Leading Indicators

Once we map a network, we can also measure it.

But how do you measure a network? Academics have come up with hundreds, if not thousands, of various metrics which arise mostly out of the fields of graph theory, network science, and mathematical sociology. Here are some of the common metrics used in social network analysis.

Network weavers and community builders want practical metrics – that are globally understood, without an advanced degree. Several of our not-for-profit clients are being evaluated by the Foundations that fund them on their network/community building activities. Here are four simple metrics that are currently being used...

• Increase in Size of Network -- attracting new people to the mission
  
• Increase in internal network connectivity -- connecting the right people to get things done
  
• Increase in connections to valuable third parties -- bringing in outside skills and perspectives
  
• Increase in projects formed with all of the above -- creating value-added projects out of the interconnected skills. The diagram above shows thick lines which indicate new collaborations formed in the last 3 months.
  

We have found that increases in the above 4 metrics are leading indicators of good things to come for members of the network. Once many of the right connections are in place, and in use, prosperity usually follows.

How will you knit your net?

Originally published August 2, 2007