🤝Networking With Purpose: Building Lasting L&D Relationships 

Welcome to the April 2025 edition of the Learning Leader Ladder!

The core of learning and development (L&D) is helping people grow, develop and perform at their best. But what about your own growth? One of the most powerful ways to support your professional development is by building a strong network. The right connections can spark fresh ideas, provide valuable support and open doors to new opportunities.

“Build a network, and build it as wide as you can. Be giving to the network, because if you give to the network, then the network will give back to you. And that changes your ability to be successful in your job. The more people you know that have had experiences that are different than yours, the better off you'll be.” - Ken Taylor, CPTM, Training Industry, Inc.

So, how can you build a network that truly works for you? In this edition, we’ll explore practical strategies to make networking feel effortless.

Key Points:

• The role of networking in shaping your career and strengthening your influence in L&D

• Four practical strategies to make networking feel natural — even if you’re not a fan of traditional networking

• How to expand your network beyond conferences, including online communities and cross-industry connections

• Four actionable and simple tips for building authentic, long-lasting professional relationships

Why Building Connections Matters in L&D

Growth happens through the people you meet and the ideas you exchange. In L&D, where change is constant, having the right connections can make all the difference.

A strong professional network can:

• Keep you informed on the latest industry trends and best practices

• Connect you with mentors, collaborators and career opportunities

• Provide fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to enhance your programs

• Offer a support system of like-minded professionals who understand your challenges

And here’s the best part: Networking doesn’t have to mean awkward small talk. It’s about finding an approach that feels natural to you — one that adds value to both your career and to those around you.

Double Your Network. Elevate Your Career.

This year at TICE, take your networking to the next level by becoming a Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™). Complete your practicum in person before the conference and gain access to two powerful networks — an elite CPTM alumni community and the industry-leading connections at TICE.

Seats Are Limited — Register Now

Networking That Works for You

Not everyone thrives in traditional networking environments, and that’s okay. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or somewhere in between, effective networking is about finding what works for you. Here are some tips on making connections that truly matter:

1 | Focus on Value, Not Just Visibility

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections — it’s about building and nurturing relationships. Instead of focusing on self-promotion, think about how you can add value to others. For example:

• Offer a thoughtful comment on a peer’s post instead of just liking it.

• Be generous with introductions — help connect people who might benefit from knowing each other.

• Offer helpful resources, articles or ideas without expecting anything in return.

2 | Engage in a Way That Feels Natural to You

Not comfortable striking up a conversation at a large event? Try to:

• Write thoughtful LinkedIn posts or join online forums.

• Ask insightful questions during webinars or roundtables.

• Schedule smaller one-on-one meetups or virtual coffee chats.

3 | Follow Up Thoughtfully

Instead of a generic “Great meeting you!” message, personalize your follow-ups:

• Reference a specific topic you discussed. (“I really enjoyed our chat about onboarding strategies — here’s that article I mentioned!”)

• Offer something useful. (“You mentioned struggling with measuring impact — here’s a tool I’ve found helpful.”)

• Keep it light and genuine. (“Still thinking about your AI use case idea — excited to see where it goes!”)

4 | Look Beyond Traditional Networking

Great connections also happen outside of formal settings. Look for opportunities in:

• Online courses and certification programs that connect you with peers

• L&D book clubs or discussion groups to engage in deep conversations

• Cross-functional projects at work where you can collaborate across teams

• Industry Slack channels and online communities that offer real-time discussions

Where to Start

Building a strong professional network starts with knowing where to look.

1 | Explore Different Avenues for Engaging with Peers

Networking isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor — there are many ways to connect with like-minded professionals. Consider:

• Industry events and professional associations: Conferences, summits and memberships

• Structured networking programs: Organizations offer dedicated opportunities to connect with L&D leaders. Need help finding one that's a good fit? Browse our list of the 10 best conferences for learning professionals.

• Online forums and communities: Platforms like LinkedIn groups and industry-specific discussion boards allow for ongoing engagement.

• Peer learning groups and roundtables: Smaller, focused conversations help build deeper relationships and encourage knowledge sharing.

2 | Tap Into Training Industry’s Network

Leverage the resources and connections available through Training Industry to expand your network:

• Attend events: Conferences like TICE 2025 and the Strategy Summit provide direct access to L&D leaders and peers. Plan ahead, engage during and follow up afterward.

• Join the CPTM community: The Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™) program connects you with an elite peer network of over 2,000 L&D professionals from 50+ countries. As a CPTM alum, gain access to exclusive events, monthly roundtables and a private LinkedIn group. Learn more about the community here.

• Utilize Training Industry’s AI agent, Tia: Connect with a community of L&D professionals through Tia’s L&D-focused community forums. Exchange ideas, brainstorm solutions to your toughest learning challenges and gain diverse perspectives from industry peers.

3 | Build on Internal Relationships and One-on-One Connections

Your network isn’t just external — some of the most valuable connections can be within your own organization:

• Strengthen cross-functional relationships: Collaborating with colleagues in different departments helps you gain support for your initiatives and expand your influence.

• Seek mentorship and knowledge sharing: Connect with senior leaders or peers who can offer guidance and insight into career development and learning strategy.

• Engage with stakeholders: Networking internally ensures your training programs align with business goals and have the buy-in they need to succeed.

4 | Make Networking a Habit

Set a weekly goal to:

• Comment on industry-related posts to engage with peers and share insights.

• Follow up with someone — even if it’s just a quick note to stay connected.

• Connect with someone new on LinkedIn — maybe they are in the same job role, industry or location. Here is a post to introduce yourself and connect with your peers.

• Share an article, resource or idea with your network to add value to the conversation.

Make Your Next Connection Count

Networking is an ongoing process, and small steps add up. This week, take action to grow your network — whether it’s connecting with new L&D professionals on LinkedIn, sharing an insight, attending an event — or even commenting on this article!

The more intentional you are, the more valuable your network becomes.

Let’s build a network that works for you!

— Training Industry, Inc.

Professional Development Resources

• Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE) Agenda

• Training Industry Strategy Summit Agenda

• 10 Best L&D Conferences for Learning Professionals

• Certifications for Training Professionals

• 2025 Course Catalog

Upcoming Webinars

• April 3 @11 a.m. ET - Creating Continuous Learning Journeys With AI

• April 8 @11 a.m. ET - Transforming Compliance Training: From Boring to Engaging

• April 9 @11 a.m. ET - [Leader Talk] Measuring Learning Impact

• April 10 @11 a.m. ET - Level-Up Your L&D With Games and Simulations

• April 10 @1 p.m. ET - From Stale to Stellar: Personalized Learning That Works

• April 14 @11 a.m. ET - [Product Demo] Maybe” to “Yes!”: How to Win Leadership Buy-In for an LMS

• April 24 @ 11 a.m. ET - [Leader Talk] Engage Learners With AI-Powered Content

All Webinars >>