6 core benefits of networking (and how to do it successfully) in summary:
- Networking isn’t just about making connections—it’s about opening doors to exciting career advancements and job opportunities that you might not find otherwise.
- A strong network not only creates a supportive community, but also keeps you updated on trends and enhances your company’s culture through improved collaboration and recruitment.
- To network successfully, start by setting clear goals, actively engaging in groups and social media, and maintain relationships with genuine interest.
We’ve all been there before—the dreaded networking event where you feel like the new kid in school, looking for a friendly face to strike up a conversation.
Thankfully, it’s gotten easier over the years as we can now connect with people without ever getting off our couch!
Whether you’re an HR manager, administrator, or assistant, networking can be the single most valuable tool in your arsenal. It’s what separates good HR professionals from the great ones. In a field that thrives on building relationships, making the right connections can profoundly impact your growth and the way you contribute to your organisation.
Here are 6 key benefits of networking and tips on how to approach it successfully.
Why networking matters for people professionals
HR professionals are at the heart of company operations. Unfortunately, they often get caught up in the day-to-day and don’t set aside time for one very important aspect of their role: networking. Building relationships within and outside the organisation can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and professional growth. And according to HRZone, it’s just as crucial for HR as it is for any other department. Here’s why:
1. Career advancement and opportunities
When it comes to gaining professional opportunities, who you know might be just as important as what you know (remember, there’ll always be someone smarter than you, and you can always learn what you don’t know).
By connecting with other HR professionals, you can uncover job opportunities and gain valuable insights that could give you an edge. Networking allows you to hear about roles that may never be posted publicly, as many HR positions are filled through word-of-mouth or recommendations. So the broader your network, the more chances you have to advance.
2. Building a support system
Whether you’re a small business owner, head of HR, or a first-time parent, you need a support system! Networking helps you build a support system that’s crucial for career longevity. It’s especially important for HR professionals, who can often feel isolated due to the fear of accidentally disclosing sensitive information or conflict of interest.
Leverage your relationships with other HR professionals to create a community that can offer guidance, a space to share experiences, and even provide emotional support. As the saying goes…if you want to go far, go together.
3. Knowledge sharing and learning
At worst, networking allows you to exchange ideas and learn from others. At best, it can lead to lasting professional, or even personal, relationships and career opportunities. There are so many ways for you to stay up to date on the latest HR trends and best practices: seminars, online forums, webinars, following industry blogs like HR Magazine, or even after-work drinks at your local pub (if mixing business with pleasure is your thing).
By discussing challenges and successes with other people professionals, you can apply fresh perspectives to your own work, improving both your expertise and your organisation’s HR practices.
4. Enhancing company culture and collaboration
Networking doesn’t just benefit individuals—it can also improve your organisation’s culture. By fostering relationships with others who share your vision for HR, you can implement new strategies that enhance collaboration, boost employee engagement, retention, and workplace happiness.
An HR professional with a robust network can also act as a bridge between departments, encouraging cross-functional collaboration within the company. We all know that one person (let’s call them Stan) who knows everyone at the office. Because of their connections, they’re able to round up Jim from sales, Kelly from marketing and Andy the developer to make up a dream team for project X. So, be more like Stan!
5. Improving recruitment and talent acquisition
Why are all the good ones taken? At least it feels like it when you’re trying to hire top talent! By connecting with other HR professionals, you can tap into a broader pool of talents who may not be actively looking, but are open to new opportunities.
When networking, make sure to prioritise the quality of interactions over merely accumulating contacts. You want to create valuable relationships. Those are the types of connections that will yield high-quality referrals and recommendations.
6. Increasing your influence and credibility
You may very well be the best HR manager to ever walk corporate halls, but if no one knows you exist or sees the work you do, where’s the value?
That’s where networking comes in. Networking gives you a platform to showcase your expertise and, according to Natalie Ellis, build your personal brand—both of which are crucial for career advancement. The more you network, the more your reputation grows and elevates your credibility as an industry leader. Over time, you’ll become a go-to resource, not just for your knowledge but for the connections you can bring to the table (remember Stan?).
How to network successfully: tips for HR professionals
Now that we’ve given you six good reasons to network, here are some tips on how to do it the right way:
1. Identify your networking goals
The first step is to identify your goals. Ideally you should be doing this for anything you take on, and you should definitely be setting SMART goals. Are you looking to gain knowledge? Advance your career? Build a support system? Knowing your goals will help you focus your efforts.
2. Step out of your comfort zone
The hardest part is taking the first step. It’s a bit like when you start working out (again). The hardest part is getting yourself to the gym. Once you’re there, the rest is easy—or at least it gets easier. In any case, no one’s ever regretted working out or networking.
Break out of your comfort zone. Go to that event, leave a comment on the forum, message that someone you’ve never met personally and invite them to grab a coffee. Take risks, do and say things that you wouldn’t normally, all while staying authentic.
3. Leverage social media and online platforms
Social media platforms like LinkedIn are great for networking. Join HR-specific groups or follow people in the field. The key to getting the most out of social media is to engage: ask questions, share your POV in discussion threads, and post content that will showcase your expertise, increase your credibility, and add value.
4. Join HR groups and associations
Professional HR associations like the CIPD, HRi, and UKHRi offer members access to resources, local events, and a wide network of HR professionals. These groups are great for connecting with others in your field and allow for continuous learning and development.
5. Cultivate and maintain relationships
So, you’ve joined the groups, gone to the events, made initial contacts…now what?
In order to network successfully, you need to cultivate and maintain your relationships. It requires the most effort. And though sometimes it may seem like it’s all for nothing, we guarantee it will pay off when you have a trusted network to rely on.
An easy way to go about this is to start your professional relationships with no expectations. Connect just for the sake of connecting with other humans, being part of a community, surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you. Take sincere interest in others; when your intentions are genuine, connecting comes easy.
6. Listen with intent
People love talking about themselves and what they know. Show you’re truly interested by following-up with thoughtful questions or reflecting on what they’ve shared. They’ll be more likely to remember you and reciprocate, making it easier to foster long-lasting connections.
7. Give before you get
This goes hand in hand with what we said earlier about cultivating and maintaining relationships. We’ve all had that one friend (or is it just us?) who’s only available when they’re in crisis or need something from you. Don’t be that friend.
The same goes with your networking connections. Build a strong and authentic relationship before you even think about asking for anything (though this shouldn’t be your sole purpose for networking). Better yet, be that person who’s always introducing people to each other, offering help, or sharing useful insights. This builds trust and makes your network more willing to support you.
Armed with these tips, you’re all set to begin building valuable connections. Happy networking!
Paul Bauer
Paul Bauer is the Head of Content at Cezanne HR. Based in the Utopia of Milton Keynes (his words, not ours!) he’s worked within the employee benefits, engagement and HR sectors for over four years. He’s also earned multiple industry awards for his work – including a coveted Roses Creative Award.
