Jeff Nolan – Founder, Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours

Founded in November 2008 Group of Twin Cities Professionals Meet on 3rd Thursday every month at a different

happy hour location in the Twin Cities Casual networking events Special events (business talks, golf, philanthropy) Over 1,300 people connected (LinkedIn)

Where we’ve been: Maynard’s, Imperial Room, Vic’s, J.J. Hill Library, Harrington

Mansion, Alaska Eatery, Forepaugh’s, Braemar Golf Course, The Shout House, Rock Bottom Brewery

To connect people who have an interest in helping others expand their career or grow their business, in a fun and casual environment.

Vision for the group: To become the premier place to make business

connections in the Twin Cities and to allow members an opportunity to get involved with giving back to the community.

Networking - a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest. (Dictionary.com)

What is your definition of “Networking”?

The ability to listen to and learn about others to find out how you can help THEM.

The ability to build relationships that are based on trust and common good.

"The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.“ –Keith Ferrazzi

Find prior ways to connect with people you know will be at an event, conference, seminar etc. that you would like to meet.

Know something about the person you would like to meet or are meeting with.

Connect with your business connections/network online.

Networking, in particular, events and social tools serve as a means to bring people together.

Networking is a useless function without active members working together to build a community that serves a purpose.

Establishing a useful network takes time, energy and trust among all parties.

The intent of your networking focus should not be to sell other people, but rather to create advocates for you.

Take a genuine interest in other people, not just what they do, but who they are.

Find ways to “touch” people in your network 5 times a week. E-mail, phone call, Thank You, social network, mail

Don’t wait for others to give you opportunities to network, create your own.

Contribute to conversations in your online network

Attend as many events that will encourage you to expand your network. (research relevance)

Don’t be afraid to “fail” at networking, if you put yourself out there, it is impossible to fail. (everyone else is in the same boat)

Follow up with people you meet, especially if you said you would.

Do not follow up to try to sell your product or service.

Find ways to stay connected with the people that you let into your network.

You never know how who you meet can help you, be memorable. (Don’t be canned, dress professionally, be positive)

Website http://www.tcthursdayhappyhours.com

LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=159892

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31164776245

Twitter http://twitter.com/TCTHURHAPPYHOUR

Ning http://tcthursdayhappyhours.ning.com