Here's how you can maximize the benefits of participating in networking groups focused on social impact.

I reflect on joining a group a year ago focused on Talent Development in the workplace. Engaging was seamless. From bringing some of my outreach and fundraising skills to the table, I helped the incoming chair with an awards dinner and it opened up channels for me personally and professionally. I just liked the people a lot and was feeling isolated professionally looking for more opportunities to engage in person. The mission of making the workplace a better place, where people care about each other’s wellbeing was core to all of our work. I am now on the board with new responsibilities and focus. Friendships are the main reason I engage and cultivation of professional relationships is icing on the cake for me and my firm.

Seeking diverse perspectives through proactive engagement will help identify members with similar goals but different expertise that over time will bring mutual benefits.

Para generar un impacto positivo en las personas debes involucrarte activamente, empatizar y buscar generar un valor agregado en las conversaciones o actividades del día día. Es muy importante involucrarte en cada proceso nuevo, dar puntos de vista y generar opiniones de valor siempre desde el punto de vista de tu área o zona de control, con esto estarás generando un valor agregado a las relaciones, con ello un impacto positivo.

Relationships and trust don’t happen overnight. To be effective in networking you need to consistently show up. That’s even more true in the social impact space. Give value before you ask for value. Part of my mindfulness practice is the Sanskrit mantra “om vardhanam namah” which roughly means “I nourish the Universe and the Universe nourishes me.” What I take that to mean is that my job is to put value into the world. I trust that it will return to me. I don’t have to worry about when or how. That mindset helps me show up to impact networking with the right energy. I’m not there to “get” anything. I am there to give. You’ll see people open up and connect much more willingly from this space than trying to sell people.

None of us can do this alone. Recognising that we can only solve the world's challenges in community and showing up to do the work is the key. We will "maximise the benefit" by being of service, by connecting with likeminded professionals, by challenging each other and having the expanding conversations. The benefit comes with presence, listening, and service.

To make the most of your time in a networking group, set clear goals. Decide what you want to achieve—like finding partners, learning new strategies, or advancing your career. Focus on these goals to guide your activities in the group. This way, every interaction and moment you invest moves you closer to your goals in the social impact field.

Como você encarará o networking será fundamental para o caminho que você irá trilhar, networking é uma ferramenta potente de sucesso profissional que pode te auxiliar na jornada de impacto social. Todos nós, queremos ter aquele contato, filantropo que é garantia de apoio social na carteira. Certo? Certo. Ent?o, estabelecer parametros, escolher bem aonde você irá estar, e aonde n?o irá. Te facilitará o acesso a essas personalidades estratégicas para seu objetivo. Um exemplo claro é, se quero impactar crian?as de favela e de periferia no mundo gamer, eu n?o irei num pré-evento do SPFW. Correto? Para isso, eu preciso ir em eventos que falem sobre a frente que quero causar impacto, nesse caso, a favela. Definir seus objetivos, é a chave.

Pesquise espa?os sobre o que pretende saber mais, cuide da sua agenda para n?o perder, tente conectar com alguém e compartilhe o conhecimento do dia.

Without clear goals, navigating your path is like wandering in the dark. Aligning your personal and professional objectives ensures you remain authentic and true to your values. Well-defined goals keep you focused on your desired outcome, even when you encounter detours along the way.

If you spend enough time at networking events. You begin to realise every person you meet has an end goal in mind. No one is there to pass time. Essentially, everyone is there to meet and build strategic relationships. In other words, always know what you are there for and how it adds value and fits into the overall goals and objectives.

You can build meaningful and lasting connections by actively engaging beyond superficial chats. Your network is made up of individuals, so it is crucial to interact genuinely and seek to understand their challenges and how you can best be of support. This can serve as the foundation for a lasting partnership with those whose mission and values align closely with yours.

In my experience this most meaningful networking interactions have happened organically. Engaging with someone or a group of individuals that is/are like- minded set your course for a more meaningful relationship ship (s). You don’t have to be in the same field or even have the same experience or background. The truth is skills and talents should translate across fields and the more you can engage and develop relationships the more opportunities you have to use those talents and skills to make a difference, change perspective, or grow personally.

