Building Your PeopleOps Network: The value of in-person, online, and community connections

How can HR professionals build meaningful connections that support career growth and collaboration?

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We hosted an insightful discussion on how you can leverage both in-person events and online communities to build lasting relationships, expand your influence, and stay ahead of the game in PeopleOps.

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​Key Insights and Takeaways

In this session, the panelists discussed how HR professionals can build more meaningful connections—both in person and online—to strengthen their careers and avoid the pitfalls of transactional networking.

Panelists started with an emphasis on the fact networking should be continuous and intentional—even when you're fully employed or have a full client list.

Networking at Events

In-person events were described as offering a unique advantage for building authentic, high-trust relationships. Structured networking sessions, roundtables, and casual encounters create opportunities for deeper connections and spontaneous moments that don’t happen online. But preparation is key—panelists stressed the importance of planning ahead for events.

Networking Online

Online communities, especially Slack groups and membership-based spaces like Talent Collective, can be incredibly valuable—but only if you engage. Panelists noted that engagement is the only way to get value out of these communities, whether it’s contributing to conversations or sharing useful resources. Without that, the online communities are prone to become just another dormant group.

Panelists also spoke about the power of asynchronous networking—posting questions and contributing to discussions that others may respond to later—and how this can be a lower-pressure but still effective way to build relationships.

Throughout the session, there was an emphasis on authenticity over volume. It's not always about the number of connections you make, but how intentional and personal those connections are. 

Small actions—like following up with someone after an event, referencing how you met, or sending a useful article—can make all the difference in maintaining long-term relationships.

Actionable Takeaways for HR Professionals

• ‍Don’t wait to network: Start building and maintaining relationships now—even if you’re not actively looking for something. It pays off when you do need support. ‍
• Engage authentically, not transactionally: Add value by asking thoughtful questions, following up, and showing interest in others’ work.‍
• For introverts, prioritize smaller event formats: Roundtables and topic-based small groups are more effective and comfortable than large open networking sessions.‍‍
• ‍Join fewer, but more relevant online communities—and engage:  Avoid joining every group. Instead, pick 1–2 that align with your interests and contribute regularly.‍
• If cost is a barrier, ask for support:  Many communities and events offer scholarships or employer justification templates—don’t hesitate to ask.

Prepare before attending in-person events

1. Researching speakers and attendee lists
2. Try to plan meetings with folks that are of interest to you ahead of time
3. Using mobile apps for the event to prepare (if available)
4. Having a clear goal for what you want to get out of it

​The Panelists

Krista Tan, Co-Founder of Talent Collective

Krista Tan is the Co-Founder of Talent Collective, a thriving community for women in the talent acquisition field. Passionate about recruiting, Krista continues to work with a select number of clients, ensuring she stays connected to her roots in the industry.

​Katherine Childress, Vice President, HR Community, HR Tech, An HR Executive Event

An accomplished executive with over two decades of experience, Katherine excels in orchestrating dynamic events and curating impactful experiences that connect and captivate diverse audiences. Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge in leveraging both in-person and online networks to build impactful communities.

Download the Session Takeaways

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