NPcatalyst » networking

NPcatalyst introduce a “Community Connection Map” to bolster business sales and community alliances

pete — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 06:31:33 +0000

Do you wonder where your staff members volunteer in the community? What about the professional membership and affiliations or the places they network? Do you recognized employees for their community involvement? Have you ever considered volunteerism as an avenue of corporate growth? Have you leveraged your company’s community engagement for positive brand awareness?

The NPcatalyst team has designed a tool which takes a virtual snapshot of a company’s community connection. Through our Community Connection Mapping product, clients receive a “map” of their community leadership. The goal is to empower community engagement and generate increased revenue, and foster economic growth.

We have found that by identifying both existing relationships and new opportunities, our clients are better positioned to strategically target new paths of success. End results include a positive impact on local communities and exceptional value back to the corporation.

The Community Connection Mapping can be applied beyond the workforce. It’s also designed to provide significant value to membership associations, networking groups, and non-profit leadership boards.

To learn more about this unique product, visit www.NPcatalyst.com, email info@NPcatalyst.com or call us at 775-333-9444. Orders placed online receive discounted pricing. Sign up today!

Networking Presentation at Parasol

pete — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:23:41 +0000

I gave another presentation on Networking this past Tuesday to roughly 70 non-profit leaders at the monthly Parasol Community Collaboration meeting. I was supposed to give a 40-minute presentation, but speaking to the captivated audience lasted one hour.

I wanted to focus on face-to-face (or traditional) networking, because I believe we, as non-profit leaders, are spending more time in our offices than out making connections and sharing our message. Case in point, the vast majority of those in the Parasol audience “network” at similar, non-profit-based activities, where they “connect” with NPO leaders and not nearby professional, philanthropic and social leaders.

Though I’m not a big fan of Powerpoint, I used it to aid my presentation. Reason being, is that I spent some time on social media. This ever-growing networking opportunity has progressed since my February presentation to another group of non-profit leaders. The file is attached to this blog if you want to download the powerpoint presentation. If you can’t find nor open it, email me and I’ll send one directly to you.

networkingpresentation-parasol

Networking for Non-Profit Success

pete — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:31:15 +0000

Originally posted on 2/20/09 at http://parkerdevelopment.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/networking-for…profit-success/.

Networking for Non-Profit Success

I was asked a few weeks ago by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Northern Nevada Chapter) to be the presenting speaker at the February luncheon. After a good laugh, I asked about the subject matter. The response was Networking. After another good laugh, I accepted…on a condition (we’ll get to that).

Now, I love to network. With each person I meet or get connected to, a new possibility or opportunity emerges. Because I’m on a personal (and now, professional) mission to enhance the level of philanthropy and community action in our community, I’m constantly participating in networking activities. However, difficulties arose when I began to prepare for my presentation.

I tend to put all my effort into everything I do, whether it relates to a client, a volunteer activity or program or my friends and family. So, when I began to think about my presentation, considerable stress insued. See, networking is all about connecting with others, sharing stories and creating opportunities. This is just as important for the corporate sector as it is the non-profit community. Problem is, I was limited to time on a subject that I absolutely love and find incredibly valuable.

I spearheaded my research by sending a survey to all those on the local AFP mailing list. I was curious to see if my hunches were correct. These included:

very few non-profit leaders actively participate in network opportunities, particularly those of the “traditional” sense

very few non-profit executives knew about social media

many non-profit professionals were hesitant to participate in both

It was a very simple survey and only completed by 30% of our membership, but it proved my thoughts. If you’re interested, here’s the link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=VBd1q7956Y9WzFg9dTY1UQ_3d_3d. In fact, go ahead and complete it (90 seconds of your life). I’ll present the results soon.

Since they asked me, one of their own, to present on networking, I was destined to provide considerable information, as opposed to making it an open forum for Q & A. I did, however, conduct a “speed networking” exercise (my original demand).

This was required for three specific reasons. First, networking can be a bit frightening if you either don’t know how to start a conversation or are afraid to step outside your “comfort zone.” Second, I only see four or five other non-profit professionals on the local networking circuit. While this benefits the small group of us, it doesn’t speak well to our local non-profit community. And lastly, NPOs can easily apply the method, internally, at donor receptions, volunteer trainings and new staff orientations. I think the exercise went well.

I allocated half of my presentation on “traditional” networking, as just described, as well as social media. I’ve been using social media for some time now, but was amazed at the amount of information regarding social networking. Holy cow did I find a lot. Making matters worse (and stress), I couldn’t stop researching the topic.

I hadn’t planned on using Powerpoint with my presentation but, since I’m a stat and info freak, I decided to use it. I prefer speaking, person to person (individual and group), rather than using a display. I prefer eyes on me and for people to truly listen to me almost as much as I listen to them. I think using Powerpoint was very effective, given that most people in the room hadn’t seen any social media stats.

Rather than going into great detail about the networking presentation, take a look at it for yourself.

It’s also located on my website at http://www.parkerdevelopment.com/networkingpresentation-mini.ppt. If it doesn’t load properly, then drop me an email at petep (at) parkerdevelopment.com.

Make it a great day.