Creative Conversations as a Job Development Tool:

Networks that Work!Candidate’s networks: how to discover and

capitalize

Leverage existing employer relationships

Community Conversations

Demonstrating the power of a network

Candidate’s Network

It’s important to know that job development is an art--not a science!

Be sure to look at every job seeker as an individual and determine how it would be best to utilize their networks!

If candidates do not have a strong network: help them build one!

Discovering your Candidate’s Network

Need to build trust with candidate and their familyMeet them in their home or at a place in the

community where they feel comfortableExplain why and how you will use their

networks and contacts and keep them informed and updated

It might be appropriate for candidate and/or family to make the initial contact: coach them on how to do so

Discovering your Candidate’s Network

Networking WorksheetThis is a helpful visual for some people. It’s a

good idea to review this when you first start working with someone and again periodically as you foster a relationship.

Worksheet should include: Friends, relatives, friends of parents/relatives,

neighbors, former employer and/or co-workers, (former) teachers, individuals from social /interest groups (library, church, volunteer, etc) businesses the client patronizes.

Discovering your Candidate’s Network

Ask the candidate to bring you with them into their community!

Advantages of Approach:Businesses already know the individualModelingBusiness EducationDemonstrates progress and activityLearn more about candidates skills and

abilities

Discovering your Candidates NetworkPerson-Centered PlanEmploys methods already discussed

In-home and community meetings to identify stakeholders and networks

Meeting to identify goals and action steps Literally person centered Exploratory (biographical) Action-oriented (future planning) Pragmatic and Creative

Discovering your Candidate’s Network

Example: StuartNetworking sheetDevelopment with Stuart in his community:

one business reminded him of moreLed to local movie theater and introduced to

manager by employee/friend of Stuart’sStuart interned for a few months and was hired

on Jan 1 2012 and increased duties/hours

Leveraging Employer Relationships

Both your relationships and those of your candidate

Employers that you have already established a successful partnership with can be your most successful networkers!

Maintain contact with employers who you have assisted with hiring or supporting individuals with disabilities

Providing an award or acknowledgement (ex: certificate) to an employer can make you and your organization stand out

Leveraging Employer Relationships

Presenting at all-staff meetingsRequesting introductions at other locationsDiscussing employers network of fellow

employers/managersShowcase existing relationships with

competitors

Leveraging Candidate’sEmployer Relationships

Stuart’s CinemaContacted through natural network, Stuart

patronizes the businessAgreed to internshipPress releaseOffered permanent positionContinued expansion of role

Leveraging yourEmployer Relationships

TJX Established a positive relationship by providing

excellent support to initial hire. Acknowledged through employer appreciation

luncheonApproached when business needed candidatesFilled needs at several storesParticipation in corporate initiativeExpansion to sister companies

Leveraging Employer relationships

Your network

Candidate’s network

Successful placement

Exploration

BusinessMatch

Maintain relationship

Community ConversationsOften referred to as “World Café”

conversationsGathering groups together to discuss specific

and pointed questions that lead to action by participants

Good networking opportunities

Community ConversationsConnect community stakeholders

• Educational• Business• Family• Clients• Government

Community ConversationsUnique and under utilized job development toolInviting employers who you have a successful

partnership/relationship with and those employers who you would like to connect with

In between questions/discussion: employees with disabilities and their manager present

Focus conversations on employers Allows for more natural flow of ideas, i.e.,

business to business

Community ConversationsWalgreensInvited as they had already hired a person

with a disabilityManager of separate location heard employee

speak and hiredPresentation to district managers meetingLed to several district hiresSelected for pilot program of inclusion

Conclusion:Increase your candidate’s visibility in their

communityTeach and model communication with local

businessesDo not let a relationship that you’ve worked

hard to establish with a business falterCommunity Conversations: while they can be

time consuming to plan and execute: outcome is worth it!