Effective Networking Developed by Line Plourde-Kelly January 2008

KDACLS COMMUNITY THE UP SIDE People are safe People are safe People know each other People know each other People are comfortable People are comfortable People know what to expect People know what to expect People are part of a group People are part of a group People have opportunities to learn People have opportunities to learn People are cared for People are cared for People are well supported People are well supported

THE DOWN SIDE People are not engaged/interested People are not engaged/interested People are stuck in a rut People are stuck in a rut People are not seen as unique People are not seen as unique People are not challenged People are not challenged People are not productive People are not productive People are sedentary People are sedentary People do not contribute People do not contribute People do not meet new people People do not meet new people

WHAT IF… People had all the opportunities to be: People had all the opportunities to be:safe comfortable comfortable cared for well supported While being supported to: meet new people In new places doing new things while contributing their gifts and talents to others

This will never happen if we do not believe in our hearts that the people we support have something that other people want.

…That the people we support have a contribution to make to our community, our society.

That the people we support have gifts and talents to share with others.

That the people we support can have valued social roles, where their absence is missed.

Once we are convinced that these are possible and true, we can begin work to help those we support connect to others.

Effective Networking is the key

Donna Messer Is an internationally acclaimed speaker on the subject of effective networking. Is an internationally acclaimed speaker on the subject of effective networking. It is her material we will be using to help us understand and learn the skills necessary to all be effective networkers and therefore good connectors. It is her material we will be using to help us understand and learn the skills necessary to all be effective networkers and therefore good connectors.

The Foundation of Good Networking is… The ability to ask questions and listen to answers.

Networking Is a valuable tool for gaining information Information is power Its giving as well as receiving information and advice. Successful networks give as much as they receive. It is different than asking for favors.

Networking requires … You to join organizations and meetings in areas that are of interest. You make others look and feel good about you so you can get what you want. The skill of linking people and contacts together to reach your objective. That you are not under pressure of need.

Remember: Everyone you meet has the power to lead you to others.

Ten Steps for Good Networking

Develop a Plan

Research the People You Hope to Contact

Be Prepared to Listen

Force Yourself to Circulate

Ask for Only One Thing at a Time

Never Ask Directly for a Job

Be Willing to Give as Well as to Receive

Take Notes When Networking

Keep Files on all Your Network Contacts

Follow up on Leads

RULES OF GOOD NETWORKING

Be Open-Minded

Be Prepared

Treat Everyone in Your Network as Equals

Choose Members Based on Information, Not Position

Dont Be Afraid to Ask

Dont Waste Your Resources

Give Without Expectations

Dont Forget to say Thank You

Set Realistic and Achievable Goals

Be Committed and Determined to do Whatever it Takes