full afternoon our home was turned into a baby food making factory. 5 moms with babies in tow peeled, diced, boiled, blended, sliced and strained 2 months worth of baby food for themselves. Colette now has far more food choice than I do, and I’ve got to tell you first hand that the stuff is awesome! Everyone was sent home with instructions on what could and couldn’t be frozen, and was satisfied having spent a very productive afternoon having a lot of fun together.
It just goes to show you that networks are everywhere. They’re not always about business, but the mommy network definitely means business!
Look around and find the networks that surround you everyday. Looks an awful lot like an opportunity to me.
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.
Recently a fellow networker told us that his wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer. We decided to take action and have formed a Relay for Life team. Out team name is Austin Networkers. The event will be held from 7pm on Friday, April 28th until 7am Saturday April 29th at the Texas School for the Deaf. This is an overnight event and there will be food, live music and the relay itself (please visit the website below for more details). If you can't stay for the whole night that is fine, but please do let me know when you plan to be there so that I can make sure we have people there for the whole time! If you aren't interested in participating please consider donating to any member of the team. Please feel free to forward the e-mail on to other networkers/networking groups that you might be in. The more team members the merrier! Just please have them e-mail me at ragen@totaladministrativesolutions.com so that I can add them to the team list.
You'll click on "Sign up Here" (on the left-hand side, then "I agree" on the next page, then Click on "Join a Team". A dropdown menu will appear and you will be able to select Austin Networkers from the list. The donation to participate is at least $5.00. You can pay with a credit card on the site or you can give me a check or cash for $5.00 and I'll take care of it for you (just click the button that indicates that you are on a team and have already paid).
Next is the fun part - Fundraising!!!!!! I will work with the leaders of the networking groups I'm in to see if we can pass the hat but it would be great if you could reach out to your individual networks as well. Every little bit helps. I have set our team fundraising goal at $2,500.00 and I think that we can blow that out of the water!!!!!! Once you've registered you can click on "E-mail Friends" and they will help you compose an e-mail to your family and friends allowing them to click on your website address and donate to you.
Please let me know once you've registered and (with the help of the fabulous Sue Foss at Cedar Valley Group!) we'll put together a team e-mail list to help us communicate. Thank you so much for your interest! I'm really excited about using all of our networks to support such a great cause.
Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and feel free to invite people from your other networking groups to join our team. The more the merrier!!!!!!!
Thank you Ragen for spearheading this! What better way to network than to spend 12 hours celebrating life with other committed networkers?
I hope you'll plan on being at the University of Texas Club on Wednesday, April 12th from 4:30 - 6:00pm.
My good friend Thom Singer and I will be presenting: "The Art of Building your Network" for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. Thom is the author of: "Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Keep and Grow Your Business Relationships" and truly walks the talk when it comes to business networking.
Tickets are just $25 for Chamber members and $40 for "future" Chamber members.
I was really excited about this event when I registered for it a couple of weeks ago. Now I have even more reason to be excited. I was told earlier this week that I was a finalist for their Rookie of the Year Award. I hope you'll come out and support me at this event.
Of course, I'm not the only reason you'll want to register today to attend on April 20th...
This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Randal Pinkett, winner of Donald Trump's - The Apprentice. Dr. Pinkett will talk about his own successes and challenges in growing his own small business into a multimillion dollar company. Tickets for this event are only $50.
Better yet, for only $20 more you can start your morning on the day of the BiG IDEA Awards with Gary Hoover at the BiG Breakfast. Gary will share his 8 Keys to a Successful Business. For those of you who don't already know Gary Hoover is a gifted visionary and entrepreneur who has done it all, can explain it clearly and connects with any audience to whom he speaks. He founded Bookstop, Inc., which went on to over $2.5 billion in sales before being bought out by Barnes & Noble in 1998 and Hoovers online, the number one source for online business information that was sold to Dun and Bradstreet. He now devotes his energies to teaching the strategic thinking, learned lessons and principles of entrepreneurship that guided him up the ladder of success. He encourages audience members to step back from the details and look at the big picture of accomplishment.
On April 13th the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Texas will hold it's 16th Annual: Money and Power Conference (MapCon).
Be sure to register for this incredible event before April 7th and save yourself a few dollars. They'll also be hosting a VIP networking reception on April 12th at Laguna Gloria.
