Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

by Melinda Grismer, Purdue Center for Regional Development

Leveraging Social Capital to Build Community Networks

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

As an Extension educator, have you ever wanted:

credibility, funding, support?

Find a need—and build a network!

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Ask yourself: What economic void exists in my county/region?

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Industry Leader Lunch Series:Share best practices

Receive professional development Network with peers/colleagues

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Observe effective networks already taking place—pay

attention to what is “in demand”

Localize the network you build to fit the needs of your community.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Collaborate with local partners—coordinate, don’t duplicate

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Once you’re successful, collaborators will seek you out.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Small Business Networking:Engage in referral networking

Connect with fellow owners/peer advisorsReceive business consultation

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Seek out resources from within the group—and from outside the group—to support professional development

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Arrange speakers with expertise that your group expresses interest in

Healthcare Benefits Consultantduring transition to PPACA

Ergonomist to Reduce Repetitive Stress Injury

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Touring the facilities of group members promotes shared experiences

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Choose a format—and stick with it! Consistency is key…

Predictable Format Strict Timeline Welcoming Atmosphere

An accessible schedule and consistent location allow for group growth

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Small Business Networking:Round robin 2-minute introductions

Featured professional development speaker“Marketing Moment” by a group member

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Industry Leader Lunch Series:RSVP-only catered lunch event

Speaker of interest/Tour of facilityNetworking time after meeting ended

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Sustaining a network takes nurturing: Reminders between meetings

Promotion on social media Member monetary contributions to the group

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Select evaluation metrics that fit the nature of your group

Benchmark Knowledge Count Referrals Measure Desired Outcomes

Ask questions that allow you to adjustDevelop process to collect responses

Economic/Business Development Metrics:

# of participants indicating an increased understanding of and level of competency employing business planning and management concepts/tools

# of participants indicating an increased understanding of the role of social capital in entrepreneurial development

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

The strength of weak ties helps you build social networks

Mark S. Granovetter, American Journal of Sociology, Volume 78, Issue 6 (May, 1973)

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Credibility? That’s how I convinced Richey Athletics to

apply for (and win) this award!

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Funding? That’s how I covered the expenses of my county

leadership program!

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Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Support? Calls and letters from business and industry is how I

made it through a threat to our county Extension contract!