Networking Insight

Set Your Networking Goals for 2013

With each new year, we usually have new goals in mind. Networking is no exception. What are your goals for the new year? Below are some thoughts to consider as you think about how you can accelerate your relationship building to bring you more success:

• Consider attending new events each month to meet new people outside of your industry.
• Consider getting involved in a professional association or networking group. 
• Consider getting involved in a charity to meet more like minded people, which can include executives.
• Consider scheduling lunch meetings each week with people in your network.
• Consider personally branding yourself by starting a blog, joining Twitter, and starting a newsletter.
• Consider writing industry articles to send to relevant media outlets.
• Consider connecting more people together in your network on a regular basis.
• Consider hosting your own events to bring people to you.
• Consider offering to help more people who you meet at events.
• Consider listening more to people so you can learn more about them.

What other ideas are you considering for the new year?

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Founder Institute Chicago - Startup Ideation Bootcamp - 1/8

You have an idea for a startup, but don't know what to do next? In just three hours, the Startup Ideation Bootcamp will help you improve your idea, come up with new ideas, determine the next steps, and even recruit potential co-founders. This intensive, collaborative workshop begins with talks by an innovation expert and startup founder designed to teach you the components of good and bad startup ideas. Then, attendees can share ideas with both experts and peers to receive constructive feedback. 

The bootcamp will be led by Dave Sonders, Associate Partner at gravitytank and George Deeb, Managing Director at Red Rocket Venture Partners. Join us for a fun evening! After the event, we will go out for drinks at English (444 N. LaSalle Dr, Chicago). Our venue sponsor is gravitytank and food sponsor is Taylor Group Insurance Agency.

Event Details

• Date: 1/8/13
• Time: 5:30-9:00pm
• Location: gravitytank, 114 W. Illinois St., Floor 3, Chicago
• Sponsors: Founder Institute, gravitytank, Taylor Group Insurance Agency.

For more details and to register go to http://fi.co/courses/2114

We are now accepting applications for our Chicago Spring 2013 semester. The early bird application deadline is January 13, 2013. You can fill out the application at http://fi.co/join/ideation.

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Book Review: Strategic Intuition by William Duggan

Strategic Intuition was written by William Duggan who is an associate professor of management at Columbia University Business School. He teaches strategic intuition in graduate and executive courses. In addtion, he has 20 years of experience as a strategy advisor and consultant and is the author of The Art of What Works.

The book is comprised of the following chapters:

• Flash versus Blink
• Revolution on Earth
• Two Halves of a Brain
• Lieutenant M Saves Your Life
• The Corsican Conquers Europe
• Warriror Buddha
• Gates and the Google Guys Go for It
• Mouse, Minister, and Moneylender
• Picasso Dines with an African Sculpture
• Do We Do Dewey?
• Kennedy Shoots for the Moon

The book explores strategic intuition, which is when we have flashes of insight that give us an idea for action. Many of our best ideas come to us in the shower, at night, or when we least expect it.  When this happens, we are able to connect the dots.

Over the past 10 years, the author has performed research on strategic intuition. In this book, he shares with the reader how strategic intuition has been a part of great achievements throughout our history. To illustrate his research, he explores historic moments such the scientific and computer revolutions, woman's suffrage, the civil rights movement, modern art, and microfinance in poor countries.  

To put strategic intuition into perspective, brain science shows us that we have three kinds of intuition. Ordinary intuition is just a gut instict. Expert intuition is when you make quick judgments because you recognize something familiar. Strategic intuition is a flash of insight that may help you solve a probem that you have been thinking about for some time.

Flashes of insight can help you in any situation when you need to be innovative, entrepreneurial, or creative. The author helps you to better understand when flashes of insight can occur so you can make better decisions.

To become a stronger leader, it is important to harness what the author discusses in the book. At the same time, you learn about human history from a unique perspective. So, it is an interesting read.

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Networking Insight Turns Six!

Today is the six anniversary of the Networking Insight blog! Thank you for your continued readership and support these past six years.

It has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience to share my thoughts on relationship building, networking, and personal branding.

I look forward to more years to come. Happy Networking!

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EFactor Presents: The Parallel Between Work and Personal Time - 1/14/13

As an entrepreneur, a typical work week varies, often consuming 7 days and long hours. Join us for this special presentation as you learn from health and wellness experts the importance of "YOU" time. Logging in the long hours, also means taking some much needed "R&R". Hear from entrepreneurs on how they are able to "shut off" when they need to recharge. We'll also be teaching you some basic relaxation exercises to help you distress from a crazy work day.

Speakers

• John Dallas, Founder and Chief Alignment Officer, Hillview Partners Network
• Nancy Stevens, Founder and Publisher, Oaklee's Guide
• Scott Desgrosseilliers, Founder, The Medidation Mind
• Katie Chambers, Founder, Feng Shui Today

Event Details

• 1/14/13
• 6-9pm
• VentureSHOT, 744 N. Wells, Chicago
• Price: $10 early bird, $15 regular, $20 at door
• Sponsors: EFactor, VentureSHOT, Leavitt & Siegal

For more details and to register, go to EFactor.com.

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Eight Holiday Networking Tips

The holidays are an important time of the year to reflect on the past year. At the same time, it is an important time of the year to build relationships. The holidays are a more relaxing time so people are in festive moods.

Below are eight networking tips for the holidays:

1. Attend holiday events - Take the time to attend holiday gatherings both from your business and professional live. You will have a chance to interact with people in a more relaxed setting.

2. Send holiday cards - It is important for you to stay in touch with your network. Sending a holiday card shows that you are thinking about people.

3. Show your appreciation - For the people in your life that made a big difference the past year, show your appreciation by sending a holiday "thank you" gift.  People like to be recognized.

4. Set up meetings - During this time of the year, some people are slower with business so they may have more time to have meetings. Take the time to set up meetings to get to know people better.

5. Act professional - Even though you may be attending a holiday function, you should still act professional.  You want to keep the same professional demeanor and image at all times.

6. Don't drink to excess - Pay attention to how much you drink at holiday get togethers. As stated above, you want to act professional at all times.

7. Show your holiday spirit - Have fun and spread the holiday cheer. Bring holiday cookies or food to share with your co-workers and colleagues.

8. Work on your branding - Since you should have some extra time, work on your personal brand. Write some thought leadership pieces that you can share in the new year. 

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Founder Institute Chicago - Information Session 12/18

The Founder Institute is the world's largest early-stage accelerator. Join us for an informational event where you can meet the local Director and some of the graduates and mentors. Learn how you can laucnh a startup with the Founder Institute's help.

December 18, 2012

6:00-8:30PM

Much Shelist, 191 N. Wacker, 18th Floor, Chicago

For more information and to register, to to http://fi.co/courses/2111

We are now accepting applications for our Chicago Spring 2013 semester. The early bird application deadline is January 13, 2013. You can fill out the application at http://fi.co/join/ideation.

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