10 17-11 networks 101 geo conference

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Networks 101A crash course

October 17, 2011


A collection of people connected by relationships

What’s a social network?


We care about social networks that scale social impact.


They come in many different forms


So what makes

networks work?


The “secret sauce”according to the crowd


ChallengeTraditional Approach

Network Approach

Build community assets

Administer social services

Weave social ties

Develop better designs& inform decisions

Gather input from people you know

Access new & diverse perspectives

Spread what works

Disseminate white papers

Openly share/build knowledge

Mobilize action

Organize tightly coordinated campaigns

Catalyze widespread action and ownership

Overcome fragmentation

Bring players and programs under a single umbrella

Coordinate diverse resources and action

How can networks help scale impact?


It requires a

networks mindset


Traditional Mindset Network Mindset

Loosely controlled & emergent

Weaving connections & building network-wide capacity

Stimulating activity (e.g., platforms)

Effectiveness linked to intangibles (trusting relationships, info flows)

Public/open information & learning

Decision-making decentralized

Ownership and expertise distributed across multiple actors

Firmly controlled & planned

Strengthening individual efforts

Procuring deliverables (e.g., programs)

Effectiveness linked to concrete outputs

Proprietary information & learning

Decision making concentrated in one organization

Ownership by single, “expert” actor


The Flying Machine. 1902Encyclopedia.com

to…from…

Shifting our worldview


It’s easier said than done


There are challenges

• It’s hard to “see” the whole system. How to know what’s needed/what’s working?

• It’s time-consuming work. What role(s) should funders play?

• There are lots of players involved. Where does accountability lie?

• It requires spreading control & leadership. What if results are different than original intentions?


Yet, there IS an emerging practice

KNOW THE NETWORK

Map the issue, stakeholders, existing connections

ORGANIZE THE NETWORK

Begin to work together; pilot strategies

If needed, establish shared structures & procedures (e.g., norms of engagement)

Develop systems for ongoing learning & adaptation

KNIT THE NETWORK

Connect & engage stakeholders Nurture network stewards / leaders Define & create different entry points to

the network, reflecting a range of interests

TRANSITION THE NETWORK

Evaluate network effectiveness & impact

If transforming: define/redefine network value propositions

If transitioning: distribute re-usable assets (including knowledge)

GROW THE NETWORK

Grow & diversity network participation Build enduring trust & connectivity Decentralize network functions Spread, deepen, diversify network strategies

Adapted from the work of iScale and June Holley & Valdis Krebs


What questions do you want to address over the next 2 days?


““Networks are everywhere.We just need an eye for seeing them.”

– ALBERT-LÁSZLÓ BARABÁSI


Networks 101A crash course

THANK YOU!Kathy Reich ([email protected])

Diana Scearce ([email protected])

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

10 17-11 networks 101 geo conference

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