The Power of Networking

1
The Power of Networking

• Facilitator
• Jennifer Johnson
• HR Director, Arras, Inc.

2
Learning Outcomes

• New ways of thinking creatively about resource
  sharing and networking
• Practice using networking skills
• New connections with peers who have resources to
  share

3
Take Aways

• You will find new ways of adding value to your
  organization through collaboration
• You will meet potential new contacts

4
Introductions

• Name
• Organization
• Geographic area
• Job
• Population served

5
Networking Case Studies

• Two non-profits improve efficiencies by forming a
  federation, collaborating in contracts, sharing
  resources and centralizing administrative
  services

6
Networking Case Studies

• A small group of unaffiliated Portland-area
  non-profits within the human services / mental
  health field form a network to
• Initiate a salary survey specific to their field
• Share best practices
• Share resources
• Lend moral support

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Networking Case Studies

• One organization with a staff member certified to
  conduct First Aid and CPR training, offers to
  provide that training at cost in exchange for
  seats in supervisory training classes

8
Networking Case Studies

• A Human Resources Manager needs to write an
  electronic communications policy, seeks samples
  and advice from colleagues.

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Networking Case Studies

• A non-profit receives a large donation of used
  office furniture and shares it with other smaller
  non-profits

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Networking Case Studies

• A human services organization serving at-risk
  youth needs internships for clients to help them
  learn responsibility, learn job skills, increase
  self-esteem and build a work history. Another
  organization accepts and trains the interns.

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Ways to Use Networking

• Best practices (policies, job descriptions)
• Resources
• Training
• Referrals and contacts
• Job candidates / layoffs
• Interns
• Salary surveys (caution anti-trust issues)
• Other ideas?

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Writing Exercise

• What resources, skills, experiences, and contacts
  do you have that you could possibly share with
  others?

13
Writing Exercise

• What resources do you (or your organization) need
  that you dont have or would typically need to
  pay for?

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Activity

• Who has a need that they want to share?
• Who can help with that need?

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Activity

• Who would like to form a group based on
  geography?
• Who would like to form a group based on
  population served?
• Who would like to form a group based on type of
  service?
• Other types of groups?

16
Unwritten Rules of Networking

• Reciprocity give at least as much as you receive
• Clarify what is confidential
• Give credit where credit is due

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Roadblocks to Networking

• No time to invest in networking
• Isolation from colleagues
• Losing touch with your network
• Internal focus
• Doing things the same old way

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Using Email Networks

• Moderated lists v. MS Outlook
• Who owns the information?
• How can personal info be used?
• Do you want one or multiple moderators
• Spam filters
• If appropriate protect anonymity
• Set ground rules
• Know where you stand on commercial solicitation

19
Existing Networks

• Idealist.org
• SHRM (shrm.org)
• Local SHRM chapter
• Local HR Networks
• Small groups of colleagues
• Local multi-purpose nonprofit lists (ie CNRG)

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Other Ideas?