Networking is an effective low-cost marketing method for developing new opportunities, contacts, and partnerships necessary for social innovation scaling. In its essence networking is based on referrals and introductions – either face-to-face at meetings and gatherings, or by other contact methods including different social media channels. This unit will present you the main aspects of networking face to face and online for building up successful partnerships.
You will acquire basic knowledge of the main social media platforms and be able to use them in scaling process. After the completion of the unit you should be able to facilitate the social innovator in the process of partnership creation via tips for networking too.
To get inspired and set your mind thinking about why proper communication, networking and various partnerships are crucial at the scaling stage have a look at the following video:
This is an individual self-reflection task that gives useful insights and tips appropriate for the most popular face to face networking events. To start it, have a look at the following material: “ BUSINESS NETWORKING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR NETWORKING EVENTS AND NETWORKING WEBSITES”.
To explore the do’s and don’ts on a networking event watch the following video. (Tip: you could also use this video or similar materials online to advice your less experienced clients in an easy and entertaining way). Then try to prepare an elevator speech/ pitch using the information given and the following one questions (page 1-2) and/ or Leadership toolkit.
If you are interested in some examples about elevator speech look at this video
Here you are going to get acquainted with some of the benefits of social media as a networking tool. As an introduction to the topic read “The Non-profit Organization Guide to Social Media”. Then read the examples of successful networking stories in “GOING SOCIAL Tapping into Social Media for Nonprofit Success” (page 33 to 35) and search the social media for other similar examples, which later you could showcase to the social innovators, with whom you work.
Read:
“GOING SOCIAL Tapping into Social Media for Nonprofit Success”
“The Essential Guide to for Nonprofits Social Media” By Kristin DeMint and Tammy Sproule
Have a look at:
Videos
Michael Porter: “The case for letting business solve social problems”
Top 10 Business Tips for Networking at Conferences
CrowdCases Offers a Socially Conscious Way to Protect Your Smartphone by OPEN Forum
Tools
The 30 Second Elevator Speech page 1-2
Develop an ‘elevator’ speech to introduce yourself
Develop a clear change message
SCALING PLAN: http://diytoolkit.org/tools/scaling-plan-tool/
I want to sustain; implement while exploring different ways of increasing the scale of my work: http://diytoolkit.org/media/Scaling-Plan-Size-A4.pdf
Resources
Alan Chapman “BUSINESS NETWORKING BUSINESS NETWORKING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR NETWORKING EVENTS AND NETWORKING WEBSITES”
Crafting an Elevator Pitch Introducing Your Company Quickly and Compellingly (Also known as an Elevator Speech or Elevator Statement)
Suzanne Smith “Are You Elevator-Ready? The 6 Cs for a Dynamite Nonprofit Pitch”
Dwight Peters “6 Tips for Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch”
Whole Whale “The Non-profit Organization Guide to Social Media”
“GOING SOCIAL Tapping into Social Media for Nonprofit Success”