The Birth of the Networking Necktie Method

The Birth of the Networking Necktie Method
The Networking Necktie method emerged during the Cities2030 project meeting in Seinäjoki, Finland 9/2024. The primary aim of this gathering was to continue collaboration among partners from diverse backgrounds within the theme of sustainable food systems. As we worked together, it became clear that there was a need to identify common interests among participants to enhance future partnerships and cooperation.

Pre-work for the workshop
We had discovered that many participants were interested in various food topics. We also wanted to give possibilities to all to find suitable partners in future co-operation – also for those who worked in such areas of interest, which were not so popular.

In preparation for the meeting, we conducted an on-line query to gather information about the attendees’ interests. We gave a very long list of food-related themes and each answerer was allowed to pick maximum 10 themes. The query was not anonymous, so we knew the answerers.

The Necktie method helps to find common interests
To facilitate meaningful interactions, we developed a unique approach using paper cutouts shaped like neckties.

Each participant received a necktie paper cutout attached to a string, which allowed them to hang it to a visible place in front of the person – just like a tie. We had prepared the themes of interest based on the query to each participant so that there was one color-marked theme per a paper strip. We instructed all to use blue tag and rank them on the tie in order of significance: the most important is the most upper one.

Participants then moved around the room to connect with others, using the neckties as conversation starters. The instruction was to find individuals with similar interests, indicated by the color coding and the paper strip text of the neckties. This simple yet effective design helped break down barriers and sparked discussions about collaboration opportunities between organizations.

Through this process, participants discovered shared interests, leading to meaningful connections. Many found potential partners for future collaborations, even if they were initially from different sectors.

The Networking Necktie method not only facilitated the identification of common interests but also fostered an engaging and dynamic environment for partnership exploration. And let’s not forget that with the ties the work was much more fun and great pictures were taken as well!

Terhi Välisalo,
Development expert, Rural Women’s Advisory Centre of South Ostrobothnia