Build Your Professional Network

CollectOpportunities, Not Business Cards

Presented by Mimi Bliss, Bliss Communications

Networking: Mutually beneficial relationships built on common interests and trust

Mindset: Promotion vs. Prevention (Harvard Business Review 2016)

Types: Operational, Personal and Strategic (Harvard Business Review 2007)

Goals: Focus on purpose, not process

Working the Room

  1. The “room” can be anywhere, i.e. association conferences, hospital meetings, community events.
  1. Do research and have a plan
  1. Arrive early– it’s easier to meet people when the room is less crowded. Arrive early for education sessions at conferences and introduce yourself to others in the audience.
  1. Be a host–Be proactive about introducing yourself to people you don’t know. If you’re new to the organization, it’s appropriate to ask for advice about how to get involved.
  1. Use confident language – avoid minimizing language such as “I don’t have as much experience” or “I’ll just take a quick minute.” Instead, use confident phrases such as “In my experience” and “What I’ve found.”
  1. Ask questions– be prepared to ask questions to engage people. Think beyond the typical “Where are you from?” and “What do you do?” questions.
  1. Be prepared with a self-introduction – introduce yourself in a manner that prompts people to ask questions. For example, give a brief example of your specialty area or the types of patients with whom you work. You don’t need to give a clinical explanation, but enough so that people are interested and want to learn more.
  1. Prepare for Q&A– be ready for questions that you’re frequently asked. Your responses should be brief and positive.

Follow-Up

  1. Be a resourceto others – focus on how you can help others before asking for something.
  1. Follow-upand build relationships – be strategic about following-up with a few people.
  1. Get involved – identify volunteer opportunities that interest you and provide an opportunity to build relationships. Be realistic about how much time you can devote to volunteer activities and choose an opportunity that works for you.

Maintain Your Network

  1. Be visible and keep in touch– send thank you notes, connect on LinkedIn, or email articles of interest to contacts.

Next Steps

What are three steps you can take to build your professional network?

© Bliss Communications

Handout is for distribution to APMA members only

Visit mimibliss.comfor more information.