Innovative Systems

February 2008
The Power of Networking

Some people say that ideas are only as good as the ones you have taken from someone else - who themselves may have taken the same idea from someone else - and so on. What does that really mean for you? Schedule time on your calendar once each month to talk to another marketing person and find out what they are doing. Take advantage of all the resources you have available such as:

Web Forums & List Serves
NTCA’s PRNET is an excellent resource and is free to all member companies. If you are a member of OPASTCO, they are rolling out a similar service. People on these networks are happy to share, so ask anything and you are sure to get someone who can offer a solution or post a sample.

Your Telephony Vendors
Sure they want to sell you stuff, but they also want you to be successful. Since most of your vendors are offering services to many of your peers, they will have a good feel for what others are doing with similar products or services. Many also hold user meetings for their products and services where companies similar to yours are attending. These types of networking opportunities allow you to find out how others are using the same tools as you.

State Associations
Though many of you participate in state association marketing functions, there are many state associations that have not organized anything specifically appealing to the needs of marketers. You may have to take the lead in your state to get something going with other marketers in your region. Even if your association may not be interested, you can still form your own informal group. Many have done this already.

National Marketing Conferences
Even if you can’t budget to go every year, try to get to one at least every two years. NTCA offers the PRNet for its members twice a year and OPASTCO now has a Marketing Symposium once in the fall. One marketing manager recently made the comment that even though the content was’t quite what she was looking for, the opportunity to visit with other marketers from across the US was well worth the expense of attending.

Look to Another Industry for Contacts
Get to know people who do similar work outside the telecommunications industry. Talk with the people who do marketing and PR for the hospital, the local banks, any other business you can think of. Their industry and what they are selling may be different, but the principles are the same.

Get out there and network. You never know what will come of your time.

You are invited to direct any questions related to marketing Innovative Systems AP products to either Scott Meyer (605.990.7202) or Lisa Johnson (605.990.7149).