Creative Conversations as a Job Development Tool: Networks that Work! Candidate’s networks: how to discover and capitalize Leverage existing employer relationships Community Conversations

Demonstrating the power of a network

Candidate’s Network It’s important to know that job development is an art--not a science! Be sure to look at every job seeker as an individual and determine how it would be best to utilize their networks! If candidates do not have a strong network: help them build one!

Discovering your Candidate’s Network Need to build trust with candidate and their family Meet them in their home or at a place in the community where they feel comfortable Explain why and how you will use their networks and contacts and keep them informed and updated It might be appropriate for candidate and/or family to make the initial contact: coach them on how to do so

Discovering your Candidate’s Network Networking Worksheet This is a helpful visual for some people. It’s a good idea to review this when you first start working with someone and again periodically as you foster a relationship. Worksheet should include: Friends, relatives, friends of parents/relatives, neighbors, former employer and/or co-workers, (former) teachers, individuals from social /interest groups (library, church, volunteer, etc) businesses the client patronizes.

Discovering your Candidate’s Network Ask the candidate to bring you with them into their community! Advantages of Approach: Businesses already know the individual Modeling Business Education Demonstrates progress and activity Learn more about candidates skills and abilities

Discovering your Candidates Network Person-Centered Plan Employs methods already discussed In-home and community meetings to identify stakeholders and networks Meeting to identify goals and action steps Literally person centered Exploratory (biographical) Action-oriented (future planning) Pragmatic and Creative

Discovering your Candidate’s Network Example: Stuart Networking sheet Development with Stuart in his community: one business reminded him of more Led to local movie theater and introduced to manager by employee/friend of Stuart’s Stuart interned for a few months and was hired on Jan and increased duties/hours

Leveraging Employer Relationships Both your relationships and those of your candidate Employers that you have already established a successful partnership with can be your most successful networkers! Maintain contact with employers who you have assisted with hiring or supporting individuals with disabilities Providing an award or acknowledgement (ex: certificate) to an employer can make you and your organization stand out

Leveraging Employer Relationships Presenting at all-staff meetings Requesting introductions at other locations Discussing employers network of fellow employers/managers Showcase existing relationships with competitors

Leveraging Candidate’s Employer Relationships Stuart’s Cinema Contacted through natural network, Stuart patronizes the business Agreed to internship Press release Offered permanent position Continued expansion of role

Leveraging your Employer Relationships TJX Established a positive relationship by providing excellent support to initial hire. Acknowledged through employer appreciation luncheon Approached when business needed candidates Filled needs at several stores Participation in corporate initiative Expansion to sister companies

Leveraging Employer relationships Your network Candidate’s network Successful placement Exploration Business Match Maintain relationship

Community Conversations Often referred to as “World Café” conversations Gathering groups together to discuss specific and pointed questions that lead to action by participants Good networking opportunities

Community Conversations Connect community stakeholders Educational Business Family Clients Government

Community Conversations Unique and under utilized job development tool Inviting employers who you have a successful partnership/relationship with and those employers who you would like to connect with In between questions/discussion: employees with disabilities and their manager present Focus conversations on employers Allows for more natural flow of ideas, i.e., business to business

Community Conversations Walgreens Invited as they had already hired a person with a disability Manager of separate location heard employee speak and hired Presentation to district managers meeting Led to several district hires Selected for pilot program of inclusion

Conclusion: Increase your candidate’s visibility in their community Teach and model communication with local businesses Do not let a relationship that you’ve worked hard to establish with a business falter Community Conversations: while they can be time consuming to plan and execute: outcome is worth it!