Networking for HR: Engaging in Professional Development

If you are overlooking ERGs as mere social groups, you are making a big mistake. Here's how to capitalize on them. ERGs are more than just a platform for community building. They are a pivotal part of professional development strategies. At Chezie, we've seen companies leverage ERGs to transform how they support and uplift diverse talent. Here's how you can too: → 𝟏/ 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: • 𝐖𝐡𝐲: ERGs are crucial in facilitating continuous learning and professional upskilling, tapping into the latest industry trends and expert insights. • 𝐇𝐨𝐰: Organize workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on the group's interest areas to provide members with rich educational content. • 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞: An ERG could host a monthly webinar series featuring industry leaders discussing emerging technologies. → 𝟐/ 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: • 𝐖𝐡𝐲: ERGs foster a collaborative environment that enhances individual and collective competencies, crucial for career progression. • 𝐇𝐨𝐰: Encourage members to engage in collaborative projects and skills-based workshops that address relevant professional needs. • 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞: A joint project could involve members from different departments working together to develop a new software tool, followed by a workshop on how to use it effectively. → 𝟑/ 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: • 𝐖𝐡𝐲: Networking within ERGs opens doors to mentorship opportunities and professional collaborations that can accelerate career growth. • 𝐇𝐨𝐰: Facilitate regular networking events and create mentorship programs that match newer employees with seasoned executives within the ERG. • 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞: An ERG networking event could feature speed networking sessions that allow members to meet and establish connections quickly. → 𝟒/ 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: • 𝐖𝐡𝐲: Continuous feedback is essential for the adaptation and improvement of ERG strategies, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of their members. • 𝐇𝐨𝐰: Implement robust feedback mechanisms like surveys and focus groups to collect insights on the effectiveness of the ERG initiatives. • 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞: Conduct a quarterly review session where ERG members can present feedback on past activities and suggest improvements for future initiatives. ERGs are not just support networks, they are strategic assets in professional development. I encourage every professional to engage with or advocate for the establishment of ERGs within their organizations. Share your experiences or thoughts on how ERGs have shaped your professional development or how they could be enhanced.

If you are a mid-career HR practitioner, I'm going to share two pieces of advice that have both nourished my career and led to more strategic job opportunities: 1. Meet with vendors regularly. This includes taking demo appointments, engaging with more than the free swag at conference expos, and approaching sales conversations with curiosity. Imagine your technical limitations if you were still operating on Windows 98. New products, enhancements and solutions would be swirling around you, but you would be at a major disadvantage, even if you were a world-renowned power user of an outdated technology. The same goes for your profession. In order to stay relevant, you need information about the shifts and trends in the work you do. Vendors almost always have recent market research they use to inform their product or service, and sometimes they completely disrupt and innovate our industries which can impact your organization, externally or internally. 2. Do not neglect your network. For the first 10 years of my career, I did not network outside my organization. At the sage advice of my mentor, I joined a local SHRM chapter (shout out to Salt Lake SHRM) which led to leadership opportunities, both within the chapter and for my career advancement. From there, I started attending non-HR networking events in various business industries which led to a deeper personal brand. I was often the only HR person there, which led to consulting projects and speaking engagements. These opportunities would have been limited if I wasn't actively engaging with my network. This takes many forms, from sharing wisdom and insights on LinkedIn, to meeting a contact for lunch, to sending a text to check in on someone, to curating a connection between two people who may benefit from knowing each other. The common thread in this advice, in case you missed it, is the value of human connection and its influence on your career aspirations. The cliché that, "it takes a village" is cliché for a reason. We aren't meant to do it alone.

As an HR professional, I’m often asked about networking and how to approach it effectively. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s a powerful tool for personal development, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. When done thoughtfully, it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Here are three essential tips for successful networking: 1. Be Intentional * Set clear goals: Are you looking for mentorship, exploring new industries, or expanding your support network? Focus on quality not quantity. * Do your homework: Research attendees or speakers in advance and prepare thoughtful questions or talking points to guide your conversations. 2. Lead with Value * Networking is about building relationships, not just seeking personal gain. Shift your focus to “How can I help?” * Look for opportunities to support others—whether by sharing insights, offering resources, or making introductions that could be beneficial. 3. Keep the Connection Alive * After an event or meeting, follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. * Maintain the relationship by staying in touch over time—share articles, updates, or simply check in to show you value the connection. Conversation Starters Consider these to spark engaging conversations: * "What’s the most exciting part of your current role or project?" * "What inspired you to attend this event today?" * "What’s a professional trend or topic you’re really interested in right now?" And one last tip: Put your phone down! Being fully present shows respect and builds deeper connections. What are your go-to networking strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #Networking #Development #GrowthMindset