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.
 

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 can range from loose informal exchanges to formal contractual or membership groups:
 

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE8AzBJy9uE 
7 minute You tube video 
 

 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
     

Joining a branch of existing Network

• Quicker
• Ready made template available
• Support of other Network members available
• May not fully address your capacity requirements
• Less flexibility
   

Setting up a New Network

• Slower
• Need to design network from scratch
• Need to seek out support from like-minded people
• Can be tailor-made to your requirements
• More flexibility
   

This video suggests steps in building a small business network
2 Minute video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox_NeZhy7OU 
 

What form will it take? 
- Range from informal to formal

Vision and Mission Statement for Network:
- Lays down the aspirations and goals of the Network

Rules of Engagement for Network:
- Even informal group needs basic rules
- Members, fees, meetings, activities
 

• Depends on how formal the group is
• Minimum - have a chairperson and secretary for leadership and record meetings
• More formal groups need to address governance issues
• Treasurer important if fees or fundraising involved
   

Frequency

Venue:
- Cost 
- Size required (how many members)
- Location (ease of access, distance)
- Option for virtual meetings?

Agenda:
- Focuses the meeting
- Consider having guest speakers
 

Research available Networks
- Include local/regional/national/international

Can existing network adapt/accommodate your needs?

What type of Network is missing?

Who in your area would be interested in joining this type of network?
 

Here is a simple down-loadable e-book from

On being a super connector
http://connectireland.com/blog_info.aspx?title=New_e-book_urges_effective_networking_in_bid_to_create_jobs_in_Ireland&ar=787
 

Take advantage of networking events such as this one provided- there will be one local to you

Costs:

• Meetings
• Other events: Workshops, mentoring, guest speakers
• Promotional activities: website, advertising
• Running costs: Stationery, phone, wages

Funding:

• Membership fees: annual, per meeting
• Fundraising events
• Other sources?
   

1. Increased Access
2. Increased Efficiency
3. Multiplier Effect
4. Solidarity and Support
5. Increased Visibility
6. Reduced Isolation
7. Increased Credibility