Houston is one of the most networking-mad cities in the world. When I talk to out-of-town coordinators from the Company of Friends (Fast Company magazine’s readers’ network), they often say how professionals in their city need someplace to network. In Houston, professional groups fiercely compete for your networking investment (usually more time than money, but money does come up regularly).

Anyway, what I want to say is that being such a hotbed of networking, it’s natural that Houston networking groups will be forced to become more innovative in order to compete. A recent announcement from a networking group for IT professionals, Techxans, demonstrates a real commitment to evolve the group and to invent new ways to meet members needs. Here’s an excerpt from a recent email announcement.

Eric and Natalie would be happy to hear from you, including any feedback that you may have to help us improve Techxans. 

What’s New in 2005:
   1.  All attendees business card images and list will be online and available to members immediately after the event.
   2.  All social activities will be $10 for non-members and free(included) for all members.
   3.  Members will receive private invitation to dinners with a CIO.
   4.  Members will get a cool new Techxans T-shirt.
   5.  Techxans now has a secured online eCommerce website that lets you sign up and pay your membership directly online.