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???



Happy Networking!



Scott Ingram

NetworkInAustin.com

It's probably no surprise that one of the questions I'm asked most frequently is some form of: "Where's the best place to network?" To which there is certainly no standard answer. So much depends on what you're trying to accomplish, your industry, the type of people you'd like to meet, etc. etc. However those answers that people are looking for are typically more about specific organizations, events or groups to get involved with. Finding the BEST place to network is actually a little different and is an even more personal choice.

In my opinion and experience the best relationship are forged when you're doing something you are absolutely passionate about working shoulder to shoulder with other individuals who share that same passion. These experiences often times create the deepest of life long relationships. So the obvious question here is: "How do I get there?"

The first step in what I'll call 'Passionate Involvement' is either the most difficult step, or absolute no-brainer easy depending on your experience. You first have to ask yourself what you are most passionate about. Is it your church? A favorite hobby? Your industry? A non-profit organization? A political cause? Serving some subsection of the community? Figure out for yourself what you're most passionate about that absolutely gets you fired up.

The next step is finding other people who share this passion. Most frequently there will be some organization where these like minded individuals congregate, donate or otherwise take part and get involved. In many instances there may be several of these organizations. Spend the time to get to know these groups and determine where you think you best fit.

The third and final step is the most important, but if you haven't done a good job with step one it won't be meaningful and may even be difficult. This is where you get involved! Whatever that is for you. Ideally you want to figure out how best to leverage your talents and skills and apply them to your organization or cause. Your ultimate goal is probably to work on a board of directors or to be equally involved in the inner-circle if your particular passionate outlet doesn't have a board.

Please don't expect to complete steps one and two and immediately be nominated to serve on the board. You're going to need to make some contributions before that will happen, and it may take years before you attain a seat on that board depending on the organization. However, if this really is your passion those years you spend contributing will be tremendously fulfilling and you'll be making incredible connections with new friends all the way along. Again, you'll know you've not made the right choice if at any point you're not being energized by your involvement. Sure there will be frustrations and challenges like anything else, but as a whole your contributions really should be quite fulfilling.

How are you passionately involved? Please feel free to share your passions and involvement success stories for others to learn from.

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram

NetworkInAustin.com

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.

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.

Not yet a member of NetworkInAustin.com? It's only $4.99/mo. or $49.99/yr. to join.

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram

NetworkInAustin.com

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

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

• Austin Business Awards - Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce


• Austin Under 40 - Young Men's Business Leage (YMBL) and Young Women's Alliance (YWA)


• Entrepreneur of the Year - Ernst & Young


• BiG IDEA Awards - BiG AUSTIN


• Best Places to Work - Austin Business Journal

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

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

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

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

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram

NetworkInAustin.com

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.

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram

NetworkInAustin.com

I am proud and excited to be part of this year's Leadership Austin class. Meet my fellow classmates:

Greg Abel  -  Grande Communications, Inc.

Damon Arhos  -  Freescale Semiconductor

Mason Arnold  -  Greenling Organic Delivery

Aman Bandali  -  Bandali Builders and Estate Developers

René Barrera  -  City of Austin

Dayna Blazey  -  Travis County District Attorney's Office

Brian Block  -  Keep Austin Beautiful

Geoffrey Brow  -  Dell Inc.

Scott  Brutocao  -  Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart, PC

Amber Carden  -  Bank of America

Angie Castilleja  -  Make A Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas

Tom Coopwood  -  Community Volunteer

Priscilla Guajardo Cortez  -  The University of Texas at Austin

Christi Cuellar  -  Ballet Austin

Peter Daniels  -  A New Entry Inc.

Carol Drennan  -  Katz Builders, Inc.

Chris Ewen  -  Client Outsource

Traci Fish  -  Tangoe, Inc.

Tina Gramann  -  Zachary Scott Theatre Center

Ann Greenberg  -  Walsh, Anderson, Brown, Schulze, & Aldridge, P.C.

Laura Griebel  -  Goodwill Industries of Central Texas Inc.

Amy Holloway  -  Avalanche Consulting, Inc.

Scott Ingram  -  ADP

Mark Isaak  -  PBS&J

Gwen Jewiss  -  PageSoutherlandPage

Olivia Juarez  -  Wells Fargo Bank

Bill Kempf  -  Applied Materials Inc.

Tamra Kerns  -  National Instruments Corp.

Ali Khataw  -  Encotech Engineering Consultants, Inc.

Tara Kirkland  -  Greenlights for NonProfit Success

Adams Kirkpatrick  -  Sunflower Design

Michelle Krejci  -  Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders

Jamie Lagarde  -  Overwatch Systems

Marion Martin  -  YMCA of Austin Inc.

Michael McGill  -  Freescale Semiconductor

Linda Medina  -  Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Craig Moore  -  Travis County District Attorney's Office

Brandy Mueller  -  The Mueller Law Office

Andrea Ogilvie  -  The University of Texas at Austin

Patricia Paredes  -  Texas Campus Compact

Tina Prentice  -  St. David's Community Health Foundation

Diane Rhodes  -  Texas Dental Association

Pilar Sanchez  -  Housing Authority of the City of Austin

Carolyn Schwarz  -  Health Alliance for Austin Musicians

Paul Scott  -  Equality Texas

Emily Shaw  -  I&O Communications

Kevin Smothers  -  pulse

D'Andra Ulmer  -  grand beginnings, Inc

Alex Valdes  -  Winstead PC

Arthur Vargas  -  Austin Community College

Madge Vasquez  -  Wachovia Bank

Amy Welborn  -  Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP

Matt Williamson  -  The Beck Group

Pat Wilson  -  First Marathon Financial

For more information on Leadership Austin’s Essential Class and other programs, please visit www.leadershipaustin.org.

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram

NetworkInAustin.com

It's one thing to use the standard "I'd like to add you to my network on LinkedIn" boilerplate when making a LinkedIn connection request to somebody you already have a relationship with. I'm sure many would disagree, but if we already have a real life relationship I'm not going to be upset that you didn't change this message.

Using this to connect with somebody you've never met, and have never had any previous interaction with on the otherhand is rediculous. Yet I get them all the time. It's what prompted my previous post about My LinkedIn Networking Philosophy.

Today I bring you the best connection request I've ever received. With permission here is Sherry Lowry's request from late last week:

Scott, I'd say at this point i may be more of a FAN than a friend, and I'd like to change that.



Interim, I'd also appreciate adding you to my professional network on LinkedIn -- and ALSO buy coffee when you have time to connect live in Austin.



I like everything i've learned about you - and none of it has been first-hand. It seems well past time to know more DIRECTLY about you and what you want next in your own future.



- Sherry Lowry, MCC

Granted Sherry and I have a number of mutual connections so this wasn't the coldest of cold introductions. However, she's obviously taken the time to understand my networking philosophy and made the entire request about me and not herself.

Work to incorporate these 3 points into any cold connection request or introduction:

• A connection point that you both share and/or why you think it makes sense to begin a relationship


• Specifically how you think you can add value to them (What's in it for them?)


• Suggest a specific next step. This could be an e-mail dialogue or scheduling a time for coffee or a phone call.

I'm looking forward to my phone conversation with Sherry tomorrow morning.

How do you introduce yourself into stronger connections?

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram

NetworkInAustin.com