Why HVACR Pros Need a "Social Network"

In my last blog (which I readily admit was posted far too long ago), I discussed social media and why sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn are becoming increasingly important to today's HVACR professionals. The ability to network with others in your profession electronically offers tremendous opportunities if done properly, not only giving you access to more information and knowledge, but potentially introducing you to new job options or facets of the trade you are unfamiliar with.

But building these networks electronically also benefits you in another way - it can make it that much easier to develop a personal relationship if/when you happen to meet your peers at an industry conference, seminar, trade show, RSES Chapter meeting, or even your local watering hole. I know first-hand that benefit - when I first joined RSES as the then Editor-in-Chief of RSES Journal, I had little background in the HVACR trade. And while I had worked on numerous trade publications involved in industrial applications, this industry was very new to me.

But in establishing relationships with people on LinkedIn, Zoom and other social sites, I rapidly became exposed to the knowledge of those who do HVACR everyday. Even more importantly, as I "met" them online, I also got to find out where they would be at industry events. That allowed me to also meet them in person, and when I did, a solid rapport had already been established.

Those types of relationships have been invaluable. For me personally, they have helped me better understand our industry, where it is headed, the technologies being developed to improve it, and the need for improved training and education to help those involved in it. Professionally, it has allowed me to meet some tremendous indviduals who I can call on for advice, information and even to author a feature (this was recently the case when I called on a friend and industry colleague to author a feature for us on mechanical subcooling in an upcoming issue. Keep your eyes peeled for the July issue of RSES Journal for this interesting article).

Your social network can encompass a wide range of professionals in your craft and friends. Hopefully, like me, you'll find that those individuals are often one and the same.