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 key networking is effective in a wide variety of situations. 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 may have good examples to share also, you may be looking for a service, an idea, a solution to a challenging situation or requiring some specialised expertise. Whatever it is, let's see if we can, through ShortonIdeas, bring some 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 NGO)
Libraries on the move
An extensive library of medical and maths books were the results of many years of study, research and lecturing by a professor in the UK. His widow was challenged as to how these could be given to a training centre where they would be helpful. She approach one non-profit who referred her to another and through a series of such links both these valuable libraries have been relocated. One is already being much appreciated in a teachnig hospital overseas and the other is en route to a college in another county. The interesting aspect of this scenario is that some of the intermediate links have also "discovered one another" for future enrichment.
Gogo-Olive
Hidden in the backwoods of Zimbabwe a group of some 25 valiant women are 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 bussiness folk was a graphics man and web designer. 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.....
