Recently merged business and technology incubator, SoftstartBTI, has announced plans to host a free presentation on the power of virtual networking on 21 September.
Guests attending the presentation will be introduced to the concept by virtual networking guru, Doug Vining, and SoftstartBTI's resident global networker, Brian Carl Brown. Taking place at the incubator's headquarters in Midrand, the presentation will start promptly at 14h00 and refreshments will be served afterwards.
"I am particularly excited about this event, having witnessed the incredible potential of virtual networking first hand," enthuses Brown, "but it is just one of the many events being held by the incubator on behalf of its members and this year's programme is proving to be particularly stimulating and informative."
SoftstartBTI frequently holds events like this one for the benefit of its members. A wide variety of topics, including sales and marketing, technology, finance and HR, are tackled from an entrepreneurial perspective and attendees are encouraged to stay on afterwards for power networking and refreshments.
"These events are the mainstay of what we do for members," confirms Brown, "and we advise guests to bring plenty of business cards with them because their next business partner, customer, financier or supplier might be sitting right next to them."
Six degrees of separation
The virtual networking presentation will examine the opportunities presented by the radical changes taking place in the way we do business. As the industrial age gives way to the information age and old structures collapse, how best to participate and gain competitive advantage? Drawing on the concept of six degrees of separation, the guest speakers will show how virtual networking can extend an entrepreneur's reach and resources exponentially and make them more profitable.
"Networking enables you to capitalise on the strengths, expertise and connections of your friends, acquaintances and colleagues," explains Brown. "Virtual networking expands this enormously and allows you to call on the connections of your friend's friends and their friend's friends too. As the old adage about being connected to everyone within six degrees of separation suggests, networking on this scale can plug you into a wealth of talent, knowledge and profitable opportunities."
Brown also practices what he preaches and has become one of the largest African 'hubs' for LinkedIn, the global networking portal for professionals. "The key to successful virtual networking is being able to find profitable relationships," explains Brown, "which is where LinkedIn comes in. To become a hub I started making connections around the globe, with financiers in New York, submarine engineers in Italy, logistics people in Poland and entrepreneurial support people in South America. It was a lot of work, but it has started to pay off now with deals and funding starting to flow between those connected to me."
Linking smart ideas with smart money
Fellow guest speaker Doug Vining, also a member of the LinkedIn community, is a pioneer and expert developer of virtual networks and helped found the Blue Catalyst Network in South Africa. "Blue Catalyst is a virtually networked community portal designed to link 'Smart Ideas' with 'Smart Money' in South Africa and it has since been replicated around the world," clarifies Brown.
"Doug is one of the recognised experts in this field and we are delighted he is able to join us and share his wisdom."
As well as discussing the concept and theory of virtual networking, Vining and Brown will demonstrate how to apply it using tools like the LinkedIn portal. "A practical walk-through of some of its important uses will be included in a live demonstration at the end of the presentation," confirms Brown, "so that guests will experience more than just great coffee and conversation and leave armed with a tool that can help them create real value and profit."
Parties interested in taking advantage of the LinkedIn portal prior to the presentation can begin networking immediately by following the link to www.linkedin.com. To connect to Brown, send him an e-mail at brian@zzyzzo.com with the subject line "I want to Connect on LinkedIn".
To pre-register for the event or to find out more about it, either visit the SoftstartBTI Web site (www.sbti.co.za), sign up as a member for free and then fill in the online event registration form or contact either Brian Carl Brown (brian@sbti.co.za) or Simphiwe Mabaso (simphiwe@sbti.co.za) on (011) 695 4800.
If you are a budding entrepreneur involved in the ICT or electronics markets and you are interested in taking advantage of other services provided by the incubator, please contact either Brian Carl Brown or Farrah Naidoo (farrah@sbti.co.za) on (011) 695 4800 to arrange an appointment to visit SoftstartBTI and discuss your plans over a great cup of coffee.
Share
SoftstartBTI is a real estate and networked technology incubator focused on the needs of early phase entrepreneurs in the ICT market. The incubator receives financial support from the SEDA Technology Programme. SoftstartBTI supports hi-tech entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses by offering innovative products and services to the entrepreneurial community, backed by local and international partners and associates.
Doug Vining
Doug Vining is a pioneer and expert developer of virtual networks including his founding role with the Blue Catalyst Network in South Africa. Blue Catalyst is the virtually networked community portal designed to link Smart Ideas with Smart Money in South Africa. Vining is also the contributing editor to the amazing 'MindBullets: News from the Future' newsletter. With three business degrees and more than 25 years business experience, Vining has worked both in large corporates and small businesses, and seen his share of start-ups and acquisitions. He has experience in advertising, desktop publishing, consumer goods marketing and distribution, information technology, finance, manufacturing, hospitality, software development, consulting and venture capital.
Brian Carl Brown
Brian Carl Brown, Business Development Manager at SoftstartBTI, is one of the largest connecting "Hubs" in Africa on the global business networking site, LinkedIn, and a well known expert on making the most (profit) from knowing experts from across the globe. Having moved to South Africa from Houston, Texas, USA in 2002, Brown is the founder of four successful American companies in a broad range of fields, including Information Technology. Brown studied accounting, business administration and economics with a minor in philosophy at The University of St Thomas in Houston. With skills in marketing, accounting, law, business management and investment analysis, his entrepreneurial talents are invaluable to coach business owners. He has extensive experience in hands-on small business consulting and a passion for science and technology.
Editorial contacts