Got A Network?
Got Milk?® Chances are this visual resonates with many of you, especially if you’re from my generation! The iconic logo launched in the early 1990s as part of an advertising campaign to encourage the consumption of milk and dairy products. Since then, the trademark has been licensed to food and merchandise companies across the nation for almost 30 years now with unwavering popularity. It is a powerful property with a reported 90% awareness and recognition as noted by the Got Milk?® Website.
So, Got a Network? If there was a similar website, I can’t help wondering what the reported awareness and recognition would be about the power of having a network and the value of networking. What do you think? How do you feel about networking?
Most likely, you have a circle of friends in your personal life, and hopefully, you have a circle of connections in your professional life. Building a strong and dynamic professional network can be invaluable for your career. Networks are about people connections and building professional relationships. These connections can offer you advanced notice or the inside scoop on unadvertised jobs, assist you in making informed decisions about career moves and help you stay abreast of news and trends in your field of expertise. It is also possible that some of your professional connections can play a mentoring role for you.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am for my network. Throughout my career I have appreciated the ability to pick up the phone and call another CNO or healthcare executive and ask, “Have you ever encountered this situation, and if so, how did you manage it?” Whenever I’ve considered a career transition, my network has been there to help me vet the opportunity and they’ve always offered extremely helpful insight. Likewise, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to support colleagues in my network. If I don’t feel I am the best person to assist, I’m thrilled to refer them to someone who can!
Networking is a reciprocal process intended to build mutually beneficial relationships. There’s a quote that I love and feel reflects the essence of networking. Althea Gibson, the first African American to win a Grand Slam event, stated: “No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.” I honestly do not think any of us are successful on our own. I know I have many people to thank for the success I’ve achieved in my career! I believe in the power of a network and the value that active networking brings to my professional life. Yes, it takes time and commitment but the return on the investment is priceless! Perhaps you’ve put networking on the back burner. Maybe you’ve considered starting a network but are unsure how to get going. Whatever the case, I encourage you to reconnect with your colleagues or to grow a circle of connections.
In case you may be new to networking, here are a some tips that I’ve found to be helpful:
What are your goals? Identify what you specifically want to accomplish with a network. Is it career advice? Colleagueship with someone in a similar role in another organization? Seeking a potential mentor? All the above? It’s ok to start with just one goal in mind and expand as you go. Just get started!
Professional Organizations. Are you an active member of a professional organization at your local, state, or national level? These forums offer excellent opportunities to meet like professionals and to begin building connections and collaborative relationships.
Community Groups. In addition to professional organizations, consider participating in local organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary, or your local Chamber of Commerce. Like professional organizations, these groups offer community events that are fun ways to meet others and create new relationships.
Social Media. Not all networking needs to take place in person. The digital age makes it incredibly easy to network with individuals all around the world! LinkedIn is an excellent platform for connecting with people. Your profession may also offer social media outlets that would assist you in developing your network.
Desired Connections. Think through the type of people you want to be a part of your network. You may find that people in positions like yours or in your same industry may be more available and easier to connect with initially. I encourage you to also consider individuals in different professions. In addition to the healthcare industry, I also have individuals in my network from the fields of public accounting, the practice of law, information technology, law enforcement, restaurant business and many women who own small retail businesses. We have different professions, yet we have so much in common, and we learn so much from each other!
Start the Conversation. Getting started is not rocket science. Introduce yourself to others you meet at professional or community gatherings. Simply state, “I’d really enjoy getting to know you and learning more about what you do. I’d appreciate the opportunity to have lunch or coffee.” Reach out to individuals on social media and ask to schedule a Zoom type meeting or engage in messaging.
Reciprocate. At the close of your conversations or meetings, identify how you can support or assist this individual. Use an open-ended question such as ‘How can I best support you with…”? or “What is one thing I can do to assist you over the next month”? Offering to support someone in this manner creates a comfort zone of sorts and tends to put people at ease in identifying what they would appreciate help with.
Schedule Time. Make networking a priority by scheduling time to reach out and connect with others. I connect with a minimum of ten individuals each month and one of those is a scheduled lunch or coffee meeting. I also take advantage of email, Zoom meetings and phone calls to stay connected. Keeping a monthly or quarterly calendar of individuals I want to reach out to helps me schedule dates and times for connecting in advance. It also helps me to avoid contacting the same individuals excessively and ensures no one falls through the cracks.
Follow Through. If you request a referral or introduction to someone outside of your network, follow through with the new connection in a timely manner. Failure to do so is rude and you risk losing future support from the individual who made the introduction on your behalf.
Thank You. Always remember to follow up with a connection to thank them for their time and assistance. Emails, text messages, phone calls and yes – handwritten thank you notes are much appreciated!
Until next time!! Muse on…
