wisconsin innovation network the wisconsin technology council and the wisconsin innovation network...
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Wisconsin Innovation Network
The Wisconsin Technology Counciland
The Wisconsin Innovation Network (WIN):
Partners in Progress
Growing Wisconsin Entrepreneurs:
beyond borders; beyond buildings
2005 WBIA Conference
November 4, 2005
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkWISCONSIN TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
The Wisconsin Technology Council is the leading catalyst for technology development in Wisconsin, serving as the science and technology policy adviser to the Governor and the Legislature. Our programs are designed to achieve those goals.
• Policy Development: Promote technology business formation
• Economic Development: Stimulating job creation
• Network Development: Provide opportunities for ideas, capital and entrepreneurs to meet
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkHOW WE ARE ORGANIZED
Wisconsin Innovation Network
WIN is the 501(c)6 membership subsidiary of the Wisconsin Technology Council.
WIN is a network for entrepreneurs and other individuals seeking to grow their business through innovation.
WIN provides opportunities for ideas, capital and entrepreneurs to meet.
Tag Line: Leading The Way Into The Knowledge Age
WHAT IS WIN?
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkHOW WIN WORKS
• Local WIN Chapters throughout Wisconsin communities
• Networking events
• Statewide conference/symposium, as well as the Governor’s Business Plan Contest --WIN chapters are a prime source of entries in the statewide contest and may run local contests
• Partnerships with other community and networking organizations
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkLOCAL WIN CHAPTERS
Local chapters include: – Chippewa Valley– Lake Superior Region
(Ashland)– Madison– Milwaukee– Northeast Wisconsin
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkNETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
WIN serves as a prime, statewide networking circle that provides educational and/or news forums. Recent speakers have included entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, financial experts, as well as company representatives and individuals from the local community.
A list of recent speakers can be found on our web site, along with upcoming events.
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkSTATEWIDE EVENTS
• Typically held in June in Milwaukee; provides a hands-on experience for entrepreneurs.
THE WISCONSIN ENTREPRENEURS’ CONFERENCE
WISCONSIN EARLY STAGE SYMPOSIUM
• Formerly the Wisconsin Life Sciences & Venture Conference, this 20-year-old conference has helped dozens of companies connect with investors over time.
GOVERNOR’S BUSINESS PLAN CONTEST
• Brings forth some of the best business ideas throughout the state in 4 categories: Advanced manufacturing, business services, information technology and life sciences.
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkWHAT IS A NETWORK?
• Simply stated, networks are people talking to each other, sharing ideas, information, and resources. Network is a verb, not a noun.
• Networks are structured to transmit information in a way that is quicker, more high-tech, and more energy-efficient than any other process.
• Networks are appropriate sociology—the human equivalent of appropriate technology—providing a form of communication and interaction which is suitable for the information-rich future.
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkWHY NETWORKS EXIST
• To foster self-help;• To exchange information, quickly and easily
– A study estimates it takes 7 phone calls to get information from a Government agency
• To spark business development;• To improve productivity and work life;• To share resources;• To create linkages between people; • To share contacts; and• To raise capital.
Networks go beyond the mere transfer of data, they create and exchange knowledge AKA Knowledge Networking.
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkTIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING
• Bring business cards• Bring a pen (that works)• Introduce yourself to 5 people you do not know• Return telephone calls promptly• Follow-up on all referrals you get• Believe in yourself and your work• Build and maintain a good reputation• Prepare a 30-second “commercial” – “pitch”• Never talk about religion and politics• The most interesting person is the one who’s most
interested in us.
Remember: networking is not sales; it is about developing relationships with people.
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkTRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL NETWORKER
• Positive attitude• Smiles• Enthusiastic• Trustworthy• Always networks• Thanks people (note cards)• Enjoys helping others• Sincere• Follows-up on referrals
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkWHAT A LITTLE NETWORKING CAN DO…
1. Empowers the individual-replaces any weaknesses with the strength of the group
2. Provide new experiences
3. Get to know your competition
4. Enrich your life
5. Your sounding board for your ideas
6. Job security? you can rely on your network, maybe not your organization
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkWHY SHOULD YOU GET WIN-VOLVED?
• Free or discounted registration at statewide conferences.
• Sponsorship opportunities.
• A subscription to the monthly WIN eNewsletter
• Subscriptions to print and on-line news services.
• Access to other members, statewide, and their expertise
• Monthly networking and educational opportunities throughout the state
• Chance to add your voice to Technology Council policy discussions
• Discounts from preferred vendors
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkWIN PARTNERS
• Educational institutions• Research facilities• Trade associations• Economic development groups• Regional economic/planning groups• State and local government• Technology networking groups• Chambers of Commerce• Clubs – MIT Club of WI, WI Inventors Network• Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network• Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkTESTIMONIALS
“WIN and Tech Council events keep me informed
about what’s happening in entrepreneurship,
innovation, technology and investing around the
state, the region, and locally. Another benefit is
being plugged into what other entrepreneurs and
colleagues are doing.” Amy M. Pietsch
Venture Center Director, Fox Valley Technical College
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkTESTIMONIALS
“The Tech Council has a critical role to play in growing our state’s knowledge-based economy.” David J. Ward, president, NorthStar Economics
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkTHE WISCONSIN TECHNOLOGY FAMILY
Wisconsin Innovation NetworkCLOSING
• A network never sleeps.• Innovation gives networking direction.• Two important skills for business success:
Networking and Innovation (two words in WIN)• You cannot innovate if you always hangout with
the same people.• It is not what you know, but who you know!
Wisconsin Innovation Network
Wisconsin Technology Council, Tom StillWisconsin Innovation Network, Sally MullerWisconsin Angel Network, Joe Kremer
455 Science Dr #240
Madison WI 53711
608-442-7557 FAX 608-231-6877
www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com
CONTACTS