Their keynote speaker this year will be Sheila Johnson - the first African-American Woman Billionaire, Co-founder of BET Cable Network and owner of the Washington Mystics. She'll be joined by an incredible celebrity panel including:
Christine Haas - KVUE-TV Anchor Mo Anderson - Vice Chairman, Keller Williams International Diane Heavin - Founder, Curves International Norma S. Garza - Presidential Advisor, U.S. Department of Education Gloria Ray - President and CEO, Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corp. Patti Smith - President and General Manager, KVUE-TV
Coming May 16: The Austin Independent Business Alliance CLIC Trade Show: Connecting and Linking Independents with Commercial Developments
Created for the local business community, the CLIC Trade Show will provide you with the Knowledge, Connections and Tools you need to grow your business in Austin, Texas. To be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at St. Edward's University, 3001 S. Congress Ave.
Knowledge... Find out how to leverage public and private preferences for local business. Attend sessions on Leasing, Lending, Marketing, and General Business Development led by experts in these industries.
Connections... Network with leaders in the Central Texas commercial development industry, schedule one-on-one sessions with financial institutions, meet successful local retailers and representatives from the City of Austin. Make valuable connections to help you take the next step forward for your business.
Tools... Attendees will receive training opportunities ranging from business plan basics, setting up a DBA, and procuring build-out loans to negotiating leases and becoming a subcontractor for new developments.
Stacy Mitchell, Keynote Spreaker Stacy Mitchell is a senior researcher with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a 32-year-old national nonprofit organization working to advance sustainable, community-based economic development. Ms. Mitchell specializes in strategies to strengthen and expand locally owned retail businesses and has served as an advisor to policymakers, community organizations, and small business groups across the country. She is the author of the book The Hometown Advantage, regularly contributes articles to magazines and newspapers, and has produced reports such as, 10 Reasons Why Maine's Homegrown Economy Matters and 50 Proven Ways to Revive It. A frequent speaker at conferences and forums, Ms. Mitchell also chairs the board of the American Independent Business Alliance, a coalition working to build awareness of the value of locally owned businesses. She lives in Portland, Maine. More information about the Institute for Local Self-Reliance can be found at http://www.ilsr.org/
Special Offer! Network in Austin Members can sign up for the AIBA member rate. Register Today for the Full Event, or the Keynote Breakfast at www.IBuyAustin.comor call 512-441-2123.
For Exhibitor Information, contact Melissa Miller at Melissa@IBuyAustin.comor 512-266-3328.
The global technology community will be converging on Austin the first week of May (May 1 -5). As I learn more and more about this event I am absolutely blown away by their plans and the audience and speakers that they're drawing.
Even if you’re not associated with technology in any way it’s worth spending 3 minutes on the WCIT 2006 website to learn about what will be happening here in Austin in just a few short weeks. Check it out at: www.wcit2006.com
If you’re not ready to spend your whole week at the conference you can still network with these folks. Their offering a “Lone Start Party” on May 3rd at the Bob Bullock Museum. Tickets are only $45. For more details about this party: WCIT – Lone Star Party
They’re also offering a “Social and Networking Events Package” that includes 2 additional events for $175. You’ll have to dig into the site a little deeper to find that (hint: click to purchase tickets on the lone star party page).
Networking ineffectively is a rediculously expensive marketing strategy.
If you pay $20 to attend a networking function, and rely solely on your elevator speech or 30 second commercial to attract new customers you're effectively spending $2,400 per hour to market to a very small group of people.
The real value of networking meetings is not in the elevator pitch. It's in the ability to meet new people, and begin new relationships. There's also value in being able to reconnect with your existing network face to face.
On the other hand... If others in the room are paying the equivalent of several thousand dollars an hour to market to you; you might want to listen!
Food for thought. In the future I'll post about how to craft an effective 30 second elevator pitch.
Networking is not just an activity for extroverts. Several conversations I've had in the last couple of weeks have led me to believe that in many ways introverts are naturally wired to be better networkers.
In too many ways networking has a negative connotation. This reputation is often propagated by what I frequently call "card sharks." These bad networkers dash through networking events trying to hand out as many of their own business cards as possible, and show no interest in anyone they hand their card to. In addition there's the introverts worst nightmare. Having to walk up to a group of strangers to try and join a conversation. That's a prospect that's often difficult for extroverts as well.
How can the introverted networkers adapt and become effective networkers?
If you've been reading my blog for any period of time you know that I say over and over again that networking is about relationships and people. If you break that down even further you'll see that it's about individuals. This is where the introverts excel!
Introverts posses the natural talent of being at a large event and focusing only on the individual they’re speaking with. For them this is the most comfortable space. Since they often are most comfortable in small groups of close friends, or one on one they are great at building stronger relationships with the individual.
