Member Spotlight: Christy Agness

by Samantha Furry

After Christy Agness suggested we meet at the hip, new spot, Hangar Lounge, I was geared up for great weather, great views and even greater conversation. As I sat with Christy, I soon realized I wouldn’t be disappointed on any front. It’s comforting to know such a light hearted, fun-loving and kind person like Christy Agness can also be business savvy and is able to bounce back from tough times. Take a peek and find out more about this Texas transplant. 

AWC AUSTIN:  How long have you been a member of AWC Austin?
CA:  About three years and I’ve lived in Austin for four.

AWC AUSTIN:  Can you describe your role in AWC?
CA:  I was a member for one year before I realized the importance of getting involved. I wanted to meet more people and get to know them better. When I decided to volunteer, I first served on the Banner Brunch Silent Auction & Raffle Committee. The next year, I served as the Silent Auction Chair. It was my first time in a chair position and it was a great learning experience. I currently serve on the Board of Directors as the Student Chapter Liaison, and I will serve in that role again next year.  I would like to expand our student chapters to include St. Edward’s University.

AWC AUSTIN: I know you stress to students the importance of networking and building relationships.  Has this message changed since the recent recession?
CA:  Absolutely. A lot of students feel safe waiting until their junior or senior year to start networking.  Start networking now.  It doesn’t have to be awkward and they should have fun with it!

In this economy, the way you find jobs is through your network. You can apply to a job posting, but it is much more efficient to tap into your network. I often emphasize to the students the importance of using LinkedIn. My tip is to only accept people on LinkedIn with whom you’ve actually worked with. Create the associations you want through LinkedIn.

I also stress the importance of internships, paid or unpaid.  A while ago, one or two internships were appropriate but now, the more experience a student has, the better. Get out there, make connections and use them as recommendations. I tell them they have to be open-minded.  Try new things and keep your options open. 

AWC AUSTIN:  What is your top networking tip that you’d like to share?
CA:  The follow through and follow up is key because you go to so many networking events and get so many cards that it’s very easy to forget about it. Write on the back of the card where and how you met that person. Follow up and invite them out for coffee! Most people want to help and build a connection but they won’t always reach out to you. It never hurts to ask them; you never know!  Show an interest, do some research and they will make time for you. And don’t just send just one email.  If they don’t respond right away don’t be scared; they’re probably very busy. Follow up in a few days and ask again!

AWC AUSTIN:  What attracted you to Austin?
CA:  I was looking to relocate and was at an age and point in my life that I could make a big move.  I was young, single and ready to explore. I researched six different cities; Austin was the one city where I didn’t know anyone, but when I visited, everyone was so friendly and the people I met with were so gracious and helpful.  I figured if I was going to do it, go big!  If worse came to worse, I could always move home.  In order to be successful, you’re going to make mistakes and have some failures.

AWC AUSTIN:  How did your career path unfold?
CA:  I’m from Indianapolis and I went to college in Indiana, moved to Chicago and did an internship at Weber Shandwick.  I then found a job through Monster with a large high-tech start up called NAVTEQ.  It was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.  They created digital mapping software. I was part of the company through their transition from private to public. I worked there for four and a half years, before I was ready for a change. That’s when I made the move to Texas! I moved here and worked for two startups that were not as successful. I had been through two layoffs in Austin but through AWC and Banner Brunch, I met Cristen James. We had both moved here from Chicago and interned at Weber Shandwick! I have a business-to-business background and Cristen has a business-to-consumer background, so we thought, “Let’s work together!”  I joined Electric Monkey and we’ve been business partners for one year.

AWC AUSTIN:  You guys have an awesome name.  How did the name “Electric Monkey” come about?
CA:  There are so many companies in Austin and the market is oversaturated. We wanted something unique that would grab people’s attention. I was recently at a networking event and someone asked me “You’re one of those monkeys, right?” Ironically, we’re now working with the Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary to help with their social media and promotion of their new primate house. We’re excited to be part of this cool project.

AWC AUSTIN:  Electric Monkey assists clients in various industries.  What do you enjoy most about a diversified client base?
CA:  I like working with such a variety of people.  It encourages us to be creative! It’s a learning process working with different clients in different fields.

AWC AUSTIN:  How do you feel the Austin area supports emerging companies that might differ from other cities or areas?
CA:  I think Austin is very supportive.  There are different groups in town that offer free help if you’re an entrepreneur.  There are all kinds of websites, networking groups and blogs.  I feel like Austin, more than most cities, encourages entrepreneurs. I was talking with someone the other day who mentioned they “love working with local, Austin-based companies because they’re more personalized and we feel they really care about us versus a large agency.” I think you really see small businesses investing more into their clients, in general.  They want to be successful and they want you to be successful; it’s a win-win situation.

AWC AUSTIN:  What do you love to do during your downtime in Austin?
CA:  I love to working out, as well as watching and playing a variety of sports.  I like spending time outside running Town Lake, exploring Texas and the Hill Country.  I’m planning a trip to Fredericksburg for a long weekend.  I come from the Midwest where the music scene isn’t as big as it is here so I enjoy checking out Austin festivals and music.  I’m always up for trying anything new.  When I first moved here, I went to the rodeo by myself and it was a blast!

AWC AUSTIN:  What is your favorite lunch spot?
CA:  Panera because you can work there, hold business meetings and they have good food and a nice atmosphere.  Austin Java is good, too, because you can stay for hours.  They even have a Funky Monkey smoothie!

AWC AUSTIN:  What would you tell someone who’s interested in joining AWC but still undecided?
CA:  I’m very thankful that I’ve met such incredible women that are motivated, driven and supportive.  When we talk to them about Electric Monkey, other entrepreneurs are the first ones to give advice and offer support if we need it.  I’ve really been thankful for the friendships and the experience.  It sounds so cheesy, but it’s true!  This organization is worth it.  When I was unemployed, I went to Careers Over Coffee and I found it so helpful.  It was a small, intimate group of women in different fields.  It was just coffee so I wasn’t nervous and I felt I could be brutally honest.  “My company went under and I’ve been laid off.  What do I do?”  We could brainstorm, share experiences, get advice, vent, ask questions and see what take others had on something.  It was a really good realm to be in when I was unemployed.  I felt better about things, got ideas, went home and was really motivated to apply for jobs or to reach out to a new contact.  I’m really thankful for that support.

A wonderful blurb from Cristen James, business partner and friend, on her views about Christy and her role at AWC Austin.

I think she’s an unsung hero at AWC.  Acting as the Student Liaison and reaching out to our future members is above and beyond a lot of what people do.  We’re lucky to have such an involved liaison.