No one says that you have to limit your health care networking to only networking events
While 79% of professionals agree that networking is important for growing their careers, 38% also report that keeping in touch with their connections is a struggle according to a LinkedIn survey. The top reason cited for this struggle? A lack of time, especially in health care networking.
Between treating patients, handling important business tasks, and staying updated on the latest research and techniques, this doesn’t leave much time for busy chiropractors to grow their professional network. Yet, doing so can help grow your brand, give you someone to exchange ideas with, and gain access to best practice advice.
If you’re low on time but would like to build a bigger, stronger network with referring local doctors and other health care practitioners, here are a few options that don’t require setting aside several hours (or days) to attend a networking event.
Health care networking and your current network
Health care networking doesn’t have to involve spending a lot of time seeking entirely new connections. Instead, reach out to your current network and ask whether they know someone you should be connected with.
Someone in your current network might know an area doctor, physical therapist, nutritionist, or another practitioner whose methodologies and ideologies align with those used within your practice. If they do, ask them to make an introduction via email or to invite the new connection to an event that you already plan to attend.
Having a personal recommendation can create a more streamlined networking process while also giving you a bit of credibility upfront, increasing the likelihood that the other person will accept and nurture the connection.
Turn waiting time into networking time
How much time do you spend waiting in line at the store, getting your vehicle fixed, or on hold while on the phone with a company that you do business with? Instead of standing there idly, doing nothing, you can use this wait time as an opportunity to build and grow your professional network.
Even if you only have a minute or two, that’s all you need to search out a few potential connections on LinkedIn or any other networking platform you may use. You can also use this time to send a quick email to your current connections, nurturing your relationship with them.
Health care networking at non-networking events
No one says that you have to limit your health care networking to only networking events. Instead, look at any time you are out and around others as a time to forge new connections.
If you attend local sporting events, volunteer, belong to a local group, or have other engagements within your local community, use them as an opportunity to talk with others about your desire to network. You never know who you’ll meet or the connections they may have with others who would be a good fit for your network.
Engage in digital networking
Although many consider in-person networking to be the most valuable, in today’s world, this isn’t always easy. Not only do busy schedules get in the way, but other obstacles can exist as well — including living in an area with limited networking events or a pandemic that shuts these activities down.
Digital networking broadens your reach and isn’t hindered by the latest virus or bug. Plus, you can make connections from the comfort of your office or home with no travel time required. Take a couple of minutes before or after your workday to grow your network in online platforms, join a virtual meetup, or meet with a new connection via video.
Plan ahead
Finding open time in your schedule today, tomorrow, or even next week may be difficult if your days tend to fill quickly. But if you plan far enough in advance, you can grow your network without having to work overtime just to get everything done.
Look for networking events that are several months down the road and sign up for them. This enables you to block off that time in your schedule now, so you’re not rushing to fit the event in and tend to your patients and other business responsibilities at the same time.
Once you make a new connection…
Adding more professionals to your network is only the first step. Strengthening those connections can maximize their value while enabling you to grow your network even more.
Develop meaningful relationships with your new connections by asking about their experiences and expertise. Share insight and resources to strengthen the bond. Once you’re comfortable, ask them if there’s anyone in their network you should be connected with. Keep going through this process and you’ll have a bigger, stronger network in no time.
About the Sponsor
To learn more about Dee Cee Labs and their ongoing efforts to support and educate new chiropractic practitioners, visit dclabs.com/about.php.
