Networking for Nurses

Networking has been a buzz word for the past couple of years.  Networking provides opportunities to get to know other professional people and create opportunities to partner with each other.  Networking can also be looked at as an opportunity to promote yourself and your skills. 

As nurses it is important for us to attend these events.  Many nurses own his or her business and by networking not only do you get your name and your company’s name out there but, you are looking for, as mentioned above, future partners.  Who does not want help in his or her business?  The connections you make can promote and grow your business. So how do you start to network when your networking skills are not up to par?

Questions you should be asking yourself when you are prepping to attend a networking event are: Who are you?  What do you have to offer?  How do you want others to see you professionally?

The best way to become good at networking is to practice like any other skill.  You do not have to be perfect; you should just start. 

1.       Ask about their job.

One way to start a conversation is by asking the person about themselves. People love talking about themselves.  And this is not a bad thing because the person you are talking to can give you more ammunition to continue the conversation.  Also, by learning about their job you can associate their job title with their name.  If you are not at remembering someone’s name, this will help.

2.       If you forget their name, it’s OK to get reacquainted

It is quite normal to forget someone’s name.  There are lot of things going on and it is easy to forget.  If that is the case, be honest and say, “can you remind your name again?”  You may have remembered their face or what they do which may be helpful.

3.       Begin to connect and build trust

Now it is your time to shine. Talk with people at the networking event and let them know who you are and what you have to offer.  How can you help them?  Maybe you know someone that would be a great match with the company.  If that person is there, you can make that introduction.  Find common ground with the people you are meeting. 

Nurses may shy away from networking but that should not be the case.  If you are actively practicing your networking skills, you can open many doors for your career. Individuals who attend networking events know it is about knowing the right people.  Networking is one of the ways you can get to know the right people.