Monthly Archives: February 2013

Networking: How and Why Leaders Spread the Word!

Most network groups, associations, and clubs have initiatives which may take the form of an event, conference, fund raiser, resource development, webinar or meeting.

The difference between the “participants” and “leaders” is often a fine line of getting involved and helping “spreading the word” about the upcoming program or activity. Kinetic vs. passive energy goes a long way!

A few tips to consider when bringing together a group:

  • Identify a central theme that draws people in
  • Form a core team
  • Provide opportunities to network
  • Welcome current and new members
  • Build awareness of existing benefits and value-adds
  • Create a memorable experience for everyone to enjoy
  • Focus on what’s attainable vs. spreading too thin
  • Set quantifiable goals and measure success

Leaders (or those who are “connectors”) readily take the extra steps to encourage:

  1. Participation – Early commitments to attend, register or reply to the RSVP
  2. Recruitment – Set goals to get others involved (i.e. connect to 5+ or more friends or colleagues to participate)
  3. Socialize – Leverage social tools to spread the word such as Blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter
  4. Personalize – Make personal connections by phone, e-mail and/or face-to-face

When joining forces with a group if each member does a small part then the sum of the parts will be greater then what one participant can deliver by themselves.

Consider this analogy: “From a small snow ball a big snow ball can be created; it just needs to be rolled over enough snow!:-)” Success is about building momentum around small steps, broken into small parts to ultimately make a big difference.

Growing a group. Increasing involvement. Having fun. The key is to create meaningful connections which ultimately benefits a person or group on a social and/or professional level.

When momentum is built. When teams help spread the word… Then groups, associations, or clubs have a better opportunity to reach short and longer-term goals.

As a result many win-wins take place on many levels!