Module No 6: Building Capacity in Rural Micro-Enterprises MICRO: Enhancing Competitiveness of Micro-enterprises in Rural Areas Module No 6: Building Capacity in Rural Micro-Enterprises Prepared by the Consortium for the project: “Irish Rural Link – National University of Ireland Maynooth- CDI – EEO GROUP SA- IHF asbl – IDP - Internet Web Solutions SL”

Networks as a tool for capacity building Overview How many slides? 24 slides in total How long to read and listen? 15 minutes (not including exploring the links provided within slides) What is the benefit? See aim and expected learning in following slides

Networks as a tool for capacity building Unit Aim This unit shows how participation in Networks can help build micro-enterprises capacity

Networks as a tool for capacity building Expected Learning Outcomes At the end of this module you will be able to: Know “What is a Network” Know “What is Capacity” Know the “How to utilize your Networks” You can you check your knowledge?

What is Capacity and Capacity Building? Networks as a tool for capacity building What is Capacity and Capacity Building? Capacity refers to the ability of a system to perform and sustain itself. Capacity building is the process of developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, processes and resources that organisations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in the fast-changing world.

What is Capacity Building for? Networks as a tool for capacity building What is Capacity Building for? There are many different definitions but the ultimate goal of capacity building is to improve overall organizational effectiveness and sustainability

Networks as a tool for capacity building What is a network? Noun: A network is a group or system of interconnected people or things Verb: Networking is the skill of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

Networks as a tool for capacity building What is a network? Enterpreneurs that share common goals, and intentionally exchange information and/or engage collaboratively in activities to address those goals are networks. May have other names: collaborative groups, social circles, mentor groups, discussion groups, learning partnerships, etc. You may be participating in a network without realising it - may be informal

Networks as a tool for capacity building Networks can range from loose informal exchanges to formal contractual or membership groups: Types of Networks

Characteristics of Networks Networks as a tool for capacity building Characteristics of Networks General characteristics: Created for a purpose May be Informal and/or formal May have multiple functions May exist locally, regionally, nationally or internationally May be actual (face-2-face), virtual (online), or a combination May be short term or long term

Benefits of Networks for Members Networks as a tool for capacity building Benefits of Networks for Members Increased Visibility Reduced Isolation Increased Credibility Increased Access Increased Efficiency Multiplier Effect Solidarity and Support

Importance of networking Networks as a tool for capacity building Importance of networking The Importance of networking video discusses the issues raised in this set of slides in real discussion. A 19 minute Ted talk by Michael Goldberg “Rediscovering Personal Networking” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po-QOVodPhU presents a criticial view on online networking Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE8AzBJy9uE 7 minute You tube video

Networks as a tool for capacity building Formal Networks Here are some formal networks that you can explore

Social Enterprise Networks Networks as a tool for capacity building Social Enterprise Networks

Networks as a tool for capacity building Online Network tools Twitter Facebook Linked in Crowd Booster Hootsuite E-mail

Networks: A word of Caution Networks as a tool for capacity building Networks: A word of Caution Consciously use your networks to: Prioritise your needs Access/Utilize opportunities Learn from peers optimise technology use Be sustainable

Inventory of your Networks? Networks as a tool for capacity building Inventory of your Networks? Review networks you are currently in according to your capacity needs and benefits Include any social networks Get advice on how to use networks Use online networks – efficient, minimum cost Always be open to new networks

Networks as a tool for capacity building Network Analysis? What are the costs? Time: participation in meetings etc & Money: membership fees, training fees etc What are the Benefits? Support - Knowledge Access to Funding/Projects - Legitimacy Professional standing

Networks as a tool for capacity building Network Analysis? Evaluate networks in terms of Workload: Is network creating more work than it is reducing? Representation: Does the network represent what my enterprise stand for? Participation: Is required participation of my enterprise at the right level?

Networks as a tool for capacity building Network Analysis? Do I attend regular meetings? Do I keep up with news/newsletter? Am I actively involved in any activities? Forums, Workshops, Mentoring Have I considered becoming more involved? Become an officer Propose activities/subjects for activities

Networks as a tool for capacity building Networking benefits The website http://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/five-benefits-networking/ provides a valuable argument for the benefits of networking

Networks as a tool for capacity building More Information The National Council of Non-profits - an advocate for America’s charitable non-profits provides valuable insights. Source Website: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/network-approach-capacity-building and the blog at https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_return_of_capacity_building

Entrepreneur ICT & Marketing Networks as a tool for capacity building Entrepreneur ICT & Marketing Networking for rural entrepreneurs is closely linked to a greater knowledge and use of ICT (Discussed in another unit) and using social media for marketing (Also discussed in another unit) See; https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-marketing-books/

Thank you for your attention  End of Module Thank you for your attention 