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 Business Networking in Austin Blog
By: Scott Ingram
Austin LinkedIn Happy Hour If you're in search of the latest big, happening, FREE mixer in town you've just found it.
The next Austin LinkedIn Happy Hour is happening next Thursday, March 27th at J. Black's on West 6th Street.
Their last even was attended by nearly 400 people. If you were looking for an Austin tech heavy crowd you'll find it here.
The event runs from 5:30pm to 9pm. Hosted by Door64 and sponsored by HT Staffing and Intrinsity. This should be one heck of an event. Enjoy!
Happy Networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Networking On Fire!  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
Happy Networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Austin Business Bloggers Club Continues to Grow The second meeting of the Austin Business Bloggers Club was tonight. The group has more than tripled in size from our first to second meeting.
Check back soon for a list of the bloggers who attended and links to their blogs.
For information about our next meeting on March 5th: Austin Business Bloggers Club
Happy Networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Austin Business Bloggers Club Meeting 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.
For additional details: Austin Business Bloggers Club
Happy Networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Austin Business Bloggers 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.
That Scott Ingram guy.
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
Happy Networking (and Blogging)!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Your Signature Story 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.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
| Why I'm a Rotarian 
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.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
| Nervous Networkers
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!
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
| The Mommy Network
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.
Happy networking! | Take a Friend or Customer Networking 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 | 2006 BiG Idea Awards Finalists The BiG IDEA Awards Finalists have been announced. Join us April 20th for the entire BiG IDEA Day
Rookie of the Year
Scott Ingram – NetworkInAustin.com
Jason Myers – Austin Business District Magazine
Hali Ummell – Timpani Communications
Creative
Diane Carrol – Maverick Center
Melinda Maine Garvey – Austin Women Magazine
Randolph Gray – Innovous Designs, Inc. DBA: Eclipse Solar Gear
Best Transition
Kathy Jones – Mama Says Wash!
Lorie Marrero – Living Order
Sharon Mays – Baby Greens
BiG Alumnus
Ryan and Austin Borders – All American Recycling Co. DBA Borders Brothers
Kathy Goodwin – Dancing Dingo
Brenda McGowen – Ms. B’s
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! | Austin Networkers: Relay for Life
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?
Happy networking!
| How to Network 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.
Learn more: How to Network
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | BiG Austin's BiG IDEA Awards 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.
For more details and to register: BiG IDEA Day
Stay tuned. I should be able to share with you the complete list of finalists for the BiG IDEA Awards.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Women's Chamber - 16th Annual Money and Power Conference 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
For complete details see the Women's Chamber of Texas website.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | AIBA - Connecting and Linking Independents with Commercial Developments 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.com or call 512-441-2123.
For Exhibitor Information, contact Melissa Miller at Melissa@IBuyAustin.com or 512-266-3328. | World Congress on Information Technology 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 3 rd 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).
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
| Would you pay $2,400/hr. to advertise to a small roomful of people? 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.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Networking for Introverts 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.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
| Catalyst 8 Charter Membership - Last Chance 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 | 2006 Austin Networking and Business Events Calendar 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
| Is Thanksgiving a Networking Event? 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.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Trade Show Frustrations 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.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Networking Tip: Follow-up! 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.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Speaking of Blogging 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.
For complete details about this event: Freelance Austin - Business Blogging
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Trade Show Networking Tips 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.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com
| Austin Business Trade Show 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.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | What is the right amount of networking? I’m often asked: “How much networking should I be doing?” Of course the answer to this question like some many others is. It depends. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know that networking doesn’t just happen in networking meetings. However, when I’m asked this question the person asking is typically referring to the number of meetings they should attend.
I’m going to outline a couple of different strategies that I’ve used in the past (before I started networking for a living). Each person is going to be different. The biggest difference is probably going to be how much time is available. If you’re just starting out and don’t have many clients you’re probably going to have a lot more time. More than someone who is running an established business that spends a lot of time taking care of their existing clients. In both cases networking is important, it’s just different.
For my primary example I’m going to assume that you’re fairly established in your business or profession and are moderately busy. I’m guessing this is the average reader of this blog. You’re building your business and things are going well, but you can always use a few more sales.
In this situation I recommend a leveraged networking strategy consisting of approximately 2 meetings each week. The first meeting we’ll call your core network. This will be a weekly networking event where you really have an opportunity to build some very solid relationships. It’s hard not to build very good relationships with a group of people that you see on a weekly basis. The ideal size of this group will vary, and shouldn’t consist of more than 50 – 60 members. More than that and you’ll have a hard time developing really strong relationships. I’ll talk more in a future post about networking expectations. Generally speaking expect this core relationships development process to take at least 6 months to 1 year.
There are a lot of opportunities for these kinds of groups around town. Austin Executive Association, Austin Business Referrals, BNI chapters, CEO Network, National Business Exchange (NBX ), South Austin Networking Lunch, The Business Connection (TBC), etc. All of which can be found on the NetworkInAustin.com Calendar
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
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | Run, Drink Margaritas and Support the Town Lake Trail Foundation 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!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | 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!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com
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