How Networks Work or How do Networks Work

1
How Networks Work orHow do Networks Work?

• Andy Chisholm
• Innovation Manager North London
• 27th September 2007

2
Creating a Network

• Definition
• A business network can be defined as a group of
  people that have some kind of commercial
  relationship. For example the relationships
  between boss-employee, buyer-supplier, and
  colleague-colleague.
• Business networking functions best when
  individuals offer to help others to find
  connections, rather than "cold-calling" on
  prospects themselves. Business networking can
  take place outside of traditional business
  environments.
• Source http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_netwo
  rk

3
Creating a Network
As a group of Project Managers

• Opportunity to join up
• Range of skills
• Backgrounds
• Extend business offerings
• Individuals
• Strangers
• Never worked together

• Share marketing
• Website
• Brochures
• Database
• CRM Tool
• PM Tool
• Events

4
Elements to Working Together
As a group of Project Managers

• Trust
• Openness
• Honesty
• Commitment
• Agreement to work together
• Camaraderie
• Commercial drive

• Complementary
• Understanding
• Willingness
• Sharing information
• Involve outreach workers
• Look at other networks

5
Creating our Network

• Task identify the next steps in creating a
  sub-regional network and action plan
• How do we do it?
• How do you manage the Network?
• Formal or informal?
• Terms of Reference?
• Membership Fees?
• Other?