I've been working quite a bit recently on 'network diagnostics' - perhaps more easily understood as network 'health checks'. Given our efforts to define the characteristics of networks, diagnosing and  tracking vitality and successes is critical. But the network diagnostic isn't the easiest of tasks. Some lessons I've learned:

What to look for:

Here at Netcentric, we feel out seven characteristics of healthy networks:strong social ties, a clear common story, clear vision, communications, shared resources, leadership and feedback. Our network 'health checks' probe each of these areas. 

How to gather information:

From instant polls to formal analyses, networks can choose between a wide range of feedback-gathering tools. Some of the most useful:

• Surveys: Free online survey tools like Survey Monkey enable network leaders to easily gather information about community practices and behaviors.
• Community mapping: Leaders can gather quite a bit of information at in-person community events using various tools, exercises and games. For example we like the wall map, on which network members place stickers or post-it notes to express thoughts about various components of the network. 
• Instant polls or widgets can also be helpful. For example, a poll on a website resource page asking visitors if they found what they were looking for.
• Finally, social network analysis (SNA) can help. Using programs like Netdraw, network leaders can map location, strength of ties and direction of information flow between network nodes. SNA adds lots of value because it helps network actors visualize their network - see who is most in touch, where resources come from, etc.

In my experience, it seems a wise combination of these tools is most efficient. I'm actually currently leaning towards using free online surveys followed by community mapping tools. 

Perhaps the bigger challenge is securing enough responses from network members to generate solid conclusions. Unlike organizations and corporations with the ability to force responses, networks must rely on the goodwill of network members to complete the diagnostic. This is not always easy.

And finally, some thoughts on ongoing monitoring and evaluation:

• Build in benchmarks for network growth and outputs. Is the goal to affect some kind of policy change? How can you measure the network's involvement in that? Number of conversations?
• Consider what’s track-able. General community building objectives might be gauged by number of conversations between members, number of social activities organized, growth in subscriptions, etc.
• Gain community buy-in and feedback. Diagnosing network health should build community. Network members should feel they're a part of this process.
• Advertise achievements and milestones to network members. Make the connection with the network. Publicizing even small accomplishments can be a great way to generate enthusiasm for network success.