Capacity refers to the ability of a system to perform and sustain itself.

Capacity building is the process of developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, processes and resources that organisations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in the fast-changing world.

There are many different definitions but the ultimate goal of capacity building is to improve overall organizational effectiveness and sustainability 
 

Noun: A network is a group or system of interconnected people or things

Verb: Networking is the skill of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
 

Enterpreneurs that share common goals, and intentionally exchange information and/or engage collaboratively in activities to address those goals are networks.
May have other names:  collaborative groups, social circles, mentor groups, discussion groups, learning partnerships, etc.
You may be participating in a network without realising it - may be informal
 

Networks can range from loose informal exchanges to formal contractual or membership groups:

General characteristics:

• Created for a purpose
• May be Informal and/or formal 
• May have multiple functions
• May exist locally, regionally, nationally or internationally
• May be actual (face-2-face), virtual (online), or a combination
• May be short term or long term
   

• Increased Access
• Increased Efficiency
• Multiplier Effect
• Solidarity and Support
• Increased Visibility
• Reduced Isolation
• Increased Credibility
   

The Importance of networking video discusses the issues raised in this set of slides in real discussion.
A 19 minute Ted talk by Michael Goldberg “Rediscovering Personal Networking” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po-QOVodPhU presents a criticial view on online networking
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE8AzBJy9uE 
7 minute You tube video 
 

Here are some formal networks that you can explore

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Linked in
• Crowd Booster
• Hootsuite
• E-mail

Consciously use your networks to:

• Prioritise your needs
• Access/Utilize opportunities
• Learn from peers
• optimise technology use
• Be sustainable
   

• Review networks you are currently in according to your capacity needs and benefits
• Include any social networks
• Get advice on how to use networks
• Use online networks – efficient, minimum cost
• Always be open to new networks
   

What are the costs?

•  Time: participation in meetings etc
•  & Money: membership fees, training fees etc
   

What are the Benefits?

• Support              
• Access to Funding/Projects  
• Professional standing
•  Knowledge  
• Legitimacy

Evaluate networks in terms of

• Workload: Is network creating more work than it is reducing?
• Representation: Does the network represent what my enterprise stand for?
• Participation: Is required participation of my enterprise at the right level?
   

1.Do I attend regular meetings?

2.Do I keep up with news/newsletter?

3.Am I actively involved in any activities?
-Forums, Workshops, Mentoring

4.Have I considered becoming more involved?
-Become an officer
-Propose activities/subjects for activities
 

1. Do I attend regular meetings?

2. Do I keep up with news/newsletter?

3. Am I actively involved in any activities?

(Forums, Workshops, Mentoring)

4. Have I considered becoming more involved?

Become an officer

Propose activities/subjects for activities
 

The website http://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/five-benefits-networking/ provides a valuable argument for the benefits of networking

The National Council of Non-profits - an advocate for America’s charitable non-profits provides valuable insights.

Source Website: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/network-approach-capacity-building and the blog at https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_return_of_capacity_building
 

Networking for rural entrepreneurs is closely linked to a greater knowledge and use of ICT (Discussed in another unit) and using social media for marketing (Also discussed in another unit) 
 

See; https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-marketing-books/