The Power of Connection
By Joe Way, PhD, CTS
True success is not achieved as a solo endeavor. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand how a strong professional network opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise have remained out of reach… and at the same time, sparked my drive for industry-changing innovation. Building and nurturing your network is not just a career strategy, it is the cornerstone for creating meaningful impact.
Professional networking is not the all-too-common practice of exchanging business cards at an industry event or afterparty, or connecting on LinkedIn; it’s about cultivating authentic relationships that foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and growth. To me, networking isn’t about collecting as many names as possible; it’s about building a realiable community. It’s having a Rolodex (to date myself) full of those who’ll actually call back, or even better, text first. Networking creates a platform for exchanging ideas, staying ahead of industry trends, and being aware of opportunities as they arise… sometimes even before they arise. Your network is your lifeline to your future. In the EdTech and AV industries, where rapid technological advancements are the norm, it’s my connections with peers, corporate leaders, and advisory boards that have kept me at the leading edge. As an early mentor once told me: To lead change, you have to be where change is happening.
A strong network is also a testament to trust and mutual respect. It’s proof of what your industry thinks about what you bring to the table. And no, I don’t mean your follower count, but your ability to influence and generate impact: when you act, how many degrees of ripples are created? Effective professional relationships are neither transactional, nor about keeping score or expecting something in return. Instead, they’re about building bridges that stand the test of time. I’ve had people I met at a conference ten years ago reach out with an opportunity or for advice, even today, not because they needed something, but because we built a relationship grounded in mutual respect. In turn, they still are a downstream impact of both my past and current work, just as I am of theirs. That kind of long-term payoff doesn’t come from quick introductions; it comes from showing up consistently and authentically.
Another often overlooked benefit of networking is the sheer amount of learning that comes from being in community with other professionals. Every conversation is an opportunity to broaden your perspective, challenge your assumptions, and refine your ideas. It’s an opportunity to “always be learning.” When I connect with others in higher ed AV, I hear about how their institutions are solving the same challenges we all face, whether it be streamlining classroom support, creating more inclusive environments, and integrative emerging technologies. These conversations often spark immediate solutions that I can bring back to my team. Other times, they plant seeds that grow months or years later when I encounter a similar challenge. Either way, the knowledge gained has always been invaluable to my professional growth. Being able to step outside our individual silo’d views that are all-too-common when just bury ourselves in the daily grind at our institutions to see the industry from a 30,000 foot view is the key becoming an “influencer” in your own rite. The ability to connect-the-dots only comes from being able to understand the views of others and knowing how your role impacts adjacent ones.
But there’s a flip side to that coin… Networking with others isn’t just about what you can gain, it’s also about what you can give. Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come not from leveraging my network for personal advancement, but from helping others succeed. Whether it’s mentoring an up-and-coming professional, making an introduction that leads to a new role, launching the Prism Scholarship, or sharing lessons I’ve learned the hard way, giving back strengthens them… and in turn, the industry as a whole. Being the one who people want to learn from and turn to for their growth is one of the most rewarding powers of building a strong community.
This is why I’ve invested so much in building communities like HETMA. By creating platforms for higher ed AV professionals to connect, learn, and advocate, we’ve not only elevated individuals but also amplified the voice of an entire vertical within the AV industry. None of that would have been possible without a deep belief in the power of connection. For those who want to strengthen their own network, here are a few practices that have worked for me:
- Be intentional: Don’t just connect for the sake of connecting. Seek out people who align with your values and interests. Again, it’s not about the quantity, but quality. Just as positive connections can build and grow, the “wrong crowd” can hold you back. Find those who will champion for your success, not be jealous of it.
- Stay engaged: Relationships need nurturing. A quick message, a shared article, or even a “thinking of you” text goes a long way. This is why many of us “influencers” view InfoComm, ISE, and other meet-ups as a “homecoming.” When nurtured, professional relationship turn into true personal relationships.
- Offer value: Before asking for help, ask yourself what you can contribute. Networking works best when it’s reciprocal. This is two-way street. Everyone has something they can give. Even when I am mentoring newer professionals, I learn so much from them, especially in higher ed. No one knows the pulse of the next generation better than the next generation. And that helps me to know where to lead my department.
- Show up: Whether it’s industry conferences, webinars, or community events, being present matters. Visibility builds credibility. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind is a true statement. Don’t just be a one-hit-wonder and think that lasting change and growth will happen; put yourself into the conversation. It’s easy to get started, even just adding your poiont-of-view to the daily HETMA Community engagement posts.
- Be authentic: People can spot insincerity from a mile away. The most valuable connections come from genuine interactions. It’s common to have a work persona and a home persona, and often we have to gather courage that isn’t natural in order to put ourselves out there, but don’t be a differnt person than you normally are. You don’t have to be an extrovert and center-of-attention to bring value and participate. Just be yourself.
At the end of the day, no one builds a career, or a legacy, alone. Every achievement is built on a foundation of relationships: mentors who guided us, peers who collaborated with us, and communities that supported us. Networking is not an optional extra; it is the fabric that weaves together innovation, opportunity, and impact. “If you want to go fast, you can go alone. But if you want to go far, you must go together.” And in my experience, there’s no better journey than one you take surrounded by a network of trusted colleagues, collaborators, and friends.
Connect with Joe Way:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahway
X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway
