Why You Need to Grow Your Network

You’re not job searching, so why do you need to continually grow your network? Personally, and professionally, we all benefit from the exchange of information and services, cultivating relationships to build our business and our brand. If your organization wants to succeed, employees want and need networking and development opportunities.

Why you still need to build your network:

• The obvious social networking piece– more than 80% of ag employers use social media for recruitment efforts, up double-digits from last year.

• More than half of companies plan to do more graduate recruitment in the next five years. Students and young professionals know the value of networking and use it.

• Agricultural employers report that employee referrals and networks are their top methods for reaching prospective applicants, with networking being essential in building this pipeline.

• Trade opportunities, sales leads, marketing and public relations events are often the result of networking. Making contacts continually builds your prospect list.

• Local connections facilitate a close-proximity of beneficial relationships, including a talent and resource pipeline. Near-by events and volunteer activities are ideal networking destinations.

• Professional industry organizations gain and nurture expertise. Not all ag employees are industry experts, so joining or attending broadens their understanding of the industry and creates new connections.

Continuing education, career fairs and outside meetings naturally lend participants to networking. In addition to the invaluable networking opportunities, training & development is one of the top methods companies use to motivate their employees.

Education, inspiration, and networking is the AgCareers.com Ag & Food HR Roundtable’s M.O. The event is only a few weeks away, July 30 – August 1, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. Participants will earn eight continuing education credits from HRCI or SHRM. But beyond the education, participants report the event’s networking is what makes it invaluable. Join HR professionals, managers, association representatives, college career services staff and educators; meet, discuss, relate, learn and expand your network. Find out more and register now.