Thursday, November 17, 2022
Barbara Sagusti
Would you like to leverage the Wharton network? Do you enjoy helping others and receiving help as well? If so, this event is for you!
What is the Ring of Reciprocity?
The Ring of Reciprocity created by Wayne Baker, Cheryl Baker, and Adam Grant is the idea of both “asking for” and “giving help” to create a culture of giving. During the event, you will be expressing an area where you need support. In return, the group will be able to volunteer their support. We encourage people to support in small realistic ways such as making an introduction, etc. This is our opportunity to work the power of the Wharton Network in an effective, efficient manner! Let’s have fun supporting one another!
Some examples of areas where you may “ask for” support, or can “give help” to a fellow alumnus:
▪ help for your children regarding college or something else
▪ seeking a mentor, or someone to help expand your skills / knowledge
▪ fundraising support
▪ leads for your business
▪ employee referrals
▪ career assistance
▪ fellow alumni to be sounding board for strategy or marketing ideas
▪ speaking engagements
Ring Request Example, Joseph Wharton: BILT is an app that creates 3D animated interactive instructions viewable on a phone or tablet. I am interested in connecting to ANY manufacturers or retailers who sell products with assembly or installation instructions (e.g. IKEA). Our current customers include Weber Grills, Home Depot.
Note: The more specific the request, the better! Rather than saying “Our club needs help attracting young alumni,” try “I would like an idea for an event that has been successful for your club in attracting young alumni.”
Interested in learning more about the philosophy behind the Ring of Reciprocity? The first chapter of Adam Grant’s book Give and Take is available for free online and will cover the basic principles. Expect this read to take 20-30 minutes.
What to expect before & during the event? In advance of the session, Alumni brainstorm and write down their specific request for help from the group on a Google Sheet that will be sent out ahead of time. Specific requests are better than general requests. Personal or professional requests are equally valid.
During the event each Alumni participant will have 2-3 minutes max to add more detail, context, and color to your help request. Other Alumni participants may ask clarifying questions.
Participants may then share their offers of help, connections, or resources.
Once the event ends, the Google Sheet will serve as the record of the virtual conversation and provide the basis for follow-up. A follow up email will be sent out within a week to remind everyone of their commitments to help. If you RSVP to this event, we expect you to attend on time because there are limited seats, and the power of this session is in a small group of people who are willing to support one another in a short period of time. If we have no shows, then this has a negative impact on others that are relying on you.
This event is limited to 10 Alumni participants. If we have enough participants, we will consider holding a second session. This event is only open to Wharton Alumni (preference for available seats given to Wharton Club of Philly members). It is not open to guests.
Why? Wharton Alumni all need help and Wharton Alumni all love to help each other.
When? Thursday, November 17th, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Where? Location in Logan Square area of Philadelphia. Exact location will be emailed to attendees. NOTE: THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EVENT.
Light food and wine/beer/water will be served.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you.