The Wisconsin Technology Council

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• 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

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WISCONSIN 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

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HOW WE ARE ORGANIZED
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WHAT 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

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HOW 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

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LOCAL WIN CHAPTERS

• Local chapters include
• Chippewa Valley
• Lake Superior Region (Ashland)
• Madison
• Milwaukee
• Northeast Wisconsin

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NETWORKING 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.

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STATEWIDE 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.

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WHAT 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.

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WHY 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.

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TIPS 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.

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TRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL NETWORKER

• Positive attitude
• Smiles
• Enthusiastic
• Trustworthy
• Always networks
• Thanks people (note cards)
• Enjoys helping others
• Sincere
• Follows-up on referrals

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WHAT 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

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WHY 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

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WIN 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

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TESTIMONIALS

• 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

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TESTIMONIALS

• The Tech Council has a critical role to play in
  growing our states knowledge-based economy.
• David J. Ward, president, NorthStar Economics

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THE WISCONSIN TECHNOLOGY FAMILY
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CLOSING

• 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!

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CONTACTS

• 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 [phone]
• www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com
• tstill_at_wisconsintechnologycouncil.com
• sallym_at_wisconsintechnologycouncil.com
• jkremer_at_wisconsinangelnetwork.com