What Does Networking Mean as a Healthcare Professional?

When one thinks of professional networking, it might be easy to believe that this is something exclusive to salespeople or those who have careers in business development—and that healthcare professionals are exempt from such activities.

However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Engaging in regular and consistent professional networking as a healthcare practice owner is key to career success.

In this blog post, the team at LenDRgroup Consulting will discuss why healthcare providers should always remember the old adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” as they focus on building and growing their professional network.

Networking Best Practices

Professional networking is valuable to a healthcare practitioner for many reasons. It can help you assess where you are professionally, where your career may be headed, where you want it to be, and can introduce you to people who may one day become research partners and referral providers as well as colleagues and friends. Networking can truly set one up for lifelong success; therefore, keep these best practices in mind:

• Join Professional Organizations: No matter if you are a doctor, dentist, or veterinarian, there are many organizations and associations you can join. Some of the most well known are the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Dental Association, the Dental Professionals Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Association of American Veterinary Professionals—just to name a few. These organizations offer varied perks along with the ability to meet likeminded professionals and stay abreast of changes and developments in your specific field.
  
  
• Attend Events: Part of the attraction of joining a professional organization that aligns with your field is the fact that you will be entitled to some “member only perks,” including the ability to attend events such as trade shows, conferences, seminars, workshops, and virtual events. This will give you the chance to mingle with a wide range of people, which can be a great networking tool, enabling you to expand your list of contacts, which could lead to referrals and strategic partnerships in the future.
  
  
• Don’t Forget About Social Media: It’s likely that your practice has company-specific social media pages; however, don’t stop there. Rather, after attending a conference or professional event, seek out the connections you made on LinkedIn on your personal pages and continue in honing that relationship. Also consider joining professional groups—again on LinkedIn—and engaging in discussions with your peers. Not only can this help you plot the future course of your practice by learning about the approaches used by others, but you can also use these groups as a sounding board when you are experiencing stress or challenges in operating your business. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when you have trusted partners to fall back on… and this too, can aid in your long-term success.
  
  
• Realize That Not All Networking Has to be with Other Healthcare Pros: While it’s great to engage with other healthcare professionals, don’t discount other types of get-togethers, such as class reunions, benefits or galas, and community-oriented business events. Have open and friendly conversations, learn about the goals of others, and then make sure you stay in touch via email or text. Get together occasionally with people whose company you enjoy and who you want to learn more about. Remember, too, that networking is a two-way street; therefore, be eager to ask questions of others and learn how you can help them that’s one surefire way to stay top of mind and a great way to have the favor returned.

Networking is a Great Strategy to Grow Your Practice

Remember, as a practice owner, your role is multi-faceted. You must serve your patients, direct your employees, run the office, and also develop new business. Networking can contribute to that last point.

Of course, the team at LenDRgroup Consulting would love the chance to consult with you and discuss a strategic partnership in order to enable you to achieve all of your goals. For more information, reach out to us today.