REWARD
Sarah Chasney CPP, director of payroll, travel and expense at Banfield Pet Hospital and co-chair of PayrollOrg’s Shared Services Task Force, outlines how to harness the power of networking Making connections
REPRINTED FROM THE JUNE 2024 PAYTECH ISSUE
N etworking is all about creating connections, offering a helping hand and seeking advice, insights and resources for mutual benefit. In the payroll world, we often talk about the latest technology buzzwords: artificial intelligence (AI), automation and how technology can streamline our processes. What doesn’t get enough spotlight is how much we can achieve through the simple act of networking. In the words of Bill Nye, known to many as The Science Guy, “everyone you’ll ever meet knows something you don’t”. Joining forces The payroll landscape is complex, with ever-changing regulations and practices that differ from state to state, country to country and industry to industry. It’s a lot to keep up with. By joining forces with like-minded individuals at conferences, workshops, committee meetings and informal gatherings, I’ve discovered solutions to problems and insights that no webinar or manual could ever provide. This has not only made me better at my job, but it has also made me a stronger leader. I remember when I stepped into a new role not long ago. I was eager to turn around a struggling team, but the learning curve was steep. I was working with a new payroll / human capital management system that was a bit of a puzzle where the pieces didn’t fit quite right. Worse, I felt like I was missing a crucial piece and would forever be shuffling around puzzle pieces. The internal resources I had at the time were minimal, and I was stuck, worried that the new venture I had taken on was beyond what I could fix. I needed help and fast. Fortunately, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the transformative power of networking. The solution? I reached out to someone I
met at a conference years ago. They were a well-known whiz with the system I was trying to figure out, and they generously shared their time and knowledge over a call that stretched way beyond the scheduled hour. That conversation was a game-changer for me, turning that person into a trusted adviser and friend in the industry.
inspiration I needed to create new manager roles that empowered my team. It was another win, thanks to networking.
Sharing connections When our Emerging Technologies
Subcommittee of the Strategic Payroll Leadership Task Force sought a guest speaker, this same connection readily accepted the invitation to present to our committee. They told a story about being active in a PayrollOrg committee years ago. It was in that large payroll committee years ago that a connection was formed, and they were later recommended to a recruiter, which led to a new role and a milestone in their career. Climbing the payroll leadership ladder can feel like a solo journey, but it doesn’t have to be. The shared experiences, knowledge and opportunities I’ve gained through networking within the PayrollOrg community have been invaluable. And I make it a point to pay it forward, letting others know I’m here to help. This way, I not only expand my network but often gain new insights and perspectives. In the words of Simon Sinek, a TED Talk presenter and author, “the true value of networking doesn’t come from how many people we can meet but rather how many people we can introduce to others”. n PayrollOrg Payroll.org, is the global leader in payroll education, publications and training. This nonprofit association conducts more than 300 payroll training conferences and seminars across the country each year and publishes a complete library of resource texts and newsletters. Representing more than 20,000 members, PayrollOrg is the industry’s highly respected and collective voice in Washington, D.C. Get more information at Payroll.org.
“By joining forces with like-minded individuals at conferences,
It makes me wonder, though – how many of us find ourselves in tricky situations and simply give up too soon? How many have accepted a role or a promotion but, after a few weeks, felt they unknowingly walked into what would now be their demise? How many have passed up opportunities or were simply too shy? Perhaps some are unaware of the resources within our vast payroll network, so many of which are readily available to help. When I faced the challenge of restructuring my team, I was drawing a blank. I recalled the name of someone impressive I had met at a conference and reached out to ask questions and seek ideas on career paths and organisational structure. Their insights sparked the workshops, committee meetings and informal gatherings, I’ve discovered solutions to problems and insights that no webinar or manual could ever provide”
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 107 | February 2025
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