Nicole Thompson, Director of Membership – Round Rock Chamber

Nicole Thompson Director of Membership Round Rock Chamber

Bryan Eisenberg

Podcast, Startups

Why Business Success Starts with Showing Up

There’s a secret to success that’s so simple, so obvious, that most people completely ignore it. It’s not about talent. It’s not about luck. It’s about one thing: showing up.

Nicole Thompson, Director of Membership at the Round Rock Chamber, knows this firsthand. She’s seen it time and time again. The people who become key players in their community aren’t always the smartest or most experienced. They’re the ones who keep showing up, making connections, and proving their value over time.

You don’t need to know everyone in the room. You just need to know one person. Then, at the next event, meet one more. Before long, people start recognizing you, trusting you, and, most importantly, including you.

Building Success One Relationship at a Time

Nicole shares a story about Writ Baese, a business leader who came to Round Rock knowing no one. He didn’t have a built-in network. He wasn’t handed opportunities. But he did one thing right. He kept showing up.

Meeting one person led to another. He stayed consistent. Over time, people started thinking, This guy isn’t going away, we might as well put him to work. Now, Rip is a key figure in the community, proving that persistence and presence pay off.

This isn’t just a feel-good anecdote. It’s a blueprint. Success is about stacking small, consistent actions over time.

Why Most Businesses Fail at Networking

Many businesses join a chamber or networking group, do a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and then disappear. They expect customers to magically show up because their name is on a membership list. When that doesn’t happen, they assume networking doesn’t work.

Nicole puts it bluntly. Networking only works if you do.

The Round Rock Chamber is different because it fosters an environment of openness. It doesn’t feel “clickish” like some other chambers. But even in the most welcoming environments, people won’t chase you down to give you opportunities. You have to be present and engaged.

The Power of Small Interactions

Too many people avoid networking because they don’t want to make small talk. They think surface-level conversations are a waste of time. But here’s the truth. Small talk is the gateway to real relationships.

Nicole encourages people to embrace those early, surface-level interactions. Talking about the weather might feel trivial, but it builds familiarity. It lays the groundwork for deeper connections later. Avoiding small talk is like expecting to run a marathon without taking the first step.

The Business Edge: Strategic Involvement

Networking isn’t just about shaking hands and exchanging business cards. It’s about strategically positioning yourself in the right places.

Nicole highlights three key strategies for making the most of your local chamber or business community.
1. Join the Right Groups – Not all events are created equal. Business after-hours events might be fun, but if you’re serious about growth, look at think tanks like One Million Cups or education-driven groups like the Business Leader Series.
2. Find Your Passion – Networking shouldn’t feel like a chore. Get involved in organizations that align with your values and interests. Passion attracts opportunities.
3. Leverage the Chamber’s Strategy – The chamber isn’t just a place for networking. It’s a strategic asset. Many businesses don’t realize that chambers like Round Rock help identify key people in your company and connect them with the right organizations to position them as leaders.

How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market

In today’s fast-moving world, it’s not enough to just be good at what you do. You have to be known.

Nicole emphasizes that the most successful business owners don’t just market their products or services. They market themselves. The best way to do that? Be present. Engage. Participate.

The companies that grow aren’t necessarily the best ones. They’re the ones people think of first. And people think of them first because they see them often. Visibility builds credibility.

The Networking Shortcut

If there were a shortcut to building a successful business, it would be this. Show up consistently and contribute value.

That’s it.

No fancy marketing tricks. No insider secrets. Just the commitment to being present, making connections, and staying engaged. Because the truth is, the people who succeed aren’t always the ones with the best ideas. They’re the ones who stick around long enough to see those ideas come to life.

And that’s a game anyone can win.

Bryan Eisenberg

Bryan Eisenberg is an award-winning, internationally recognized authority in marketing and persuading customers. A pioneer in digital analytics, conversion rate optimization, persuasion architecture, persona marketing, buyer narratives, and customer experience, Bryan has co-authored bestselling books including Call to Action, Waiting For Your Cat to Bark?, Always Be Testing, Buyer Legends, Be Like Amazon, and The Rice and Beans Millionaire, all of which have appeared on Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, Business Week, and Amazon bestseller lists. With decades of experience, Bryan has been part of the founding team of four data-driven startups and has successfully raised capital for each. He has also advised over a dozen startups, guiding companies like Bazaarvoice, UserTesting, and Runa (acquired by Staples) to successful exits. His proudest accomplishments include helping thousands of companies, including Google, Chase, Dell, Disney, and GE, dramatically improve their sales using frameworks developed with his brother Jeffrey. A sought-after international keynote speaker, Bryan has headlined events such as Shop.org, SalesForce's DreamForce, Direct Marketing Association, and the Canadian Marketing Association. His work has earned him recognition as one of the top 10 User Experience Gurus by eConsultancy, a LinkedIn Retail Influencer, and an IBM Futurist. He was also named one of the iMedia Top 25 Marketers and a Marketing Edge Rising Star. Bryan and his wife serve their local community, running A Place At Home – North Austin, a home care agency in Round Rock, TX. He also serves as Ambassador co-chair for the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce. Bryan takes pride in mentoring growth-focused entrepreneurs, from SaaS founders to local businesses.