Grow, Connect, Learn: Making HR Networks Work for You
Getting involved in an HR peer network is an excellent way to stay current in the continually evolving HR field while exchanging best practices and learning from the experiences of fellow professionals. Here are some tips to help you get the most value from your HR network:
- Clarify your goals. Determine what you hope to gain from the group, such as seeking general support from peers in similar roles, to discuss best practices, to bring fresh ideas back to your organization, etc.
- Research the right network. Take time to research different groups and ask questions to ensure the network aligns with your needs and goals.
- Make participation a priority. Even with a long to-do list, carving out time to engage with other HR professionals can lead to new insights, including time‑saving strategies.
- Arrive with at least one objective of what you want to learn. Come prepared to ask questions and explain your situation so others can understand the full picture before they provide feedback and suggestions.
- Contribute openly. Share your knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned. Even missteps can be valuable learning moments for others (“A friend of mine tried X and found it didn’t work…”).
- Connect beyond the sessions. Use the shared contact list to connect with fellow participants between meetings and consider arriving early or staying afterward to continue those conversations. Everyone is there with the shared goal of building meaningful professional relationships, so connecting outside of scheduled sessions is both welcomed and encouraged.
If you’d like to benefit from a local HR peer network and your company is a Corporate or Partner member of Greater Rochester Chamber, consider joining one of our HR forums. We have openings in our 2026 HR Professional Virtual-only Forum that starts January 20th. And a couple openings in our 2026 Benefits Forum that starts February 12. Note, the 2026 HR Professional In-person Forum is currently full. For more information and to register, please contact Jennifer Suppé as soon as possible.
Our other forums—the 2025-26 Senior HR Executive Forums - one for Large Companies, one for Mid-size Companies, and one for Small Companies - as well as our 2025-26 Recruitment Forum are currently in progress and will start registrations for the 2026-27 series in August 2026. Click here to learn more about each forum and reach out to Jennifer Suppé with any questions.