Are you networking the right way?
Of course, everyone will meet people and build their professional worlds a bit differently. But are you networking passively in your day-to-day, or putting off making important connections until you’re ready for a job change, or to pitch a project?
Last minute ‘networking’ makes you look desperate and unprepared, but passive networking allows you to constantly build your career. By committing yourself to networking on a regular basis you’ll establish important relationships and position yourself for success. This way, when an opportunity presents itself, you’ll be ready for it.
Here is how to network like a pro at neonatal conferences.
1. Attend conferences and educational events
What better place to make new connections than an educational conference?
NANN just FANNP are organized notable neonatal educational conferences on an annual basis. If you find yourself at one, don’t just sit through the presentations, buzz through the exhibit hall and then leave! Instead, take advantage of the chance to meet new people.
Before the Conference
- Review the schedule for presenters you’d like to meet. If they have a website, review it. If they list an email address, send a quick note saying you’re looking forward to their presentation.
- Review the list of attendees and make a point of connecting with colleagues who you’d like to meet or see again. (This is a great chance to speak with staff from areas you’re thinking of relocating to).
Sessions and Meals
- Introduce yourself to the people you’re sitting next to, and spend some time away from your coworkers.
- Break the ice with a new person by asking about their NICU. If you have a particular interest, ask how they manage that detail in their unit; maybe everyone at a roundtable for a meal or a small group discussion has information to share. Tell a short story (short is key!) about your experience with the topic.
2. Add value through participation
Rule #1 in networking is to give back, rather than just trying to get. To really make an impact, volunteer for one of the many committees needed for a conference to be successful; not only will you have new contacts, you’ll win friends and influence people as well.
3. Plan for future conferences
Want to take it a step further? Consider making a presentation at a future conference. Start by asking people involved in the conference committees what the first step is, and consider partnering with a colleague and co-presenting initially as you begin to network on a bigger platform.
4. Become active in social networking
Having an active LinkedIn presence where you can expand your professional network and have conversations with your peers is a valuable tool. If you have a social media presence beyond LinkedIn, make sure your public information is appropriate and conducive to professional review.
Always be aware of the legalities and confidentiality that comes with what you share online as a healthcare professional.
5. Stay connected with your NNP recruiter
Even if you’re not currently in the job market, your recruiter is going to be one of your best resources to what is currently in the industry.
We:
- have the most up-to-date salary information in the industry through our salary survey
- speak with almost every one of the 5,000 + NNPs in the industry on an annual basis
- Are up-to-date with industry trends
- Network with NNP nursing schools nationally, educating new grads on the job market
We can answer your questions with precision. If there’s something we don’t know, we’ll find the answer for you.
6. Cultivate personal relationships in the workplace
Many times when ENSEARCH submits a NNP’s resume to a client, there are less than 6 degrees to a NICU connection.
Nevermind your references, one or more of the NNPs and the physician staff will know someone who worked someplace you worked. All it takes is one quick “off the record” phone call and they’ll know everything they need to know about you. The question: is it everything you hoped they’d hear about you? Tina Seelig puts it best in her Psychology Today article,
When you look for your next job, it’s quite likely that the person interviewing you will know someone you know. In this way your reputation precedes you everywhere you go. This is beneficial when you have a great reputation, but harmful when your reputation is damaged. I’ve seen the following scenario play out innumerable times. Imagine you’re interviewing for a job that has dozens of candidates. The interview goes well and you appear to be a great match for the position. During the meeting, the interviewer looks at your résumé and realizes that you used to work with an old friend of hers. After the interview, she makes a quick call to her friend to ask about you. A casual comment from her friend about your past performance can seal the deal or cut you off at the knees.
It’s a small world after all, not just in the NICU.
Keep this in mind as you build positive or negative professional relationships with your coworkers. You don’t need to be everyone’s best friend, but don’t make enemies either. Of course, this is important for ensuring you have good interpersonal relationships in your current position, but considering the long-term ramifications is even more important.
It’s a fact; we are always networking, so why not try doing it with some conscious intention? Your future self will have a lot to thank you for.
Do you have a networking tip you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!
