Learning by Talking

Networking is important part of your employees’ jobs (and yours, too, for that matter). It’s valuable for continuous learning, because it consistently exposes people to new practices and new ways of thinking. While we often think of networking as something we do during a job search, there is so much more to it than that.

Your employees are valuable because of their individual skills, but those skills need to be current and your team needs a modern vision of how to employ them. It helps them to know what is going on in their field, what new ideas are emerging, what other people are doing. Yes, they may be talking to their competitors, but if it advances their knowledge and abilities (and doesn’t give away any of your corporate secrets), that’s a good thing, right? This is not networking to find a job…it’s networking to learn.

Of course, “networking” in the 21st century has taken on a new meaning. When we think of “social networking” we often think we are already doing what we can. So long as we are on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, we are covered, yes? LinkedIn in particular has made it easy for discussion groups to spring up, with daily e-mails of the latest comments delivered every morning. With that, we are doing all we should, right?

Well, no. While online networking has its place, of course, it is not the only form of interaction. There is another thing called “talking” that is pretty useful too.

You and your employees should get out and mingle in your field, mixing socially with others and learning what you can from their ideas and experiences. This is not about getting out and stealing business information from your competitors, but instead is about interacting with others to spark ideas of your own.

You can find plenty of opportunities around you, and if you don’t find what you like, then you should create them. Consider monthly happy hours for people in your field, maybe at different bars around town so you mix networking with exploring. To accommodate the non-drinkers (or at least, those who drink but probably shouldn’t), consider a monthly lunch instead. These may exist; look around online to see what you can find. If they do not exist, maybe you can start them. It works for Chambers of Commerce, so you can probably make it work for folks in your particular field. The Drupal community has done a great job of this, supporting both local meetups and international gatherings. The fashion industry has a regular schedule of shows for the big players, and plenty of smaller shows for local designers or those breaking into the field. The Meetup site and app have made it so easy to find people with similar professional interests. Why not get out there and see what ideas are emerging in your field?

Consider, too, the professional associations for your field. These are more formal, and typically have more resources available to you in addition to providing ways to meet. The larger global groups will often have local chapters, especially in major cities, so look into these as a way to get together.

And if you don’t find opportunities that appeal to you, you should create them. Start a Meetup group yourself, or lead an event through a Chamber of Commerce. You might also consider looking for leadership positions in some of your national groups. Why take this on? Because it will help you become known as a leader in your field, and will enhance the perception of your expertise. When talented employees are looking for a new place to work, when clients are looking for new providers, your name will be out there and you will be a known quantity in a far greater way than if you are simply commenting in online discussions.

Your online experience should supplement your real world experience, not substitute for it. Many of your employees, especially in creative fields, will thrive on contact with others, and for centuries that contact came in the form of face-to-face discussion. Despite all the advances in online communication, nothing has yet been invented that can replace the value of in-person conversations.