NetWORK?

Does one avoid networking because it may seem like work?  In an adverse way?  

You know you have to be networking to get yourself a job or produce a job – no matter what you are looking to do but particularly if you are a business owner.

Here’s the most important question you must ask yourself  – when networking, does one enjoy yourself?  

Otherwise, you need to.  That is probably the secrets of networking – it needs to be fun.  If you are having a good time about it, chances are, you’re building a good impression on the individual you happen to be talking with and showing him/her your better self.

But some individuals have a lot of fun talking nonstop about themselves.  And should you talk only about yourself, you’ll soon find that isn’t the best way to network and definitely will not give off a good impression.  

So the next question is, perhaps you have had pondered networking as just helping someone?

Some of the doctors I work with inform me they are afraid of networking.  They see profiles of people on Linked In or see individual’s title online and assume these folks could have no fascination with talking to them.  I’ve approached many doctors, chief medical officers, CEO’s, Vice Presidents, etc. and possess had about an 80%-90% return rate via an e-mail or call.   I encourage other doctors  to approach anyone they want to talk with and suggest they are going to feel the same return rate of response.

Why do I’ve this confidence?  I’m no actual distinct from anyone else – I don’t use a fancy title or sales hype to have people to call me back.   Most of the doctors I do the job with did a lot more impressive things than I have. I’m not any better or maybe more fun to get along with than anyone else (though I often wish I’d been that quick-witted person everyone always desires to speak with but I can’t tell a great joke to save my entire life).   What I try to do is have some fun and find ways to help someone after i approach him/her.  I’ve found most successful folks are prepared to consider the help of someone else and would like the means to assist someone else.

Not too long ago I read a book concerning this.  At first I felt silly doing it and didn’t fully realize how i would be able to assist somebody who I needed to assist me.  But it’s amazing how just by uttering that sentence (“what can i do to help you”), each other sees you differently than somebody who just wants something.  

And also the important thing is, you’ll find that you commence to see things differently.  No longer have you been within it yourself.  You want to aid this other person and in the method, you learn something about yourself and you build a relationship.

And that is the important thing with networking, i believe.   It isn’t just work being done after which it forgotten about. It’s about building relationships.  

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi is the fact that fantastic book I simply identified.   The book is focused on networking through building relationships.  There are a couple explanations why you must read this book.  First of all, it’s a very simple read.  Second of all, it makes sense.  For example, being authentic and genuine when speaking with people will help you think that networking is fun, not work.   The book also gives a ton of examples of how helping someone can help you develop a relationship with that individual.

It worked personally.  I help physicians find ways to diversify their careers – whether it is in non-clinical careers or simply through enhancing their own revenue in certain shape or form.   I do this because I wasn’t happy within my clinical career and eventually I found my way – however , not with out a large amount of missteps and confusion and need for sense of direction.   Every doctor I help teaches me something I’m able to use to assist another doctor who works together with me.  I also work being a consultant to large employers in health promotion and wellness.  About 1 . 5 years ago I met an actuary and offered to aid him with a bit of medical claims analysis.  That result in the $49,000 project with some neat outcomes for that employer – a 2:1 return of investment and a significant decline in the medical risks (specifically hypertension) for his or her employee population.  

In my next blog, I’ll talk a little more about methods for approaching people and helping them contributing to building the relationship so you can find/get work and have fun- not just work – whenever you network.

Post courtesy of Freelance MD, a nonclinical physician careers community offering physician resources like nonclinical jobs and offering information that allows physicians more control of their career, income and lifestyle, from medical spas to real estate investing.