Nice to E-Meet You

How one L+D professional found real growth through virtual connection Nice to E-Meet You

They say you are connected to anyone and by extension anything in the world by six people, and it is only a matter of finding the connections, the emphasis here is on finding them. This is a little story about how I as an L&D professional have expanded my horizons through human connections in what is sometimes a very disconnected world.

To set the scene, I once pitched a new and innovative networking platform to a multi-million pound generating hotel chain. At the time, I was working as a barman - and my pitch was quickly shot down. However, the moral of the story is networking has always been a passion of mine. And since my journey into the world of L&D it has proven time and time again that getting yourself out there and having those conversations really can open doors you never may have expected.

I never existed in the L&D stratosphere until I began helping with training and coaching in my previous role, being the customer service for the construction industry. Immediately my passion for learning ignited and I made a point of sharing this on LinkedIn and other platforms where I could to help motivate others to gravitate toward a development mindset. I was approached by a peer on Whatsapp who I had completed some training with previously who knew of an opening for me to explore my passion for learning full time, and after consideration my career diverted, dramatically from the direction it was heading in. This was the 1st connection.

Being relatively new to the L&D sector I have wanted to be a sponge from day 1, taking any opportunities to further my own practice where I can. This has included online articles and further training opportunities but we are, after all, social creatures, and connecting with people is what we do best. So when my manager emailed me an opportunity for me to sit with other subscribers to our LMS platform in person to collaboratively discuss the platform and transfer knowledge, I jumped at the chance. This marked the second link in my growing chain of connections.

Fast-forward a month, I attended a session with other members of my LMS community, sharing stories of E-Learning advancements, upcoming trends and a wealth of ideas. These types of meetings are incredibly important and I would suggest where possible if you can connect with other users then you should do, as although we use one LMS, everyone has different strategies and uses. Coming together and exploring these gave me insight into how to use the LMS for things I never even considered and beyond capabilities even advertised by the provider, everyone loves a little hack after all. I digress, over some a sandwich lunch and cake (because what event isn’t made better with cake?) I found myself in a discussion surrounding further resources available to us and an attendee made me aware of the vast library of webinars & events held by our LMS provider and that I should check them out, which I assured him I would because remember, I am a sponge. That was the third key moment in my networking journey.

After diving into the backlog of webinars I was invited to attend an upcoming one Co-hosted by a senior analyst for a HR analysis firm based in the UK. The webinar was incredibly informative on the topic of securing L&D leaders a seat at the table, proving ROI, scaling with impact and operating strategically, all things I can influence in my role within L&D. Paired with my love of data-driven insights, I didn’t just want to reach out - I needed to, to explore these topics further. After an exchange with the analyst via LinkedIn, she equipped me with not only additional knowledge on the sector but also a recommendation of attending the Learning Technologies Expo in London the following month. This was the 4th connection and possibly the most pivotal yet.

The 5th and final connection came when I attended the Learning & Technologies expo in London. Walking into the room with all the exhibitors, professionals and innovators in the field of L&D was energising and overwhelming, but exactly where I wanted to be. I attended talks on AI in learning, held discussions with providers of data driven platforms on the direction the industry is heading, obsessed over new E-Learning strategies and of course networked my socks off.

Speaking with such a welcoming and inclusive community of L&D professionals, over a coffee or a quick chat before a seminar started, was just as valuable as the scheduled sessions themselves. It was here I met the team from DirtyWord, and their insights inspired me to put pen to paper (or rather, fingers to keyboard) and write this article as well as throw myself into reading what the rest of the community is experiencing and gleaming insight on. It was at this event the dots truly began to connect, the people I had met, the ideas I had absorbed, the fresh perspective I had garnered all pointed to one simple truth, that growth happens when you lean into connection.

So maybe not quite 6 connections but darn near close. 5 connections brought me to writing this article, something I can hand on heart say I never thought I would do. What I want to get across is what I believe to be the power of networking, providing opportunities for growth and development through connection in a sometimes-disconnected world. Quite frankly if I, a self-confessed newcomer to the world of L&D can go from a completely different industry to a new role, new insights, new opportunities and of course new ways to help influence and benefit our learners all through the power of connection, then anyone can.

Reflecting on this journey, I’ve realised that networking is truly about being open to learning in every moment, from every person. Each connection added a new layer to my development, not just professionally, but personally too. So, if you’re reading this and wondering whether reaching out is worth it, whether it’s that message on LinkedIn or attending that industry event, this is your nudge.

Be curious, you never know where the next connection might lead.

Aaron Jones is Learning & Development Officer for Inicio Group Connect wth him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-jones-482070246/