How do I get started?

The Importance of Networking with Other Leaders.

Part 2

The Ability to network with other leaders is a key to success in your own ministry. How do I get started with Networking?

I am glad you asked,

1. Start with the leaders in your own church. Make a list of the most influential leaders in your church and have coffee with them or take them to lunch. Make a concerted effort to get to know them. Great leaders know how to work with other leaders.
2. Participate in events at your church that are not sponsored by the children’s ministry. Attend the Ladies Meetings and the Men’s Retreats. If the greeters don’t recognize you, don’t blame them. Maybe you need to get out more. (Just a thought.)
3. Connect with other children’s pastors in your state. Every lunch is an opportunity to meet another like-minded leader.
4. Visit other churches. Ask around: Who has a really good children’s program? Go visit those churches. If you can’t get away on a Sunday, do it on a Wednesday night or a Saturday night.
5. Participate in networking sites. Take advantage if web sites like CMconnect, Kidology, and Face Book.
6. Go To Conferences. By far, the best place to meet like-minded people is at Conferences. Three things happen at conferences, Training, Product Sales and Networking. All three are valuable but my favorite part is networking and meeting new people

In his excellent networking book “Never Eat Lunch Alone”, Keith Ferrazzi says, “True conference commandos aren’t restricted by the agenda that they receive at registration. Who says you can’t arrange your own dinner while at the conference, or put together an informal discussion on a particular topic that matters to you.” In other words create the conference within the conference.

Chances are you will meet someone who went through something that you are going through right now, and they know how to help! Or, maybe you have info to help them! 

 If you enjoyed this, you should read 'It's all about who you know' to learn why networking is so important.