An absolutely foundational aspect of non-profit success is building your network. I learned that first-hand when co-founding a youth development nonprofit after playing professional baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization.
But don’t take it solely from me: 88% of nonprofit leaders agree that partnerships and collaborations are vital for achieving their mission.
The first step to networking is getting into the same room as people who are positioned to support you in your mission.
For a lot of entrepreneurs, that often means networking in their local community first. It might mean joining a local masterminds group of small business owners, becoming a local chamber of commerce member, or reaching out to like-minded organizations. It’s important to get to know the major players in your community.
Once you’re in the same room as other influential leaders in your community, the true networking is just starting.
So, with a nod to my baseball roots, here are 4 tips on how to score when it comes to networking:
First Base: Create a Mission People Can Feel
Your first objective when it comes to networking is creating a feeling for people around what your mission is and what you want for your nonprofit to accomplish. In the Black community we have a saying— “do you feel me”? When we ask this it’s not to see if someone is listening. It’s can you FEEL me and my passion and what I’m trying to accomplish? The sooner you can get people to really FEEL you, the sooner you can make an impact.
It’s important before you step into the room with an influential person, to understand a bit about their goals, objectives and passions. This might be connecting with a mutual contact to get more details, checking them out on social media, or mining their website for more information. Understanding where other people are coming from will help you connect on an emotional level mission wise in a way that can truly be felt.
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Second Base: Create a Vision People Can See
It can be hard to get someone else to really see your vision. The first step is being completely clear on what that vision is. Then, you’ll have to really paint a picture with words – using descriptive words to tell stories and share examples of what you are envisioning.
For example, one vision in my mind’s eye is to create a baseball field right in the middle of a poverty stricken area of Atlanta, with the grand Atlanta skyline in the background. My vision includes disenfranchised Black kids who can walk to the field because it’s conveniently located in their community (removing geographical barrier to opportunity), and who, once there, can play with the inspiration of Fortune 500 companies and inspiring skyscrapers in the background. If these kids can hit a home run and lead in Atlanta, they can lead the world.
Think about something tangible you’d like to accomplish – and tell people about it in a way that they will understand and also see.
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Third Base: Create an Impact People Will Hear
If you’ve reached third base, you’ve networked your way through both creating an emotional connection and creating a shared vision. If you’ve done it correctly, this is when the person you are networking with will want to HEAR more. That means they’ll start asking you questions about your mission, your passion, and how you plan to carry out your vision.
In a networking situation, you need to be prepared for these questions. You need to know the cost, the timeline, and what types of support you will need to accomplish your goal. When someone asks you, “so how can I help, “, don’t ever let the answer be, “I don’t know.”
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Home Plate: Make Bold Promises That Move Feet
Keep in mind that oftentimes, people who have vision and ambition, don’t always see things through. We all know that person who has tons of innovative ideas but who never quite seems to execute them. Don’t be that person. Instead, be committed.
Make bold promises and be clear about next steps. Set a date and time that people can expect a follow-up from you.
Follow these steps and you’ll be rounding the bases in no time. You never know who you’ll come in contact with who might have the power to really add value to your nonprofit; through spreading the word, making introductions, lending their expertise, or a multitude of other ways. Networking will also help you to better understand the need for your services in the community you serve, and it will level-up the work you desire to do.
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