How to decide what network tools you may need

1 What is your network for?

You can

t decide what tools to use with your network until you know what the network is for, in relation to the core organisation. Some networks arethere to provide support to the core, through subscription, volunteering, and enabling the fundraisers to quote numbers. Others beneﬁt membersmore extensively through events, publications and other services provided centrally. Another type of network would be designed for members toform interest groups. Some other networks are even more distributed - with the emphasis on informal learning, making contacts and developing adhoc groups around projects. Think purpose - what is it for; people - who is it for; then process - methods and tools. All this will be inﬂuenced by thecontext - what

s happening in the world, what sort of culture you are operating in.

2 How is your network controlled?

Different types of networks have structures that reﬂect control. The “mailing list” network is a hierarchy controlled from the centre. Networks withclusters around networks will have some central and other connects - but won

t be wholly centrally controlled. More dispersed networks may nothave any central control - though they may need support from different places (nodes) in the network.

3 What sort of communication and collaboration? What tools and methods?

In order to think about tools, you need to thinks about the two issues above - purpose, structure - but then in more detail about the functions ofcommunication and collaboration in networking. The four main communication functions are likely to be: Getting information, Communicating,Collaborating, Publishing/promoting.In order to beneﬁt everyone in the network, tools need to work at a personal level, and then within the core, with key stakeholders, and widercommunities.

4 Where is the main focus? One platform and set of tools, or a number?

If the network type is hierarchical - “join us” - then the focus for tools will on communication and collaboration within the core, then publishing toothers. If the network type is more distributed - “join up” - that the aim will be for all members of the network to be capable of getting information,communicating, collaborating, publishing. They will be doing that across other networks they are involved with.

Choosing tools for network communication and collaborationDavid Wilcoxdavid@socialreporter.com+44 7970621696