Here's how you can connect with influential leaders and decision-makers in the non-profit sector.

Many people, especially introverts, find networking events to be disingenuous or energy draining. I think that we can reimagine what a networking event is depending on our personality. My organisations connect with people who would be considered ‘out of our league’ by simply reaching out to them in a genuine meaningful way. A single talk or session that you’ve attended (even online) can be the event that helps you network. Reach out to the speaker and let them know how they have changed your way of thinking, or how they’ve brought you closer to your goals. More often than not, you receive a reply if you’re authentic.

Para se conectar com líderes influentes e tomadores de decisão no setor sem fins lucrativos, participe de conferências e eventos do setor, onde você pode conhecer pessoalmente esses indivíduos e trocar ideias. Utilize plataformas de redes sociais profissionais, como LinkedIn, para se apresentar e manter contato. Envolva-se em grupos de trabalho, conselhos e comitês relevantes, demonstrando seu compromisso e expertise. Ofereça-se para colaborar em projetos ou pesquisas de interesse mútuo, mostrando iniciativa e vontade de contribuir. Além disso, busque recomendações e apresentações de colegas e contatos existentes, construindo uma rede de relacionamentos sólida e confiável.

Civil-society-forward events help in expanding one’s network in the sector, but there is so much value in light, informal and interest-based meet-ups e.g potluck dinner with international volunteers and travelers, couchsurfing meetups, pop-up community-based events etc. Most attendees of these gatherings come from a wide array of professional and entrepreneurial backgrounds seeking community and expanded networks. Formal events tend to constrict expression and rapport-building; it naturally comes out in a laid back setting where there is opportunity to meet random individuals who are looking to relax or find comfort in a community outside of work premises. I, for one, gained valuable network through counchsurfing-organized gatherings.

One thing to consider when looking for volunteer opportunities is to connect your service to a change you would like to see in your community and then research organizations that are making an impact. If they do not post volunteer activities don’t be afraid to reach out to offer your expertise to help further your shared cause.

As well as joining someone else's board, assembly an advisory board for your organisation or project can help bring in diverse voices, lived experience and/or expertise you wouldn't otherwise have access to. While you may not have the networks to secure high profile trustees or directors, an advisory board can be an easier commitment for many, particularly if it's for a time limited programme. It then becomes a way to build relationships with those board members but also open up further networks through their contacts.

Most organizations in the sector, especially those that are not regularly-backed by donors or financial aid, have limited resources and manpower availability. They will easily benefit from consultancy and advisory services of professional and experts who have been applying their skillset daily in their respective lines of work (private sector, government, academe, etc) but are looking to male use of their skills for the greater good. Professionals and experts can volunteer their time to provide counsel and expert guidance to these organizations on a certain subject matter / topic. This will be a great initial foray to the sector, without having to redo things or dismiss years-worth of experience and expertise.

Una empresa funciona básicamente a partir de cuatro grandes áreas, (mercado, producción, administración y finanzas) y todas ellas están interrelacionadas, los cambios en una afectan directa o indirectamente a las otras. Por lo anterior, creo que falta una visión integral de empresa tanto en directivos mandos medios y empleados, cada uno solo ve su trabajo, pero no notan las interrelaciones que se establecen dentro de la misma área y con las otras áreas de la empresa; por lo que algunas decisiones que se toman no tienen el resultado esperado, por la poca o nula participación del personal del área y de otras áreas involucradas.