Monday, July 29, 2013

NURSING SUCCESS: 5 TIPS TO NETWORK LIKE A PRO!



According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, networking is the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. Although primarily used in business, networking is becoming a critical skill nurses need to master too!

Benefits of networking
·      Get a job – like they say, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Sometimes, that’s true.
·      Find opportunities – whether it’s writing an article for publication, presenting at a conference or even getting involved on a committee – most nurses find out about these opportunities through networking.
·      Grow – nurses who network with others expand their knowledge and skills. Networking enhances professional development!
Ultimately, nurses who actively network, succeed.
Networking tips
1. Be prepared 
Try to find out who will be attending a networking meeting. Identify a few people you really want to meet and spend time learning about them BEFORE the event.  Also, bring your business card (oops. If you don't have one - get one – even if you’re a student).
2. Be more interested in the other person than yourself  
You may have a goal for networking; however, you want to focus more on the other person. Why? It’s because networking is about building relationships with others. It takes more than one meeting to do that. So, you don't want to come across as being self-centered.
3. Network with people who are successful doing what you want to do 
If you’re a student and want to work in OB, you must network with OB nurses. Likewise, if you’re an experienced nurse who wants to be an educator – you must network with other nurse educators. Ask them for advice; learn from them; and build a relationship with them.
4. Network with people beyond nursing
It's always good to make connections with people who work in other industries - law enforcement, IT folks, teachers, etc.  You never know when you might need advice.
5. Gather contact info 
Ask for contact information from everyone you meet. And....follow-up!!! The general rule of thumb is to follow-up within 1 week.
Now, get out there and network!

I hope these tips help you to succeed. Thanks for choosing to become a nurse. I’m cheering for your success!

Take care and stay connected

Renee

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For more great tips, make sure you "like" me on Facebook,"follow" me on Twitter and YouTube and subscribe to my blog. Also, check out my new book on nurse-to-nurse bullying and my new eBook titled, Survive and Thrive: A guide helping new nurses succeed! 

2 comments:

  1. Thanks Renee!

    Thought leaders also often have their own blogs or websites. You can also find them on Twitter or Facebook. Interacting with them there helps them generate activity, which they really appreciate (I'm always thrilled when people comment or reach out to me on the internet) It's an easy way to get attention for yourself and make meaningful contacts!

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  2. Thanks Kevin! Great advice. It's amazing how easy it is to network with someone just by finding them via the social media superhighway.

    Grateful for the comments!
    Renee

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