The Art and Science of Networking (Yes, There is a Science!)
Have you ever wondered how the grapevine really affects your reputation in the company? How a leader’s connections support his or her success leading a project? Whether all these networking meetings really make a difference?
In this highly interactive, fast-paced workshop, we learn about the science behind networking. We dispel the myth that people who want strong networks should never eat alone and, instead, we learn about the simple actions that significantly contribute to the health of your network. We practice the art of networking so participants leave with better connections and increased knowledge about what the network in the room can offer. We merge the art and science by mapping individual participants’ networks, identify gaps, and develop plans for filling those gaps.
“Very helpful in reframing my often negative biases about networking.” – Participant
“The most beneficial part was the presenters ability to make you realize the qualities that you have and you practice and how they can be leveraged.” – Participant
“Terrific and engaging. I learned a lot about my network and where I need to focus. The ways you had us networking while doing the exercises was brilliant!” – Participant
“Best session on networking ever attended!” – Participant
- Download the Art & Science Networking Session Overview.
- Schedule a workshop by calling Laura Kangas at 508.574.1672 or contacting us electronically.
How Networks Get Work Done: Using Value Network Maps to Assess & Strengthen Nonprofits and Communities NEW!
An organization wants to grow its donor bases, but doesn’t understand how to navigate the community ecosystem in which it operates. A coalition member wants to assess how well it provides and coordinates services with partners and other institutions. A service organization wants to assess if it can get work done more effectively to create the most value for clients, donors, and others.
These are all important needs. The challenge is how to address each need without overburdening the organization. Value Network Analysis (VNA), developed by Verna Allee in the 1990s, helps people depict and analyze how a community ecosystem, organization, department, or process delivers effective products and services. Unlike most methodologies, VNA pays attention to the important intangibles: the informal exchanges like experience, trust, team-building, gatekeeping, and institutional memory that are absolutely vital, yet easily overlooked and under-appreciated. In this interactive, engaging workshop, participants learn how VNA can be applied within their organizations.
- Download the Value Network Analysis Workshop Overview.
- Read the Nonprofit Quarterly article on using Value Network Mapping in Austin’s Adolescent Health System.
- Schedule a workshop by calling Laura Kangas at 508.574.1672 or contacting us electronically.
How Work Really Gets Done: Capitalizing on Hidden Organizational Networks
It’s a time of rapid change, restructuring, and retrenching. The challenge: getting the best out of your people in an uncertain environment. Network science provides leaders with new ways of thinking about change and talent in order to boost productivity. By understanding and mapping the informal interactions that fuel all organizational activities, leaders gain the knowledge they need to reconnect broken networks, leverage knowledge, and accelerate change in the organization. In this highly interactive, fast-paced workshop, leaders learn how to access hidden organizational networks and do more with less.
“Best session of the day!” – Participant
Schedule a workshop in by calling Laura Kangas at 508.574.1672 or contacting us:
