How entrepreneurial physicians network: Sources

I recently had several clients in career transition who have networked their way into excellent positions. They used many time-tested techniques to great effect.

I thought I'd run a series of blog posts over the next few weeks highlighting specific ways to build your networking skills. These will build on the four newsletter articles I wrote last year by breaking the ideas down into bite-sized chunks.

But first, why network?

Here's what I believe:

• we are social animals who thrive on being connected
• we like to be helpful
• we like to be appreciated for being helpful
• we benefit from knowing that someone "owes us one" once we have been helpful to them
• we never know where the connection might lead us, and that is exciting
• we enjoy better mental, physical and spiritual health when we have a sense of belonging

Networking is NOT about what I can get from you. It is ALL about creating caring, helpful relationships.

I really want to emphasize this hugely important attitude shift.

So where do you begin?

Who can you network with?

The ideal starting position for networking is where you share something in common (an affiliation)

• high school and college alumni -- many have created groups specifically for the purpose of networking
• professional association colleagues (e.g. your state medical society, your specialty organization's local chapter)
• your religious community - church, temple, mosque, prayer house etc.
• your child's school, through a parent community
• as a volunteer in an organization or community
• serving on an organization or company's board
• through a referral, with an introduction
• as part of a formal networking organization, such as mine (Provisors), Vistage, BNI etc.
• as a volunteer helping to put on a conference or seminar in your industry of interest
• at a cocktail party or social event

Next time, we'll talk about what to say to your potential network resource.

And if you have any questions about becoming a more effective networker, please send them to me here. I'll be sure to answer them in this blog post series.

Comments

[Michael McLaughlin]

Hello Philippa
The information on this website is great. Through Physician Renaissance Network, I am very involved with doctors with non-clinical careers and interests. Networking is a key component of the career exploration and evolution process. I am a strong believer in the power of networking and will be speaking on this topic at a SEAK conference on non-clinical careers for physicians in October. Keep up the good work educating doctors on these topics. It's important.
Michael McLaughlin, MD

[Philippa Kennealy]

Thanks for your kind comments Michael. We will be colleague presenters at SEAK then, as I am also speaking at the conference. I look forward to networking with you :-)