Networking Insight

EFactor Workshop Presents: How to Create a Social Media Strategy - Next Week!

Below is information about another event for EFactor that is targeted for entrepreneurs.

EFactor Workshop Presents: How to Create a Social Media Strategy 

Date: October 4, 2011

Time: 9am-3pm

Location: 200 W. Adams, Suite 2725, Chicago

More Information / RSVP:  http://tinyurl.com/3ev6gdg

This 1 day workshop presented by Biztegra explores how social media presents a tremendous opportunity for your business. Cutting through all the hype, it focuses on how to create a true social media program in a pragmatic, straightforward way, in a process that has been used many times for many organizations. Using this process, and understanding how it all fits together, you will be able to grow your business.  

By the end of the workshop, you will understand:

• Where social media fits within the overall marketing framework
• What the different categories of social media are
• The process of creating a social media program
• How to integrate the different platforms into a cohesive program
• The link between social media and great Search Engine Optimization
• How each platform (blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter – and many more) should be used to create a cohesive strategy that drives your business.

 

Why You Should Care About Your Shoes at Networking Events?

Your appearance is very important for first impressions.  You will get judged within the first few seconds after meeting someone. Don’t let your appearance cause people to think negatively about you.

Therefore, take your attire very serious. Take the time to make sure that you are presentable and professional. You should even pay attention to your shoes. Make sure that they are polished with no visible scratch marks or faded color.

In addition, pay attention to how well you are groomed. Your hair should be well maintained and your mouth/teeth should not show others what you just ate. It is amazing how many people come to events looking like they just rolled out of bed or just ate lunch.

The little details about your appearance, such as your shoes, all add up to your overall package.  People tend to do business with others like them. Dress appropriately for each situation.

Spend time on how you look from head to toe. You want people to see you in a positive manner. If you don’t already, then start to pay attention about how other appear in public. You will get a good sense of works and what doesn’t work.

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Nine Ways to Embarrass Yourself in Front of Your Network

When building and managing your relationships, it is important that you send the right message about your brand and professionalism. It takes time and effort to maintain your network. Mistakes can happen since we are stretched too thin and doing multiple activities. Pay special attention how you interact with your network. Below are nine ways to embarrass yourself in front of people in your network:

1. When making an introduction, you forget or mistype/mispronounce someone’s name
2. You attend an event not dressed in the appropriate attire for the environment
3. You say something that is controversial, which may cause people to become upset
4. You are branding yourself around a subject matter that you don’t know much about
5. You are rude and disinterested during conversations
6. You constantly interrupt people when they are talking
7. You make consistent mistakes in your communication channels such as newsletters, blogs, etc.
8. You talk bad about other people behind their back
9. You are only one-sided in your interaction with others

What else can you think of?

Related post: Nine Ways to Embarrass Yourself at a Networking Event

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Reid Hoffman: Social Networking in Business

Founder Institute Invades Chicago - Early Bird Applications Due 9/25

Below is information about a program that I will be faciliating in Chicago:

Due to overwhelming demand, the Founder Institute will be opening its first Chicago Semester this Fall to help grow the local startup ecosystem. The 4-month program will run from October 17th until February 7th, 2012, and is open to existing and prospective technology founders of all kinds - with or without an idea, young or old, and with a full-time job or unemployed. 

If you apply before the Early Admissions Deadline of Sunday, September 25th, you have the best chance to be accepted and the $50 processing fee for the Predictive Admissions Test will be waived. Apply here. 

The Founder Institute is a global network of startups and mentors that has helped launch hundreds of technology companies across four continents. The Chicago program will feature over 25 technology Founder and CEO mentors. 

It became clear to us that Chicago was a great target when for a new semester when nearly 100 people attended our Pitch Bootcamp event, and nearly 50 people applied to a private, prospective call for Applications we ran last month. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from expert training and feedback to launch a technology startup, then apply here to the Chicago Founder Institute.

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Proactively Reach Out to People Who You Want to Meet

In order to build your network, you should not take a passive approach. Don’t expect people to come to you.  In fact, if you want to build a strong and diverse network, then do some research on those who want to meet.

First, figure out what types of professionals you would like to meet and in what industry. Next, do some research to find the names of these people. Lastly, find ways to get in touch with these people.

LinkedIn is a great place to start. Leverage your connections to get an introduction. Also, you can send an InMail directly to anyone (with a paid account).  Most professionals use LinkedIn so you have a good chance to reach someone this way. 

Also, find out if anyone will be speaking at an industry event.  By attending these events, you can meet in person.  If you don’t get a chance to meet at the event, then follow-up and mention that you saw this person speak.

Further, ask your network if they know the person who you want to meet. If so, then ask for an email introduction.  With a personal touch, you have a good chance to connect.

What other methods do you use to get in front of people you want to meet?

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Chicago Startup Ideation Bootcamp - by the Founder Institute - 10/11

Below is information about an event that I have co-organized with the Founder Institute.

Chicago Startup Ideation Bootcamp - by the Founder Institute

Date: October 11, 2011

Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm

Location: gravitytank, 114 W. Illinois, Floor 3, Chicago

Cost: Free

The Startup Ideation Bootcamp provides expert advice with real-world practice. The evening begins with talks by leading startup Founders designed to teach you the components of good and bad startup ideas. For example, is your market big enough, is there organic growth potential, and a clear path to profitability? Then, attendees can share their ideas with both experts and peers to receive constructive feedback. The evening format is based on the best practices of the Founder Institute, the largest pre-seed incubator in the world.

Speakers include Sal Cilella, Associate Partner of gravitytank and David Roth, Founder and Managing Partner of Get Stirred Up. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. 

For more details and to sign up, go to Chicago Startup Ideation Bootcamp.

Social Networking Humor

10 Important Reasons as to Why You Should Host Your Own Events

 
Building quality relationships takes a considerable amount of time.  Whatever you do, you need to continuously get in front of people and build your own personal brand. The more that people know about you the more opportunities will come your way. One great way to get in front of people on a regular basis is to host your own events.

Below are 10 reasons why you should host your own events:

1. Bring your network to you
2. Meet new people on a regular basis
3. Reason to reach out to people
4. Demonstrate your expertise by speaking
5. People will think of you as an influencer 
6. Opportunity to connect others together
7. Provide a platform for others to shine
8. Build up your personal brand with visibility
9. Maintain relationships by seeing people you know
10. It is fun and rewarding

What other reasons can you think of?

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Attending Events is Good for Building Your Network

In order to build your network, you need to find multiple ways to meet people. Some strategies may work better than others. Regardless, attending events is an easy technique that can help you to grow your network.

By attending events, you are putting yourself in the position to meet many new people. Make an effort to attend 1- 2 events per week. You will quickly grow your network. 

At the same time, you may see people who you already know, which is good for maintaining these relationships.  You should be visible in your business community and network. Also, at these events, people you know may introduce you to new people.

Once you decide which events to attend, let certain people in your network know which ones that you will be attending. This is another good technique to manage your relationships. Staying top of mind is a critical component for building long term relationships.

Of course, don’t rely only on attending events to build your network.  Spend some time leveraging your existing network to meet new people as well.

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