Steve Browne, SPHR

If you are one of the regular #HireFriday followers you have heard this fact repeated over and over again: Networking is one of the most successful job search techniques. Intellectually we know and understand this to be true, but emotionally it can be difficult because it involves actually finding and connecting with people instead of simply pushing a button on a web site. This week we are privileged to have an #HFChat guest host and expert on the subject of networking, Steve Browne who is Executive Director of Human Resources for LaRosa’s, Inc. – a regional Pizzeria restaurant chain in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southwest Indiana with 18 locations and over 1,400 Team Members.

As we jump into a new year we have a chance to be better at networking.  Here are some questions for us all to ponder . . .

1. How would you define “networking”?
2. What are signs of a great networker?
3. How do you effectively maintain contact with your network?
4. What are some obstacles to effective networking?
5. How can you learn to network even past your job search?

Steve Browne, SPHR, has been an HR professional for 25+ years and has worked in the Manufacturing, Consumer Products, and Professional Services industries in various Human Resources roles. He is the current Ohio State Council Director for SHRM in 2012, and he facilitates a monthly HR Roundtable as well as an HR internet message board called the HR Net which reaches over 6,000 people globally each week.  Steve remains active in the Greater Cincinnati HR Association where he is a Past-President.

Steve is an accomplished speaker at a local, regional and state level – having been featured at Conferences, Chambers of Commerce, HR chapters and businesses.  He is very active in Social Media as well in forums such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and has authored several guest posts for HR/Business blogs as well as having his own HR related blog – Everyday People.

Steve keeps active leadership roles in his church, his kids scouting and sporting activities and other civic/professional boards.

You may follow Steve on Twitter @sbrownehr.