Future Leaders

Networking—What is the Real Meaning?

2012-08-01, Department, By Gerry Logan

A certain former professor of mine will undoubtedly smile ear-to-ear when he sees this article, as he always said, “If you don’t know the answer to a question in this class, say ‘networking’ and you are most likely going to be right.” None of the students in that class, myself included, really understood the meaning of the term. However, over the course of my career, I have researched and studied the nature of networking, and have formed my own opinion about its importance in today’s society–-particularly in the parks and recreation profession. Three ways to network either yourself or your department are through direct conversations with other professionals, online discussions, and awards applications.

The basis for this article began when I conducted private research on state parks and recreation associations in December 2011. Answers to prearranged questions were collected via phone calls to the offices of surrounding state associations. The information gathered was intended to determine how the Mississippi Recreation and Park Association operates in relation to the other state park and recreation associations, particularly in how the state conference is planned and conducted.  MRPA leaders were forwarded the information for comparison of operating procedures and to identify areas for improvement. One of the most significant benefits that came from collecting the information was the networking that occurred from discussion on topics outside of the planned conversation. A variety of unique ideas were shared on issues such as how to keep vendors involved during the conference, the importance of not allowing product demonstrations during educational sessions, and the problem with having the awards banquet (usually the climax of the conference) before educational sessions are finished. It was a great form of networking, and it allowed my state to connect with associations from across the Southeast. The aforementioned research project was, admittedly, very time consuming. However, the wonderful thing about today’s technology is that a lot of networking can be accomplished in front of a computer. If online networking fits your schedule better, then you should look into NRPA Connect.

NRPA Connect is an online forum offered on www.nrpa.org that allows you to share ideas and get feedback from other organizations across the country. Using it takes less time than responding to a brief email. In other words, it allows members to network with any parks and recreation professional in the country, without having to leave the office! With such an amazing tool readily available, there is no excuse for not keeping up with the current state of our profession and the direction in which it is headed. Online networking can be more beneficial than any of us realize, but another advantage is one we all should enjoy–awards applications.

One might wonder, how is applying for an award a form of networking? By taking the time to fill out a form and submit it, you are networking with the people who read that application. Those people are responsible for determining whether you meet the criteria for the award. Either way, you’ve still taken that step and put yourself out there to be judged and, in that sense, you cannot fail. The same can be said for bidding to host an athletic event, applying for a grant, and even applying for a job. The answer is always “no” if the question is never asked or, in this case, if the application is never submitted.

If we as recreators can get past the obvious networking barriers, it will greatly benefit our profession as a whole. A barrier to participate is a legitimate issue in dealing with the public’s view of recreation. The term also applies when it comes to networking. The first barrier is one of time allowance. Due to our busy schedules, we have trouble finding the time to check with other cities for ideas. Also, there seems to be a prevailing opinion that the new ideas of one department are owned by that department and cannot be replicated again in other communities or states. In reality, ideas are “borrowed” all the time and used elsewhere, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If the methods of my city are able to benefit a neighboring city as well, then it improves recreation as a whole in our respective area.

The benefits of networking are endless. A casual conversation that is initially viewed as meaningless can end up benefiting you years later. Whether it is sharing information with another local department, discussing the current state of the profession via NRPA Connect, or applying to receive an award, networking is a vital part of every aspect of our personal and professional lives. Networking is both the simplest and most complicated task we face. My message is simple, just do it.

Gerry Logan is the Sports Coordinator of the Clinton Parks and Recreation Department in Clinton, Mississippi, a position he has held since 2003. Since being hired, Loagn has earned three professional certifications, re-built all department sports programs, and assisted in the coordination of multiple national athletic events.