Networking - I - Introduce

It's easy to get caught up talking with one person the whole night; especially if you are their only contact in the room.  A good way to break the conversation and enable you both to meet new people is to say 'There's someone I'd love you to meet.  Let me introduce you.'  After introducing the person to another of you contacts, leave them to get acquainted and find someone new to talk with.

from Tonic magazine, Issue 20

Networking - H - Host

If you attend a regular networking group, find out how to go about hosting the event at your place.  This gives you a chance to really showcase who you are and what you do, and its amazing how connections deepen once people have seen your home-base.

from Tonic magazine, Issue 20

Networking - G - Get Their Details

Be proactive in asking for people's business cards or contact details - don't just leave it for them to get in touch with you.

from Tonic magazine, Issue 20

Networking - F - Follow Up

After meeting someone for the first time, always follow up with a brief email.  Based on the conversation you had, try to include something that you think may be of interest to them.  It could be a link to a website, an interesting article or perhaps contact details for someone you think they should meet.  This shows the person that you were actually listening to what they had to say and are genuinely interested in helping them out.

from Tonic Magazine, Issue 20

Networking - E - Effort

For networking to be truly effective you need to be persistently consistent.  That means you need to attend the events on a regular basis, even if you don't feel like it.  The more you attend, the more people you get to know you, and the deeper the relationships and possibilities become.

from Tonic Magazine, Issue 20

Networking - D - Don't, Won't and Can't

Always keep your conversations positive and never talk about what other people should or could be doing better.  When the conversation turns to funding (as it inevitably does), try not to paint a desperate woes-me picture; people are more likely to support you if you paint a picture of success.  Focus on what is working well and encourage support in that area.

from Tonic Magazine, Issue 20

Networking - C - Carry Business Cards

Networking is much more than simply talking to people at the event.  You need to be able to share contact details so you can keep in touch.  It's a good idea to have a little business card holder that slips into the palm of your hand.  That way you can easily pass out your cards with out rummaging through your handbag with every conversation.

from Tonic Magazine, Issue 20

Networking - B - Be Prepared

You know people are going to ask about your organisation and your role within it, so make sure you are prepared with some good clear responses.  In about one minuted you need to be able to sum up who you are, what you do and most importantly, why you do it.  Make sure you can share a clear compelling vision of what your organisation wants to achieve.

from Tonic Magazine, Issue 20

Networking - A - Ask Good Questions

There's more to networking than simply telling people about you and your organisation; the real value comes in finding out about others.  Whether it is business networking for potential sponsors or networking with other non-profits, the more you know about others in the room, the more likely you are to find useful connections.  Practice using open-ended questions that give other people a real chance to speak.

from Tonic Magazine, Issue 20

Girls' Brigade Supporters Club

What is one, what do they do, what should they be, and how does this fit in with Girls' Brigade??  Are all questions you might be asking.

"Supporters groups or supporters clubs are independent fan clubs... Supporters' groups in Europe are generally known as Ultras which derives from the Latin word deriving from ultrā, meaning beyond in English, with the implication that their enthusiasm is 'beyond' the normal.... Supporters' groups and ultras are renowned for their fanatical vocal support in large groups, defiance of the authorities and the display of banners at stadiums, which are used to create an atmosphere which intimidates opposing players and supporters, as well as encouraging their own team."

Wikipedia

Hmmm...so supporters clubs do seem to be a bit sports orientated.  Maybe Alumni would suit Girls' Brigade better...

"An alumnus (masculine, plural 'alumni') or alumna (feminine, plural 'alumnae') is a graduate of a school, college, or university.  An alumnus can also be a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate, as well as a former student.  If a group includes both sexes, even if there is only one male, the male plural form alumni is used."

Wikipedia

It does seem not many know much about the GB Supporters Club - so we hope to change this next year!!  If you were going to be a part of any supporters club what would you want in return for your support?

From the GBNZ website:

GB New Zealand is now providing a special opportunity for people to remember and support Girls' Brigade in New Zealand.

Maybe you were once a Girls' Brigader or you had someone close to you who greatly benefited from being involved in Girls' Brigade. For only a small membership fee paid once a year, you can become a part of a growing community of people online who remember and support Girls' Brigade.

GB Supporters members
are kept up-to-date with GB through the GB Supporters magazine.
have a say in how their financial support is used.
can choose from several ways of supporting GB.

The GB Supporters Club provides
funds for tasks which have no other source of funding e.g. fieldwork.
prayer and practical support.
publicity for GB.
a network to keep in touch with other GB Supporters.

The membership fee is only twenty ($20.00) New Zealand dollars paid once a year.
How to become a Member:
Please Contact GB Support Centre to join the GB Supporters.