How
to network successfully
Build a team to help you reach your professional and personal
goals.
by Donna Cardillo, RN, BS
In
today’s fast-paced, competitive world, you’ve
got to be well-connected to keep up with the competition
and stay current. Your best tool for success is a network
- ongoing, mutually beneficial relationships with many people.
But establishing a network involves more than just passing
out business cards or calling people when you need help
with something.
In
this article, I’ll describe what networking can do
for you and how you can start building your success team.
Why
network
Whatever
your objective, networking will get you there quicker and
more effectively. Networking can help if you’re:
Job
hunting. Networking is the most effective method
of finding out about job opportunities and getting interviews.
Starting a business. Networking will put
you in touch with people who need your services, can get
you referrals, and can hook you up with others in the field
.
Expanding your expertise or exploring new areas.
You can gather information on career options and keep abreast
of trends in health care.
Getting
started
One
of the best ways to get started networking is to attend
professional association meetings in your area of interest.
This is one of the top methods to maintain visibility and
make new contacts.
Conventions,
career forums, seminars, and job fairs are other excellent
places to network. Dress professionally so you’ll
make a good first impression. Approach people with a smile
and an extended hand, make eye contact, and tell them who
you are and what you do. You’ll get better at it and
braver as time goes on.
The
World Wide Web is another great place to network. Through
electronic mail and forums for nurses you can meet nurses
from all over the world, and staying in touch is simple.
Exchange
business cards when appropriate. You can have cards made
if you’re not employed or your employer doesn’t
offer them. Include your name, certification initials, address,
and telephone number. Carry cards with you all times, especially
when you’re at a function. You never know when you’ll
need one.
Networking
basics
Here
are some etiquette points to remember:
| • |
Prepare
before calling someone you don’t know. Know what
you want to say or ask. I find it helpful to write a
script or jot some “cue” notes for myself
so I don’t fumble over my words or forget questions
I want to ask. When you call, tell the person who you
are and why you’re calling. Ask if now is a good
time to talk. |
| • |
Maybe
you’re reluctant to pick up the phone and call
someone you don’t know, especially if you’re
calling to ask for help or advice. Remember that most
people are sincerely glad to help others. In the future,
you may be able to return the favor. |
| • |
Send
a follow-up note. Contacts you’ve recently met
or spoken with on the phone will be sure to remember
you if you follow up with a note stating that you enjoyed
meeting or speaking with them. |
| • |
Send
thank-you notes when appropriate. Acknowledge anyone
who was particularly helpful to you, spent considerable
time on the phone or in person with you, or gave you
a lead or referral (whether it worked out or not). |
| • |
Keep
in touch with your network. You’ll see or speak
with some people regularly, but other connections will
need to be cultivated or nurtured. Consider sending
a holiday greeting card with a personal note about the
progress you’ve made on something previously discussed.
If you call someone periodically for help and advice,
occasionally send a note just to say hello - don’t
call only when you need something. Also, don’t
call the same person all the time. Have various sources
and contacts. |
| |
Networking
can open doors of opportunity that you didn’t
know existed. So try something new and network you way
to success! |
Reprinted
with permission from Nursing98 Career Directory
All rights reserved.
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