You're navigating networking challenges in Philanthropy. How can you overcome them effectively?

The best way to build trust and relationships through networking is to focus on curiosity, generosity, and gratitude. The focus is on long-term relationship building, understanding the problems people are experiencing or solving, and building connections and partnerships that help advance your "partner's" personal, professional, and social impact goals. The focus is to be of service first, last, and always. Begin with curiosity. What goals/aspirations does the person you are engaging have? How can you help them achieve them? What challenges are they facing? Why are they committed to solving XYZ problem? Who do they serve? Based on the information you have, add value - connections, resources, data, best practices, etc.

Dans ma pratique quotidienne: 1. Repartez de votre cause, de votre projet: le réseau Philantropique vient de qui vous êtes, il est simple de l'identifier à partir de votre ADN 2. Cherchez le bon "match": quel est votre accroche, votre sujet commun avec le philanthrope que vous visez? 3. Les outils sont clé: formez vous pour savoir comment pitcher, comment embarquer un comité de mécène, etc. PS: le numéro de portable du philanthrope n'est pas la clé!

To navigate networking challenges in philanthropy effectively, adopt a strategic approach focused on authenticity and mutual benefit. Build genuine relationships based on shared goals and respect. Utilize existing networks and leverage technology and social media to expand reach and foster connections. Engage in thought leadership by publishing articles and speaking at conferences to establish credibility and attract like-minded individuals. Create collaborative opportunities through events and forums, positioning your organization as a key player in the philanthropic space. Participate in philanthropic associations and focus on reciprocal value to strengthen partnerships. Continuous learning of trends ensures impactful networking efforts.

Building trust is essential in overcoming networking challenges in philanthropy, where integrity and genuine intentions are highly valued. To establish trust, actively engage with the work of others and show genuine interest in their missions. Participate in events, volunteer, and join discussions to demonstrate your commitment to the cause. Be transparent about your goals and open to feedback. Trust is cultivated through consistent, honest interactions and shared experiences, showcasing a mutual dedication to social causes. This approach not only helps in building strong relationships but also enhances your credibility and reliability in the philanthropic community.

One thing I have found helpful is to always come from a place of generosity and authenticity. How can I be of service first, second, and third. Then allow the relationship to develop.

Integrity, active listening, and curiosity are the keys to success. Those who are genuinely curious about who their donors are, their values, goals, and motivations, will be successful with relationships. They will ask meaningful questions, demonstrate genuine interest, follow up with appropriate questions and information, requesting input and advice, stewarding funds donated appropriately, reporting back to donors, and ultimately becoming a trusted advisor. When done well, it’s an enjoyable and collaborative relationship.

Listening is one of the greatest gifts one can give another. Listening and genuinely acknowledging makes them feel heard. It opens up and builds trusts in collaborations which is super effective in collective growth. Active Listening is the most important factor in overcoming challenges for networking in philanthropy.

Escuchar es el primer paso para entender al otro, y de esta manera se conocen las expectativas de la otra parte, sus necesidades e intereses. Esto permite concretar alianzas estratégicas y no solamente redes de trabajo. En mi experiencia ha permitido que por medio de esta escucha activa, se pon en práctica la asertividad y el trabajo colaborativo, dando pie a la co-creación de soluciones y al incremento en el impacto del trabajo realizado.

We often don't seek to understand better or clarify something we have heard because we fear offending or otherwise being vulnerable. Asking and later demonstrating that you remember what someone taught you is a wonderful way to strengthen your connection.

If you are doubting the value you might be able to bring to a relationship—perhaps because you are junior in your career or have a very niche role—don’t forget that value might come in ways you can’t begin to plan on. Value is grounded in being human. Spend time listening and connecting as humans with someone and you will undoubtedly stumble on a need or curiosity—from a recommendation on where to buy cool eyeglasses to a perspective on what characteristics to look for in hiring for a new role. Don’t sell yourself short on the value you can bring when you engage meaningfully as a human.

Value builds by being shared. This is a legacy that the human race has since times immemorial... Having said that, the articulation of knowledge and experience is something else! Dependable systems and processes of documenting our experience and knowledge are evolving continuously too. It is important to respect all these components to continuously engage in philanthropy as in any other sector of work.