If you yourself are an introvert you probably see the value of networking. Embrace it! Don’t shy away from it because of the large groups and the overwhelming number of extroverts. Simply apply your unique style to networking and it will pay off.
At large events just look for others who are standing alone. They probably feel the same way you do. You’ll be able to make an instant connection. Work on individual relationships and don’t limit yourself in thinking that networking is only about mixers and luncheons. You can also network with your co-workers, counterparts with other companies, and just about anyone else by getting together with them individually.
The introverts that I’ve spoken with over the last couple of weeks enjoy nothing more than a comfortable one on one interaction with someone over a cup of coffee.
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
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
Absolutely! If you’ve been reading my blog for any amount of time you know that I say over and over again that networking is at it’s core about relationships. Do you have any better relationships than those you have with your ‘relatives?’ I think the word relatives pretty much says it all.
Successful networking is also about giving first. What a great way to turn Thanksgiving into your own personal networking event, and find ways to give to your family, friends and relatives. Now I’m not saying go out and start collecting business cards on Thanksgiving. That’s not it at all. Just take the time to listen to each person while you’re enjoying Thanksgiving and see if there’s any way that you might be able to help them.
You might even be able to refer some of the people you’ve been networking with to your family. Maybe your uncle is complaining about his back (again). What an opportunity to refer him to the Chiropractor you keep hearing such great things about every Tuesday morning. Your lazy cousin forgot to file his tax return? I’m sure you know a great CPA or tax preparer who could help.
This Thanksgiving be thankful for the friends and family you get to spend the holiday with. Appreciate them, and just listen. You’ll prove to be a very valuable asset, and if you need something next year it’ll be even easier to ask your best built in network… Your family.
Yesterday I attended the InnoTech conference at the Austin Convention Center. All in all it was a great show. There were some fabulous speakers, and I think most of those who attended got a lot out of it. Especially at the bargain price it was offered for.
I just don’t understand why I always feel like I need to walk down the center of trade show aisles so that I’m not accosted by obnoxious sales people. A good sales presentation is a dialogue between two or more parties, and a good sales person knows that they should be asking a lot of questions. Why does this get thrown out the window at trade shows?
When I first walked in I had a very nice conversation with Jan Triplett of the Business Success Center. I already knew Jan, and she did a great job of introducing visitors to her booth to each other. Jan is the poster child of what good networking is all about.
Then it went down hill. Apparently I walked too close to another booth. A woman launched into a good 10-12 minute presentation about a $10,000 product that I have no need for, nor would I ever likely have a need for. She might have known that had she asked me a single question about who I was and what I did.
After that I spent the rest of my time at the show avoiding other vendors not wanting to get sucked into the vortex of another mindless sales pitch.
Those of you who’ve been reading my blog for a while now know that I don’t often complain or get upset like this. It just frustrates me to see people like this who miss the point and ruin it for the good exhibitors. Unfortunately I think too many of these people were “professionals” who work trade shows for a living. Somehow they’re the worst ones?
Selling is not difficult. It just takes some common sense. If you simply treat other people the way you’d want to be treated in a sales situation it’s easy. Respect other people, and learn about them and what they need. A good sales person should be the very first person to recognize when a particular product or service is not appropriate for someone, AND SAY SO!
Enough of my soapbox… Other than that incident I had a great time and met a lot of wonderful people. I’m looking forward to developing relationships with several of them who particularly impressed me.
Remember, networking at events like InnoTech is absolutely useless if you don’t take the time to follow-up with the people you met. All of the people I met yesterday (who I exchanged business cards with) will hear from me by the end of the week.
Before I start today’s tip I’d just like to thank all of the NetworkInAustin.com members who came out to support me at Freelance Austin yesterday. For all of the freelancers who were in attendance I hope you learned a little bit more about business blogs and about networking and will find the rest of the information on my blog useful.
Following-up is probably the single most important part of successful networking and often the most difficult. Without following-up with the people you meet at networking events you can’t take the relationship to the next level. Networking is not about meeting as many people as possible, it’s about building quality relationships.
I don’t think I know anyone who is perfect at following-up. So don’t feel like you have to be perfect, just be sure to make the effort.
Don’t feel like you have to follow-up with every single person you meet either. You won’t be able to keep up. Focus on those that are most important to you, whatever those reasons are. If you participated in the networking exercise that I facilitated yesterday at Freelance Austin you talked with 4 people. Pick just one or two of those people and follow-up, preferably today (After you finish reading my blog of course!).
