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I’m Sharon Newey, and today, I’m excited to share my fascinating conversation with Kerry Crockett, President of the NPA Global Recruitment Network. Kerry brings a unique perspective to our industry, having transitioned from a 15-year career as an occupational therapist to leading various nonprofit associations before joining NPA. Her journey and insights into professional communities offer valuable lessons for recruitment business owners considering the benefits of professional networks.
The Digital Transformation of Professional Communities
The digital age has revolutionized how professional communities operate and interact. Twenty years ago, relationship building was primarily conducted through phone calls and in-person meetings. While these remain important, the digital transformation has dramatically accelerated the development of professional relationships across borders and time zones.
The ability to communicate visually through video calls has made a significant impact on relationship building. Being able to see someone’s face, look into their eyes, and understand their expressions has made it easier to build trust and establish meaningful connections. This visual aspect has accelerated relationship building in ways that would have taken much longer when limited to face-to-face meetings or phone calls.
Building Trust in Professional Networks
The foundation of successful professional communities lies in trust and authentic relationships. At NPA, the focus is on fostering strong relationships through various channels, including in-person conferences across four global regions and monthly virtual networking opportunities. These connections allow members to share knowledge, collaborate on placements, and support each other’s growth.
One powerful example of the strength of these relationships occurred when a network member was diagnosed with cancer. Another member stepped up to run their business for several months during treatment, ensuring the affected member’s income continued and their clients remained satisfied. This level of support demonstrates the deep bonds that can form within professional communities.
The Balance of Giving and Receiving
When joining a professional community, it’s essential to consider what you can contribute rather than focusing solely on what you’ll receive. This approach helps build stronger relationships and creates more value for the entire network. While ROI is important, especially in paid communities, the benefits often extend far beyond financial returns.
Professional communities offer various forms of value, including career growth opportunities, friendship development, and business connections. However, it’s crucial to understand that success requires active participation and investment of time. Simply joining a network and expecting business to flow automatically is a common mistake that leads to disappointment.
Choosing the Right Professional Community
When deciding which communities to join, it’s essential to define your goals clearly. Consider what you want to achieve and what you can contribute. Time is valuable, so ensure you’re using it wisely by joining communities that align with your professional development goals and values.
For paid professional communities, think about how they might enhance your career, provide learning opportunities, or lead to better job opportunities. For free communities like LinkedIn, define what you want to achieve on that platform. The key is to allocate your time where you’ll get the most value and where you can make meaningful contributions.
The Future of Professional Communities
As we look ahead, technology will continue to play a crucial role in shaping how professional communities evolve. However, the human element remains irreplaceable. The ability to build trust, establish authentic relationships, and collaborate effectively across borders has become more important than ever.
NPA Worldwide represents this evolution, focusing on small and mid-sized recruiting firms globally. They provide various connection opportunities through in-person conferences, virtual meetings, and local gatherings. The organization maintains a deliberate focus on representing smaller firms while fostering a welcoming environment where members can share, collaborate, and grow together.
The barriers between competitors are breaking down as more recruiters recognize the value of collaboration. During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry witnessed firsthand how supporting each other led to better outcomes for everyone. This shift in mindset has opened up new possibilities for growth and success through professional communities.
Finally
If you’re interested in exploring professional communities like NPA Worldwide, you can visit their website at npaworldwide.com or reach out to Kerry Crockett directly at [email protected].
Thanks
Sharon
