Lunch and Learn with ISU CEWT

May 2026 - Leveraging Network Ties for Business Needs

The Class will discuss embedding network ties to address critical business Need(s).

Attendee participation:
• Identify 1-2 core needs in your business that have been an issue for a while now that you haven’t solved (i.e., expanding the management team, making key introductions within the industry, market positioning, pricing, financial planning)
• List current or potential network ties that could help with those needs
Determine your business network's strong points and where help is needed
Discuss how to create and maintain embedded relationships with needed advisors

Attendance value gain: The Class will help the firm answer the following three questions:
• What critical business needs do I currently have that I am avoiding addressing?
• What current or potential network ties exist that could provide me the expertise/advice to address such needs?
• Why have I waited so long to embed network members and/or ask for advice?

Location: Online using Zoom

Neil Tocher serves as both director of the Idaho State University (ISU) Commercialization Center and Professor and chairperson of the department of Marketing & Management. The ISU Commercialization Center seeks to enhance the number of SBIR/STTR applications and awards from Idaho entrepreneurs. Neil's primary research interests focus on the influence of social resources on entrepreneurial outcomes, the influence of human resource management practices on the performance of small and emerging firms, and case writing. 

His research has been published in such outlets as Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Group &  Organization Management, Business Case Journal, and Organization Management Journal. Neil has taught courses at the undergraduate and masters levels in entrepreneurship, venture consulting, strategic management, and organization behavior. He is also currently the Principal Investigator for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Federal and State Partnership (FAST) grant for the state of Idaho.