1. Module No 6: Building Capacity in Rural Micro-Enterprises
MICRO: Enhancing Competitiveness of Micro-enterprises in Rural Areas
Module No 6: Building Capacity in Rural Micro-Enterprises
Prepared by the Consortium for the project: “Irish Rural Link – National University of Ireland Maynooth- CDI – EEO GROUP SA- IHF asbl – IDP - Internet Web Solutions SL”

2. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Overview
How many slides?
24 slides in total
How long to read and listen?
15 minutes (not including exploring the links provided within slides)
What is the benefit?
See aim and expected learning in following slides

3. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Unit Aim
This unit shows how participation in Networks can help build micro-enterprises capacity

4. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module you will be able to:
Know “What is a Network”
Know “What is Capacity”
Know the “How to utilize your Networks”
You can you check your knowledge?

5. What is Capacity and Capacity Building?
Networks as a tool for capacity building
What is Capacity and Capacity Building?
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.

6. What is Capacity Building for?
Networks as a tool for capacity building
What is Capacity Building for?
There are many different definitions but the ultimate goal of capacity building is to improve overall organizational effectiveness and sustainability

7. Networks as a tool for capacity building
What is a network?
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.

8. Networks as a tool for capacity building
What is a network?
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

9. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Networks can range from loose informal exchanges to formal contractual or membership groups:
Types of Networks

10. Characteristics of Networks
Networks as a tool for capacity building
Characteristics of Networks
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

11. Benefits of Networks for Members
Networks as a tool for capacity building
Benefits of Networks for Members
Increased Visibility
Reduced Isolation
Increased Credibility
Increased Access
Increased Efficiency
Multiplier Effect
Solidarity and Support

12. Importance of networking
Networks as a tool for capacity building
Importance of networking
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” presents a criticial view on online networking
Source:
7 minute You tube video

13. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Formal Networks
Here are some formal networks that you can explore

14. Social Enterprise Networks
Networks as a tool for capacity building
Social Enterprise Networks

15. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Online Network tools
Twitter
Facebook
Linked in
Crowd Booster
Hootsuite

16. Networks: A word of Caution
Networks as a tool for capacity building
Networks: A word of Caution
Consciously use your networks to:
Prioritise your needs
Access/Utilize opportunities
Learn from peers
optimise technology use
Be sustainable

17. Inventory of your Networks?
Networks as a tool for capacity building
Inventory of your Networks?
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

18. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Network Analysis?
What are the costs?
Time: participation in meetings etc
& Money: membership fees, training fees etc
What are the Benefits?
Support - Knowledge
Access to Funding/Projects - Legitimacy
Professional standing

19. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Network Analysis?
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?

20. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Network Analysis?
Do I attend regular meetings?
Do I keep up with news/newsletter?
Am I actively involved in any activities?
Forums, Workshops, Mentoring
Have I considered becoming more involved?
Become an officer
Propose activities/subjects for activities

21. Networks as a tool for capacity building
Networking benefits
The website provides a valuable argument for the benefits of networking

22. Networks as a tool for capacity building
More Information
The National Council of Non-profits - an advocate for America’s charitable non-profits provides valuable insights.
Source Website: and the blog at

23. Entrepreneur ICT & Marketing
Networks as a tool for capacity building
Entrepreneur ICT & Marketing
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;

24. Thank you for your attention 
End of Module
Thank you for your attention 