I’ve always considered myself an introvert. I’m not the first to jump into a breakout room or strike up a conversation at a networking event. But despite that, I’m a firm believer in the power of making connections—especially outside your immediate scope or field.

That belief dates back to 2015, when I was knee-deep in my doctoral coursework and came across a report titled A Network Approach to Capacity Building. It wasn’t flashy or widely shared, but it completely changed how I think about professional growth. At the same time, I was studying concepts like Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) and Personal Learning Environments (PLEs)—ideas that put people, not just institutions, at the center of how we learn and grow.

So, what is a Professional Learning Network?

In simple terms, a PLN is the group of people and resources you intentionally connect with to deepen your knowledge, share ideas, and improve your practice. This can include colleagues, mentors, authors, thought leaders, online communities, and even those from completely different industries who offer fresh insight. It’s not just who you know—it’s who you learn from.

A PLN is:

• Dynamic – it grows and shifts as your needs evolve.
• Personalized – no two networks look alike.
• Powerful – because learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

PLNs go beyond formal trainings or professional development sessions. They thrive in side conversations, direct messages, Twitter threads, webinars, coworking chats, and unexpected collaborations. They are spaces where trust is built and knowledge is exchanged—often in real time and across boundaries.

One of my favorite real-life examples? I’m currently teaching a graduate course called STEM in Libraries, which dedicates a whole module to building connections and cultivating learning networks. But here’s the twist: I’m teachingthis course because of my own PLN. The book it’s based on came to be after a casual side conversation I had during a conference while waiting for a tech hiccup to be resolved. We weren’t even talking about publishing—we were just connecting. And that one conversation led to a book, which led to a course, which has since connected me with professionals across the country.

That’s the thing about networks. The most meaningful ones often form in the margins—in quiet moments, shared frustrations, and genuine curiosity.

Reaching outside your professional bubble can:

• Spark creative thinking by exposing you to different approaches.
• Help you navigate change with new insights and strategies.
• Lead to opportunities you didn’t even know to look for.

And while traditional networking might sound exhausting (especially for us introverts), a PLN is different. It’s not about schmoozing—it’s about learning. It’s about showing up, sharing generously, and staying open to what others bring to the table.

The 2015 report reminded me that networks are more than buzzwords—they’re a vital form of capacity building. For organizations. For individuals. For communities.

So here’s my encouragement: Don’t wait for the “right” time to reach out. You don’t have to be extroverted, expert-level, or perfectly polished to start building your PLN. Start by listening. Then join the conversation.

You never know where it might lead.

What’s one unexpected connection that led to something meaningful in your life or career?
Share in the comments—or tag someone who’s been part of your own learning journey. Let’s keep the conversation going.