Vamos pensar que, tudo é um toma-lá-da-cá da vida. é extremamente desconfortável, quando num evento, alguém te busca apenas para demonstrar interesse em algo que você tem. Manter rela??es é muito mais do que um jogo de quero isso, fa?o aquilo. é necessário nutrir as rela??es, principalmente no veio do impacto social. Construir relacionamentos sólidos, verdadeiros, com as pessoas do seu meio que podem te apoiar é fundamental, afinal de contas, se você for só mais um e-mail marketing vendendo algo no meu dashboard, eu irei te excluir. Eventos de troca, acolhimento, ou até um café para falar de tudo, além do óbvio, te tornam mais próximo, e muito mais acolhedor. é sempre bom relembrar que, com mais pessoas aliadas, o impacto é sempre maior.

The worst tactic you can choose to go for is the 'silent viewer' - although it might feel like the least scary option! Think of networking groups as your first day in school, the fastest way to make friends is to approach them first. Steps I would take to initiate conversations but not come off too strong: → Introduce yourself to the group. Write about who you are and some facts related to that particular group → Find other active members (2-3 will do) and send them a message privately → Start by explaining that you are both part of the same networking group → Then, comment on something that they mentioned in their introduction. Ask them for more info or to share more about their journey and the conversation will flow!

Da mesma forma que ser acolhedor é importante para a manuten??o das rela??es, as rela??es também s?o moldadas pela troca. Com o que você pode contribuir para o todo? Quais s?o as sacadas que você aprendeu ao longo de sua carreira, que te diferenciam? Eu, por exemplo, sou uma especialista em psicologia organizacional atualmente, porque lá atrás, no come?o da carreira, entendi que meus vendedores de loja n?o performavam igual porque suas rotinas eram diferentes. O comportamento de cada vendedor, estava atrelado ao dia-a-dia até chegar no trabalho. Hoje, eu ensino lideran?a intuitiva, e T&D humanizado. Quando você leva suas expertises para o outro, você mostra disposi??o para trocas, você se torna parte daquele grupo,e torna-se valioso.

Being part of a social impact community not only enriches our professional journey but also enhances our ability to generate positive changes in the world. Firstly, expanding your network allows connections with people who share your values and goals, enabling valuable collaborations and new career opportunities. Additionally, skill development through the training and workshops offered by the community promotes personal and professional growth in a continuous learning environment. In summary, being part of these groups enriches your professional path and increases your capacity to promote positive changes in the world.

Eu sou a pessoa que adora marcar um café para compartilhar insigths, ideias e vis?es. E se o presencial n?o for possível, um bom encontro virtual para trocar suas histórias de jornada e futuro sempre é bem vindo.

A experiência é importante, atrativa e sempre gera novas oportunidades. Ter histórias já vividas no meio do voluntariado, por exemplo, é fundamental para apoiarmos novas causas e conseguirmos unir novos grupos.

Learning, sharing and development go together. Sharing the know-how and experience triggers creativity, curiosity and leads to innovative solutions.

Se você frequenta sempre os mesmo espa?os, terá sempre o mesmo conhecimento e ideias. N?o dá pra ser um profissional amplo se n?o nos colocamos em locais diversos para adquirir conhecimentos ou desaprender outros conhecimentos.

Aqui é o grande ponto! Que todos temos vieses inconscientes, você já sabe. Mas o que você vem fazendo para combater seus vieses? Pensa comigo, quem s?o suas referências? Quais pessoas você tem ouvido, ou assistido mais? Existe diversidade nos livros que você lê. Entenda que para um aprendizado de qualidade, é preciso se obter educa??o de diferentes perspectivas. N?o tem como você ter aprendido que o mundo é esférico, se alguém n?o tivesse dito que o mundo era plano. S?o diferentes pontos de vista, que moldam a educa??o. Precisamos saber ouvir, ler, assistir de todos os tipos de pessoas. Como diz Einstein, cérebro que se expande n?o regride.

Embracing diversity opens the horizons and understanding of different values, opinions, cultures, and approaches to problem-solving. It is essential for fostering self-development and is crucial when driving social initiatives, as it encourages inclusive thinking, innovative solutions, and a more cohesive and empathetic community.

