It is not often that people describe a meeting as “great, but it should have been longer.” Yet that is exactly what happened twice in the past month, after we had to reduce networking time at two of our popular Referrer Network meetings in West Norfolk, Breckland and North Norfolk.  The feedback was clear: while the meetings were useful, the chance to spend an hour networking face to face with people they rarely meet was of utmost importance.

At every event we hold, the usefulness of networking opportunities is always highlighted in feedback.  The same is true for us: so much of the insight we use to represent and advocate for the VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) sector comes from these conversations, and many of our partnership projects develop from connections made at events.  The only drawback is being able to dedicate time for networking – no small task in a sector facing such high demand and pressure.

This has made me reflect on how we can make the most of networking and what we gain from it.  It clearly helps build team spirit and a sense of being part of something bigger, while also creating opportunities to learn about new projects, facilities, and initiatives. Face-to-face conversations are powerful: putting a face to a name makes future contact easier, and chance discussions can spark ideas that become the starting point for new projects.  At the recent Norfolk VCSE Leadership Network, I reconnected with a former colleague, which may lead to promising new work; met several new people; and learned about an area I knew nothing about, leaving me full of ideas for future collaboration. What was great about this networking opportunity was that I did not know many people, so I avoided the familiar habit of gravitating towards those I already know for a catch-up – enjoyable and sometimes needed, but often less productive.

This brings me to the main reason for focusing on making connections.  Community Action Norfolk (CAN) is delighted to be piloting a Connect & Spark Community.  Each month, members are introduced by email to another community member to start a conversation, giving you the chance to connect with VCSE colleagues, old and new, at a time that works for you.

How it works:

• Click here to join the Norfolk VCFSE CANversation community
• The Connect & Spark platform matches you with someone else in the community once a month. You both get emails introducing you to each other.
• Schedule virtual or in-person meetings to spark new ideas and connections. There is no cost, and the only ask is that you respond to matches.  You decide when and how to connect. 

  Once there are fifty community members we will start matching.  If the initiative is successful we will begin to roll it out across other Empowering Communities networks and groups.

   

  Tell us about it

  We would love to hear how your connections work out.  If you have made a good connection, please let CAN’s Communications Officer, Julie, know.

   

  Keen for more in-person networking?

  Check out upcoming dates for our Voluntary Sector Forum for Children & Young People, CAN Referrer Networks, Great Yarmouth VCSE Group, Norfolk VCSE Leadership Network and more!