Entender que el valor de tu experiencia y conocimientos aporta más que valor económico, pone la base para un networking más ágil y efectivo. Esto no quiere decir, que uno llegue y vea que puede obtener de los demás, el nuevo Networking se sustenta en lo que uno ofrece sin ser pretencioso, aportando de esta manera una perspectiva distinta, para que los demás co-creen junto con uno, las soluciones que salgan de la caja y permitan nutrir a la nueva cultura filantrópica, generando un impacto replicable y con indicadores que sustenten cambios a corto, mediano y largo plazo. Ese valor de la participación se convierte en valor compartido.

It's really important to avoid a scarcity mindset. Remember to give freely and believe that there are infinite ways to solve a problem, raise funds, or inspire others. Try to stay away from entrenched binary thinking. Remember the example of the two parties and the single orange: both want the orange, but after understanding each other's needs, we learn that one wants the peel, and one wants the fruit.

If you have expertise in an area that can be valuable to others, it can be a good way to help others and possibly benefit yourself. People tend to appreciate those who can assist them in making progress. When you need to ask for something, having helped others can make people more receptive to your request.

Networking for diversity: Don't be afraid to stretch outside of your networks that are the same people, in your same content area, or lived experience. Diversity can be putting yourself in rooms where you are new and you make an effort to meet new people. What resources can you bring and what can you learn?

La diversidad es la puerta a distintos puntos, de vista, perspectivas, experiencias, y soluciones comprobables. El contemplar distintas cosmovisiones y realidades diferentes, determinan la adecuada selección de las diversas estrategias de innovación social, ofreciendo soluciones integrales y m que se complementan entre sí. Ignorar que las particularidades de cada problema, región o zona, suman distintos grados de complejidad, hace que se creen modelos rígidos que no funcionan en la vida diaria. Incluir la diversidad como parte de las variables para encontrar soluciones, fortalecerán a la cultura filantrópica moderna y será más atractiva para las nuevas generaciones.

Beyond some of the ways we often talk about seeking diversity (which is essential for excellence). It's also helpful to seek out the diversity of attitudes around you. Who creates safe spaces to learn and create? Who is driven to improve a process?

Follow up is THE most important aspect of networking and fundraising. Figuring out the right cadence of emails, calls and other outreach (even snail mail!) is key to success. Connecting your message to personal, authentic and unique details differentiates your message from the numerous others that major philanthropists and industry leaders receive regularly.

Post-event follow-ups are where many networking efforts culminate. Timeliness is key; reaching out within 24 to 48 hours keeps the connection fresh. Personalize your message by referencing a specific topic from your conversation. This demonstrates attentiveness and genuine interest. Whether it’s through email, LinkedIn, or a phone call, make sure your follow-up is respectful of their time and leaves the door open for future interactions. Timeliness in following up is crucial in keeping the momentum of a new connection. Aim to reach out within 24 to 48 hours after the event. This promptness demonstrates your professionalism and enthusiasm. In your follow-up, mention a memorable part of your conversation to reinforce the personal connection.

Joining a professional organization and engaging with its online discussion groups can offer some hidden benefits: people tend to think more critically before they offer advice or opinions than in a less formal environment, and you might hear from more knowledgeable yet introverted people because they are more comfortable sharing in an online format.

We've become too dependent on follow-up emails as a way to stay in touch. The world has moved on and email has been left behind. I see it with many (not all) board members, major donors and prospects - messaging, Whatsapp etc have become platforms that are more convenient for them too. These platforms are likewise operating more like email platforms we became used to over past decades. Likewise people have less and less time and lower attention spans that ever before. Messaging platforms encourage shorter sentences and makes us "get to the point" and that's helpful for everyone.

As we’ve navigated through the challenges of networking at events, it appears effective networking is not as daunting as it seems but can rather be broken down into actionable steps.From preparing for events to mastering post-event follow-ups, each step is crucial in building and nurturing professional relationships that can propel your career or business forward. Networking is not just about collecting contacts; it’s about creating meaningful connections. It’s about listening as much as it is about speaking about giving as much as taking. In the constantly evolving world of professional networking, staying adaptable and continuously improving your skills is key. Remember, every event is an opportunity to learn, to connect, and to grow.

Dejar de pensar en forma lineal y hacerlo de forma esférica, permite incluir al otro, entender su perspectiva, ir más allá de la empatía y facilita la comunicación asertiva con los demás. El respeto es la base de todo aquello que la filantropía de nueva escuela pone sobre la mesa, pues, al fomentar el trabajo colaborativo y la co-creación de soluciones, da pie a la escucha activa y la diversidad, sean ejes transversales (así como lo es la comunicación) en la innovación social y el cultivo de la cultura filantrópica en las nuevas generaciones.