3 Keys to Elevating HR Through Networking

More than 50 years ago, Stanford sociologist Mark Granovetter wrote a paper exploring the importance of “weak ties.” Weak ties are the bonds we share with people we know, like, and perhaps love but are not especially close to. Our weak ties are our college roommates, aunts and uncles, old neighbors, and professional contacts.

Our relationships with these people are surprisingly impactful, Granovetter wrote. Through weak ties, we learn new ideas and facts. We hear of opportunities and events. We receive advice and recommendations.

These weak ties remain critical in the modern digital age, especially within our professional networks. The industry peer you met at a conference luncheon may not attend your wedding, but she might help open doors for you professionally.

The enduring power of weak ties shows us why HR professionals should endeavor to build robust networks both within their organization and in the wider world. Not only can networks help you navigate a field lacking clear-cut career paths, but they can also keep you in touch with the trends, technology, and legislation impacting your discipline. Organizations that want to develop HR talent and drive results in the people department should encourage and enable networking whenever possible.

Professional networks can influence everything, whether it’s how we solve a problem at work or where we’ll spend the next decade of our careers. But to benefit from our networks, we must build and nourish them.

Tip #1: Set Small, Specific Networking Goals

Networking can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable. But it doesn’t need to be.

Networking is the process of building relationships with your fellow professionals. It doesn’t need to be done with a specific purpose in mind. While we sometimes lean on our networks to get a job interview or make an important connection, that doesn’t make networking exploitative. The relationships built through networking are symbiotic, creating connections between people who can help each other.

Still, forging new professional relationships takes courage, so start small. Make a goal to attend three networking events this year. These events may take the form of:

• Conferences
• Workshops
• Casual meetups
• Webinars
• Online forums

When setting networking goals, it’s essential to make a plan by identifying the types of people and organizations that align with your career interests. Consider whether you want to connect with industry leaders, potential mentors, recruiters, or peers who share your professional challenges or aspirations.

Having a clear focus helps you prioritize events and conversations, ensuring that your networking efforts are intentional and productive.

Tip #2: Hone Your Networking Skills

Networking is a skill you can sharpen with preparation and practice. Improve your approach to networking in these three areas:

Mindset

When you arrive at a networking event, gently remind yourself that it’s your responsibility to initiate discussions. Try to remain present and authentic. Share something about yourself—perhaps why you want to begin networking—and ask the other person questions beyond small talk.

Body Language

You can enhance your networking conversations by adopting an open posture, making eye contact, and smiling. This remains true in virtual settings. When you connect with someone over video chat, keep your eyes on the screen to show them you’re paying attention, even if you’re miles apart.

Conversation

Here are a few starter questions to use while networking. Don’t feel limited by this list—the best discussion topics are the ones that feel authentic to you.

• What’s your impression of the event so far?
• What do you love about what you do?
• What do you wish people knew about your job/company/industry
• What worries you lately?
• What do you do for fun?

Tip #3: Ace the Follow-Up

Whether you’ve connected with a fellow professional at a breakout session, at a happy hour, or on a webinar, laying the groundwork for your future relationship is critical. Before you leave the conversation, accomplish these essential tasks:

• Thank the person for their time: Go beyond thanking your new contact for their time—mention something you enjoyed about the conversation. Thank the person for being vulnerable, making you laugh, or giving you perspective.
• Exchange contact information: You must have your new contact’s contact information to add them to your network. In the digital age, a person’s name is all you need to get in touch on LinkedIn or another platform, but you may wish to exchange emails or even phone numbers.
• Plan where you’ll connect next: You and your new contact may decide to keep up online. But if your conversation was significant—or if you both had more to say—invite the person to meet for coffee or a meal. The key is to make a plan that feels authentic and then follow through.

Find an Opportunity to Network

As an HR professional, you’re focused on your organization’s employees, current and future. You may be managing an employee’s leave, building a better benefits package, or sifting through resumes to find the right hire.

This focus is germane to our profession, but it can keep us looking down when we need to look up. Networking allows us to connect with other HR professionals who understand our frustrations and can help us find a way forward. The first step, however, is up to you.