There are many different ways to structure a network… for example, in a decentralized structure, everyone in a network can be connected to everyone else, while in a centralized structure, everyone connects to a single, central entity. Each of these organizational network structures has its
People build networks for a reason, what we call their “network purpose.” Some networks or alliances are extremely focused in what they address, while others take a more fluid approach and change their purpose over time. However, it’s important to pick a purpose with intent
Social connectedness – our relationships with friends, family, neighbors and coworkers – directly influence our health and well-being. However, it’s very difficult for care providers to leverage this knowledge to improve patient care and health outcomes. PARTNERme is our solution, a person-centered network tool that
Building community partnerships isn’t easy, even though it feels as if it should be. As with any form of decision-making, it’s important to use evidence and data to come to the best choices. That includes when building any kind of network or collaborative strategy. By
Network governance refers to the way a network makes decisions, sets goals, and manages the day-to-day affairs of the organization. Unlike traditional hierarchies, networks are fluid and flexible with many different ways to structure your governance. In this infographic, we introduce four common network governance
One of the most common questions we get early on in projects involves including multiple members from a single organization in PARTNER. Groups that work with 2 or more individuals at a partner nonprofit, for example, want to get both of their perspectives. However this
Creating a network map is great way to visualize your partner’s connections and see how your network is structured. With the right questions, you can dig much deeper than that. Trust and value questions allow you to measure the quality of connections to identify key
It is not easy communicating with partners in a network. You need to strike the right balance to avoid overwhelming them, while still providing key information they need. This infographic presents four tips for improving your communication in your network, coalition, or alliance of partners.
Our community partner relationship management software includes everything you need to collect network data, map and analyze your network of partners, and create reports to share your results. The insights you gain can help demonstrate your collective impact while generating powerful quality improvements for your
Click one of the links below to download a free resource to strengthen your community partnerships, collaborative network, and strategic ecosystem.
Advice for building, managing, and assessing cross-sector networks or coalitions of partners.
A template to map the connections and interactions between key stakeholders in your community.
A worksheet and guide to help you think through and develop your network or ecosystem strategy.
Get monthly updates on VNL news, new research, funding opportunities, and other resources related to network and ecosystem mapping and management.
