Elements of Enterneering®/Organisation/Network
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Personal networks come in many different forms. Many entrepreneurs and executives are active in networks and maintain them. These are always shaped by the respective individuals, their interests and their life path so far. Networks also exist for companies and have a similar significance here. Companies should specifically address the issue of company-related networking, organise and maintain the activities and manage information related to these networks. Networking at the company level requires effort and the involvement of valuable resources. It should therefore be linked to a clear objective and a recognisable benefit. It is usually characterised by the fact that cooperation or dialogue is not based on contracts, products or business relationships, but it usually serves the common interests of different partners.
WHY?
For companies, it can be valuable for various reasons to belong to certain networks and be actively involved in them. Networking can serve to obtain information, penetrate the market, lobby, or secure sales. Examples of networking forums for companies are:
- industry associations,
- committees comprising authorities and industry,
- working groups for technical standardisation,
- committees at chambers and public administrations,
- regional or local business dialogues,
- procurement and purchasing associations,
- sectoral or economic clusters,
- schools, universities and study institutions.
HOW?
DEFINE THE OBJECTIVE
To approach the question of possible networking activities of the company in a sustainable manner, it is essential to begin by defining the main objectives and expected benefits of such activities.
RECORD EXISTING ACTIVITIES
As a rule, various contacts or memberships in networks exist through individuals in the company. When creating a company network or activity list, the first step should be to record all relevant topics that already exist at a personal level.
IDENTIFY POTENTIAL ACTIVITIES
Based on the established objective or possibly already existing activities, it is advisable to consider suitable, even mandatory, connections or networks in a brainstorming session. If necessary, these can be sorted according to importance and effort.
DEFINE ACTIVITIES AND REPRESENTATIVES
Based on the defined objective, those activities that have the greatest benefit with an overall justifiable effort should be selected from the options available. A representative from the company should be appointed for each activity. These individuals should have expertise in the relevant subject and have the necessary available capacity.
ESTABLISH ETIQUETTE AND COMMUNICATION RULES
When different individuals represent the company at networking events, it makes sense to define simple but clear rules of conduct and communication. This assists individuals in their representative work and ensures that information is exchanged appropriately.
ALIGN FOCUS AREAS PER ACTIVITY
Since the contents of the activities can be diverse, and different areas of interest of the company are affected in each case, a short list of topics with the most important content-related focus areas per network makes sense. Sometimes, participation in a network is desired, but there may be entry barriers. In this case, a procedure for gaining access should be agreed upon.
CENTRALISE KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION
Participation in several networks generates diverse information at different times and a significant volume of communication. For the activities to be successful and the information to be turned into usable knowledge, the most important content and information should be consolidated centrally. This 'central office' should initiate a review of the value of each activity at regular intervals.
ESTABLISH OWN NETWORKS
It will be interesting for a company to initiate its own network forum or platform with external partners. As a rule, this involves higher requirements and effort. Moreover, the need for coordination within the company increases and external demands or expectations regarding the quality and continuity of the network quickly arise. This step must therefore be carefully evaluated and secured with a sufficient budget (time and money).