How Can I Help You?
This simple question has opened door after door as I've explored ideas with a whole range of business managers. It has revealed to me how effective networking can be in a wide variety of fields. Being observant, showing genuine interest in other people's challenges and being alert to links that could enhance and enrich businesses are all part of the secret.
The following pages unfold the stories behind the question: How can I help You? You have good examples to share also, you may be looking for a particular service, a special idea, an effective solution to a challenging situation or requiring some specialised expertise. Whatever it is, let's see if we can help, through ShortonIdeas, bringing diverse resources together for the benefit of all.
It is a fascinating concept and it really works..... why not try it out?
"At its best, networking is a mutual process involving an exchange of ideas, information, experience, support and help. It is about meeting and interacting with people who can be of help to you, and who you can help in return." L. Nicholas (Director of International Educational/Cultural Non-profit)
Libraries on the move
Two extensive libraries of medical and maths books were part of many years of study, research and lecturing by a professor in the UK. His widow was challenged as to how these volumes could be given to a training centre overseas where they would be of immense value to the students and staff alike. She approached one non-profit who referred her to another and through a series of such links both these valuable libraries have been relocated. They are already being much appreciated in a teaching hospital overseas and a college in another country. The interesting aspect of this scenario is that some of the intermediate links have also "discovered one another" for future enrichment.
Gogo-Olive Crafts
Hidden in the backwoods of Zimbabwe, a group of some 25 valiant women is seeking to restore some normality to their families as they creatively manufacture the most delightful soft toys for export. I came across this excellent project through a business group's website. One of the challenges Gogo-Olive faced was in the development of a professional website to handle the marketing of their products internationally. The same day that I read about this need, I was at a business-centre networking event. One of the other home-based business folk attending the session was a graphics man and web designer of some distinction. You can imagine what happened.
As I was talking with this highly professional graphics friend, he hinted that he would like to consider doing some pro-bono project work for charities. Amazing that he should be thinking along these lines just when this Gogo-Olive opportunity came to light. In the following weeks, emails have been flying between the three of us and some progress is taking place. We're just waiting now for the feedback from the Board of Trustees of Gogo-Olive, which has just been registered in the UK.
"Linking people and resources to enhance lives"
Watch this space for further developments.....
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