Focus Magazine - Spring 2015 - 32

MEMBERSOLUTIONS

Networking: Creating
Career Connections
I By Dawn Brehm

I

n 2015, the learning and development professional is a multifaceted
individual, playing multiple roles,
from program designer to facilitator,
coach and oen team leader. With so
many hats to wear, dedicating time to
think about and act on your selfdevelopment is a challenge.
It has been said that who you know
is as important as what you know. e
"who you know" is your network, a
career asset as important as your
skills. Your network, defined as
"productive relationships for
business," like any important asset
requires your time and attention to be
productive. e following highlights
how LTEN members build, cultivate
and utilize their networks.

Building a Network
LTEN members who contributed
to this article cite many sources for
building their professional networks.
Every contributor mentioned the
value of both social media and faceto-face connections. Rob Terrell,
director, Roche Diagnostics
Commercial Education, said that
LinkedIn is a key tool for connecting.

The Mentor Connection
Mentoring takes networking to
the next level. Want to know
more about how the contributors find and utilize mentors for
career growth? Check out the
March 2015 issue of Bonus
Focus for additional feedback.

32

Terrell emphasized the value of faceto-face connections made available
through serving on advisory boards
and through other volunteer
opportunities.
Kevin Kopald, sales trainer,
Chiesi USA, supported the value of
online connections and added, "I keep
in touch with people I met through
seminars, training classes, LTEN
events or trade show gatherings."
Matt Petee, manager, scientific
knowledge capabilities, GlaxoSmithKline, added, "Staying in contact with
people inside the organization as they
change roles is an oen overlooked
network. Don't let 'out of sight, out of
mind' be your error."
e global aspect of networking
was highlighted by Glen Drummond,
senior director, commercial learning
& development, Depomed. "My
network consists of professionals from
within and outside the U.S., this gives
me a broader perspective."
Nick Fifield, sales training
manager A/NZ, Zimmer, based in
Australia, shared, "I look to establish
networks internationally within my
own organization as well as local
connections both within and outside
my industry." Fifield also utilizes
Twitter to connect with others in the
training industry.
A consistent message from the
contributors is to be sure to connect in
person as well as on social media.
Drummond noted, "Live contact is
especially important if you are giving
feedback, it is easy to slip into email
connections versus a phone call."

John Constantine, executive
director, Merck Polytechnic
Institute, added, "As social media
gets more crowded, mingling at events
such as the LTEN conference is a
useful way to build your network. I
find suppliers and college alumni
groups to be helpful as well."
Pat D'Amico, director of sales
training, Medtronic Cardio Vascular
Group, emphasized the importance of
in-person connections: "While social
media has caused an explosion in our
ability to connect with others,
connecting live builds trust and is
most beneficial."

The Benefit of a Well-Oiled
Network
Contributors shared a plethora of
benefits to having an extensive
network. Constantine noted, "I reach
out to my network when I have to
tackle a challenge that is new to me or

FOCUS | SPRING 2015 | www.L-TEN.org
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Focus Magazine - Spring 2015

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