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Establishing a Valuable Network
What comes to your mind when you hear the word networking? For some,
the image of an aggressive salesperson may come to mind: sell the product...
get the sale...make a commission...network for results. In this day and
age, networking has become somewhat of a lost art and the true meaning behind
forming a network may no longer be clear. However, if we really take the
time to understand networking and to recapture our networking skills, we
might once again see it as a very valuable resource for helping to build
our school-to-work local partnerships.
Networking is about forming relationships. It is about meeting people,
discovering and acknowledging their talents and contributions, and knowing
each individual as a person. At a recent conference, I introduced
myself to one of the presenters and asked for a chance to observe the program
she coordinated. We spoke for a few minutes and then she gave me her business
card, telling me to call her the following week for an appointment. Now,
the relationship could have ended at that point - my needs had been met.
However, the time she took, the kindness she showed, the talents she shared
- all to someone she had never met - left a great impression on me. To express
my thanks, I sent her a sincere, handwritten thank you note on personal
stationary. She, in return, remembers my name when I see her at meetings
and I know I can count on her as a resource in my network.
Networking is a skill. It takes practice, patience, and a commitment
to form lasting, meaningful relationships with the people you work with,
as well as in your personal life. Being a member of a school-to-work partnership
presents an ideal opportunity to practice networking skills and to recreate
networking as an art. We have listed some beginning points that your local
school-to--work partnership members might consider using to increase networking
capacity within your partnership, community, and with other school-to-work
partnerships in your region, state, or around the nation.
The Power of Giving
Establishing a really good network means giving your time, energy, skills,
and talents to others. When you give to others, you become a valuable resource.
The key to giving, is to give without an expectation of a return on your
investment. Many members of local partnerships give to their communities
by developing school-to-work strategies and opportunities, working directly
with learners to make the connection between school and work, supporting
relationships with employers to create new experiences with learners, and
much more. These are examples of identifying your local school-to-work partnership
as a resource in the community, as well as making a meaningful contribution
to others. This also helps with marketing the mission and activities of
your partnership, as well as increasing visibility and the chances of future
support from the community at large.
The Power of Staying in Touch
Today more than ever, we use technology as a route to communication with
each other. Although this increases our efficiency, it also decreases our
personal contact with one another. Keeping the lines of communication open,
really knowing someone, and making an effort to stay in touch on a personal
level are keys to establishing a good network. When someone takes the time
to find an answer, to present at your partnership meeting, or to work with
a learner - take the time to acknowledge them in a personal way. Call them
and tell them how much it meant. Invite them to a future meeting and share
their name with others as someone who cares about students. Give them an
award. Challenge yourself and other partnership members to do this at least
once a day, every day, for the next thirty days.
The Power of Listening
How many of us pretend to listen to someone, when in fact we are really
thinking about what we want to say next? I've done it and you've probably
done it too. Think back to the last time someone really listened to what
you were saying and didn't interrupt with their own anecdotes, stories,
or problems. It's a rare occurrence. Learning how to listen is at the heart
of communication and is essential for forming a reliable, solid network.
By improving your listening skills at work, at home, and within your partnership
meetings, people will feel valued and important. Partnership members have
very diverse backgrounds, experiences, interests, and talents to contribute.
Your ability to listen can lead to great things. Listening helps us to find
out what others want and what is important to them. It helps us to help
others utilize their skills and talents in meaningful ways that will make
them feel time spent on school-to-work partnership activities is time well
spent.
The Power of Commitment
School-to-work partnerships can help ALL learners and their families
to be successful in life. It takes commitment, dedication, and a deep belief
in your purpose to make a difference. It is the same when creating a meaningful
network. Networks, like homes, must be built on solid foundations with sound
supports in order to last. A network, like a home, will crumble without
the expertise, care, and patience it takes to build it in a way that will
endure the test of time. School-to-work local partnerships must be committed
to building a lasting network. This network can help you to do your job
and to make a real difference in the lives of children, youth, and families.
All it takes is one person to make a difference in the life of a child.
Having a strong network can help you to do this.
Networking. It is a skill. A skill you can learn and use to create successful
outcomes for children, for youth, for families, and in your work. Take the
time to practice. Take the time to connect and to learn about each person
as a person first. You might just find that you never really did need that
darn e-mail anyway.
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