Make an effort to do your follow-up in a timely manner. The sooner you can do it after meeting someone the more likely they are to remember who you are. You won’t have to spend as much time reestablishing the relationships; you can simply start where you left off. You’ll see the best results if you can reconnect with those you’ve met within 1-2 days, but anytime within a week or so will work also. Even if you can’t follow-up within a week or 10 days don’t stress. Late follow-up is 100% better than no follow-up at all.
E-mail is certainly the easiest way to follow-up, and I think you should consider more than just an e-mail. If you can setup a time to get together via e-mail that’s fine. However, adding a phone call, or a quick thank you note will add a lot of impact to your follow-up. Why? Because very few other people do those things.
We’re all busy and probably have too much to do. It’s important to make the time to follow-up or we’re really wasting much of the time that we’re spending at networking events.
If you're available next Wednesday, November 9th between 12:30pm and 1:45pm I hope you'll attend the Freelance Austin meeting to hear me speak.
I'll be talking about how a business blog can bring you more business. You'll also learn about some other benefits of building your own blog. For example, you could use your blog to invite readers of your blog to your next speaking engagement. :)
Following my talk about business blogging I'll lead a brief facilitated networking session. This will give you a chance to meet some local Austin freelancers; writers, photographers, marketing consultants, PR professionals and more.
Since we’ll be at the Austin Business Trade Show next Tuesday I thought I’d share some specific networking tips you can use at trade shows. I’ll be facilitating some structured networking from 6:30 – 7:30pm during the event. Please come out and join us. Tickets are only $10, and if you’re already a NetworkInAustin.com member they’re only $5 each! What a deal.
Trade shows are a great place to network. People are there to meet other people, and learn about who’s doing what. These 6 tips will help you maximize the networking opportunities at any trade show.
1. Meet the exhibitors
The exhibitors at any trade show paid to be able to talk to you. Make an effort to visit as many vendors as you can. Learn about them and what they have to offer. You might also ask who their target market is, or who their ideal client is.
2. Make it fun!
Consider making a game out of your networking efforts. Try to meet at least one new person every 10-15 minutes. That’ll give you enough time to spend 5 or 10 minutes getting to know them. You’ll also have a few minutes left over to meet your next new friend.
3. Listen
When you’re meeting new people listen more than you talk. Try to find a common interest. Ask them about their business and their personal interests. This information will come in handy later when you follow-up with them.
4. Give people value, be a resource
Be listening for ways that you can help people. Direct them to the exhibitor you met earlier who might have a great solution for them. Tell them about the great drawing you just entered, and suggest that they do the same. Offer to introduce them to someone else you know at the event who you think they might be able to make a good connection with.
5. Use business cards
Business cards are a tool. After you meet someone be sure to ask them for a business card. Take a couple of seconds to make a couple of notes about what you learned about them. Before handing someone your own business card you might want to write a quick note that will add value. Write the name of a website they might find useful (NetworkInAustin.com perhaps?), a book, another networking event. Anything that will make your card stand out, because you’ve show that you’re a valuable resource.
6. Follow-up
This is probably the most important tip of all. Your networking efforts at any networking event are unlikely to bear any fruit if you don’t take the time to follow-up with those you met. Be sure to make at least one preferably two contacts with each person you met in the following week. A hand written note and a voicemail. A brief phone conversation and an e-mail. Just be sure to reconnect so you can truly begin building a relationship.
Over the last few weeks we’ve been working with Nick Taylor who is organizing the Austin Business Trade Show. We’re proud to be onboard as a Gold Sponsor of this business to business event to be held at the Palmer Event Center on October 4th, 2005.
Along with our sponsorship we’re able to offer members of NetworkInAustin.com a 15% discount on vendor booths (and they were reasonably priced to begin with).
I will also be facilitating some structured networking during the event. Not only will you be able to learn about some other businesses, you’ll also have an opportunity to begin building some relationships through networking.
Tickets for this event are an absolute bargain! NetworkInAustin.com members can attend for only $5.00 (no I didn’t leave out a digit or misplace the decimal point). Even non-members can attend for only $10.00. I doubt that’ll break anybody’s bank.
I look forward to seeing you there. Stop by our booth and come to the facilitated networking. If we haven’t already met please introduce yourself. It’s always a blast meeting the folks who are reading my blog.
For your second weekly meeting I suggest you get involved in a variety of organizations that typically get together just once a month. This would include groups like: Chambers of Commerce, industry associations, Breakfast Club Network, Independent Business Associations, Non-profit groups, etc. The idea here is to get some depth and to meet folks you wouldn’t ordinarily meet.