To really get the most out of social impact networking groups, you’ve got to jump in and get involved. Whether it's fundraising, advocating, or rolling up your sleeves for hands-on projects, your contributions matter. By being active, you help the group reach its goals and see real results for the cause. Plus, you’ll feel great and build a reputation as a committed change-maker. Every little bit helps, and together, we can make a big difference. So, dive in, stay engaged, and let’s make an impact!

Los grupos de networking son útiles en todos los campos. Relacionarse con pares y compartir experiencias y conocimientos, nutre cualquier iniciativa en el sector de impacto social. Tener una actitud de sincera humildad es una contribución clave. A veces nos toca ser speakers o participar activamente en eventos de networking. En otras ocasiones somos invitados. En ambos casos debemos ser conscientes de nuestro rol y aporte para la industria y concentrarnos en ampliar nuestras redes de contactos. Somos un Linkedin en persona y eso es una gran responsabilidad que hay que saber honrar. Dar parte de nuestro tiempo y experiencias ayuda activamente a otras personas. No esperar nada a cambio nos libera del sentido de la negociación.

Para este fim, precisamos estar sempre atentos e ativos. Nossa contribui??o deve ser contínua e evolutiva. Devemos apoiar a miss?o do grupo de forma perene, inclusive juntando novas pessoas ao propósito do projeto em que estivermos envolvidos.

Seja vocal sobre os resultados positivos de seus projetos. Compartilhar histórias de sucesso pode inspirar outros, atrair parceiros potenciais e financiadores, e criar um ciclo de aprendizagem contínua dentro do grupo. Utilize o grupo de networking para encontrar colaboradores para novos projetos ou para co-criar solu??es inovadoras para desafios comuns. A colabora??o permite aproveitar diversas habilidades e conhecimentos, potencializando o impacto social.

Contributing actively in networking groups focused on social impact is invaluable. By sharing your insights, experiences, and resources, you not only establish yourself as a committed and knowledgeable member but also build stronger, more meaningful connections. This active participation fosters a collaborative environment where mutual learning and support can thrive, leading to innovative solutions and impactful projects. For example, in our work at our organisation, actively engaging with peers has enabled us to harness diverse perspectives, driving forward many innovative initiatives like the E-commerce Project and empowering grassroots women entrepreneurs.

If you can't find a community of like-minded (and like-hearted) individuals, why not organise one? Doesn't take much to start something. Find a place that is friendly to all peoples, ask people to buy their own food/drink, and get the conversation going! :)

In my perspective, maximizing the benefits of participating in networking groups focused on social impact involves a strategic approach. Here are some key strategies: 1. Set Clear Goals: Know what we want to achieve. 2. Choose the Right Groups: Join groups aligned with our mission. 3. Be Active: Participate in discussions and events. 4. Build Genuine Relationships: Focus on meaningful connections. 5. Share Expertise: Offer our knowledge and skills. 6. Seek Collaboration: Partner on projects and initiatives. 7. Stay Informed: Keep up with trends and news. 8. Attend Events: Go to events and workshops. 9. Follow Up: Keep in touch with new contacts. 10. Measure Progress: Regularly assess and adjust your strategy.

My first role as a Trustee, and a member of a Special Interest Group in a for-purpose, social impact network came through with volunteering. Even though I was working in corporate. I highlighted the corporate social responsibilities and the social impact I could create through my work that gave me these key opportunities. Not only that, this gave me a pedestal to share my values and vision across larger audiences and helped me establish my voice in the field.

Stay Committed - Consistency is Key: Building a network takes time. Stay committed to regular participation even if the benefits aren’t immediately apparent. - Be Patient and Persistent: Understand that developing meaningful relationships and seeing the impact may take time. Continuous Learning - Attend Workshops and Seminars: Participate in professional development opportunities offered by the group. - Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on industry trends, new research, and best practices.

The key to each category is an honest and true commitment to your chosen cause, followed by the passion and effort it takes to make an impact. All else will come to fruition organically. This is a show me state of being. SNM