Title: The Wisconsin Technology Council
1- The Wisconsin Technology Council
- and
- The Wisconsin Innovation Network (WIN)
- Partners in Progress
- Growing Wisconsin Entrepreneurs
- beyond borders beyond buildings
- 2005 WBIA Conference
- November 4, 2005
2WISCONSIN 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
3HOW WE ARE ORGANIZED
4WHAT IS WIN?
- 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
5HOW WIN WORKS
- Local WIN Chapters throughout Wisconsin
communities - Networking events
- Statewide conference/symposium, as well as the
Governors 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
6LOCAL WIN CHAPTERS
- Local chapters include
- Chippewa Valley
- Lake Superior Region (Ashland)
- Madison
- Milwaukee
- Northeast Wisconsin
7NETWORKING 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.
8STATEWIDE EVENTS
THE WISCONSIN ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE
- Typically held in June in Milwaukee provides a
hands-on experience for entrepreneurs.
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. -
GOVERNORS 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.
9WHAT 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 sociologythe human
equivalent of appropriate technologyproviding a
form of communication and interaction which is
suitable for the information-rich future.
10WHY 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.
11TIPS 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 whos most
interested in us. - Remember networking is not sales it is about
developing relationships with people.
12TRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL NETWORKER
- Positive attitude
- Smiles
- Enthusiastic
- Trustworthy
- Always networks
- Thanks people (note cards)
- Enjoys helping others
- Sincere
- Follows-up on referrals
13WHAT A LITTLE NETWORKING CAN DO
- Empowers the individual-replaces any weaknesses
with the strength of the group - Provide new experiences
- Get to know your competition
- Enrich your life
- Your sounding board for your ideas
- Job security? you can rely on your network, maybe
not your organization
14WHY 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
15WIN 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
16TESTIMONIALS
- WIN and Tech Council events keep me informed
about whats 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
17TESTIMONIALS
- The Tech Council has a critical role to play in
growing our states knowledge-based economy. - David J. Ward, president, NorthStar Economics
18THE WISCONSIN TECHNOLOGY FAMILY
19CLOSING
- 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!
20CONTACTS
- Wisconsin Technology Council, Tom Still
- Wisconsin Innovation Network, Sally Muller
- Wisconsin Angel Network, Joe Kremer
- 455 Science Dr 240
- Madison WI 53711
- 608-442-7557 FAX 608-231-6877
- www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com
- tstill_at_wisconsintechnologycouncil.com
- sallym_at_wisconsintechnologycouncil.com
- jkremer_at_wisconsinangelnetwork.com