Archive for March, 2009
On our drive back from San Diego MK and I went through Zion National Park. We were unfortunately no where near dressed warm enough to do a big hike but took a thousand pictures from the car -
here they are!
It was a beautiful spot and one we’ll probably go through again and camp and hike […]
As I mentioned Monday, MK called me up and asked if he could drive to San Diego, and change my flight to meet him there. I had an awesome lazy Sunday shopping with SB, enjoying the sun at Cedar Door with SB KD and JC, and saying goodbye to JC KD and LC over some drinks. I […]
Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?
Closed Published by Jonathan Dodson March 30th, 2009 on Creation Project It has been said that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” That the beauty of a person or thing is not intrinsic to that person or thing, but is determined by the person who views it. That beauty is subjective, relative, referential. What you find beautiful, I may find ugly but neither […]
Just had a plateful of “spaghetti” (actually noodles with broiled chicken pieces), a can of coke and a bottle of water for lunch. Grand total of 3.70 ringgits (or $1.01 USD).
Where are Your Referrals Coming From?
Closed Published by Business Networking in Austin Blog March 29th, 2009 on Business Networking in Austin BlogOne thing that took me a particularly long time to figure out about networking is the best referral sources. Often times we identify an individual who is in a perfect position to provide us with an endless stream of highly qualified referrals. As a good networker I’d identify this person, work really hard to add a lot of value for them, and ask for those referrals. Too many times those referrals would never come, and I’d still spend a ton of time trying to make the relationship work (sometimes years). For whatever reason, some people are just not going to refer you. Some are just not comfortable giving any type of referral, it’s just not how they operate. Others have other resources they’re exceptionally loyal to, or even related to, who you’ll never be able to replace. Whatever the reason it’s ok, and there’s nothing wrong with your strategic referral source.
What matters is your ability to identify your best, proven referral sources.
An exercise I try to conduct fairly regularly is to go back and source all of my opportunities to a specific individual. It’s important to focus on opportunities, not closed business. I will typically look at a period of time, say six months. As a name comes up I write it down. Each time that person comes up again I’ll put a check mark next to their name.
The most important point here is this: Someone who refers you once is probably 10 times more likely than any other person in your network to refer you again. Anyone who refers you multiple times is probably 10 times again more likely to refer you yet again then even your other single referrers.
It quickly becomes abundantly obvious which relationships you should put the most focus and attention on. Here’s the kicker. Most of the time your multiple referrers are a surprise. They’re almost never the people you thought were going to be good consistent sources of opportunities.
It’s important not to keep score and expect that people you create opportunities for will return the favor. However, I do think it’s important to keep track of the opportunities you receive and work really hard to return those favors. You won’t always be able to fully pay them back, but it’s a lot of fun to try.
In my next post I’ll write about Tracking Referrals, and discuss my thoughts on what you should and shouldn’t track.
Happy Networking!
Scott Ingram
The Love Me Nots Dig Verosky Photos
Closed Published by Ed Verosky March 27th, 2009 on Austin Music PhotosOpening The Love Me Nots official MySpace page. Ed’s photos from the show at Smokin’ Music during SXSW in Austin! Super cool band from Phoenix. Nice.
Wasn’t expecting the funness. It’s a word if I say so.
#87
Five Totally Unexpected Things I’ll Be Doing This Week:
Partying like it’s 1999.
Suntanning.
Skiing.
Danceoff!
Using a shovel.
Does Satan Exist? - Driscoll vs. Deepak
Closed Published by Jonathan Dodson March 27th, 2009 on Creation ProjectThis is worth your time. Here is a link to the rest of the videos done by ABC nightline.
New: Austin City Life Website
Closed Published by Jonathan Dodson March 27th, 2009 on Creation ProjectCheck out our new church website. 99% of the photos are taken by our own people. Feel free to give us some feedback.
In the coming weeks we will be adding new sermon archiving features, fresh content, and new pictures. The plan is to keep the site fresh with content, resources, and images. Notice the blog […]
SXSW 09: The Smell of the Influx
Closed Published by Ed Verosky March 27th, 2009 on Austin Music PhotosBeing downtown during SXSW feels like being in a different city altogether, to me anyway. I have a theory that people coming in from all over the world actually make Austin “smell” different. Not in a bad way. Just different. 6th Street certainly takes on a new identity. I’m looking […]