Here’s where the leverage comes in. In order to get referrals you’ve got to give referrals. The opportunity in this model is providing lots of referrals for your core network. When you’re out meeting new people each week at the Chamber of Commerce or association meetings be thinking of your core network. Who in these organizations could use their services? Refer, refer, refer. If you follow this model consistently over a period of time I promise you’ll be surprised at the results.
You’ll probably be able to develop relationships with several hundred people over the course of a year or so. A network of people who you’ve helped and who will be looking for ways to return the favor. We call this the law of reciprocity.
If you’re a more seasoned networker with a more substantial number of relationships you can probably get by with fewer traditional networking meetings. Your core network will consist of those that you already have ongoing relationships with. In this case I would suggest that you work more on cultivating these relationships rather than developing new ones. Focus on the top 10-20% of your relationships and make them stronger. Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t work on meeting more people. It’s important that you get out at least a couple times each month to establish new relationships, and look for business opportunities for yourself and your core network. What I’m suggesting is that you’ve already spent a lot of time cultivating your existing relationships. Don’t drop the ball now. Work on making those connections stronger.
Ultimately the decision is yours. What benefit do you expect from networking? How much time can you devote to working towards that benefit? Take some time to answer these questions and develop your own networking strategy. When you’re done I hope you’ll tell me about it. I’d love to share what you’re doing with the other readers of this blog. As always I love hearing from you. E-mail me your thoughts: scott (at) networkinaustin.com
For those of you who know me well you know that I'm a runner. I have a group of friends that I meet most Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's under the Mopac bridge for a 5 mile run at O'Dark Thirty in the morning. The distance varies, but we also meet Saturday mornings for another long run. Just to make sure we've got it out of our systems for the rest of the weekend.
I just found out about an event that's going to allow us to combine many of our favorite activities... Running, Margarita drinking and supporting the Town Lake Trail Foundation, since we certainly use it frequently.
I'm talking about the Moonlight Margarita 5K Run and Party. For the uninitiated a 5K is only 3.1 miles. Even if you're not in the greatest running shape, this isn't too far to walk. Plus if you stick around for the party you'll be rewarded with Margaritas!
Check out the website for more details, but here's the skinny:
"First we run. Then we party! The race will begin and end near the trail at the American Legion Hall just south of RunTex on Lake Austin, where dozens of margarita machines and a full Mexican food buffet will await thirsty finishers.
Participation in the race is limited to just 3,000 racers. Only 500 tickets to the after-party will be sold, and they are going quickly, so we strongly encourage you to register now. Registration for the Moonlight Margarita Run is just $25. Tickets to the Margarita After-Party are just $40. Or you can take part in both events for just $60. On July 16, tickets will be $30 for the run, $50 for the party and $75 for both, but only if tickets remain available."
This is a great networking event in disguise. I know there will be a lot of really great people at the party. If you run in the 5K beforehand you'll have a great shared experience to talk about. And the best part... You'll be supporting a worthwhile cause!
For those of you who saw our picture in the Austin Business Journal this last week you need to know that they left out the most important part... The name of our dog! The caption reads: "Networking at a meeting of the Choose Austin First business coalition at DogBoy's Dog Ranch are (from left) Emily Ingram of Cafe Matisse, Scott Ingram of NetworkInAustin.com and Courtney Emken of DogBoy's Dog Ranch. Well the obvious star of the picture is Caesar! As you can see he's completely worn out from the 10 mile run that Emily and I took him on before this event. One of these days maybe we'll figure out how to tire him out. Any suggestions? Scott M. Ingram NetworkInAustin.com
Large networking events: think quality not quantity
Regardless of how large the networking event you're attending is, it's important to focus on quality not quantity.
Whether you're in a room with 30 people or 300 other networkers your agenda should be the same. Have a small number of meaningful conversations before the end of the event. Depending on the duration of the event we're probably only talking about 3-5 good conversations.
3 may seem like a very small number, but remember that to be a successful networker you have to follow-up. It's easy to follow-up with 3 people. It's a lot more difficult to effectively follow-up with 30.
In the course of your conversations be listening for a way that you can help the other person. This may be a referral, or a resource you can share with them. This becomes your reason for following-up. At this point I will often write a quick note on the back of their card to remind myself how I can help.
Shortly after the event, reestablish contact with the person you met and share your referral or resource with them. This is also a good time to suggest getting together to really get to know each other a little better.
That one on one meeting is where real networking begins!
As you can see he's completely worn out from the 10 mile run that Emily and I took him on before this event. One of these days maybe we'll figure out how to tire him out. Any suggestions? Scott M. Ingram 