To Network or not to network (in the non-profit World), that is the question!
I am currently on the board of directors for a local non-profit called Gabriel’s Angels. Our mission is to deliver healing pet therapy to abused, neglected and at-risk children, nurturing their ability to love and trust, thereby freeing them from the cycle of violence.
Everyone talks about the importance of networking with regard to for-profit companies so I’d like to discuss it from a non-profit perspective.
Networking seems to be the BUZZ word these days. Everybody who’s anybody is doing it! Not sure how many of you have felt this way, but I have. I started networking a couple years ago and was a networking nut. I set up my week around networking events – morning events, lunchtime events and of course, the after work networking mixers. Are networking events worthwhile for non-profits? The answer is a definitive YES!
According to dictionary.com, my literary bible, networking is “a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.” I believe this definition to be partially correct. It is, in fact, sharing with those that have common interests but it is also a wonderful way to educate people, or make them aware of you, your business, your mission and your goals. For a nonprofit organization like Gabriel’s Angels this is critical. We have always stressed at Gabriel’s Angels that people give to people. So the more people that know you and your mission, the more likely YOU are to garner support. This has proven true for Gabriel’s Angels.
Some of the most important relationships we’ve built have been a result of meeting someone at a networking event. Networking has become a platform for us to tell people about our love for animals and children and how that bond between them can facilitate healing for abused, neglected and at-risk children. Networking has allowed us to share this amazing mission with others. Once people hear about what Gabriel’s Angels does for the community they want to help and better yet, once they see our passion, they are eager to become involved, too. By nature, people want to help and if there’s a personal connection that goes along with it, even better!
Our CEO and founder, Pam Gaber attends between 8 and 10 networking events per month. She has met some of our biggest supporters, amazing volunteers, terrific therapy teams and board members through networking. She always says “you never know who you’ll meet in an elevator,” clearly she has no problem meeting people but the networking event makes it easy to get out and share. The success of Gabriel’s Angels is based on the help of others, so what better way to meet them than by networking?!
Gotta run, on my way to a networking mixer………should I represent Buzz Marketing or Gabriel’s Angels? I think I’ll do both!
I stumbled upon your blog and wanted to echo your premise — and that of Pam Gaber: in-person networking is critical for non-profit organizations in maintaining visibility, personal ties with business, recruiting, and so much more!
And while I believe in online networking, I strongly feel that you can only create a compelling soundbyte in person — and THEN transfer it over to the computer screen. Because, face it, anything on screen can seem reasonable — NOTHING like having someone in front of you whose eyes and face telling you whether something made sense or not!
Finally, let me mention a free video series on networking that might be able to help your readers. What I’VE found over the years is that some of the most CARING people on the planet are shy or introverted people who work for non-profit organizations — meaning that the non-profit’s story doesn’t get told as much. If this rings true for you, I hope this will be of benefit: http://RelationshipCapital.CO/oo
All good wishes,
Paul
Thanks Paul for your comment and link you provided. I appreciate your sentiments and very good point about in-person networking versus online. You are exactly right, there is something to be said for being in front of a person and seeing their expression.
Hi Paul,
So sorry for the delay in my reply! Somehow I didn’t see this note but wanted to be sure to reply. I couldn’t agree more about the need for in-person face to face communication. It’s not done enough these days with the Internet and social media! Thanks for writing and reading my blog!